Experience at CV office
Went to CV office in San Diego with my wife on Dec 2. Our case is pretty complexe and I will post related to it data in a few days. I promise it'll be informative. Check back.
Here is just a skinny on my visit to CV office, which is possibly relevant to any BCIS distict branch ti that matter. I am going to boil it down to a simple take home lessons, if you need details I 'll be happy to reply back.
1. If you want to know anything (anything at all!!!) about your case request a talk with an Immigration officer. Those guys and gals who you are chatting with
at the windows are the Information Officers. They all wear IO badges but there is a tiny fine print on them saying "information". What is scary, they have no access to any significant info you are usually trying to inquire about. In my case, which is the employment based transfer from the CSC, the InfoOfficer suggested to change the address to one of my spouse (we live in different towns). That, he said, “It will get your case moving...it has not been touched for 4 months exactly because of that”. I asked "are u saying I have to move?" He replied "well, that's a good idea, if you want your case processed, yes." "So, fill out change of address form and IF U DID NOT HEAR FROM US IN 60 DAYS, CALL NATIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE AT THE 1-800 NUMBER". I could not believe my ears.

All I said - Could I please talk to the ImmigrationOfficer on the back. He said "Why?" I said "I have important letters with me" He took the letters and sent us on the back.
Then I asked "Check my case status please, may be it is on the scheduling for an interview" He answered " I have no access to this data, all I can see is that your case is in this center"<
I honestly got scared.
2. Immigration Officers are much more resourceful, comparing with IIO, who are just wasting your time and the taxpayer’s money.
In my case, I have learned that day another news I could not believe. The ImmOfficer told me " Your case was on a hold because with do not have experienced officers to conduct employment based interviews. So we did not know what to do with your file and just had it marinate for a while." (this latter was not pronounced - it's just my mind-reading)
3. Took me 3 visits to the center before I could get to the bottom of why my case is being delayed. ADVICE: If anything goes hairy/odd with your processing (delayed, nobody knows what's up) get infopass and ask yourself. Make any excuse to talk to the real ImmOff, get her name, and if lucky - direct phone number. Despite of all changes INS is still a bedlam, and a poorly organized one. Be careful.