Pooh1234:
I got exactly the same story !
I was told that my name had been assigned to an IO last year August, and that I should expect an approval anytime.
Was told that twice... in January and August.
From what I can figure out, this is how the process works.
When your case file goes in, it gets assigned to an IO. At the same time it goes for NC.
This IO is responsible for making sure everything is in order, etc, and is basically an assembly point for your case.
Every 90 days any case they have not closed gets reviewed by their supervisor.
The systems tags these steps, thus your were told that the file is being reviewed.
However, if you are stuck in NC, then the supervisor simply sends the file back to the IO, who is essentially the book-keeper.
I think this was their internal check-and-balance system, and I suspect that supervisors started getting overloaded with tons of open cases simply because they were pending NC, and thus they are now "flushing" out these cases and putting the onus on the FBI to catch up in processing the checks.
I suggest you call the USCIS and tell them that per the USCIS Memo for March 10, 2008, your NC has been pending for more then 180 days, and thus you are calling to inquire on what happened.
The CSR should transfer you to an IO who locates where your file physically is and sends a memo to that service center.
That service center then is required to respond by April 10, 2008, to you personally.
Also, the IO took my email address and said that most probably I will get a response via email.
That is what happened with me and should happen with you as well.
The IO I got actually spent quiet a bit of time reading over my case details.
So call asap. I don't think is worth going to the USCIS local office (imo).