Calling the NVC for updates

[CoolHand2x2y2z 0]

I'm wondering if those case letters (the 3 letters before the numbers) mean anything in terms of which cases they've worked on recently. The voice tells you to press 1,2,3,4 and then you get a message. But if they don't mention your three letters, you press 5 and get a live operator after a wait. So, if a case goes to the operator, does that mean that they haven't touched it lately?

I had a recording once, but not lately.

Also, has anybody had any luck with the e-mail inquiry? It doesn't seem to be that quick of a reply for me -I haven't had a response in a week.

[sydkym 0]

The 3 letters correspond to the embassy/consolate that you´ll be interviewing at. For example, ours is LMA for Lima, Peru. Has nothing to do with what order they work on the cases. They can´t mention all the possibilities on the recording--you´d be waiting all day! Instead, when you call the NVC, press 1 for English, then press 1 again, and then press 2, then you can enter your 3 letters, and then the numbers. It will tell you exactly what step you are on in the NVC process and then if you still want more info, you can press 0 to talk to the operator.

[CoolHand2x2y2z 0]

THANKS! That did the trick and I got through.

--However, no new updates...

[YOUTOO 2]

I have to agree with you, e-mailing the NVC and expecting a quick answer is unreasonable.

Last time I waited a week, this time it's nine days already. I am not sure if e-mailing them

daily, gets replies back every day then after the initial waiting time. I am not sure if that

would affect the processing of the documents. And I don't know if calling and either using

the automated response system or talking to an operator affects the e-mail response.

I have seen people reporting replies within 4 days. Maybe I am the only one, but everything

seems to take twice as long in my case. Looking at timelines, some people report receipt

at NVC at a given day and a case complete notice just a couple of days afterwards. I am

alreaady sitting 10 days without results. Go figure.............

[EdgarVirginia 0]

The authomated message isn't allways updated, so I've allways chosen talking to an operator rather than listen to their authomated system. Based on my experience I think you can get a safer response talking to a live operator.

[YOUTOO 2]

Good point. I remember seeing a post that mentioned about the updates

on NVC's automated system, which indicated updates are done on Tuesdays.

I think you guys in the states are on Wednesday as well, so today would

be an opportune time to check the automated system.

[cmoncada 0]

It has been exactly 21 days and NVC still has not received my case number. I feel like my case takes longer in every way possible. I am seeing everyone around me move right along but I am always left waiting in the dark. It is so frustrating.

Good point. I remember seeing a post that mentioned about the updates

on NVC's automated system, which indicated updates are done on Tuesdays.

I think you guys in the states are on Wednesday as well, so today would

be an opportune time to check the automated system.

[CoolHand2x2y2z 0]

Of the three methods (recorded message, live operator, and e-mail), here's my opinion on them after redialing a billion times to get through:

1) Forget e-mailing... Unless you are willing to wait and wait for a reply. It gets nowhere fast. I still haven't got a response.

2) The recorded message is good for general announcements, but can be misleading. For example, I got the message today that a letter was sent to me yesterday to indicate "missing paperwork." I almost had a heart attack... Knowing they take about 10 days to get anything to me by mail, I wanted to be ready for the bad news -I had to know what was missing.

3) The live operator is tough to get sometimes. The system kicks you out if there are too many people on the line. Just dial the number and hit #1 and then #5 and hope it lets you wait. After dialing about 15 times today, I was allowed to wait, which has been about 5 minutes. Thank goodness I have Internet phone.

Anyway, the live operator told me that my I-864 was approved and entered into the system. The missing component is the $400 that hasn't been entered, though my UPS tracking said they got it a week ago. Don't be like me: Pay online!

So, the best bet is probably the live operator.