USCIS Projected Naturalization Processing Times
Posted May 02, 2008
©MurthyDotCom
The USCIS has provided projected naturalization (citizenship) case processing times, broken down by local offices. This information is available on the USCIS WebSite. The projections, released on April 22, 2008, apply to cases that were filed during the summer of 2007. The processing times range from five months in Helena, Montana, to 14.7 months in Washington D.C. This is an improvement over initial processing expectations of 16 to18 months and, for most locations, better than a recently revised estimate of between 13 and 15 months.
©MurthyDotCom
Source of Naturalization Adjudication Delays
©MurthyDotCom
As reported to MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers in our April 18, 2008 article, USCIS Goal for Improved Citizenship Processing Times, the USCIS received a record-breaking 460,000 naturalization filings in the month of July 2007 alone. This was the result of a substantial fee increase that went into effect at the end of July 2007. This, combined with other events that resulted in extremely high numbers of filings other than those for naturalization, added to the already strained resources of the USCIS.
©MurthyDotCom
USCIS Hires Officers and Expands Hours for Naturalization Cases
©MurthyDotCom
The USCIS is hiring and training more officers for processing naturalization cases. Thus, it appears that the chances of encountering a novice officer in a naturalization case will increase. The USCIS is also expanding applicant interviews so that some are held outside of normal business hours. Facilities that will be used for interviews have been increased, as well.
©MurthyDotCom
Complex / Difficult N-400 Cases May Take Longer
©MurthyDotCom
The processing times provided in the announcement are for cases that proceed smoothly and without additional delays. The times do not apply to cases that may be delayed due to issues attributable to the applicants, such as failure to pass a required civics, history, or language test, or the need to present additional documentation to demonstrate eligibility. Cases also can be delayed due to FBI name checks. It should be noted that the processing times provided are projected as of the end of September 2008.
©MurthyDotCom
Forum Shopping
©MurthyDotCom
Generally, it is not permissible to simply file the naturalization case at the most favorable location. Such filings usually are subject to a requirement that the applicant must have resided in the particular state or district of filing for at least three months prior to filing.
©MurthyDotCom
Conclusion
©MurthyDotCom
The USCIS obviously is trying to cope with a substantial volume of work and the pressure to process cases in a timely fashion. This surge in filings is yet another reminder to individuals to make their filings without delay. It appears that many of the naturalization applicants with cases currently pending must have been eligible for the benefit well before the July 2007 surge in filings. However, rather than file at the first opportunity, potential applicants for citizenship and others waited until substantial fee increases were going to take effect. This inevitably created the logjam of cases that now must be processed through the system.