@tired from waitingg i didn't even get a response from ombudsman when i contacted them

i hope you concurrently applied with the I-485 or will you begin your application after your VAWA approval? honestly this is soo out of hand. I have never seen a VAWA case (I-360) take this long for a decision. I’m sorry for your wait and I really do pray and hope you get answers soon!

Which one should come first, Case Service Inquiry or Ombudsman?

@tired from waitingg, i did two inquiry with ombudsman. no response ever.

@Zillionnaire O before doing ombudsman you have to some type of another inquiry @summerlover 07 that sucks so I should not even bother.. but will still do it you are same right background check

@tired from waitingg i am still waiting same response backround check

@Ms. Greencard Holder thank you🙏🙏

I’m really sorry you’ve been stuck in this so long. Almost 5 years for a VAWA I-360 is not normal, even with backlogs. Since USCIS already told you it’s a background check delay, there are still concrete things you can do to push this forward. Here are three important steps that people in very long-pending VAWA cases are using successfully: ⸻ ✅ STEP 1: Get a clear written status from USCIS (service request + Tier 2) Because your case is far outside normal processing time, you can force USCIS to formally review it. Do BOTH: A. Submit an “outside normal processing time” request online • Go to the USCIS case inquiry page • Choose: “Case outside normal processing time” • Enter your I-360 receipt number (Vermont) B. Call USCIS and request a Tier 2 officer Call: 1-800-375-5283 Say: “My VAWA I-360 has been pending almost 5 years at Vermont. I was told it’s in background checks. I need a Tier 2 officer and a formal service request because this is far outside normal processing time.” Ask them: • Is my case in name check, security vetting, or supervisor review? • Has an officer been assigned? • Can they escalate it for long-pending review? This creates an internal ticket that sometimes moves the case. ⸻ ✅ STEP 2: File a CIS Ombudsman request (very important) The CIS Ombudsman is separate from USCIS and specifically helps with extreme delays and background check holds. This is one of the best tools for stuck cases. File Form 7001 online: Search: “DHS CIS Ombudsman Form 7001” In the form, include: • Filed Jan 25, 2021 • VAWA I-360, Vermont • Multiple prima facie determinations • USCIS confirmed background/security delay • Nearly 5 years pending Explain the hardship and long delay. The Ombudsman can contact USCIS internally and push for review. ⸻ ✅ STEP 3: Strongly consider a lawyer just for the delay (mandamus option) At this point, it’s reasonable to speak to a VAWA-experienced immigration lawyer, even if only for a consultation. They can: • Send a formal attorney inquiry • Ask for supervisor review • File a Writ of Mandamus (a federal lawsuit that forces USCIS to make a decision) A mandamus does NOT hurt your case. It doesn’t ask for approval — it asks a judge to force USCIS to stop delaying. Many people with 3–6 year waits see movement within weeks after this. Some lawyers offer: • Free or low-cost consults • Payment plans • Limited-scope help just for delays @tired from waitingg

✅ OPTION A: HOW TO FILE A FOIA REQUEST (to see what USCIS is actually doing) This helps uncover whether the case is stuck in a name check, security flag, lost file, or internal hold. 🔍 What FOIA does A FOIA request asks USCIS to send you your entire immigration file, including: • Officer notes • Background/security check status • Case transfer history • Any internal holds or pending reviews This is very useful for long-pending VAWA cases and if a mandamus ever becomes necessary. ⸻ 📝 How to file FOIA (step-by-step) 👉 Step 1: Go to USCIS FOIA page Search: “USCIS FOIA request online” Choose: Submit a FOIA request online Create an account. ⸻ 👉 Step 2: Fill it out like this When it asks what you are requesting, select something like: • “All records” • “My complete USCIS file (A-file)” In the description box, he can write: “I am requesting a complete copy of my USCIS file, including but not limited to my I-360 VAWA petition, all officer notes, case history, background/security check status, and any internal communications or holds related to my case.” He’ll need: • Full legal name • Date of birth • Country of birth • A-number (if he has one) • I-360 receipt number Upload a photo of government ID if asked. ⸻ 👉 Step 3: Submit and save the confirmation FOIA usually takes 1–3 months. He’ll get a tracking number. This does NOT affect the case negatively. ⸻ ✅ OPTION B: CIS OMBUDSMAN — WHAT TO WRITE (DRAFT HE CAN USE) He files this on Form 7001 (online). Below is a full draft he can paste and customize. ⸻ 📄 OMBUDSMAN STATEMENT DRAFT I am requesting assistance with my long-pending VAWA I-360 petition, which has been pending at the Vermont Service Center since January 25, 2021 (almost five years). I have received multiple prima facie determinations and have been issued a combination card, but my I-360 has still not been adjudicated. When I contacted USCIS, I was informed that my case is delayed due to background/security checks. However, there has been no movement or resolution despite the extreme length of time. This delay is far outside normal processing times and is causing ongoing emotional, financial, and personal hardship. I have complied with all USCIS requests and have not received any explanation beyond “background checks.” I respectfully request the Ombudsman’s assistance in contacting USCIS to determine why this case has been pending for nearly five years, whether an officer has been assigned, and to help facilitate adjudication or meaningful review. Case details: • Form: I-360 (VAWA) • Filed: January 25, 2021 • Service Center: Vermont • Status: Pending (background/security delay per USCIS) • Multiple prima facie determinations issued Thank you for your assistance. ⸻ 🧩 Optional extra sentence he can add if true: “Due to the prolonged uncertainty, this delay has significantly impacted my mental health, stability, and ability to plan my future.” ⸻ ⚠️ Important tips you can tell him • Upload proof: • Prima facie letters • Receipt notices • Screenshots showing 4–5 year delay • Be factual, not angry • Save the confirmation number @tired from waitingg I sometimes come in here every now and then because I remember your case and I pray to see movement and yet nothing has happened. so I asked chat gpt for help and I hope this helps out!

@Ms. Greencard Holder thank you 🙏 may god bless you and your loved ones

@tired from waitingg ofc!! pls let us know if you’re able to get any of this done and how it’s going!

@Ms. Greencard Holder suree hopefully 🙏 i will one day post about my approval :/