I hand delivered documents requested on a form WR-822 by the adjudications officer, during my naturalization interview (I passed the English and history tests). This was since September 25, 2009(my interview was on September 22, 2009). I have not heard a word from USCIS since I delivered the documents.There seems to be some confusion as to the actual response time, when it comes to the USCIS returning a petition back to "active" status, after it has been "suspended" or "continued", due to a RFE. How soon does the USCIS respond, after an applicant has submitted the requested documents? Some say 60 days, some say 90 days. I tend to lean towards 90 days, because USCIS customer service reps, asked me to call back after 90 days, if I haven't received any updates. I did some research on my own and this is what I found. If anybody has accurate information regarding this, please educate me. Thanks.
On October 27, 2006, A USCIS Interoffice Memorandum, Subject: “Case Management Timelines”, sent out by Michael Aytes, Associate Director, Domestic Operations, to Regional Directors, District Directors, Service Center Directors, Director, National Benefits Center and Officers-In-Charge. On Page 3 of 4, a portion of the memorandum states:
“………An RFE places the case in active suspense until we receive a response or the timeframe lapses, whichever comes first. When a case is missing ititial evidence the RFE stops the 90-day processing clock on the associated EAD and/or Advance Parole application(s). The clock will start over when we receive a timely response to a request for required initial evidence. An RFE for additional evidence, however, only suspends the processing clock and the clock resumes to the point where it had stopped when we receive a timely response
When we send an RFE, also commonly referred to by the 1-72 or WR-822/N-14 pre-printed forms that are sometimes used, the following timelines apply :
N400 - consistent with 8 CFR 335.7. customers are given 30 days from the date of our request: if a response is not received. the case is adjudicated on its merits.
All other applications - consistent with 8 CFR 103.2(b)(8)-(15). customers are given 12 weeks (84 calendar days) to respond.
Where an interview notice indicated that the customer was to bring a specific document or evidence to the interview. but the customer does not do so. we should not repeat the request through an RFE. An exception, however, is when we have requested that an applicant bring, for example "all evidence of your claim to eligibility to your interview." Here, because the request was not specific, if a customer fails to bring some evidence that could be inferred from the blanket request, issuing an RFE for the still rnissing evidence is appropriate. Similarly, if an issue first arises at an interview, the customer should be afforded an opportunity to respond to the new request for evidence.
When necessary evidence or information is identified at the interview and we decide that a short-term (generally 1-2 weeks and no more than a month) opportunity to submit the materials is appropriate. It can be done as an extension of the interview. Where more time is clearly appropriate, it should be done as an RFE. Ideally, even when done as an RFE, the applicant or petitioner leaves the interview with the notice. Where that is not possible, the RFE notice should be sent within 14 days of the interview.
Customers should be informed of missing evidence as early in the process as possible and should be encouraged to submit material as soon as they can in order for case processing to resume. (They should be advised, however. to submit all of their response at one time. not piecemeal.)........
.............Post-RFE/NOID processing- Offices should have procedures in place to promptly connect an RFE/NOID response with the pending application and to resume processing PROMPTLY once the response is RECEIVED. Such cases should be returned to the pre-RFE/NOID place in the processing queue. In fact, USCIS has a discrete processing goal for these cases. Our processing time goal for these cases that have had RFEs or NOIDs sent, is 60 DAYS after the customer’s response is RECEIVED. To ensure expectations are consistent with our objectives and to minimize UNNECESSARY case status enquiries. RFE and intent notices should CLEARLY indicate this.
In summary, active case management means managing each case through the process, with a goal of each case being completed correctly and within our timeframes, with the exception of any discrete times spent in active suspense. It also means managing cases in active suspense based on the associated call ups and returning them to active processing AS SOON AS POSSIBLE and appropriate………”
On October 27, 2006, A USCIS Interoffice Memorandum, Subject: “Case Management Timelines”, sent out by Michael Aytes, Associate Director, Domestic Operations, to Regional Directors, District Directors, Service Center Directors, Director, National Benefits Center and Officers-In-Charge. On Page 3 of 4, a portion of the memorandum states:
“………An RFE places the case in active suspense until we receive a response or the timeframe lapses, whichever comes first. When a case is missing ititial evidence the RFE stops the 90-day processing clock on the associated EAD and/or Advance Parole application(s). The clock will start over when we receive a timely response to a request for required initial evidence. An RFE for additional evidence, however, only suspends the processing clock and the clock resumes to the point where it had stopped when we receive a timely response
When we send an RFE, also commonly referred to by the 1-72 or WR-822/N-14 pre-printed forms that are sometimes used, the following timelines apply :
N400 - consistent with 8 CFR 335.7. customers are given 30 days from the date of our request: if a response is not received. the case is adjudicated on its merits.
All other applications - consistent with 8 CFR 103.2(b)(8)-(15). customers are given 12 weeks (84 calendar days) to respond.
Where an interview notice indicated that the customer was to bring a specific document or evidence to the interview. but the customer does not do so. we should not repeat the request through an RFE. An exception, however, is when we have requested that an applicant bring, for example "all evidence of your claim to eligibility to your interview." Here, because the request was not specific, if a customer fails to bring some evidence that could be inferred from the blanket request, issuing an RFE for the still rnissing evidence is appropriate. Similarly, if an issue first arises at an interview, the customer should be afforded an opportunity to respond to the new request for evidence.
When necessary evidence or information is identified at the interview and we decide that a short-term (generally 1-2 weeks and no more than a month) opportunity to submit the materials is appropriate. It can be done as an extension of the interview. Where more time is clearly appropriate, it should be done as an RFE. Ideally, even when done as an RFE, the applicant or petitioner leaves the interview with the notice. Where that is not possible, the RFE notice should be sent within 14 days of the interview.
Customers should be informed of missing evidence as early in the process as possible and should be encouraged to submit material as soon as they can in order for case processing to resume. (They should be advised, however. to submit all of their response at one time. not piecemeal.)........
.............Post-RFE/NOID processing- Offices should have procedures in place to promptly connect an RFE/NOID response with the pending application and to resume processing PROMPTLY once the response is RECEIVED. Such cases should be returned to the pre-RFE/NOID place in the processing queue. In fact, USCIS has a discrete processing goal for these cases. Our processing time goal for these cases that have had RFEs or NOIDs sent, is 60 DAYS after the customer’s response is RECEIVED. To ensure expectations are consistent with our objectives and to minimize UNNECESSARY case status enquiries. RFE and intent notices should CLEARLY indicate this.
In summary, active case management means managing each case through the process, with a goal of each case being completed correctly and within our timeframes, with the exception of any discrete times spent in active suspense. It also means managing cases in active suspense based on the associated call ups and returning them to active processing AS SOON AS POSSIBLE and appropriate………”