News Update - October 13, 2007
By Alan Lee, Esq.†‡
USCIS Backlogged in Entering Cases and Processing Fees After Rush
of Cases Due to Fee Increases
A rationale for the recent large fee increases for many applications
was that the funds would pay for handling and adjudication of the
petitions and applications. The USCIS has advised customers that
it is behind in entering cases into the case tracking system as
well as in issuing receipts for cases, leaving many to wonder what
has become of their filings and to seek out cancelled checks for
clues to their case numbers. The USCIS states that it may take up
to 12 weeks to receive a receipt notice (form I-797) for adjustment
of status applications, and 15 weeks to receive a receipt for naturalization
filings and other applications. Delays of three to four weeks persist
before the cases appear on the USCIS online website. The USCIS cited
as a cause of delay “the tremendous increase in the number
of applications filed.” Those needing to travel will likely
have trouble in the absence of proper travel documents. USCIS anticipates
completing the receipting of I-131 travel documents by the end of
October 2007. Those with special circumstances are urged to make
infopass appointments at their local offices for advance parole.
Time will tell whether the fee increases will translate to greater
service or at least maintain the level of service provided. The
current handling of the situation is to say the least unimpressive.
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