USCIS Changes Service Center Processing Time Reports
Posted Sep 01, 2006
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The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a press release on August 23, 2006, describing improvements made to the service center case processing time reports. The changes have given the appearance that some processing times have moved backwards. The new times, in fact, are more accurate reports of USCIS processing times than those that were previously provided, however. The processing times have not actually increased. The Processing Time Reports of each of the service centers may be accessed through MurthyDotCom.
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How the New System Differs from the Old
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Rather than the completion date, the old system reflected the date of receipt for a particular case that was being processed. It did not reflect when the USCIS expected to finalize action on the case. It might show that the USCIS is working on cases filed on a particular date, for example, but not reflect that it would take a month or longer in many cases to complete the review of those cases. The new system will provide a processing time based upon case review and completion. If the USCIS is processing cases within their targeted timeframe, this will be reflected in their posted processing time. Therefore, for instance, if today they have a goal of six months to process cases, and this goal is being met, the processing date shown is six months ago. If the goal is not being met, the date shown is the filing date of the cases that are being completed currently.
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RFEs and Missed Appointments
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Posted processing times do not apply to cases that receive a request for evidence or for persons who miss appointments that must be rescheduled. The dates reflect the time it takes to make a decision on a case.
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Contacting USCIS after Online Decision
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If the online system shows that a case has been approved; the USCIS requests that no inquiries be made regarding non-receipt of an approval notice until at least 30 days have elapsed.
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Conclusion
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It is always helpful to have accurate information on processing times. This should result in fewer telephone calls to USCIS customer support. Individuals should have a keener understanding in order to plan and follow up on particular matters, as well. At the Murthy Law Firm, we look forward to seeing how the new system benefits our clients.