i was in your position, no criminal background but was getting this response for over 2 years (i applied 2018)

@Naomi N Since I noticed your situation. I wanted to share my personal case which was similar to you too. I filed in Oct 2018 and happen to receive two RFEs . During that time I never received a PF. When I enquired in 2020 they told my case was subjected to background check and finally I was disappointedly denied in Sept 2023. Since I was two months less for 2 years after divorce I was able to refile my VAWA in Oct 2023. Then within 3-4 months I got prima facia for the first time and also 5 years combo card. I feel bit positive now but still am feeling like walking on the rope. I had been through a lot. in fact I never had enough joint evidences except photos, marriage certificate and affidavits from friends. To you I would suggest to be positive and wait for the RFE or NOID or Approval. Plrase find alternate solution at any worst scenario.

@Mrkvica M. Yes, I remember you and I always read your posts. I hope that in 2025 I will get a decision on my case.

@Tom Hank’s Hans They never asked for any additional evidence during this process. I get my PF every 6 months. I have enough solid evidence besides photos and identifying data. I’m still married. is it possible will I get NOID without ask firs any rfe ?

@Naomi N i know how you feel 😔 and i am so sorry that you're going thru this. I would recommend you to be on top of your case, even if you have lawyer. Did you try to reach out to ombudsman?

im januaury 2021 still waiting same boat

@Mrkvica M. I haven't tried contacting the ombudsman because from what I've heard from the posts, it's a waste of time. The congressman does an automatic update every 3 months. If I send a FOIA, will I see information about how my case is stuck? Or is it actually a completed background security check or not? or any information why my case take very long time?

@Naomi N i have never heard that congressman does automatic update every 3 months and mine never did, so I wouldn't rely on that. When uscis didn't respond, my congressman sent them follow up after my call but that's all - nothing automatically. From what I read on reddit, FOIA will show everything they have on you, but I don't think it will show is background check complete or not. I read that one person got the same response (background check) and then that person got decision in like 2 - 3months. There is a lot of information on Reddit about that background check, and I would recommend you to googlr that and read everything there

@Naomi N I think what @Mrkvica M. is suggesting is a better move. I also would have same instincts as yours that they are finding a way to deny, cause there is nothing like 2 years security check unless if the case officer put a red mark on your case as weak. I would find plan B. such as obtaining more explanatory documentation. When I applied for my Vawa, I assumed I had lots of evidence however, I could not tie it together, it was just a lot of documentation for me and her nothing proving my case. That is where most people get confused. someone can have 5 documents and prove their case right away especially in that statement, I heard that is where they look at and the rest will just be additional materials. You can put pictures, bills etc but that don't prove abuse it only show you as a couple. Am just saying not that it applies to you but it can happen. I would suggest you revisit your case and if you feel you need something right away start looking for more evidence to prove abuse cause that is the whole point. Also sometimes it could be having a bad case officer and nothing to do with you. That one you are not in charge of. unfortunately. Let's hope for the best and hope it works your way. However it's better to be prepared if things go west. Oh by the way it is acceptable to send extra information as it might trigger someone to have a look at your case

also FOIA helps to sober your mind and look at what they have. mind you they don't release everything. they will blank some information especially sent within the departments. You will not have VAWA information only information you get is from other applications such as if you adjusted through i485 and anything from border or airport. in actual sense they will send what you sent to them less their own internal correspondence

@Mighty G we serve As I heard, if they don't ask me for additional evidence, I can't send it before then. I also sent an expedited request and they simply wrote to me that they couldn't process my request because the checking wasn't complete. I renewed my AP a second time, but I never used it and I haven't committed any violations. I also sent all the facts proving the violence except for the bills and photos. It doesn't matter to me anymore whether they ask me for an RFE or send me a NOID. The main thing is that the case process is progressing. They have never asked me for additional evidence and I think this is a good moment for them to do this if they want to reject my case.

@Mrkvica M. In my case, the congressperson really helps me and writes to me every three months that three months have passed since the last update and if you don't have news by the end of the week, let us know and we will send a request to update the status. My congressperson helped me send an expedited request , with solid evidence, but it hasn't even been reviewed due to the checking. I think it will be like this forever because I've heard that an applicant waited 8 years for a decision.

@Naomi N ouh, ok, that's nice of your congressman. Next time when you talk to congressman, ask if they have any idea what else you can do. I am positive about your case and I doubt you will wait 8 years. I belive that we were part of the backlog that started in 2019 and 2020 with covid and uscis is resolving all that but the problem is that they plenty new cases as well and they are understaffed 😔 You can also send inquiry by yourself to uscis and see if that moves things along

@Naomi N I see. yea you are right. better knowing than staying in the dark. Maybe some countries do not respond in time or your embassy from your home country lost your documents otherwise I don't see why they wouldn't make a decision on your case. Some countries have bureaucratic systems and could be they haven't got a response yet worst case scenario otherwise I know the USCIS don't play when they wanna decide. They could have denied you other than playing games. They have nothing to gain by messing you about. It must be your home country or here they could have misplaced your files etc . Just make noise abit about it so someone can do something at least lik I suggested I do not agree with what someone told you not to send new information because if you move, change address or something knew happens you are supposed to let them know. also if you have an online account there is an option where you are encouraged to upload any new information to trigger a movement If I was you I would still upload knew info. I also have seen people sending medicals after approval without being asked and it works. there is no harm in trying

@Mrkvica M. I asked to the congressman, of course, if there was anything else I could do, and they told me to consult with my lawyer. My lawyer has been telling me for 3 years that I should wait or file a mandamus. I hope to hear something in the next 6 months. If I were to contact uscis on my own, do I need to fill out any forms? Or what kind of letter should I write, what content? I probably need to send in the application forms as well.

@Mighty G we serve I really don't have anything new to send because I haven't had any contact with my ex in years. I haven't changed my address, I only have one address. I sent an expedite request this year and as I mentioned, they said they can't process my request while my case is still in the check process. I also know that in a mandamus case, the judge may not be able to force the immigration officer to make a decision because the check hasn't been cleared. However, I'm really curious about what kind of check is being sent to me because they can't decrypt it 😀 I'm an honest person. or maybe uscis lost my case I heard from someone they happened it. or they waiting for when I send mandamus. I’m not gonna send it .

@Naomi N it's a tricky one this one. I'm hoping as we speak something great is gonna happen to your case and also be on top of your game in case things don't go your way do a plan b. I would also recommend renewing your work permit at least 6 months before expiration time just in case. I think it can be stressful when you get a decision against you while paperwork is about to expire or drivers licence..Just remain current whatever you do.

@Naomi N my lawyer was telling me the same thing- to wait. They don't care. We are only 💲💲💰💰 for them. I called uscis and nice lady told me to send inquiry by letter to them and she gave me adress. You can do the same. Those employees are really nice. and if your case is lost ( as you mentioned possibility) these inquiries will make them find the case.

@Mighty G we serve My work permit expired last year, I wasn't going to renew it because I was thinking of go back to home country forever. Then I sent it in anyway and received it 7 months later along with the AP

@Mrkvica M. Can you tell me what you needed to send? I'll use the Vermont address because my case is in Vermont. If you send a request, has there been any update on your case? Or what do you think about the senator's assistance? If so, what is the same as the congressman's?

@Naomi N you should reach out to senator as well. For senator you'll have to fill out form and sign that,and make sure that your signature matches signature on uscis forms. You can probably find that form on senators' website. Yes, that uscis lady told me to send inquiry to Vermont,but I don't know which address she told me. There is no form. You can just write that you are sending inquiry about your case number XY and make sure to write down that you are petitioner

@Naomi N i got a response from uscis one time,one time from ombudsman and from congressman. All responses were security check,like yours

@Naomi N If you have received PFs, then that is a good sign about your case as having stated that you have solid joint documentation. A minimum joint documentation is required but they have to be mainly convinced about the abuse being a VAWA. The background check or security check will be gathering as many data from the info provided in your story or self avidavit for them to make sure they are matching with reality. It all depends on the uscis officer who deals out case. I understood there are very few crazy officers who are bit hard to forgive or pass your case as they always suspicious in whatever we state in the affidavit. In my first VAWA submission I never had more evidences but in my second submission I had to arrange whatever possible evidences to incorporate to refile and it worked as they had sent me a PF. I am hoping that this officer would be bit lenient and approve my case. Let’s hope for the best. I know this VAWA had drowned us too much into a Como state and we have only option to keep holding into it and wait for the decision. May God have pity on us.

@Mrkvica M. @Tom Hank’s Hans @Mighty G we serve Thank you friends. I will send a request to both the senator and vawa Unit to update the status. Happy New Year with best wishes, all your dreams come true 🎄🎇🥳🎆

@Naomi N good luck!! And, yes, contact everybody and be on top of everything. Call USCIS, ask questions - they are really nice. Happy New Year and all the best! This will be your year! 🍾

Rooms looks silent!!! No news yet ? 🙂. Have a blessed evening! Hope good news soon!!!!

Today I received a letter of prima facie for another 6 months. I believe VAWA is gonna take time for their decision and until then they are gonna issue extensions of prima facie.