Electronic Processing

[zenaxe 22]

I'm hoping EP is still a better way to file and I remain optimisitc. There have been, however, a few glitches along the way. One of the main issues myself and others have encountered relates to the sending of documents prior to be asked. Specifically I refer to the DS3032, I 864 and DS230 packages.

In my case, I sent the DS3032 attached to the OPTIN email. It took them a few weeks but finally we got acceptance into the EP process. However they then said they hadn't received my DS3032. In total, based on advice given to my by NVC operators and a supervisor I sent several OPTNS with and without the Ds3032. This is now on track as far as I am aware.

Further, I sent the I 864 package and all supporting documents correctly to NVC right after the payment portal produced a PAID status. That was Apr 5th - NVC sent me noticition thay documents have been received and that notification was attached to my 'please find attached the I 864 and support documents' email to them so I naturally assumed this receipt of documents related to that package. This turns out to be wrong and, in fact, NVC had confirmed my DS3032.

I was advised by NVC that they were still waiting for my I 864 and package so I resent the entire thing.

Our IV bill was generated on Apr 15th and paid Apr 16th (that was quick !!) and thus I sent off the DS230 and package accordingly. I now believe that I'll have to resend that package and am expecting NVC to advise accordingly like with everything else.

So, as we are all going through EP and learning, and given some possibly changes to the process, our shared experiences will help each other.

At this time, I don't know if it's better to wait for NVC to ask for those particular documents or if we should continue sending them in an effort to save time, as per the regular advice on VJ and by those who traveled this road.

This morning's AVR confirms that my IV bill has been paid - I have no confirmation on my I 864 and, of course, the DS230 package is still too new. I'll likely call NVC next week just to see if they can review and find the I 864 let alone the DS30.

Oh, lastly, because some of us have been told to resend the OPTIN and DS3032, I received more than one confirmation of OPTIN - I would have hoped things wore more integrated and that if the case has been processed for EP then the second or third OPTIN would be deleted etc, much like a K3 and CR1 coming in at the same time.

Anyway, I see others posting in their signature timelines snd they are getting case completion very quickly after NVC gets all the documents so that is very encouraging.

Thoughts?

[zenaxe 22]

I'm hoping EP is still a better way to file and I remain optimisitc. There have been, however, a few glitches along the way. One of the main issues myself and others have encountered relates to the sending of documents prior to be asked. Specifically I refer to the DS3032, I 864 and DS230 packages.

In my case, I sent the DS3032 attached to the OPTIN email. It took them a few weeks but finally we got acceptance into the EP process. However they then said they hadn't received my DS3032. In total, based on advice given to my by NVC operators and a supervisor I sent several OPTNS with and without the Ds3032. This is now on track as far as I am aware.

Further, I sent the I 864 package and all supporting documents correctly to NVC right after the payment portal produced a PAID status. That was Apr 5th - NVC sent me noticition thay documents have been received and that notification was attached to my 'please find attached the I 864 and support documents' email to them so I naturally assumed this receipt of documents related to that package. This turns out to be wrong and, in fact, NVC had confirmed my DS3032.

I was advised by NVC that they were still waiting for my I 864 and package so I resent the entire thing.

Our IV bill was generated on Apr 15th and paid Apr 16th (that was quick !!) and thus I sent off the DS230 and package accordingly. I now believe that I'll have to resend that package and am expecting NVC to advise accordingly like with everything else.

So, as we are all going through EP and learning, and given some possibly changes to the process, our shared experiences will help each other.

At this time, I don't know if it's better to wait for NVC to ask for those particular documents or if we should continue sending them in an effort to save time, as per the regular advice on VJ and by those who traveled this road.

This morning's AVR confirms that my IV bill has been paid - I have no confirmation on my I 864 and, of course, the DS230 package is still too new. I'll likely call NVC next week just to see if they can review and find the I 864 let alone the DS30.

Oh, lastly, because some of us have been told to resend the OPTIN and DS3032, I received more than one confirmation of OPTIN - I would have hoped things wore more integrated and that if the case has been processed for EP then the second or third OPTIN would be deleted etc, much like a K3 and CR1 coming in at the same time.

Anyway, I see others posting in their signature timelines snd they are getting case completion very quickly after NVC gets all the documents so that is very encouraging.

Thoughts?

I tried editing this thing but it wouldn't let me nor would it let me delete it sooooooooo I"m just posting the edited version. Sorry for the long read and for getting it twice....but !!

I'm hoping EP is still a better way to file and I remain optimisitc. There have been, however, a few glitches along the way. One of the main issues myself and others have encountered relates to the sending of documents prior to being asked by NVC. Specifically I refer to the DS3032, and I 864 and DS230 packages.

In my case, I sent the DS3032 attached to the OPTIN email. It took NVC a few weeks (standard) but finally we got acceptance into the EP process. I may have ranted on the boards in between heh heh. However NVC then said they hadn't received my DS3032. In total, based on advice given to me by NVC operators and a supervisor, I sent in several OPTINS with and without the Ds3032. This is now on track as far as I am aware.

Further, I sent the I 864 package and all supporting documents correctly to NVC right after the payment portal produced a PAID status on the AOS bill. That was Apr 5th - NVC sent me notification that 'documents have been received' and that notification was attached to my 'please find attached the I 864 and support documents' email to them so I naturally assumed this receipt of documents related to the I 864 package. This turns out to be wrong and, in fact, NVC had confirmed my DS3032 document.

I was also advised by NVC (by email) that they were still waiting for my I 864 and package so I resent the entire thing the other day.

Our IV bill was generated on Apr 15th and confirmed paid Apr 16th (that was quick !!) and thus I sent off the DS230 and package accordingly. I now believe that I'll have to resend that package and am expecting NVC to advise accordingly like with everything else.

So, as we are all going through EP and learning, and given some possible changes to the process, our shared experiences will help each other and keep us informed.

At this time, I don't know if it's better to wait for NVC to ask for those particular documents or if we should continue sending them early in an effort to save time, as per the regular advice on VJ and by those before us who traveled this road.

This morning's AVR confirms that my IV bill has been paid - I have no confirmation on my I 864 and, of course, the DS230 package is still too new and won't make an appearance in the confirmation stage for a bit. I'll likely call NVC next week just to see if they can review and find the I 864 let alone the DS30.

Lastly, because some of us have been told to resend the OPTIN and DS3032, I received more than one confirmation of OPTIN - I would have hoped things at NVC were more integrated and that if the case has been processed for EP then the second or third OPTIN email would be deleted etc, much like a K3 and CR1 coming in at the same time. NVC isn't confirming both pathways, only the CR 1 in that case.

Anyway, I see others posting in their signature timelines snd they are getting case completion very quickly after NVC gets all the documents so that is very encouraging and likely makes this the most expeditious route.

Thoughts?

[zenaxe 22]

OK, here is the email response I got back from submitting the DS-230 on Monday (just received this morning):

Dear Sir/Madam:

Thank you for your interest in processing your case electronically with the National Visa Center (NVC).

Your case has been updated with the email address you have provided to us.

All further communication with NVC will now be done through this email address NVCElectronic@state.gov.

All documents and forms that we request and require from you should be scanned copies of the originals. The applicant must present all original forms and documents to the Consular officer at the visa interview. Failure to present the required originals at the visa interview will result in a denial or delay in obtaining a visa for the sponsored applicant.

Any questions regarding your petition should now be directed to NVCElectronic@state.gov.

The Affidavit of Support instructions were downloaded on 09 March 2010. Once you have gathered all of the information and completed the necessary form, please scan the documents and email them to us.

The Instruction Packet was downloaded on 09 March 2010. Once you have gathered all of the information and completed the necessary form, please scan the documents and email them to us.

Regards,

NVC Document Review Team

National Visa Center

Serco Inc., Support Contractor

NVCElectronic@state.gov

This does NOT seem right to me - shouldn't it actually say that my DS-230 has been received on it? I am so confused. And nothing on the I-864. Sigh. I hate this. And phoning NVC is no good, because they have no access to the department that handles the EP.

This email confirms that you are now set up for EP - you may or may not have to resend the Ds3032 - they will probably email you to advise they are missing the 3032, if so resend it and they should confirm that they've received it.

The EP process isn't exactly like walking down a lighted hallway, more like navigating in the dark with a flashlight and bumping into a few things along the way. Other than VJ and others helping out, there's little support.

[FireRay 1]

I think this was a bad time to go with EP. Because of the glitches they seem to be having, I think it cost me a little bit of time. Non-EP (with no RFE) is getting through NVC in 8-11 days. I am at 16 days so far, and have no idea if they even have my documents. Sigh.

Did you try calling them and talk to an operator? I did, and she was very helpful and didnt mind me asking. And she told me to call when ever I wanted.

But so far, I agree. Perhaps now is a bad time to go with EP. Something is definatly going on.

[zenaxe 22]

Did you try calling them and talk to an operator? I did, and she was very helpful and didnt mind me asking. And she told me to call when ever I wanted.

But so far, I agree. Perhaps now is a bad time to go with EP. Something is definatly going on.

Really?? Snail mail is moving faster than EP? Are you sure?

[Darnell 8,478]

Ya, it 'seems' that snail mail NVC processing is going faster than EP . grrr

NB - NVC slowed down considerably in March, and EP itself slowed down to halt, almost at the same time.

I've convinced there was a 'new software program' or a 'software update' that is causing all of this delay .

[ValerieA 350]

Yeah, after posting that the operator felt it was still faster, I went and checked the April NVC thread for CR-1's. They really do seem to be clicking through the process, as long as they do not have RFE's.

[zenaxe 22]

A question for those who got through NVC via EP. Does the NVC email the scheduled interview letter or do they sent a hardcopy. We have to bring that letter with us to the consulate at the time of interview. I've not seen this information posted. Just curious.

Thanks.

[Married2009 32]

Haven't gotten mine, you understand, but it seems they email the interview letters to both parties. We opted for EP, and had a case complete 8 days after they received the DS-230.

[sdw 10]

I was emailed interview letter. I printed it off and used that for medical and interview and had no problems.

[FireRay 1]

Haven't gotten mine, you understand, but it seems they email the interview letters to both parties. We opted for EP, and had a case complete 8 days after they received the DS-230.

Then there is a glimmer of hope that e-mailed the ds-230 last week. Let us hope, because my 8 days is in a few days. I was figureing they woudlnt get to it for atleast 2 weeks, like the other things. Though I must say, the AVR does have me confused. It says that the NVC has all my documents, and to allow 6-8 weeks for a decision to be reached, so perhaps they have my I-864 and DS-230. But the e-mail they sent me was requesting my DS-230. Lol I dont know!

[FireRay 1]

Really?? Snail mail is moving faster than EP? Are you sure?

I would think so, Looking at folks's timeline that are not doing EP, and it seems so. Now granted, if they get an RFE it takes them a while longer. But the ones without are getting through in around a month.

Look at how long its taking them to get to the documents - 2 weeks or so PER form, from when you e-mailed them. And not to mention all the trouble they seem to be with having all the documents, or loosing them.

Edited April 18, 2010 by FireRay

[zenaxe 22]

I would think so, Looking at folks's timeline that are not doing EP, and it seems so. Now granted, if they get an RFE it takes them a while longer. But the ones without are getting through in around a month.

Look at how long its taking them to get to the documents - 2 weeks or so PER form, from when you e-mailed them. And not to mention all the trouble they seem to be with having all the documents, or loosing them.

I think the biggest issue facing EP right now relates to whether it makes for expeditious processing or not when we send NVC documents prior to being asked for them. In previous posts I note this. Specifically, it's the DS3032, I 864 and DS230. All of us have done that and shortly thereafter we get emails from NVC asking for those documents as per their linear process. That said, it may not change the speed of processing, only that we send them in again and wonder if something is wrong or if they've somehow 'lost' them in cyberspace. Given our EP status, it's simple enough to resend the documents.

But I'm just wondering as we are the next in line and to give feedback to the EP filers of the future, and to inform the WIKIs and those who guided us, that perhaps we don't send the DS3032 with the OPTIN, that we don't send in the I864 immediately after payment status of the AOS and that we don't send in the Ds230 immediately after payment of the IV bill.

I'm not saying don't do this - I'm wondering out loud given that all of us have done this but in every case, we've been asked my NVC to send those documents. In my case as well as others, we ended up with more than one OPTIN.

The problem is the Serco folks or operators don't often see anything when they query the file - so they can't advise and don't necessarily know if NVC has the doucmentation and hasn't updated the system or whether NVC doesn't have the forms etc.

However, once NVC does have all the documentation, it seems to be moving a good pace to completion so that's very encouraging.

I guess all in all, if we consider the past and where some folks are hung up in the process at present, we're doing fairly well. In our group of Jan filers, here we are at Apr and getting close to completion at NVC. Not bad. But then again, there is always the waiting game at every single step. And NVC completion means a few more months of waiting to the next step.

[FireRay 1]

I think the biggest issue facing EP right now relates to whether it makes for expeditious processing or not when we send NVC documents prior to being asked for them. In previous posts I note this. Specifically, it's the DS3032, I 864 and DS230. All of us have done that and shortly thereafter we get emails from NVC asking for those documents as per their linear process. That said, it may not change the speed of processing, only that we send them in again and wonder if something is wrong or if they've somehow 'lost' them in cyberspace. Given our EP status, it's simple enough to resend the documents.

But I'm just wondering as we are the next in line and to give feedback to the EP filers of the future, and to inform the WIKIs and those who guided us, that perhaps we don't send the DS3032 with the OPTIN, that we don't send in the I864 immediately after payment status of the AOS and that we don't send in the Ds230 immediately after payment of the IV bill.

I'm not saying don't do this - I'm wondering out loud given that all of us have done this but in every case, we've been asked my NVC to send those documents. In my case as well as others, we ended up with more than one OPTIN.

The problem is the Serco folks or operators don't often see anything when they query the file - so they can't advise and don't necessarily know if NVC has the doucmentation and hasn't updated the system or whether NVC doesn't have the forms etc.

However, once NVC does have all the documentation, it seems to be moving a good pace to completion so that's very encouraging.

I guess all in all, if we consider the past and where some folks are hung up in the process at present, we're doing fairly well. In our group of Jan filers, here we are at Apr and getting close to completion at NVC. Not bad. But then again, there is always the waiting game at every single step. And NVC completion means a few more months of waiting to the next step.

I too think, that maybe waiting to e-mail off the documents until they are asked for is probably the best way. Or else you will be re-emailing everything off again. And your right, its not hard to do that...just somewhat fustrating. It also seemed like the NVC didnt care when it was sent off, just that it was sent off after they wanted it.

[Darnell 8,478]

FWIW, the AVR is anywhere from 2 to 8 days 'behind' any actual event. The AVR is never 'in real time'

Is some stupid 'data update' issue at NVC, never to be fixed for 'real time' updates.

IMO, that payment portal is about as 'real time' as you can get. At some point, you'll get a 'log in fail' on the payment portal - and sometime after that (1 to 12 days) a case complete at NVC. The payment portal updates at 3 PM and 10 PM , EST, daily.

Hang in there !