I-130 Approval (NOA2)

[uk2usa2010 2]

OK, starter question for a Monday morning. I am very excited as according to the US Embassy website, they will be reviewing our I-130 today. Do they email a response, or is it only sent by snail mail - and if so, do they get the response out pretty quickly?

[jhphi 0]

Yay! That's a good feeling--I remember watching the embassy website like a hawk back when we were waiting for our approval. Has it been updating the date fairly regularly? Back when we were waiting, it would stick on a date for ages-- for example, it said "processing petitions filed Dec 1st" on December 29th, Jan 8th, 15th, and 22nd, up until it finally changed on Feb. 1st to the next processing date.

From looking at the timelines, it looks like the time between NOA1 and NOA2 has been about 6-8 weeks, for some recent people.

The NOA2 came in the mail for us; I haven't heard of anyone who got it by email recently, that I can recall. Our NOA1 came by email, but the RFE came by snail mail.

[uk2usa2010 2]

Yeah, I expected normal mail. Thanks for the confirm, although we got NOA1 by email too, hence the question. They did not update the website much in Feb, but have done it twice recently. As of 5 March they are reviewing applications filed on 7 Feb. Ours was filed on 8 Feb. Am therefore hoping to get NOA2 this week - and not a dreaded RFE!! Fingers crossed.

[Amit-N-Melody 11]

OK, starter question for a Monday morning. I am very excited as according to the US Embassy website, they will be reviewing our I-130 today. Do they email a response, or is it only sent by snail mail - and if so, do they get the response out pretty quickly?

if you made an account on the USCIS website, you would of put your email and telephone number and checked the box for them to notify you... if you didnt do this... then you will just recieve the NOA2 in the snail mail.....

I did register with USCIS... so... late one night, I recieved a text on my phone from them, and then I checked my email and the approval was in my inbox... about a week later I revieved the snail mail <hard copy of the NOA2>

[jhphi 0]

Yeah, I expected normal mail. Thanks for the confirm, although we got NOA1 by email too, hence the question. They did not update the website much in Feb, but have done it twice recently. As of 5 March they are reviewing applications filed on 7 Feb. Ours was filed on 8 Feb. Am therefore hoping to get NOA2 this week - and not a dreaded RFE!! Fingers crossed.

lol I think I came here and asked the same exact question a few months ago, when we were in the waiting period for the NOA2. Time goes by so slowly for those who wait.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you for getting a quick response! Good luck! Just to tell you what happened with us versus the website: the website changed on Dec 21st to say that they were processing Nov 10th (we were Nov 12th), and they mailed us the RFE on December 22nd.

And don't dread the RFE too much, if you get one. They turned ours around really quickly, once they got our evidence back-- I had my NOA2 letter only one week after mailing the RFE documents, so it didn't hold me up much. I prepared the affidavits in advance, though, as I was expected to get a RFE as we only just married the month before I filed the I-130. I think you've been married for years, though, right? Other recent filers have had positive quick responses with a RFE as well.

Keep us updated!

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

if you made an account on the USCIS website, you would of put your email and telephone number and checked the box for them to notify you... if you didnt do this... then you will just recieve the NOA2 in the snail mail.....

I did register with USCIS... so... late one night, I recieved a text on my phone from them, and then I checked my email and the approval was in my inbox... about a week later I revieved the snail mail <hard copy of the NOA2>

Since the OP is doing DCF, there's a different process for the issuing of NOA1s and 2s -- DCFers can't register on the USCIS website for updates.

[uk2usa2010 2]

NOA2 recieved in the mail today. WOOHOOO!!!

[jhphi 0]

Congratulations! Woo hoo!

[Adichiwa 0]

Hi everyone,

My husband and I received our NOA1 on Feb 26 and are just awaiting the packet from Montreal (anyone in the same boat?) Does anyone know where I could find the instructions for that packet (i.e. forms / tests required)? I would obviously like to get a head start on it so that when I receive it I can get things moving quickly.

And.... if you're in the same boat, say Hi. I'd love to hear your story.

[Adichiwa 0]

Hi, could someone please tell me where on the US Embassy website could I find that date of the application being processed? I received my NOA1 on Feb 26, 2010 and don't have a case number just yet. Where would I be able to find the status of my case? (I filled for through DCF filling).

Thanks in advance.

[danilou 0]

Since the OP is doing DCF, there's a different process for the issuing of NOA1s and 2s -- DCFers can't register on the USCIS website for updates.

What's the next step after receiving the NOA 2 for those on DCF? Wait for the forms from the embassy or call up the embassy?

[elmcitymaven 9,712]

It depends on the consulate -- for many it's a matter of waiting for Packet 3 to come; others, you will need to approach the consulate. Not sure what the protocol is for Manila, but I'm guessing it is probably similar to what stateside filers will have done. Let me have a dig around on the DCF forum and see what I can turn up for DCF through Manila.

[TOM&Riz 4]

What's the next step after receiving the NOA 2 for those on DCF? Wait for the forms from the embassy or call up the embassy?

next step is to read the website ! there are no packets sent, all are downloads, call the call center with your case number and go get your medical !

[TOM&Riz 4]

next step is to read the website ! there are no packets sent, all are downloads, call the call center with your case number and go get your medical !

From the "Embassy Info" at the top of the home page

Consulate Phone Number: From embassy website: The Immigrant Visa Information Call Center which can be reached at 1-909-101-7878 is available Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm (Philippine Time). Callers in the USA can contact the Call Center at 1-888-877-9888. There is a fee assessed to callers by the call center for its services.

Also, you can call the embassy directly at +63-2-301-2000 ext. 5184-5185

Consulate E-Mail: Consivmanila@state.gov

Address: From within the Philippines: Immigrant Visa Branch,United States Embassy 1201 Roxas Blvd., Ermita 1000, Manila

From outside the Philippines: Immigrant Visa Branch, PSC 500 Box 26 FPO AP 96515-1000 USA

Working Hours: 7:30AM - 4:30PM Manila Time

Best Way to Contact Consulate: Phone

Approx Waiting Time for interview date from when the Consulate receives the package from the NVC: Average of 43 days as of June 22 2009

Issues a Packet 3?

Packet 3 Contains:

Issues a Packet 4? Yes

Packet 4 contents (if known): *Packet 4 is no longer delivered but has to be downloaded from the Embassy's website*

For K Visa applicants:

- Appointment letter for medical exam and interview

- DS-156 form

- DS-156K form

- DS-157 form

- Instructions for payment of fee, medical exam, location of embassy

For CR1/IR1:

- Appointment letter for interview

- Instructions for medical exam

What forms should be send back to the Consulate? None.

Other Forms (if any)?

Consulate offers Direct Consular Filing? Yes

If so, for all or only for US citizen who is lawfully resident in your country? Residents_Only

Can fiance(e)/spouse attend the interview? Yes

Visa fee payment "same day" or "in advance"? Advance

Did the embassy schedule your interview or could you walk-in? Embassy Scheduled

Visa issued same day? No

If not whats the waiting period? Varies depending on location. Approximately, 5-10 business days.

Is the Medical exam same day as interview? Prior to Interview

Cost of Medical Exam? $213.35 for Adults $185.35 for Children. Paid in pesos at St. Luke's. Exchange rate is 50 pesos to 1 dollar.

List of doctors? St. Luke's Extension Clinic

1177 J. Bocobo Street

Ermita, Manila

tel.: 521-0020 and 521-8647

How many Passport Photo's Required for the medical? 4

How many Passport Photo's Required at the interview? 2

Estimated waiting time at the consulate on the day of interview? two to three hours

Vaccination requirements?

Cheap and good hotels near the Consulate? Hotels near US EMBASSY

Bayview Park Hotel - Just in front of the Embassy.

Hotel La Corona Manila, Manila City

The Corporate Inn Manila Hotel, Manila City

Mabini Mansion Manila, Manila City

Manila Hotel, Manila City- need to take a cab to go to the embassy .

Miramar Hotel, Manila City - In front of the Embassy but good enough to stay overnite

Palm Plaza Hotel, Manila City - around 1km away from the embassy

Lotus Garden Hotel, Manila City - around 1km away from the embassy

City Garden Hotel, Manila City - around 1km away from the embassy

Or check at www.asiatravel.com to reserve

Garden Plaza Hotel Manila, Manila City - around 1km away from the embassy

Additional Info? NBI form MUST include aka for previous maiden name on the NBI form if you got an annulment.

Even though the say you can not bring cell phones... US Citizens can. You surrender the phone during screening and get it back leaving the building.

If you want to pick up your Visa and/or request expedited treatment of an approved Visa, you must submit a written request to the Consular Officer at the time of the Interview.

[TOM&Riz 4]

next step is to read the website ! there are no packets sent, all are downloads, call the call center with your case number and go get your medical !

This is from the top of the home page

Consulate Phone Number: From embassy website: The Immigrant Visa Information Call Center which can be reached at 1-909-101-7878 is available Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm (Philippine Time). Callers in the USA can contact the Call Center at 1-888-877-9888. There is a fee assessed to callers by the call center for its services.

Also, you can call the embassy directly at +63-2-301-2000 ext. 5184-5185

Consulate E-Mail: Consivmanila@state.gov

Address: From within the Philippines: Immigrant Visa Branch,United States Embassy 1201 Roxas Blvd., Ermita 1000, Manila

From outside the Philippines: Immigrant Visa Branch, PSC 500 Box 26 FPO AP 96515-1000 USA

Working Hours: 7:30AM - 4:30PM Manila Time

Best Way to Contact Consulate: Phone

Approx Waiting Time for interview date from when the Consulate receives the package from the NVC: Average of 43 days as of June 22 2009

Issues a Packet 3?

Packet 3 Contains:

Issues a Packet 4? Yes

Packet 4 contents (if known): *Packet 4 is no longer delivered but has to be downloaded from the Embassy's website*

For K Visa applicants:

- Appointment letter for medical exam and interview

- DS-156 form

- DS-156K form

- DS-157 form

- Instructions for payment of fee, medical exam, location of embassy

For CR1/IR1:

- Appointment letter for interview

- Instructions for medical exam

What forms should be send back to the Consulate? None.

Other Forms (if any)?

Consulate offers Direct Consular Filing? Yes

If so, for all or only for US citizen who is lawfully resident in your country? Residents_Only

Can fiance(e)/spouse attend the interview? Yes

Visa fee payment "same day" or "in advance"? Advance

Did the embassy schedule your interview or could you walk-in? Embassy Scheduled

Visa issued same day? No

If not whats the waiting period? Varies depending on location. Approximately, 5-10 business days.

Is the Medical exam same day as interview? Prior to Interview

Cost of Medical Exam? $213.35 for Adults $185.35 for Children. Paid in pesos at St. Luke's. Exchange rate is 50 pesos to 1 dollar.

List of doctors? St. Luke's Extension Clinic

1177 J. Bocobo Street

Ermita, Manila

tel.: 521-0020 and 521-8647

How many Passport Photo's Required for the medical? 4

How many Passport Photo's Required at the interview? 2

Estimated waiting time at the consulate on the day of interview? two to three hours

Vaccination requirements?

Cheap and good hotels near the Consulate? Hotels near US EMBASSY

Bayview Park Hotel - Just in front of the Embassy.

Hotel La Corona Manila, Manila City

The Corporate Inn Manila Hotel, Manila City

Mabini Mansion Manila, Manila City

Manila Hotel, Manila City- need to take a cab to go to the embassy .

Miramar Hotel, Manila City - In front of the Embassy but good enough to stay overnite

Palm Plaza Hotel, Manila City - around 1km away from the embassy

Lotus Garden Hotel, Manila City - around 1km away from the embassy

City Garden Hotel, Manila City - around 1km away from the embassy

Or check at www.asiatravel.com to reserve

Garden Plaza Hotel Manila, Manila City - around 1km away from the embassy

Additional Info? NBI form MUST include aka for previous maiden name on the NBI form if you got an annulment.

Even though the say you can not bring cell phones... US Citizens can. You surrender the phone during screening and get it back leaving the building.

If you want to pick up your Visa and/or request expedited treatment of an approved Visa, you must submit a written request to the Consular Officer at the time of the Interview.