Many friends are concerned about name check. I write up something not easily found in public documents.
1. NC starts when CIS does data entry for I-485/N-400. This typically happens few weeks after I-485/N-400 is submitted. A common misunderstanding is NC happens after Fingerprints, which is not true.
2. NC is required starting sometime in 2002 (or3). Earlier INS did not have to wait for FBI's response on NC after 120 days.
3. For some unknown reasons, chinese are big victims of NC program, among which Chinese males are more conspicous. Many chinese people have stucked for 3+ years, some even with 4 or 5 years.
3. One can ask congressional office to inquire the status of NC, or goto infoPass, or call the service center directly to inquire the status.
4. FBI has service "Expedited Name Check". According to FBI, only USCIS (or other customer agency) has the power to request such service, which is not true. Some got the service through powerful congressional/white house influnce ...
5. Most congressional/senators' offices are reluctant to press FBI to do things, especially since NC is a "matter of national security" blah, blah ...