Haven't received visa case number yet

[ahlpo 0]

After a successful appointment at the US Embassy in London on Thursday 22 January, we were told by the Immigration Officer that our I-130 would be approved.

The following week, around Tuesday 27 January I think, we received a confirmation dated Friday 23 January and that we would hear from the Immigrant Visa Unit regarding the next steps to follow. We're specifically interested in getting our LND case number to schedule the medical.

Unfortunately we still haven't received anything in the post yet and we'd like to keep things moving forward. I suppose that with the recent weather turmoil some delays should be expected but it's now been almost 2 weeks since our approval.

Looking at other people's timelines indicates that it usually takes about a week to 10 days before receiving the next packet. I sent an email on Monday to try to find out our case number but received a response indicating that my message would be deleted without getting read.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Do I really need to call the extortion line to get a special email code?

Edited February 5, 2009 by ahlpo

[frali 2]

Usually the embassy does not reply unless you have the email code. I hate the extortion line.

The package does sometimes take a long time to arrive in mail. Why don't you wait till the weekend and chase it up on Monday?

Good luck!

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

Just a shot in the dark, but you might try calling the DOS on (202) 663 1225; press 1 then 0 after the call connects. Although they generally need to look things up by case number, there is a chance that if you give them the beneficiary's details they might be able to look the case number up for you. For the cost of a call to the US it's not that big a punt!

[ahlpo 0]

Unfortunately she doesn't seem to have a case number yet.

I tried calling the extortion line in the UK and they told me it looks like their system hadn't been updated yet. As of now, they don't have one for her.

Then I tried calling the DOS and they said they have no record of her. I was told that getting a response in 10 days is not uncommon but also that sometimes it can take up to a month.

I'm probably just worrying too much about it, thinking that maybe her file got misplaced or something. Wishful thinking also had me hoping for things to keep moving smoothly so we could get the medical out of the way.

In any event, I got an special code and sent an email to find out where things are. Hopefully I get a response soon and they don't get upset and "decide" to delay her application.

Thanks for the suggestions.

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

Glad we could help. Sometimes these things do take time to get put on the system, and all the snow can't be helping things. Keep us updated -- and try calling the DOS daily if you feel like it to see if the case has been put on the system. Good luck!

[ahlpo 0]

Do visa applications at the US Embassy in London get entered into the Department of State (DOS) System?

I thought the Immigrant Visa Unit at the Consulate handles the matter and the NVC is not involved.

Perhaps I'm not understanding the process correctly. What do you think?

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

The DOS can see everything (or almost everything) that the Embassy extortion line can. I did DCF through London and once I knew I could call the DOS I stopped calling the Embassy. The last time I called the Embassy, they told me my P3 had not arrived; I called the DOS immediately after and I was told my P3 was not only received but was in the queue for getting an interview date.

DOS handles NVC and after, so by all means call them. Cheaper, faster, more helpful and I thought friendlier too!