Does uscis wait till your check is cleared before issuing a notification?

My package got there last Monday and the check has shown up as pending since Saturday. Unfortunately it's still pending and I assume that's why I haven't been notified. Can anyone confirm this?

Logic says the answer is yes. They don't want a situation where your check bounces and they have to send you a letter/e-mail that says "nvm that other notification is invalid lolz pay us first plz?" They're not even gonna set themselves up for that.

You sent your package very recently. I know it's hard, but have some patience. I have a feeling they are slowly getting more and more applications, and the initial process won't be as fast as it was for us Aug-15ers. Regardless, you should get a notification sometime in the next week or two. If you don't, then try calling the USCIS hotline.