N400 processing steps - how to understand USCIS?

[HudsonValley]

Hi guys,
need your help in trying to understand USCIS.
In my own previous experience I know that with USCIS one hand doesn't know what the other one is doing. It's probably even worse in NYC DO.

The story is:
N400 priority date - March 30, 2009
fingerprints - April 15, 2009
case file review notice - May 16, 2009

Called 1800 several times, spoke to 2nd level IO and was told that I have not been put in the queue for the interview yet. Background, name etc checks complete. Told me waiting time for the Q would be extra 2-3 months.

The question is what might be holding it up (except for my bad luck)?

People from NYC DO usually get put in a Q within 1 - 1,5 months recently.

I would expect my case to be a simple one (hopefully), come from Europe, 3 y based, lived in 1 state, 10 trips in total, the longest one 3 months, all the rest 1 month.

I'm not spoiled and don't demand everything to be over in a month or two, I'm just so sick of USCIS and want to have it over with!!!

Thank you for your input and thoughts!

 

[Bobsmyth]

Be patient. NYC processing times are currently listed at 8-9 months. Keep inquiring with USCIS every few weeks, but until you reach closer to 5-6 months after sending in application there's no point worrying about why you haven't been placed in interview queue yet.

 

[HudsonValley]

Bobsmyth - thanks for reply.

Absrao - I did compare, that's why I'm posting this thread/question.
It takes awhile to get interview after you have been put in the Q for interview. And I'm not even in the Q yet.

 

[HudsonValley]

If its any help, I was told differently by different IOs (on phone) about being put in Queue for interview.

Thanks

So far they have been consistant about no Q. Well, we will see what happens. I might have to move to NJ in 2 months. If I don't have IL by then, I'll be delayed for another 3 months. Karma.

In your case - they wanted to see tax transcripts? Hope your 2nd try will be a success. At least in NJ you can take the oath on the same day, no 'decision can't be made' with more wait.

 

[bugs05]

HudsonValley, My Mom filed for citizenship last year in NYC. Her priority date was in Jan 2008. She did fingerprinting in Feb 2008 and did not hear a word from USCIS until late SEPTEMBER 2008 She did her interview in OCTOBER and took the oath on NOVEMBER 4th 2008. Her case was very simple as well, she only traveled 3 times with each trip not lasting more than 3weeks. To make matters worst, she could not contact USCIS by phone because the system did not recognize her receipt number. She was just ready to give up when the IL came in SEPTEMBER. The whole point is that with USCIS, you just have to wait and see. I know that this can be frustrating but my attitude with them is to have no expectations. Its a sad thing to have to say when you have to pay so much money to get crappy service.

 

[HudsonValley]

At least after changing address and falling under jurisdiction of a different DO you were not put back in extra 3 months wait. You got your IL and ID pretty quickly.
Good luck with your 2nd interview!

Yes, they wanted to see 'account transcripts' showing zero balance for every year. Hope you get your IL by month end. I moved to NJ just after applying for GC at NYC. Looking back, I should have applied after the move.

 

[HudsonValley]

I know for many people dealing with USCIS is a nightmare. USCIS is very quick when it comes to cashing your check - after that everything is a lottery.
I personally had enough adventures with them, I try to stay calm and not think of could possibly go wrong because somebody won't do their job right.

HudsonValley, My Mom filed for citizenship last year in NYC. Her priority date was in Jan 2008. She did fingerprinting in Feb 2008 and did not hear a word from USCIS until late SEPTEMBER 2008 She did her interview in OCTOBER and took the oath on NOVEMBER 4th 2008. Her case was very simple as well, she only traveled 3 times with each trip not lasting more than 3weeks. To make matters worst, she could not contact USCIS by phone because the system did not recognize her receipt number. She was just ready to give up when the IL came in SEPTEMBER. The whole point is that with USCIS, you just have to wait and see. I know that this can be frustrating but my attitude with them is to have no expectations. Its a sad thing to have to say when you have to pay so much money to get crappy service.