Numerous applicants become nervous as their status remains unchanged over weeks. Without proper explanation, a guard card application pending notice can be quite confusing. There are a few common, remediable causes of most of the delays. This article describes seven reasons why the applications tend to stall in processing. It also demonstrates practical actions to advance your application. Knowing these causes will allow you to save time and unnecessary panic or pointless phone calls. There are too many applicants who approach BSIS even before there is any delay.
What a Pending Status Actually Means
A pending status is a concept that is not well understood by many applicants. Pending: BSIS has your application and is looking at it. It is not that something is not right or that your application has been rejected. The public license search tool also does not display pending applications. This non-appearance in search results habitually disturbs applicants in vain in the usual processing. This difference can be used to minimize stress during the time your application is being reviewed.
Pending Status Versus an Interim License
Other candidates mix a pending status with an interim license status. When issued, an interim license has a different appearance in the BSIS lookup system. The status indicates that your application passes the first screening and that a license number has been issued. When you are given this status you may work in most cases as you wait to get your card. Not all types of applications grant this interim working status, however. Always verify your particular case by use of official BSIS communication channels.
The Normal Processing Timeline You Should Expect
BSIS is now aiming at sixty days in the majority of initial online applications. This target is specifically on applications that do not have any information missing. There are numerous applicants who think that something is wrong before this window is closed. The truth is that the majority of applications just require time to go through the review. Frequently checking does not accelerate this normal processing schedule.
Reason 1: Incomplete or Incorrect Application Details
Missing fields or incompatible names can cause manual examination. This review can be much more time consuming than a normal, error free application. Ever confirm that personal information is identical in all the documents that are submitted. Even minor errors such as these can lead to the most irritating delays in general.
Reason 2: Live Scan Submitted in the Wrong Order
Live Scan fingerprinting will be done after you have submitted your actual application. Fingerprinting in advance of your application confuses processing at the state level. This incongruence has the potential to slow down your background check. Always ensure that you have first submitted your application, then make your fingerprinting appointment. Have your ATI number on hand to check fingerprint submission status individually.
Reason 3: Background Checks Needing Extra Review
The responses of background checks are sometimes to be manually reviewed by the BSIS personnel. Even minor criminal history can activate such a long check. This measure safeguards social wellbeing, but, of course, prolongs the general processing time. Those applicants who have any criminal record are supposed to meet a more thorough examination. This does not necessarily imply that your application will be rejected.
Reason 4: An Outdated Mailing Address on File
A mailing address that is obsolete can also just silently delay your application. In cases where the information is missing or unclear, BSI mails deficiency letters. In case you do not receive this letter, your application is unresolved. Always make sure that your current address is properly registered in your BreEZe account. The absence of just one significant letter can resume weeks or months to your wait.
Reason 5: Selecting the Wrong Application Type
Selecting an inappropriate application type within the BreEZe portal is really confusing. Others get into another category of license by mistake. This mistake has the potential of taking your application to a completely wrong review process. Always ensure that you choose Security Guard Registration when filling the application. Looking at this detail at the start is a time-saving measure, as it avoids an irritating late fix.
Reason 6: Seasonal Spikes in Application Volume
The large volume of applications at some times may also delay the general processing times. BSIS handles the applications of thousands of applications of various types of licenses at the same time. Even clean applications can be a little slower than normal during peak times. This is an aspect that is not within the control and influence of any applicant. During these more natural busier processing windows in the state, patience is still a priority.
Reason 7: Unpaid or Incomplete Application Fees
Another source of delay that is common and avoidable is unpaid or not completed application fees. An application received without the entire fee is returned without being processed. This reboot is a re-initiation of your whole processing schedule. Never think your payment has been received until you see the confirmation. Checking your payment confirmation is a sure way to avoid this entirely avoidable hiccup.
How to Actually Check Your Status
Begin by visiting the BSIS Application Processing Times page, which is updated weekly on the Internet. This page shows which received dates the Bureau currently processes. This act of comparison on your submission date will assist you in knowing your actual position. Second, check your Live Scan fingerprinting status with ATI number. This establishes that your background check section was duly received and handled.
When to Actually Call BSIS
In case sixty days have elapsed, it really becomes appropriate to contact BSIS directly. During business hours, call and wait a bit before being connected. Ask to be informed of your pending application status. Up to this sixty days mark, however, forbearance is more likely to do you service than calling.
Confirming Your Training Records Were Submitted
Check again that your training certificates were properly and fully returned. The absence of training documentation or missing training documentation may silently paralyze your whole application. Make sure that your training provider confirms that your records were received. This basic check-up procedure can frequently clear up the confusion even more quickly than calling BSIS.
How Employers and Training Providers Can Help
The employers also contribute to the smooth movement of your application. Other training providers are required to provide documentation to BSIS on your behalf. Assurance that this submission was done properly will avoid unnecessary delays in processing in the future. In case you have been trained by a provider, request the provider to confirm submission. This additional measure will usually spot issues before they can set back your application considerably.
Preventing Delays on Future Applications
Triple-check all spelling and dates are the same on all paperwork submitted. There are required processes to follow in order to submit your application and Live Scan fingerprinting. These preparation steps are important to save a lot of time in your current application.
Keeping Your Own Records Organized
Recording all the steps that you have done also comes in handy when there is a pause. Keep a copy of confirmation mails, payment receipts, and ATI fingerprint number safe. These documents come in handy in case you would like to get into direct contact with BSIS. They also assist you in knowing where precisely your application is. Such a structured process minimizes the confusion and accelerates any follow-up that is required.
Renewals Follow Similar Rules
Many of these same rules and frequently occurring delay causes apply to renewal applications. A lost card and a delayed renewal may cause even more issues. It is advisable to always make renewal applications before your current card expires. This buffer will prevent time lapses between your previous and new registration.
Staying Patient Through the Process
Being patient in this process is indeed important, even when it is very frustrating to wait. The majority of applications clear off without any serious issue of denial or problem. Pandering or dialing back can hardly accelerate the real review process. Rather, devote your energies to ensuring that all has been duly filed in the beginning. Such a gentle, dispassionate attitude tends to result in a more enjoyable experience in general.
FAQs
What is the average time of processing a guard card application?
BSIS is currently aiming at sixty days on average initial applications.
At what time should I contact BSIS regarding my pending application?
Call back after sixty days to inquire about delays.
Will I be allowed to work during the time of my application?
No, an application pending does not provide legal power to work.
What do I do to individually verify my fingerprint submission?
Enter your ATI number, and the date of birth on the DOJ lookup.
Conclusion
The pending guard card application may be a source of worry even more than there is need to be. The majority of delays can be related to several reasons that can be fixed. It helps to check your application details, fingerprint status and mailing address. It is normally smarter to wait until the sixty days mark.
Knowing these 7 reasons will make you react in a relaxed, rather than a panicky way. The collaboration with a reliable training partner also comes in handy during the process. These basic measures will continue to steer your application to success. In US Security Guard Training, we assist the applicants go through all these steps. Being up-to-date and active nowadays will get you a guard card sooner.
