CSC to TSC to NVC: the Saga continues

[Val and Gary 29]

So, after being out of the loop for three weeks, our AOS and IV fees are paid, and our documents have probably arrived at NVC today.

Can anyone (Saylin!) bring us up to speed as to how we check what is going on at NC, and what procedures are followed by NVC from the stage we are at onwards.

They have promised us supervisor assisted processing due to our expedite direct to consulate once they have processed the docs. How can we trace what is going on? And does the SIF mean everything is done and finished.

Thanks all!

[Naveed Hassan 10]

So, after being out of the loop for three weeks, our AOS and IV fees are paid, and our documents have probably arrived at NVC today.

Can anyone (Saylin!) bring us up to speed as to how we check what is going on at NC, and what procedures are followed by NVC from the stage we are at onwards.

They have promised us supervisor assisted processing due to our expedite direct to consulate once they have processed the docs. How can we trace what is going on? And does the SIF mean everything is done and finished.

Thanks all!

Welcome Back Gary! Congratulations with documents, Finally July affectees Survived from TSC

[xelance 31]

very sorry to hear sqdnguns, but I trust all will work out for you and all of us. Keep the faith and stay positive bud.

[Saylin 1,605]

Take it from someone who has worked in the US Government for 18.5 years. You will NEVER see instructions that tell you to fill out in black ink and sign in blue.... NEVER. As a matter of fact.... black ink is the preferred color for most forms. In the military, we can ONLY use black ink. Blue, green, red, and brown ink is used by the "top brass" ONLY. Just relax, I wouldn't worry about it. Like someone said earlier... they can look at the back of the document and see the imprint. (just my two cents.)

Yeah, I doubt I would see instructions to fill out in black ink and sign in blue. But I remember seeing one or two people get RFEs from NVC because they signed in black ink and they thought it was a photocopy. That's why I suggest signing in blue. but you're right, they can simply see the imprint on the backside (if they're competent enough to even look for that).

How long does it usually take to get an interview date after CC? And after CC how soon should I expect to get smth from the embassy?

Getting an interview date after CC depends on the embassy/consulate. As soon as an interview date is assigned (or shortly after), you'll receive the interview letter from NVC.

[Saylin 1,605]

So, after being out of the loop for three weeks, our AOS and IV fees are paid, and our documents have probably arrived at NVC today.

Can anyone (Saylin!) bring us up to speed as to how we check what is going on at NC, and what procedures are followed by NVC from the stage we are at onwards.

They have promised us supervisor assisted processing due to our expedite direct to consulate once they have processed the docs. How can we trace what is going on? And does the SIF mean everything is done and finished.

Thanks all!

The only true way to know what's going on at NVC is to call an operator up and ask. The week after I submitted my last package, I started calling an operator every single day to hear what's going on with my case. Make sure you mention your expedite every time you call and see if anything's being done about speeding up your case.

You can also try logging into the payment portal. When you get a SIF, it's usually a good indication the case is complete at NVC. Call an operator to confirm that the case is indeed complete.

[Naveed Hassan 10]

The only true way to know what's going on at NVC is to call an operator up and ask. The week after I submitted my last package, I started calling an operator every single day to hear what's going on with my case. Make sure you mention your expedite every time you call and see if anything's being done about speeding up your case.

You can also try logging into the payment portal. When you get a SIF, it's usually a good indication the case is complete at NVC. Call an operator to confirm that the case is indeed complete.

Very Useful info Saylin, what is SIF?

[Val and Gary 29]

When it rains, it pours...........................

We have hit a freaking roadblock and I am pi$ed. Wife called about an hour ago, pretty upset so I had a hard time understanding what she was saying.

Eventually I figured it out, for one, they said they do not have the divorce decree that I sent, the original and a copy. Christ!! She said that they said I could scan and email it to the Embassy.

Secondly, they are saying she was an OVERSTAY on her K-1 Visa even though we were married well within the 90 day window. We did not file AOS right away as I was laid off soon after we married. I made an INFOPASS appt back then to see what the requirements were for filing AOS and I was told there was NO time frame to apply. Good...........Long story short, unemployed for 5 months until I took a job across country in Florida. Due to the move and our son due 3 months after arriving, we delayed AOS once again. 4 months later I was laid off again, went a few months until I found work only to be laid off for a 3rd time. Needless to say, no income, no AOS. The economy really screwed me when it came to finding a damn solid job!!

Well, now we need to file an I-601 (Application for Waiver on Grounds of Inadmissibility) and pay an additional $585; they are expediting this. I am waiting for an email back from the Embassy since I cannot call and speak to anyone in the Visa Unit to confirm what my wife had explained to me. I am going over the I-601 and it is pretty straightforward, all 11 pages!! I'll email it to my wife and she can show up at the Embassy on Monday or Tuesday to continue this NIGHTMARE.

I want to BREAK something right now!!

OH NO I AM SO SORRY!

Gary warned me about what happened to you and your wife before I would read about it. I know you must feel absolutely exhausted and gutted! It will be OK! Your wife and baby will be with you soon, submit your 601 ASAP! Read up everything you can possibly read about submitting one! Again, I am so sorry, I feel for you and your family! My friend here in the states who is Gary's joint sponsor can not believe what the government are making people go thru to get their loved ones into the country. It Is a nightmare, absolutely

Again, SO VERY SAD AND SORRY for your situation!

[Saylin 1,605]

Very Useful info Saylin, what is SIF?

SIF = Sign In Fail, when you can't sign into the payment portal site anymore

[M_and_K 0]

No NVC case # yet, I call them about 3-4 times a day.

Looks like it will hopefully be next week for me for a case #.

Hope everyone continues to have progress on their cases.

[sarah et luc 7]

Been a way for a while because I was too upset about my setback.

I read about Wade's case and I realized that other people have bigger problems. I'm really sorry about your case Wade and I'll keep you in my prayers.

I also wanted to congratulate everyone who's been advancing. It's great to see all the support here.

So I emailed NVC asking for them to re-review my "un official" marriage certificate. I put in a Service request with the phone operators. I talked to a supervisor today who said that I just have to wait. I emailed the US Embassy in Paris, with a scanned marriage certificate, this is what they replied.

Dear Madam,

Your marriage certificate "Copie integrale" is valid and that is what we

require at US Embassy Paris, France on the interview as applicants must

bring a recent document less than 3-month old.

However, on the interview day at the US Embassy Paris, your

spouse will have to bring a recent complete detailed marriage [certificate], not

translated, like the one you scanned in this message.

Your spouse's case cannot be processed until the file is complete with

the National Visa Center and then forwarded to US Embassy overseas for

consular processing.

We hope that this information is helpful.

Sincerely,

Immigrant Visa Section

American Embassy Paris, France

I emailed NVC again asking for an expedite based on USCIS and NVC error. I'm almost finished and don't think they'll grant it to me but it was worth a shot.

[windwalker2011 0]

We just got our NVC case number and would like to enroll electronic process for Montreal embassy. A few questions:

1. When we send in OPTIN email for EP at Montreal, do we just send filled DS-3023 form with the email?

2. For EP process at Montreal, which choice-of-agent form do we need? DS-261 or DS-3023 form? Where do we get this form?

[Never_lose_hope 10]

We just got our NVC case number and would like to enroll electronic process for Montreal embassy. A few questions:

1. When we send in OPTIN email for EP at Montreal, do we just send filled DS-3023 form with the email?

2. For EP process at Montreal, which choice-of-agent form do we need? DS-261 or DS-3023 form? Where do we get this form?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but since you are from China what are you looking in Montreal? And

[Saylin 1,605]

We just got our NVC case number and would like to enroll electronic process for Montreal embassy. A few questions:

1. When we send in OPTIN email for EP at Montreal, do we just send filled DS-3023 form with the email?

2. For EP process at Montreal, which choice-of-agent form do we need? DS-261 or DS-3023 form? Where do we get this form?

Are you going through Montreal? Your flag says China... And

If you're going through Montreal:

1 - You don't send the DS-3032 with the optin email. Just send the optin email.

2 - The DS-261 is REQUIRED, so you fill that one out. Disregard the DS-3032. It's found online.

Please look at the first link in my signature. It will help you with EP and online forms (only if you are in Canada)

Edited March 18, 2011 by Saylin

[windwalker2011 0]

My wife is from China but she is Canada PR and stays in Canada since 2010. The NVC case number starts with MTL. I think Montreal is the right one.

Just got off the phone. NVC operator gave me the IIN number, but no beneficiary ID. She told me the IIN number and beneficiary ID are same. Is it right?

The NVC lady also told me that I cannot send in OPTIN email until they notify me. Is it right? Saylin, I saw you sent your OPTIN email the same day you got your case number.

We used a lawyer to file I-130. But I would like to handle NVC step by myself using EP to speed up the whole process. I was told to send an email to NVC to remove the lawyer as choice-of-agent and list myself as the choice-of-agent. Anyone has such experience?

BTW, how to fill in the timeline? Thanks.

[Saylin 1,605]

My wife is from China but she is Canada PR and stays in Canada since 2010. The NVC case number starts with MTL. I think Montreal is the right one.

Just got off the phone. NVC operator gave me the IIN number, but no beneficiary ID. She told me the IIN number and beneficiary ID are same. Is it right?

The NVC lady also told me that I cannot send in OPTIN email until they notify me. Is it right? Saylin, I saw you sent your OPTIN email the same day you got your case number.

We used a lawyer to file I-130. But I would like to handle NVC step by myself using EP to speed up the whole process. I was told to send an email to NVC to remove the lawyer as choice-of-agent and list myself as the choice-of-agent. Anyone has such experience?

BTW, how to fill in the timeline? Thanks.

Ah, ok. Well, if she's going to have the interview in Montreal, then everything I said above applies to you, as well as the wiki I wrote up that's linked in my signature.

The IIN and Beneficiary ID are NOT the same. They are two different numbers. The only thing they have in common is that they're both 8 digits long. Call another operator up and ask again.

You don't need to wait for them to contact you before sending the optin email. As soon as I got my case number, I sent the optin email. It then took 16 days to accept it.

I haven't read much about removing the lawyer, but sending an email would make sense. But you're required to do the DS-261 online, so not sure how that works. Call an operator up and ask. Mention that your wife is in Canada and that Canadians are required to do the online DS-261. Perhaps just filling that out and appointing you as agent automatically removes your lawyer as the agent. Not sure.

To fill in your timeline, look at the top right of the page. Beside your user name, there's an arrow for a drop-down menu. Select 'My Timeline' and edit away!

Edited March 18, 2011 by Saylin