Speaking of updating status...

[Moonandstar 6]

Something I've been a little curious about for the past few months, is what exactly is it they use at CIS/NVC to determine to use either GUZ or GZO methods? Draw A#'s from a hat?

Being a human, my mind can't help but wonder if there is a deeper, more sinister reasoning for this. In all likeliness, there isn't- it probably really does involve a pack of Budweiser and a hat. That's why I haven't asked this question earlier.

But while we're discussing outcomes and results- particularly at GZ- can anyone offer recent input on this?

I notice GZO numbers fly through USCIS and NVC, and only go even faster at the consulate with only a few questions, and sometimes even no questions, asked.

Could it be possible that GUZ numbers and GZO numbers are not created equally? What are some recent outcomes from those that had the consulate delay period of a few months (GUZ number of course) come interview day? Easy? Hard? White?

In a nutshell: is there likely any different outcome one could predict depending on the number they have?

Edited April 19, 2010 by Moonandstar

[Darnell 8,478]

GZO numbers are for I-130 petitions that were handled at NVC via Electronic Processing . Usually, within 10 days of having 'case complete' - NVC sets the appointment, and the casefile is ready to be opened at GUZ via the SAFEFILE system. No DHL required. Quick Turn-Around from 'NVC Complete' to 'Appointment Set Date', within 10 days. The USC Petitioner has to OPT IN for NVC Electronic Processing, as well, once the casefile has arrived at NVC.

A GUZ casefile number can be for K-1 visa, CR-1, IR-1, IR-5, but the distinction is that there is NO NVC Electronic Processing on these cases, no automatic use of SAFEFILE to transmit the casefile to GUZ IV Unit. Usually, the casefile is sent out via DHL, and GUZ IV unit waits, there is 'warehouse calendar' as well, even after the casefile is received, even prior to any interview date being set or even further action for P-3 (for a K-1). GUZ IV Unit sets all interview dates for casefiles with GUZ number.

SOME I-129F petitions are bundled up with SAFEFILE SOLELY, but is no way for the USC to have it tagged . Usually, the casefile is sent via SAFEFILE and DHL. Is small percentage for SAFEFILE Only, for K-1s and K-3s. GUZ IV still sets the interview date for these, as well.

As for yer posit about predicting outcome based on Casenumber TYPE - nope - impossible to predict, based solely on Casenumber TYPE.

One of the massive benefits for participating in NVC Electronic Filing for China-bound petitions - is that the 'dead zone wait time' of 2 to 6 months, between 'NVC OUT to GUZ open casefile' is eliminated. But has nothing to do with approval rates, nope, sorry.

Edited April 19, 2010 by Darnell

[toshkan 0]

I have been wondering about this exact same question. My wife's physical materials have been received by the Guangzhou consulate via dhl for a couple weeks and I have also yet to hear about an interview date. It is frustrating to know they have all the physical materials needed to schedule an interview (which would seem to be preferable to scanned copies) and yet packet 4 is still delayed. Although in retrospect filing electronically was certainly the way to go, I can't help but feel penalized for being thorough.

I asked the consulate about this directly several day ago via their e-mail question form. If I receive a non-auto generated/substantive reply, I will gladly share it on the forum.

[Darnell 8,478]

toshkan - hey - are you calling DOS for case status? At this point, you might want to call every few days. Good Luck !

[toshkan 0]

Thanks for the encouragement. I just received a response to my GuangzhouIV email, saying that my wife's files were received there a few days ago, but that my wife will not likely have an interview until June. (June to July they say, based on the current schedule). We are rather disappointed, as our physical file left the NVC at the beginning of February. That will put our waiting time a 4+ months for an interview. I also wonder if the fact of my wife being an ethnic minority from Xinjiang may slow things down, given what happened in Urumqi last year. I hope not, but at the least, let this be a lesson never to do U.S. visas in China via regular mail.

[Darnell 8,478]

Thanks for the encouragement. I just received a response to my GuangzhouIV email, saying that my wife's files were received there a few days ago, but that my wife will not likely have an interview until June. (June to July they say, based on the current schedule). We are rather disappointed, as our physical file left the NVC at the beginning of February. That will put our waiting time a 4+ months for an interview. I also wonder if the fact of my wife being an ethnic minority from Xinjiang may slow things down, given what happened in Urumqi last year. I hope not, but at the least, let this be a lesson never to do U.S. visas in China via regular mail.

lesson? ya - I'd say a lesson about NVC EP, though.

Even the consulate receives the paper from DHL, it sits in a warehouse, waiting it's time in queue.

When you have a moment, call DOS Hotline, Get a Human (# in my profile) and inquire for case status.

[pushbrk 12,568]

lesson? ya - I'd say a lesson about NVC EP, though.

Even the consulate receives the paper from DHL, it sits in a warehouse, waiting it's time in queue.

When you have a moment, call DOS Hotline, Get a Human (# in my profile) and inquire for case status.

Electronic processing through NVC can save 2 to 3 months. If you were electronic case complete at NVC today, I would expect a May interview. Complete February would have produced a March or April interview. Do the math.

[Darnell 8,478]

Hey Moon - any feedback(s) ?

[toshkan 0]

I did the math. However, without there being international phone or internet in Xinjiang (where my wife is from) electronic processing was not a realistic possibility. I should have clarified that previously. Explaining this unusual (unprecedented?) situation to the Dept. of State did not elicit a helpful response either. Apparently, there is some sort of DOS preference for Tibetans though. In the meantime, all we can do is wait as our materials wind their way through the bureaucratic machinery.

[Moonandstar 6]

Hey Moon - any feedback(s) ?

Well, not really

If it really doesn't have anything to do with approval rates, then that's good news for me, cuz i got GUZ number..... just didn't want to get screwed twice in the same process, right?

Oh, and yea, i was really just talking about K-1s..... kinda knew that it was opt in for immigrant visas, but with the whole "that K-1 gets a GZO, and this K-1 gets a GUZ" thing going on, i wasn't sure if there was some deeper logic for it behind the scenes...

Edited April 21, 2010 by Moonandstar

[dan_ling 6]

The "GUZ" number is the NVC case number originally assigned, once you OPTIN to electronic filing then they change your case number from "GUZ" to "GZO". Just an FYI.