USCIS Says Name-Check Backlog is Resolved
Posted Jul 24, 2009
©MurthyDotCom
The USCIS announced in late June 2009 that the goals agreed upon with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for elimination of the name-check backlog have been met. The USCIS news release states that the backlog in the FBI National Name Check Program (NNCP) has been eliminated. Delays in the name-check process had substantially prolonged case adjudications for many adjustment-of-status (I-485) cases.
©MurthyDotCom
30-Day Processing Expected
©MurthyDotCom
For the future, the standards require that 98 percent of the name-check requests be completed within 30 days. The remaining two percent can take up to 90 days. NewsBriefs on the topic of name checks, the evolution of the policies and practices, and attempts to address frustrations for those impacted by delays include our March 13, 2009 MurthyBulletin article, USCIS February 2009 Update on Name-Check Delays.
©MurthyDotCom
Longer Processing if Records Found
©MurthyDotCom
The USCIS advises that most of the backlogged name-check cases resulted in the FBI determination that there were no records regarding the individual. Such cases, therefore, can continue processing through any further USCIS steps toward adjudication. If, however, the FBI does locate information of concern about the applicant, the resolution of the matter could create additional delays.
©MurthyDotCom
Conclusion
©MurthyDotCom
The efforts put forth to eliminate the delays in name checks are commendable. This was a significant problem, causing years of delay even in many cases involving individuals with completely clean backgrounds. A note of clarification for MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers: this does not address other causes for case delays, such as standard processing times and the shortage of visa numbers.