Getting concerned. Haven't received first NOA yet.

[Artist 0]

My husband (New Zealander/Australian) and I (American) got married in February, and we did a Direct Consular Filing (DCF) in Melbourne, Australia (where we both live) on April 21st. We were filing an I-130 for a CR1/IR1 visa. It's now May 13th, and we've not received the first NOA yet.

I'm beginning to get a little worried, because it seems that a lot of people get their first NOA quite quickly if their filing went smoothly. Ours went VERY smoothly--only took a few minutes--but I was concerned when the guy doing our paperwork didn't even think we needed to include much evidence. (I'd brought photos, photocopied stuff, everything. He didn't want any of it.) He just stamped his approval, telling us we'd get the NOA in about two weeks, and off we went.

It's just been three weeks now, but I want to know what to expect. My student visa in Australia runs out on September 30th, and we have like a "proper" wedding with our families and friends (not the courthouse one!) on October 28th, so we're pressed for time, all around, I'd say.

If it is indeed normal that they're taking longer than they'd said they would (I mean, it IS government, I know.), what can we be doing now that will aid our process in the next step? Like, could we go ahead and setup an immigration doctor's appointment, ahead of time a bit, so we have something ready for when we get to that step, or any other stuff? As I'm sure you all know, it's the waiting that kills on this sort of stuff, and I'm going nuts not having anything to do for it, just depending on people I'll never meet to do me right.

Thanks very much.

[payxibka 10,047]

has your fee payment been cashed?

[Artist 0]

has your fee payment been cashed?

We had to pay in cash, because their system was down THAT day. We panicked. We weren't sure how much it would be, but we brought $520 with us...ended up being more, because of that day's exchange, but we scrounged up change. But yes, we paid in full that day and have the receipt from it.

[Penguin_ie 5,996]

You won't be getting NOAs, as you are filing via DCF, not via the USA. Every embassy is different in how they handle DCF, but chances are, the next thing you'll get is Packet 3 or something similar, with details of where to do the medical etc. Hop over to the DCF forum and ask for Australian experiences, I know there are several Aussies in that forum that have files DCF.

[kaffy 2]

Most Aussie DCFers have their petitions approved in 1-2 weeks.. you are just past your 2nd week so you're not too far past the usual timeframe

I-130 approval notice and packet 3 comes via email. Have you been checking your email?

mods- please move this to the DCF forum, thanks

Edited May 13, 2009 by kaffy

[Artist 0]

You won't be getting NOAs, as you are filing via DCF, not via the USA. Every embassy is different in how they handle DCF, but chances are, the next thing you'll get is Packet 3 or something similar, with details of where to do the medical etc. Hop over to the DCF forum and ask for Australian experiences, I know there are several Aussies in that forum that have files DCF.

Thanks so much, Penguin!

Here's the link for anyone that wants to reply there: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=196669

That's weird it has taken so long.. most Aussie DCFers have their petitions approved in 1-2 weeks

I-130 approval notice and packet 3 comes via email. Have you been checking your email?

mods- please move this to the DCF forum, thanks

I've posted over there now. I'm too quick for mods! (Sorry!)

And yeah, we check our mail daily...nothing. Getting really paranoid, because my visa to come to Australia was farked up, so I know all too well how this can affect plans.

[payxibka 10,047]

mods- please move this to the DCF forum, thanks

Can an organizer do it?