Can't find the 129F on NVC automated system

[SA-&-BA 0]

Hi VJers, Please help me understand the following:

I called the NVC automated system and enterd the USCIS # for my I-129F - Prompt said no case was found.

but when I entered the USCIS # for I-130 - Prompt said they have recieved the file from USCIS and gave me ISLXXXX #.

Both my 129 and 130 were approved the same day on 12/2. Is this usual? or should I have heard an ISLXXX # for I-129F too.

Please help and advise.

[YuAndDan 153]

This is a frequent question.

I-129F will NOT be in the automated system, NVC only puts IMMIGRANT visa (I-130) status in the automated system. The I-129F passes through NVC in less than a month, so is not recorded on the automated system, to get status you need to talk to an operator, or email NVC.

Yes is is becoming very common for both to be approved same date.

It is recommended to keep the I-130 moving through NVC, and with luck the I-130 makes it to the consulate before K-3 interview, this way you will get interviewed for the superior CR-1 visa.

The CR-1 is an IMMIGRANT visa, and is the least expensive, it gets a green-card upon entry to the USA. K-3 may be a bot quicket, but it has the added expence of adjustment of status, and is NOT work auth so has the added 90 days or so of limbo where cann do things like get SSN, apply for driver's license, bank accounts, etc..

For the most part CR-1 tends to take a bit longer than K-3 to get if you prepare for NVC when they request I-864 fee, and Visa fee, as well as documents requested by NVC. In many cases the CR-1 petition reaches the consulate just before K-3 interview, which causes K-3 to get dropped and the interview becomes a CR-1 visa interview.

K-3:

I-130: $355

I-129F: NONE

Consulate: $131

AOS: $1010

($1496)

CR-1

I-130: $355

NVC I-864: $70

NVC Visa fee: $400 ($355+$45)

($825)

I see many posts from K-3 holders stating, "Wow this sucks, I am stuck at home because I don't have EAD, DL, etc, or I am having hard time getting added to bank accounts because of NO SSN." K-3 has a 90 day or longer period of limbo while waiting for EAD or Green-card.

Edited December 8, 2008 by YuAndDan

[Alli and Léo 0]

It is normal to have both petitions approved at the same time but the I-129F petition is only touched and forwarded to the embassy so the AVR is generally not updated for this petition...it is only passing through.

[SA-&-BA 0]

Thanks guys, I was worried a little there for a moment.... (don't trust this system at all)

It is normal to have both petitions approved at the same time but the I-129F petition is only touched and forwarded to the embassy so the AVR is generally not updated for this petition...it is only passing through.

[himher 634]

We got our I129F case number verbally from the NVC. They never forwarded the I130 just the I129F so we were never in the automated system.