Postponing a fingerprint date: What are the cons?

O

obajaj

Registered Users (C)
Hi folks,

After being frustrated with the long frontlog at the TSC for N-400 fingerprint notices, I finally decided to post my question:

Initially I was planning to do my fingerprints and then make any plans for overseas trips (Since the phase between the fingerprints and interview letter is generally considered the longest "idle" phase from an applicant's perspective)

However, now, looking at the unpredictability of even the fingerprint notice, I decided I cannot keep waiting for it and spoil any plans to visit my parents and in laws, especially my father-in-law who has been ill.

Here's what I was planning:
1) Keep 2 written and signed letters ready with my neighbor, requesting to reschedule a fingerprint appointment for my wife and me. I will leave the space for our application receipt numbers blank, so they can be filled in at a later time.
2) Have my neighbor check my mail for any arrivals of a fingerprint notice while we're away overseas.
3) If a fingerprint notice does happen to arrive for an appointment date/time when we expect to be overseas, I will have my neighbor mail those letters that request to rechedule the fingerprint date (On a seperate note, can we choose a date for reschedule or do we just request for the next available date that USCIS would have to offer us?)

What would be the cons or disadvantage of rescheduling the fingerprint date? Would it delay the application approval? (Other than just the number of days the fingerprint was postponed)

Anyone thinking of doing this or any thoughts and/or past experiences?
 
Your question:
Would it delay the application approval? (Other than just the number of days the fingerprint was postponed)


I think it will be delayed by the number of days the FP was postponed. You cant ask for a "specific date". They will allot you a new date.
 
It would be great if you provided us with more information:

When did you apply?
Did you already receive your receipt notices?
How long do you plan to stay out of the country?
If you only want to go on a 2 week trip, it is not a big deal, but if you are expecting your FP notice any day and you leave on a months trip you could very well miss your next appointment. If you are expecting FP notice any day I would wait, yes it is difficult but you will enjoy your time more and could take a longer trip.
 
My details.

CrossHairs and ftm, thanks for the response.

I sent in my N-400 application on July 20th, it was received by TSC on July 23rd.
At the current rate of receipting at TSC (1 day/week), it looks like it would take 5 weeks for them to get to my application.

Add another 10 days to send the fingerprint notice and about 10 days advance notice of a fingerprinting appointment. So, it looks like I will probably get a fingerprinting date of around November 28th, 2007.

Ofcourse this is just a calculated guess.

My wife and me are planning a 4-5 week trip to visit our parents. Our initial plan was to leave on Nov 22nd, but it looks like this may not be feasible if we want to keep our fingerprinting appointment. If I just knew our fingerprinting date now, we could plan our trip much better.... This is so frustrating!

Since its probably going to take atleast 5 weeks, I think we may plan to leave for our trip next week and be back in 4 weeks. I think that will probably be a safer bet than leaving on Nov 22nd.
 
I am of the belief that finger printing does not delay interview time. The main delay is for name check. Finger print time is instantaneous in most cases less than 24 hours because it is an automated process. So the delay is for the background checks. I have seen late FP notices but interview times are more related to the local distric office (que) and the time from the NOA. That determines the start of time for name check.

Enjoy your trip!
 
Well, it seems you have good coverage with your kind neighbor willing to handle your mail. I also do not think a delay in FP will delay your interview date by much but it is a minor risk because USCIS is so inefficient at times.
Two things to consider if you decide to wait for your FP notice:

1. You may be able to fingerprint as soon as you receive notice (walk-in).
I did a walk-in at the LA office. This depends on the ASC.

2. I also got my fingerprint notice and receipt notice on the same day.

This may be totally random or due to the high volume of applications that they are saving their own time by sending the 2 letters together.

I feel your frustration though, having a sick relative is stressful enough and TSC is really moving slow.

Keep us posted and good luck
 
brb2 is right !

brb2 said:
I am of the belief that finger printing does not delay interview time. The main delay is for name check. Finger print time is instantaneous in most cases less than 24 hours because it is an automated process. So the delay is for the background checks. I have seen late FP notices but interview times are more related to the local distric office (que) and the time from the NOA. That determines the start of time for name check.

Enjoy your trip!
Click to expand...

Agree with brb2,

Finger printing process is pretty quick. This does not delay the interview letter. My 2nd FP were taken on Sep 4th and then my interview letter was issued exactly a week later on Sep 11th.

I would also take an opinion from a good attorney to see what can be done in your sutuation just to be on the safe side, that's all.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top