Getting my case number

[jamster0105 7]

My I-130 was approved on Feb 11 and I wanted to know if anyone can give me advice as to how I can get my case number before I receive the letter from USCIS. I want to get a jump start on the NVC process. If anyone can help, it would be greatly appreciated

[YuAndDan 153]

Give it at least 2 weeks for NVC to receive the petition and assign a DOS "MNL" case number. Contact NVC at that time for status.

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3177.html

You may want to change profile to show CR-1/IR-1, since you are pursuing processing of the I-130 at NVC. http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...rCP&CODE=01

I would recommend using the NVC shortcuts and keep the CR-1 (I-130) moving through NVC. Many get the CR-1 to the consulate just before K-3 interview this results in the lower cost CR-1 IMMIGRANT visa.

If considering K-3 think carefully about it. CR-1 and K-3 tend to take about the same time, K-3 may save you about a month, however the K-3 has the added pain of adjustment of status, and it NOT a work authorized visa, so also has the added period of limbo waiting for EAD to be able to do things like take a job, get SSN, etc...

For the most part CR-1 tends to take a bit longer than K-3 to get if you prepare for NVC when they request I-864 fee, and Visa fee, as well as documents requested by NVC. In many cases the CR-1 petition reaches the consulate just before K-3 interview, which causes K-3 to get dropped and the interview becomes a CR-1 visa interview.

K-3:

I-130: $355

I-129F: NONE

Consulate: $131

AOS: $1010

($1496)

CR-1

I-130: $355

NVC I-864: $70

NVC Visa fee: $400 ($355+$45)

($825)

I see many posts from K-3 holders stating, "Wow this sucks, I am stuck at home because I don't have EAD, DL, etc, or I am having hard time getting added to bank accounts because of NO SSN." K-3 has a 90 day or longer period of limbo while waiting for EAD or Green-card.

K-3 was developed at a time when CR-1 was taking much longer that today, NVC has greatly streamlined the CR-1 process to the point where K-3 becomes irrelevant.

Edited February 13, 2009 by YuAndDan

[AddyG 0]

Give it at least 2 weeks for NVC to receive the petition and assign a DOS "MNL" case number. Contact NVC at that time for status.

We had a case number at NVC 2 days after NOA2 and it was in the AVR 3 days after NOA2. It just depends. Call and speak to an operator and check after a couple days. Some go quickly, some take a week or more. Then use the shortcuts mentioned above - they are your best guide to get through NVC quickly!

[bayview 0]

My I-130 was approved on Feb 11 and I wanted to know if anyone can give me advice as to how I can get my case number before I receive the letter from USCIS. I want to get a jump start on the NVC process. If anyone can help, it would be greatly appreciated

Hi, The phone number for NVC in New Hampshire is 1-603-334-0700. Press 1 for english then 5 to get operator. Ask for status of application. You will need to have NOA1 receipt number, petitioners name and date of birth and beneficiary name and date of birth ready to give. They can give you your case number.

Good luck,

Danny