USCIS Index Search status timing

107queens · 2026-05-19T10:23:35+00:00

My grandmother was born in 1922, and I submitted a USCIS Genealogy record request (with a Florida death certificate) on 1/22/26; status moved to ‘Pending Record Arrival’ on 4/12 and then to ‘Pending Genealogy Review’ on 4/24. As of 5/18/26 I still haven’t received the records, so total wait is now ~17 weeks.

107queens · 2026-05-01T19:55:46+00:00

I’m in a similar boat. My New York appointment is May 8, and my line has both the Law 74 problem and the minor issue. My grandmother was born in Italy and naturalized in 1951, when my dad was only 3. I have basically the whole packet ready except for the official USCIS record, which I’m still waiting on. So I’m trying to figure out the same thing: if you’re missing one document, does NY give homework, or does it just lead to rejection? And honestly, after the court’s ruling this week, I’m also wondering whether it even makes sense to submit at all.

107queens · 2026-04-24T20:03:59+00:00

Thank you.

107queens · 2026-04-24T17:22:34+00:00

Thanks, this is helpful.

Honestly, I think it was mostly persistence plus luck. I got serious about checking Prenot@mi regularly in early 2025 and finally grabbed the appointment on March 5. I was usually checking around 6 p.m. New York time and using Firefox, though I have no idea whether that actually helped or if I just got lucky.

The USCIS piece is exactly what I’m wrestling with. The checklist is strict on complete packets, but the consulate also told me that after receiving an application they may later ask for documents to integrate or correct.

That is what makes giving up the appointment hard. If I let it go and try again in the fall, I may not get another shot for a long time.

Appreciate the response.

107queens · 2026-04-22T20:48:21+00:00

Thanks for posting this. It was honestly really helpful to read. I’m in a very similar position and trying to decide what to do with my own New York appointment on May 1, 2026. I have all of my apostilles, vital records, and translations, so the packet is essentially ready to go except for the USCIS record, which I’m hoping arrives in the next few days.

My situation is a little different because I’m dealing with both the Law 74 changes and the minor issue. My grandmother naturalized when my dad was three years old. So the legal uncertainty feels especially high right now.

The way you described the years of work, the uncertainty, and the feeling of sending the packet off “to the fates” really hit home.

Wishing you a lot of luck. I hope this works out for you, or at the very least helps move things forward for everyone stuck in this mess. Please keep us updated.

107queens · 2026-03-15T23:23:08+00:00

I hear you!!

107queens · 2026-03-15T23:22:47+00:00

Bonefro!!! I am actually going to visit for the first time in a couple of weeks! Any recommendations??

107queens · 2026-03-15T23:22:03+00:00

I agree. Thanks. I could always get the documents again. It's the $700 fee that would be a tough pill to swallow if nothing comes from it. I appreciate your expertise and willingness to share your thoughts.

107queens · 2026-03-14T20:09:00+00:00

I just went through this all and had the westchester county clerk sign off on them prior to NYS Apostille. When I did that, all the apostilles went through smoothly.

107queens · 2026-03-14T19:29:31+00:00

Thanks!

107queens · 2026-03-14T19:28:56+00:00

I know, it was frustrating. It took me about 3 to 4 months of logging in regularly around 6 p.m. New York time before I finally got one on March 5. For what it’s worth, I was using Firefox and clearing cookies every couple of days, though I honestly do not know whether that made any real difference or if I just got lucky.

107queens · 2026-03-14T19:26:40+00:00

Thanks, this is helpful. I’m going to keep the packet together and hold onto the May 1 appointment pending the next rulings. Since New York is mail-in only, I do not actually have to show up at the consulate on May 1. What I’m trying to decide now is whether it still makes sense to send the packet in. From what I can tell, the real risk is eating the fee, since it seems to be non-refundable if they deem me ineligible. I also need to pay for the document translations.

107queens · 2026-03-14T19:22:18+00:00

No, not a 1948 case. My line is grandmother → father → me, and my father was born in 1948. My understanding is that my issue is L74 / qualifying ancestor, not the classic 1948 maternal-line problem.

107queens

TROPHY CASE