February filers at CSC

[Rimma&Vadim 0]

Here is afternoon and we still don't have NOA2.

[Big Papa Zone 93]

Here is afternoon and we still don't have NOA2.

Nope, me neither - it's time to ring these guys. Now then, I dialled the following number: 800-375-5283. I was met with the usual automated bollox, and it just never seemed to end - what options do I need to press to get through to a human being at USCIS!!???

[cwaf 1]

I called the NVC and they verified my petition was there, but not yet sent to Kiev. The woman said to call back on Friday. She said they have only had it "a few days". It must have gotten there quickly since it was just approved on the 22nd! :-)

Here is afternoon and we still don't have NOA2.

Nope, me neither - it's time to ring these guys. Now then, I dialled the following number: 800-375-5283. I was met with the usual automated bollox, and it just never seemed to end - what options do I need to press to get through to a human being at USCIS!!???

Damian..this is from someone else's post, but it should be what you need.

"Here is what I did to shake things loose. The keys are to [1] reach a correct person, and [2] speak USCIS's language.

Call 800-375-5283 , then hit 1,2,2,4,2,1; enter your receipt number; hit 1,1. (There is no need to wait for all of the recorded options to be read before you hit these buttons.) The recording will almost certainly say that "additional evidence is required," but don't necessarily believe it.

When the phone rings, you should be speaking with an actual Immigration Officer (not a clueless front-line screener who can tell you only what you already know). If the recording said that "additional evidence is required," ask the ImmOff exactly this: "Why does the recording say that I have a Request For Evidence?" He/she will almost certainly tell you that there's no record of an RFE; thank him/her profusely.

Then (or first), ask exactly this: "Will you please tell me exactly where in the Division my file is?" He/she will tell you. Then say exactly this: "I'm aware that several files received after mine have already been approved, and the USCIS website clearly says 'we process applications in the order we receive them.' Will you please send an e-mail to the floor, and ask the person at the ____ station [whatever the ImmOff told you] to please hand-carry the file to the next station?"

The ImmOff will appreciate your "speaking the language," because it is so different from the usual plaintive "do something!" that they hear all day, every day. The e-mail should at least cause one of the processors on the floor to handle your file, and your record on the USCIS Case Status website may soon reflect a "touch."

The procedures that I have recommended are worth it, and you should feel better afterwards. Depending on how long ago you have submitted your application (the longer, the "better"), you can repeat this process every 10 to 14 days.

Do NOT mention that you are part of an on-line community; this is not necessary, and mentioning it could hinder your success. However, feel free to post your stories on VJ! "

[Big Papa Zone 93]

I called the NVC and they verified my petition was there, but not yet sent to Kiev. The woman said to call back on Friday. She said they have only had it "a few days". It must have gotten there quickly since it was just approved on the 22nd! :-)

I'm pleased for ya, cwaf, but can you answer my question!!?? How do I get a human being on the line at the USCIS service centre!!?? All I'm getting is the automated service no matter what buttons I push! AND IT'S DRIVING ME NUTS!!!!!!!

[Big Papa Zone 93]

I called the NVC and they verified my petition was there, but not yet sent to Kiev. The woman said to call back on Friday. She said they have only had it "a few days". It must have gotten there quickly since it was just approved on the 22nd! :-)

Here is afternoon and we still don't have NOA2.

Nope, me neither - it's time to ring these guys. Now then, I dialled the following number: 800-375-5283. I was met with the usual automated bollox, and it just never seemed to end - what options do I need to press to get through to a human being at USCIS!!???

Damian..this is from someone else's post, but it should be what you need.

"Here is what I did to shake things loose. The keys are to [1] reach a correct person, and [2] speak USCIS's language.

Call 800-375-5283 , then hit 1,2,2,4,2,1; enter your receipt number; hit 1,1. (There is no need to wait for all of the recorded options to be read before you hit these buttons.) The recording will almost certainly say that "additional evidence is required," but don't necessarily believe it.

When the phone rings, you should be speaking with an actual Immigration Officer (not a clueless front-line screener who can tell you only what you already know). If the recording said that "additional evidence is required," ask the ImmOff exactly this: "Why does the recording say that I have a Request For Evidence?" He/she will almost certainly tell you that there's no record of an RFE; thank him/her profusely.

Then (or first), ask exactly this: "Will you please tell me exactly where in the Division my file is?" He/she will tell you. Then say exactly this: "I'm aware that several files received after mine have already been approved, and the USCIS website clearly says 'we process applications in the order we receive them.' Will you please send an e-mail to the floor, and ask the person at the ____ station [whatever the ImmOff told you] to please hand-carry the file to the next station?"

The ImmOff will appreciate your "speaking the language," because it is so different from the usual plaintive "do something!" that they hear all day, every day. The e-mail should at least cause one of the processors on the floor to handle your file, and your record on the USCIS Case Status website may soon reflect a "touch."

The procedures that I have recommended are worth it, and you should feel better afterwards. Depending on how long ago you have submitted your application (the longer, the "better"), you can repeat this process every 10 to 14 days.

Do NOT mention that you are part of an on-line community; this is not necessary, and mentioning it could hinder your success. However, feel free to post your stories on VJ! "

Cheers cwaf!! You're a good lad. I'll try that now!

[Scarlett 0]

I called the NVC and they verified my petition was there, but not yet sent to Kiev. The woman said to call back on Friday. She said they have only had it "a few days". It must have gotten there quickly since it was just approved on the 22nd! :-)

quote]

Just called NVC and they still don't have my petition. Poo. She was nice, but said it is not unusual for them to take 2-4 weeks, so not to bother calling CIS yet.

[Scarlett 0]

I called the NVC and they verified my petition was there, but not yet sent to Kiev. The woman said to call back on Friday. She said they have only had it "a few days". It must have gotten there quickly since it was just approved on the 22nd! :-)

Just called NVC and they still don't have my petition. Poo. She was nice, but said it is not unusual for them to take 2-4 weeks, so not to bother calling CIS yet.

Well I ignored her and called CIS...And she said she can't tell me whether they sent it yet...But that they often send them direct to the Consulate abroad (!?)

Is she crazy/ bluffing to get rid of me, or is this true? I shall call London and find out.

Sometimes I think it would be better not to call anyone and just to wait... But I just can't seem to stop myself!

[aravis227 1]

I called the NVC and they verified my petition was there, but not yet sent to Kiev. The woman said to call back on Friday. She said they have only had it "a few days". It must have gotten there quickly since it was just approved on the 22nd! :-)

Just called NVC and they still don't have my petition. Poo. She was nice, but said it is not unusual for them to take 2-4 weeks, so not to bother calling CIS yet.

Well I ignored her and called CIS...And she said she can't tell me whether they sent it yet...But that they often send them direct to the Consulate abroad (!?)

Is she crazy/ bluffing to get rid of me, or is this true? I shall call London and find out.

Sometimes I think it would be better not to call anyone and just to wait... But I just can't seem to stop myself!

I've heard of people at CIS saying that before...it's a case of people not knowing what they're talking about. They ALWAYS go to the NVC first, CIS never sends them directly to the consulate. I know it's hard...try to be patient *hugs* Call NVC again tomorrow, it might not be "unusual" for that to happen...but I certainly think it's rare, they're just covering their bums.

[KimandRuss 0]

Pardon the intrusion... but CIS and NVC aren't always likely to give you an answer because the petition moves through so fast. If you call DOS, they can tell you if/when your petition has been sent to the Consulate and even if you have an interview date set already... (202) 663-1225 Press 1, then Press 0.

[Scarlett 0]

I called the NVC and they verified my petition was there, but not yet sent to Kiev. The woman said to call back on Friday. She said they have only had it "a few days". It must have gotten there quickly since it was just approved on the 22nd! :-)

Just called NVC and they still don't have my petition. Poo. She was nice, but said it is not unusual for them to take 2-4 weeks, so not to bother calling CIS yet.

Well I ignored her and called CIS...And she said she can't tell me whether they sent it yet...But that they often send them direct to the Consulate abroad (!?)

Is she crazy/ bluffing to get rid of me, or is this true? I shall call London and find out.

Sometimes I think it would be better not to call anyone and just to wait... But I just can't seem to stop myself!

OK, it is not in London, so CIS made a 'mistake' telling me that. I guess I just have to wait.

Thanks for the moral support

Pardon the intrusion... but CIS and NVC aren't always likely to give you an answer because the petition moves through so fast. If you call DOS, they can tell you if/when your petition has been sent to the Consulate and even if you have an interview date set already... (202) 663-1225 Press 1, then Press 0.

Oh, cheers, no intrusion

Are they able to tell when it has left CIS do you think? I might as well call them too - I'm on a roll now...

[Scarlett 0]

Pardon the intrusion... but CIS and NVC aren't always likely to give you an answer because the petition moves through so fast. If you call DOS, they can tell you if/when your petition has been sent to the Consulate and even if you have an interview date set already... (202) 663-1225 Press 1, then Press 0.

Oh, cheers, no intrusion

Are they able to tell when it has left CIS do you think? I might as well call them too - I'm on a roll now...

Eeeek. DOS say that they have no record of my CIS receipt number and transferred me to the National Visa centre (again). So I hung up. This is a wild goose chase I think, and I am going to stop now before I start to panic.

I hope they had no record because they need my new 'case' number and not my CIS receipt number?

[aravis227 1]

Pardon the intrusion... but CIS and NVC aren't always likely to give you an answer because the petition moves through so fast. If you call DOS, they can tell you if/when your petition has been sent to the Consulate and even if you have an interview date set already... (202) 663-1225 Press 1, then Press 0.

Oh, cheers, no intrusion

Are they able to tell when it has left CIS do you think? I might as well call them too - I'm on a roll now...

Eeeek. DOS say that they have no record of my CIS receipt number and transferred me to the National Visa centre (again). So I hung up. This is a wild goose chase I think, and I am going to stop now before I start to panic.

I hope they had no record because they need my new 'case' number and not my CIS receipt number?

I'm sure it's ok...maybe you just got someone new who didn't really know what they were doing or you could be right that you have to have the new number. I think you have the right idea about stopping now...call NVC tomorrow and if they still don't have anything, call DOS again.

[KimandRuss 0]

It takes a bit longer for CSC petitions to get way over here to NH. It could very well be in the building and just not into the system yet. You'll have your new case # once it's in there. Don't start to panic just yet.

[Don E 0]

I thought that I'd share my most recent experiences with the DOS and NVC phone numbers. I called the DOS this morning. When I gave them my DOS case number, they couldn't pull up anything at all. So, they transferred me to the NVC. I asked them for the status of my case. The guy just told me that it had been received yesterday and had not been sent out yet. The woman I spoke with at DOS said this sometimes happens and they don't understand why. The guy at NVC said that I'm welcome to call back and check again and that "typically" they will send out notices when the case is forwarded to the embassy. This just confirms (again) that there is no consistency in any of this process.

[Scarlett 0]

I thought that I'd share my most recent experiences with the DOS and NVC phone numbers. I called the DOS this morning. When I gave them my DOS case number, they couldn't pull up anything at all. So, they transferred me to the NVC. I asked them for the status of my case. The guy just told me that it had been received yesterday and had not been sent out yet. The woman I spoke with at DOS said this sometimes happens and they don't understand why. The guy at NVC said that I'm welcome to call back and check again and that "typically" they will send out notices when the case is forwarded to the embassy. This just confirms (again) that there is no consistency in any of this process.

Thanks Don - I know you've been on the sticky end of this issue for a while. So I thought I'd join you

My conslusion is that most people on the telephones don't know what they are talking about!