NVC Filers - March 2012

[Saylin 1,605]

Am I able to send in my AOS packet via email?

After I got my AOS Bill Receipt it said, "To submit your application form online, click DS-260 then log in to the

Consular Electronic Applications Center and follow the instructions displayed."

However, when I go into CEAC's website, I don't see anything that says DS-260.

So then when I go to the DS-260s instructions it says, "If CEAC provides you with online payment information only, you are NOT required to complete the DS-260."

So I guess I don't have to submit DS-260 or I-864EZ or DS-230?

If your AOS bill is showing as PAID, yes, you can email the AOS package. So send in all the requirements for the AOS package. Please post the documents here for us to verify.

Remember, Mexico is required to do EP and online forms.

You CANNOT fill out the DS-260 until the IV bill is paid and is approved.

You're going to have to fill in one of the I-864 forms (regular or EZ), as well as the online DS-260. I'd suggest reading my wiki. It'll be a little different for you, but it might give you a better picture. Wiki is found in my signature or on post 1.

Saylin, let me just tell you, that you are amazing, seriously, thank you so much for your incredibly prompt responses that mean the world to a nervous wreck like me.

I'm gonna ask you again about the joint sponsor thing, since mine is so weird. I have my parents joint tax return transcripts as shown by the previous picture i posted. however, those transcripts do NOT divide their income, it is joint, there is no separation. So, i will include her W2's for the past 3 years (2010, 2009 and 2008) 2011 will be sent to my husband. I will not include W2's for my 2008 and 2009 since these are optional and i'm the only one on my tax return transcript. When I fill out the form, question 25 asks for the total income, since on the tax return thats joint, there is no total income for just my mother, I'm assuming that I can take the total from her W2's (which I will send) that says wages, tips and other compensation. The W2 does not have any section titled total income or gross adjusted income. The tax transcripts do, but they include my fathers income, which i do not want.

I will also send 2 letters from my employers (i have two part time jobs) and a recent pay stub for my mother to prove current income)

Does this make any sense???

and thanks for the advice, i'll post my cover letter contents as soon as this tax stuff is all said and done, it's my last step before i can finally send this!!!!!!

Yes, everything you explained sounds like the right way to do it

In cases where the joint sponsor files taxes jointly with a wife, that's when W2s are required along with tax transcripts. And yes, I believe you just put her own income on question 25, and not the joint total. So, use the "wages, tips, etc" line from the W2.

Also, if I've been given the option to fill out DS-261, does that mean DS-260 was just an alternative and doesn't need to be filled out?

Remember, DS-261 and DS-260 are two, very DIFFERENT forms.

DS-261 = online version of DS-3032, choice of agent form

DS-260 = online version of DS-230, immigrant visa application

You have to complete BOTH. Like I said before, the DS-260 will only be available once you pay the IV bill and it is accepted.

I used option 1. I was told to do this, I better not get another checklist!! :blink:

Saylin, help?

Okay, guys, I'm gonna clear this up. No one seems to be reading the instructions in the question! Please read the next two lines again and again until it sinks in.

You use total income if you filed a 1040.

You use adjusted gross income if you filed a 1040EZ.

Edited March 16, 2012 by Saylin

[lizka 3]

I used option 1. I was told to do this, I better not get another checklist!! :blink:

Saylin, help?

i used option 2 for myself from the tax transcripts, but for my joint sponsor, i have to use option one since my sponsor files jointly with her husband (mom and dad), so the only way for me to get her total income is option 1 which is on her w2. 1040's don't work since its joint :/ confused also. i'll call nvc tomorrow and update you

[Matt & Rocio 28]

I used option 1. I was told to do this, I better not get another checklist!! :blink:

Saylin, help?

The reason they ask for Total Income is because it includes things like earnings from interest, dividends, capital gains from investments, alimony, social security, etc.

Unless your total income is less than your total wages this shouldn't be an issue. For my 2011 return the numbers were identical because I didn't report any other income beyond my wages. None of my bank accounts paid me more than the $10 minimum in interest and i'm far too young to be reporting retirement income

I'm getting my information from the I-864instr.pdf provided by travel.state.gov website. On page 8 it states:

"For purposes of this affidavit, the line for gross (total) income on IRS Forms 1040 and 1040A will be considered when determining income. For persons filing IRS Form 1040 EZ, the line for adjusted gross income will be considered"

This is just my opinion, but I wouldn't worry too much about it.

[djb123 0]

****UPDATE****

INTERVIEW SCHEDULED: 17APRIL2012 AT 1230

:dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:

****END UPDATE****

CONGRATS!

My case was also complete at NVC on March 09, 2012

I Called NVC to inquire about interview date and they told me that all interviews for April have been scheduled already and that we have to wait until May.

Is this true?

[StephanieM 60]

Okay, guys, I'm gonna clear this up. No one seems to be reading the instructions in the question! Please read the next two lines again and again until it sinks in.

You use total income if you filed a 1040.

You use adjusted gross income if you filed a 1040EZ.

Sorry I am still confused, Probably due to my lack of vocabulary knowledge when it has to do with all this financial stuff. I used an IRS transcript to obtain these numbers. Is an IRS transcript a 1040EZ? I am thinking they are not the same thing. Either way, I can't seem to find the proper instuctions on the I864 instructions. I just don't want to get another checklist. If I do, I give up.

[Matt & Rocio 28]

I posted this in the process and procedures section, but since this thread gets a ton of traffic I'll post it here as well:

I would like to know if anyone can give me advice based on personal experience when in regards to submitting the I-864 AOS document when there is more than one beneficiary.

In my case I will be sponsoring my wife and step-daughter. I submitted I-130 petitions for both of them on the same day in July of 2011 and received the NOA2 approval on the same day earlier this month. I'm still waiting for NVC to assign a case number and IIN, but i'm hoping that will happen any day now.

I have been told that I will only be required to pay the AOS fee once, even though there are two beneficiaries, but that I will have two submit 2 copies of the I-864 along with 2 copies of supporting documentation.

Section 3, Question 9 states the following:

I am sponsoring the following family members immigrating at the same time or within six months of the principal immigrant named in Part 2 above. Do not include any relative listed on a separate visa petition.

My question is this. Do I fill out a single I-864 with my wife as the principal immigrant and then list my step-daughter under question nine and then make a duplicate copy? Or do I fill out two I-864s one with my wife as the principal and my step-daughter as a family member and then a second one with my step-daughter as the principal immigrant and my wife as a family member?

Thanks in advance

I think I just answered my own question. I had opened the I-864instr PDF to copy word for word the section about Total income for another post and decided to re-read the entire document and found this:

You must submit a Form I-864 affidavit of support for each intending immigrant you are sponsoring. You may submit photocopies if you are sponsoring more than one intending immigrant listed on the same affidavit of support.

Separate affidavits of support are required for intending immigrants for whom different Form I-130 family-based petitions were filed. For instance, if you are sponsoring both parents, each will need an original affidavit of support and accompanying documentation since you were required to submit separate Form I-130 visa petitions for each parent.

Often a spouse or minor children obtain visas or adjust status as dependents of a relative, based on the same visa petition. If you are sponsoring such dependents, you only need to provide a photocopy of the original Form I-864, as long as these dependents are immigrating at the same time as the principal immigrant or within six months of the time he or she immigrates to the United States. You do not need to provide copies of the supporting documents for each of the photocopied Forms I-864.

Edited March 16, 2012 by Matt & Rocio

[foobaz123 39]

CONGRATS!

My case was also complete at NVC on March 09, 2012

I Called NVC to inquire about interview date and they told me that all interviews for April have been scheduled already and that we have to wait until May.

Is this true?

NVC says lots of things.. at least half of them are probably true...

In this case, it's a ####### shoot. It might be true, it might not. I would tend to say it isn't true. Though, there doesn't seem to be much information in your profile that a person could base that answer on.

[foobaz123 39]

Sorry I am still confused, Probably due to my lack of vocabulary knowledge when it has to do with all this financial stuff. I used an IRS transcript to obtain these numbers. Is an IRS transcript a 1040EZ? I am thinking they are not the same thing. Either way, I can't seem to find the proper instuctions on the I864 instructions. I just don't want to get another checklist. If I do, I give up.

In general.. for most people in most situations.. that is to say for a person who has a job, no significant investments or otherwise earning lots of interest... the two numbers are the same.

The difference between "Total income" and "Wages, Tips, and Earnings" is that "Total Income" would include things like earnings on investments, interest on bank deposits and things like that. "Wages, Tips and Earnings" is what a person makes at their job. Again, for most average people these two numbers are almost certainly the same.

Short version, most people will take either number as they are the same. If in doubt, take "Total Income" as it might be larger.

Make sense?

[Saylin 1,605]

CONGRATS!

My case was also complete at NVC on March 09, 2012

I Called NVC to inquire about interview date and they told me that all interviews for April have been scheduled already and that we have to wait until May.

Is this true?

Okay, please don't expect anyone to answer you with good responses as you haven't filled out your profile or timeline. What country is the foreign spouse from? What visa did you apply for?

Sorry I am still confused, Probably due to my lack of vocabulary knowledge when it has to do with all this financial stuff. I used an IRS transcript to obtain these numbers. Is an IRS transcript a 1040EZ? I am thinking they are not the same thing. Either way, I can't seem to find the proper instuctions on the I864 instructions. I just don't want to get another checklist. If I do, I give up.

Tax transcript is a summary of tax returns (1040s). On the tax transcript, it will state somewhere near the middle, what form was filled that year (1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, etc).

[hnewsome 1]

Upon suggestion of a VJ member (thanks foobaz123), I have decided to create a FAQ of the most common questions I see here on VJ concerning the NVC process. If you know of a common question that isn't mentioned here, please inform me through a reply in this thread or PM me. I'd be more than happy to include it here.

FAQ

How long does it take to get a case number assigned after NOA2?

As of the last month or so, it's only been taking 1-2 weeks.

When (and how often) should I start calling NVC about the case number?

Wait a week from your NOA2 date, then start calling. And call every single day afterwards until you get it.

What do I do after my case number is assigned?

Get the IIN from an operator (ask for the 'Invoice Identification Number', not IIN). Give over the email addresses of the beneficiary and petitioner. Email the DS-3032 (from the beneficiary's email address) following the template linked above.

When can I email the DS-3032?

Right after you get your case number. There's a chance it could get rejected (because they got to your email before they're ready to take documents), but if that's the case, just re-send it. On the flip side, there's also a chance it could get accepted and you wouldn't have wasted any time.

Note: if doing online forms (check link above for eligibility), then fill out the DS-261 found online at the above link. Do NOT send the DS-3032.

I got an email from NVC that contains a bar-coded DS-3032 (along with other information). Do I re-send the DS-3032?

NO. Do NOT email another DS-3032. NVC automatically generates these emails and do not care if you've already sent in a DS-3032 or not; they include a DS-3032 anyways. Only if NVC responds to your first DS-3032 with a rejection do you send another one.

After the case number is assigned, how long does it take for the AOS bill to be invoiced?

Usually just a few days.

How much are the two bills? And how do I pay them?

The AOS costs $88 (per case) and the IV is $404 (per person). They have to be paid with a US banking account on the payment portal (site linked in first post). See information here: http://travel.state..../info_3906.html If you can't or don't want to pay online, here's a link to how to pay through the mail: http://travel.state..../info_3905.html .

Help! I can't sign into the payment portal. Why?

If you're getting an error message ("Please be advised that the case that you have attempted to access is not eligible for further processing by the National Visa Center at this time…" or "This case is in the process of termination. Fee payments and online forms can no longer be accepted…"), do NOT panic. This is actually good news! If you just got your case number, then this message means NVC is inputting your case in their system. If you get this message a few days after case number generation, then it's a good possibility that NVC is invoicing your AOS bill. And if this message appears a few days after DS-3032 acceptance, then there's a good chance the IV bill is being invoiced. And finally, if this message is appearing a few days or more after NVC received your packages, this is a good indication of case complete at NVC!

What is needed in the AOS package?

Generally, the following is needed:

With no joint sponsors:

- Bar-coded cover sheet from payment portal

- Cover letter (optional)

- Completed, signed, and dated I-864 form by petitioner

- Tax information* of petitioner (either just the last year OR the last 3 years)

- Employment letter of petitioner (optional, but good proof of CURRENT income)

- Pay stub(s) of petitioner (optional, but good proof of CURRENT income)

With joint sponsors:

- All of the above of the petitioner

- Completed, signed, and dated I-864 of joint sponsor

- Tax information* of joint sponsor (either just the last year OR the last 3 years)

- Proof of US citizenship/residency of joint sponsor (ex: copy of US passport, US birth certificate, US naturalization certificate, or front & back of green card)

- Employment letter of joint sponsor (optional, but good proof of CURRENT income)

- Pay stub(s) of joint sponsor (optional, but good proof of CURRENT income)

If the joint sponsor is a family member, also include proof of that relationship (example: if a parent is a joint sponsor, include the petitioner's birth certificate with parents' name on it to show link)

*You have two choices here of what to send in:

- Tax return transcripts ordered from IRS (preferred by NVC and of most consulates/embassies) RECOMMENDED

OR

- Tax returns (1040) and W2s and any other schedules (if applicable)

When does the IV bill get invoiced?

After you send the DS-3032, NVC will most likely respond in a few days with an acceptance email (or rejection). A few days after acceptance, the IV bill will be invoiced.

What is needed in the IV package?

Generally, the following is needed:

- Bar-coded cover sheet from payment portal

- Completed, signed, and dated DS-230 form by beneficiary (do NOT sign or date part 2; this is done at the interview) [note: if doing online forms (DS-260), the DS-230 is obviously not needed]

- Two passport-style photographs (2" x 2") of beneficiary (on the back, write: beneficiary's full name, date of birth, and case number)

- Copy of bio-data page of beneficiary's unexpired passport

- Original or Certified Copy of beneficiary's birth certificate, PLUS A PHOTOCOPY

- Original or Certified Copy of marriage certificate, PLUS A PHOTOCOPY

- Original police certificate(s)

Please read: http://travel.state..../info_3195.html for additional documents if applicable.

Also read the country-specific documents linked in the first post. There may be additional documents needed not listed above.

If my documents are not in English, do they need to be translated?

NVC's website states:

"All documents not written in English, or in the official language of the country in which application for a visa is being made, must be accompanied by certified translations and submitted to the NVC. The translation must include a statement signed by the translator stating that the:

-Translation is accurate, and

-Translator is competent to translate."

Despite this, I have seen cases of people getting checklists for not having translations of non-English documents. I'd suggest you get everything translated anyways to be on the safe side.

How long does it take for a bill to appear as PAID in the payment portal after paying it?

Usually just a day or two.

Do I have to wait for NVC to email me instructions before mailing packages?

NO. If you wait on NVC for this, it can take WEEKS to get anything from them. As long as the respective bill appears as PAID in the payment portal, you can mail in your package.

What address do I send the AOS and IV packages?

You will find their addresses on their respective bar-coded cover sheets, which are printed off the payment portal.

Can the packages be sent from abroad or does it have to be from within the US?

Doesn't matter where the package is sent from; NVC just needs to receive it.

Do the packages have to be sent separately or can they be sent together?

Either one or the other works. Again, as long as NVC receives both needed packages, they don't really care. Each way has their pros and cons.

After sending in the packages, how long does it take to get a case complete?

Lately, it's been taking just a week or two.

Do I get an email if my packages have been accepted?

No, not that I have seen. You have to call NVC every day and ask for updates on your case to find out if a package has been reviewed and accepted.

Do I get an email when my case is completed?

Generally, no. Only those doing EP (electronic processing) get the case complete emails. There are some non-EP folk that get case complete emails, but it's rare. Again, to find out if your case is complete, call an operator at NVC and ask.

After the case is completed, what happens?

In most cases: the case is put in a queue to get an interview date scheduled. Once an interview date is scheduled, the case is shipped out to the consulate/embassy.

Who should I be calling to find out my interview date?

You should be calling both NVC and DOS. Both have access to your case information. Their numbers are linked above.

How long does it take to get an interview date after a case complete?

This varies by country and consulate/embassy. Some people find out within a day or two, others a few weeks, then the few unfortunate that wait a few months (ex: Ghana). To get the best estimate for YOUR country is to search, using the timeline feature, when others got case completes and when they got their interview dates scheduled.

When do interview dates get scheduled?

If you talk to operators at NVC, they'll always tell you they ONLY schedule during the second week of each month. This is a LIE. They schedule interviews ALL month long. Many people (like myself) have gotten scheduled during the last week of the month. I repeat, they schedule ALL month long.

How long does it take for NVC to mail my case out after getting an interview date scheduled?

Usually it's the next day, but it can take up to a week or more in rare cases.

-------------------------------------------------------

Please note: the above time frames are just estimates. Do NOT freak out if your case takes a little bit longer. The time frames are constantly changing. They also depend on NVC's work load for that day/week.

-------------------------------------------------------

Summary of NVC process:

- get case number and IIN, give email addresses over

- email the DS-3032

- pay the AOS bill, once it's invoiced

- once the bill appears as PAID, mail the AOS package

- pay the IV bill, once it's invoiced

- once the bill appears as PAID, mail the IV package

- respond to any checklists, if applicable

- get case complete

- get interview date scheduled

Saylin! You are amazing! I've been reading over and over your wiki for Canadian! I got my noa2 march 9th! You got me ready ! You rock!

[Darnell 8,478]

They said it completed final review Friday. Well, rather their exact words is that the case was complete. I'll ask them that during the daily call tomorrow. That said, I can't help but feel that our chances for an April interview are dropping like a stone.

you not study the GUZ IV EP TimeTicks, foofoobaz.

Final Review is important.

Once it's done, scheduling occurs within 72 hours.

[Darnell 8,478]

I called NVC 4-5 times in the last few days about my daughter's case. Each time the operator said that your daughter didn't have an email, I told him/her to use mine. It sounded like that it was added. I wonder what system they are using.

It's still not clear to me whether they linked my wife's case with my daughter's case, I got a different answer each time. As of today, I was told that the computer shows they are linked together now. I don't know what to believe. How am I sure that they are linked?

My current situation is as follows:

wife got NVC number (GZO, as of Feb. 17), paid AOS bill and IV bill.

daughter got NVC number (GZO), paid AOS bill; but still waiting for IV bill.

It's pretty frustrating to say the least. It's almost a month after my wife got her NVC number. I got all AOS, DS230 forms ready to send. I don't want to chase on two different cases. Any ideas how to proceed?

Thanks

Jiang

When you call back, ask for a supervisor.

Questions for the Supervisor:

1. two casefiles are joined up, or no?

2. OPT IN Accepted on daughters casefile, or no?

3. What's up with detaching the DS-3032 with the OPT IN email on the daughter's casefile, and attaching it to her case in SAFEFILE? What's the holdup ?

----

So the AOS bill was generated and paid, and the DS-3032 has been re-sent. How long before I'd get a confirmation on the DS-3032? And approximately how long would it take before the IV bill is generated?

ya know, some folk had this exact same issue in the FEB 2012 NVC thread.

Suggest you read a bit there, tonight-ish, see what's what.

[Neela & Jitu 79]

You can use the numbers on your tax transcripts to get the amounts for question 25.

-If a 1040 was filed, use the 'total income' line.

-If a 1040EZ was filed, use the "adjusted gross income" line.

And yes, if you're sending in the last 3 years of tax info, then check both boxes on that question.

And yes, don't just fill in question 25. Re-print the I-864 already filled out (that I hope you still have on a computer, saved), and then simply fill in question 25.

Include these new filled out I-864 and I-864A (make sure they're both signed and dated!), the bar-coded cover sheet from the checklist, and I believe you also have to include the checklist (but not sure, read what it says).

Saylin ,you already mention here on Page 70.sorry i didnt Notice.Now its Clear.Thanks

[Darnell 8,478]

its been over a week since case number and we;re still waiting for aos bill

you got rehomed from GUZ to MTL, right?

have the USCitizen call back to NVC, ask for a new AOS fee bill with the MTL case number.

Good Luck !

[Darnell 8,478]

Called NVC during lunch time. My RFE for IV has been cleared and been told CASE COMPLETE as of today!

I would expect an email of case complete from NVC, but the operator said no. And she won't say anything about the interview date either.

recheck my post about GUZ IV timeticks for EP processing, there's some questions you need to ask about final review, todayish.

Hopefully there is still some chance of an April interview for both of us. Though, that does seem to be getting pretty slim lately.

why? you are pegged for the special, hidden, scheduling queue for GUZ IV for EP cases.

NVC TeleOperators know nothing of it.

This is, at least, the 4th time I've mentioned it this month.

What's up?

Choose yer info source, quickly.