Will get answers from USCIS...

F

formerf1

Registered Users (C)
Hi All

As you all know, a lot of us tend to speculate about steps in the N400 process, with no definitive answers. From the name check to traffic tickets to the recent debate as to why a bunch of N400 applications were not touched for weeks. I have my interview coming up soon and thought it will be a good idea to try to get some of these answers for an IO.
Feel free to post here any questions you may have. I will select the 3 most asked ones and try to bring back the answers.

:)
 
Even then the answers may differ from IO to IO. I have never heard of an IO saying "I don't know, let me find out". They rather answer incorrectly, than to admit they don't know.
 
formerf1 said:
Hi All

As you all know, a lot of us tend to speculate about steps in the N400 process, with no definitive answers. From the name check to traffic tickets to the recent debate as to why a bunch of N400 applications were not touched for weeks. I have my interview coming up soon and thought it will be a good idea to try to get some of these answers for an IO.
Feel free to post here any questions you may have. I will select the 3 most asked ones and try to bring back the answers.

:)
Click to expand...

A 2nd-level IO told me that everything is done automatically by their computer. At a few critical point, human intervention may be needed.
 
Bobsmyth said:
Even then the answers may differ from IO to IO. I have never heard of an IO saying "I don't know, let me find out". They rather answer incorrectly, than to admit they don't know.
Click to expand...

That's true. And that's why I plan on asking a supervisor.

:)
 
formerf1 said:
That's true. And that's why I plan on asking a supervisor.

:)
Click to expand...

You might be seen as wasting the supervisor's time by asking such questions..of course it's always possible you'll get a friendly and open supervisor, but I wouldn't count on it..especially at a busy DO.
 
Bobsmyth said:
You might be seen as wasting the supervisor's time by asking such questions..of course it's always possible you'll get a friendly and open supervisor, but I wouldn't count on it..especially at a busy DO.
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New Orleans is very slow. When I went for my FP, boy! the IOs seemed so bored but they were very friendly. Anyway post your question and I will inquire.
 
Here is mine : Why not specify on the N400 form that mentioned citation be >$500 and drug or alcohol related?

Or why insist on minor traffic incidents being mentioned if that has no bearing on the case?
 
formerf1 said:
Hi All

As you all know, a lot of us tend to speculate about steps in the N400 process, with no definitive answers. From the name check to traffic tickets to the recent debate as to why a bunch of N400 applications were not touched for weeks. I have my interview coming up soon and thought it will be a good idea to try to get some of these answers for an IO.
Feel free to post here any questions you may have. I will select the 3 most asked ones and try to bring back the answers.

:)
Click to expand...

I think you have to expect that with any process there are interpretations of language, specificity of requirements, standards of evidence, and the ability of the actual IOs themselves to interpret the INA and the various immigration benefit forms absolutely consistently time after time.

I think it is unrealistic to expect that there are no flaws in a process that relies to a large extent on bureaucratic inertia to accomplish its mission. For example, the N-400 could be redesigned and instructions could be made more precise. But the layers of approvals that such modifications have to go through, including public comment, are absolutely onerous. It is no wonder that some aspects are left up to individual IOs to determine for themselves. Just on this forum we can see that the experiences of applicants differ from DO to DO and sometimes from IO to IO within the same DO.

The adjudicator's field manual which is linked here http://www.uscis.gov/propub/DocView/afmid/1 is one guide for how IOs should approach various petitions. But as with any large organization, it is impossible to ensure that there is absolute consistency in the application of policies, regulations, and processes from one IO to another, and from one DO to another. I believe that USCIS accepts a certain level of error, with probably some type of bell curve distribution, and calls its mission accomplished within the constraints of its funding.

If you want more information about how all of this is supposed to work, I would suggest you spend some time reading GAO reports about USCIS and also the USCIS Ombudsman's reports from DHS headquarters. There is a lot of good information from within the government about how the process is supposed to work, and equally good information about why it doesn't.
 
NewRunner said:
I think you have to expect that with any process there are interpretations of language, specificity of requirements, standards of evidence, and the ability of the actual IOs themselves to interpret the INA and the various immigration benefit forms absolutely consistently time after time.

I think it is unrealistic to expect that there are no flaws in a process that relies to a large extent on bureaucratic inertia to accomplish its mission. For example, the N-400 could be redesigned and instructions could be made more precise. But the layers of approvals that such modifications have to go through, including public comment, are absolutely onerous. It is no wonder that some aspects are left up to individual IOs to determine for themselves. Just on this forum we can see that the experiences of applicants differ from DO to DO and sometimes from IO to IO within the same DO.

The adjudicator's field manual which is linked here http://www.uscis.gov/propub/DocView/afmid/1 is one guide for how IOs should approach various petitions. But as with any large organization, it is impossible to ensure that there is absolute consistency in the application of policies, regulations, and processes from one IO to another, and from one DO to another. I believe that USCIS accepts a certain level of error, with probably some type of bell curve distribution, and calls its mission accomplished within the constraints of its funding.

If you want more information about how all of this is supposed to work, I would suggest you spend some time reading GAO reports about USCIS and also the USCIS Ombudsman's reports from DHS headquarters. There is a lot of good information from within the government about how the process is supposed to work, and equally good information about why it doesn't.
Click to expand...

Point well taken....I still think it will be interresting to get diffrent IOs perpective on these questions.

(Immigration Officer responses - let's collect!)

:):)
 
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I'm so excited I sent my application about 5 minutes ago, hopefully everything goes smooth, my only question is WHERE would I have to go do my interview etc since I'm in Mobile, AL it seems New Orleans is closer but when I go to the website and type my zip code I get the Atlanta office ugh! Altanta = 6 hours away/ New Orleans = 2.5 hours away.

And about the tickets I mentioned 2 tickets I have within the last 5 years I put in there "Speeding Ticket" and on the outcome of the charge/citation I put PAID TICKET ha I didnt know what else to put I rather have it there then them asking about it later ETC. I didnt provide with any copies because the tickets where less than 500.00 so hopefully I'm good.
 
Mimi1212 said:
I'm so excited I sent my application about 5 minutes ago, hopefully everything goes smooth, my only question is WHERE would I have to go do my interview etc since I'm in Mobile, AL it seems New Orleans is closer but when I go to the website and type my zip code I get the Atlanta office ugh! Altanta = 6 hours away/ New Orleans = 2.5 hours away.

And about the tickets I mentioned 2 tickets I have within the last 5 years I put in there "Speeding Ticket" and on the outcome of the charge/citation I put PAID TICKET ha I didnt know what else to put I rather have it there then them asking about it later ETC. I didnt provide with any copies because the tickets where less than 500.00 so hopefully I'm good.
Click to expand...

If the website said Atlanta, that's probably where your DO is. It all depends on the juridiction and not necessarily proximity. For the ticket make sure you get proof of payment. I know it is not required but IOs (some) have asked for it.

Good Luck

:)
 
formerf1 said:
If the website said Atlanta, that's probably where your DO is. It all depends on the juridiction and not necessarily proximity. For the ticket make sure you get proof of payment. I know it is not required but IOs (some) have asked for it.

Good Luck

:)
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Ok I will get that just in case! thanks!
 
I would be curious as to why they don't have 2 N400 forms, one for 5 years as a PR and one for 3 yrs PR/marriage. It's a huge source of confusion on how you should answer if you are applying on 3yrs PR/marriage... I would also be curious on how much marriage 'evidence' they want to see at naturalization, especially given the huge amount most people send for the I-751...

Other people may have more questions on what about traffic tickets incurred between interview and oath, and traveling during the N400 process..
 
TexToBe said:
I would be curious as to why they don't have 2 N400 forms, one for 5 years as a PR and one for 3 yrs PR/marriage. It's a huge source of confusion on how you should answer if you are applying on 3yrs PR/marriage... I would also be curious on how much marriage 'evidence' they want to see at naturalization, especially given the huge amount most people send for the I-751...

Other people may have more questions on what about traffic tickets incurred between interview and oath, and traveling during the N400 process..
Click to expand...

When applying for immigration benefits, one can use the same form for multiple benefits.
 
TexToBe said:
I would be curious as to why they don't have 2 N400 forms, one for 5 years as a PR and one for 3 yrs PR/marriage. It's a huge source of confusion on how you should answer if you are applying on 3yrs PR/marriage... I would also be curious on how much marriage 'evidence' they want to see at naturalization, especially given the huge amount most people send for the I-751...

Other people may have more questions on what about traffic tickets incurred between interview and oath, and traveling during the N400 process..
Click to expand...

copy.
 
TexToBe said:
I would be curious as to why they don't have 2 N400 forms, one for 5 years as a PR and one for 3 yrs PR/marriage.
Click to expand...

More forms= increased cost.

What needs to be done is that the existing form should have more detailed instructions for 3 year rule based applications.
 
Mimi1212 said:
I'm so excited I sent my application about 5 minutes ago, hopefully everything goes smooth, my only question is WHERE would I have to go do my interview etc since I'm in Mobile, AL it seems New Orleans is closer but when I go to the website and type my zip code I get the Atlanta office ugh! Altanta = 6 hours away/ New Orleans = 2.5 hours away.

And about the tickets I mentioned 2 tickets I have within the last 5 years I put in there "Speeding Ticket" and on the outcome of the charge/citation I put PAID TICKET ha I didnt know what else to put I rather have it there then them asking about it later ETC. I didnt provide with any copies because the tickets where less than 500.00 so hopefully I'm good.
Click to expand...

Hi, please let me know which website you went to and put in your zip code to find out your DO. Please copy and paste the link. Thanks.
 
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