Process after NOA2 before P4

[Jane Huang 2]

Hello dear VJers,

It feels so good that we have finally got our NOA2 on April 22, we are now looking forward to our interview.

We are now trying to figure out the process and learn some tips to speed it up, I want to share my research result and please let me know if there is any information not up to date or more tips you would like to share.

Step 1- Got email from USCIS, NOA2 got approved

USCIS will send the paper NOA2 - I-797 form, where you got your Alien number from (remarks: it is sending out by snail mail, normally it's super slow, but we do need it for AOS, need to keep an eye on it)

Step 2- Call NVC 603 334 0700 finding out NVC case #, confirming case has been sent to consulate (in my case it's Guangzhou), find out the NVC case # (meanwhile we will get a letter from NVC)

While P3 is on the way from NVC->Guangzhou->me, per Darnell's GUZ P3 shortcut post, I could have already sent out my P3 to Guangzhou using the NVC case # we find out through NVC hotline

Step 3- Waiting for P4 (any shortcut here, anything we can do to make it faster?)

Step 4- Receiving P4, go get a medical check, then interview

Step 1->2 around 2 weeks

Step 2->3 around 3-8 weeks

Step 4->interview around 30 days

Jane

Edited April 25, 2011 by Jane Huang

[Darnell 8,478]

ah - it's not 'NVC to GUZ IV' for the P3 shortcut,

it's

GUZ IV Mailroom tags the casefile as 'P3 sent',

which implies/means

casefile made it to GUZ IV from NVC

and

GUZ IV OPENED THE CASEFILE, prior to any P3 mailroom activities with GUZ IV.

The P3 shortcut is useless UNTIL , after a phonecall into DoS Hotline (get a Human,la), the TeleOperator mentions 'P3 sent' for casefile status.

IF you send the P3 package in prior to GUZ IV tagging the casefile as 'P3 sent' - I can't begin to guess what might happen, except to say that GUZ IV is NOT waiting on the P3 from you, prior.

Here's the timeticks, as I know them (these could change, also)

NVC sends out casefile to GUZ IV *

GUZ IV receives casefile

GUZ IV OPENS the casefile

GUZ IV sends out P3 packet ((

GUZ IV receives P3 packet from beneficiary

GUZ IV schedules interview

GUZ IV sends out packet 4, containing the appointment letter

Beneficiary gets medical

Visa Interview

Visa Packet Shipped Out by GUZ IV

Visa Packet Received by Beneficiary

======

* -> this step could take EITHER 1 week OR 2 to 5 months, depending on whether or not NVC sent out the casefile SOLELY via SAFEFILE, or not. If Not, then it goes out via DHL, sits in a bonded warehouse in Guangzhou for some time, then something happens, GUZ IV retrieves the casefile from the bonded warehouse, it gets INTO THE IV unit, and the casefile is officially 'opened'. IF SAFEFILE SOLELY, casefile is transmitted electronically, GUZ IV 'opens' the casefile within a week of 'NVC OUT' date.

=====-

(( -> GUZ IV mailroom ops are mostly 'black box', but - the 'P3 sent' tag is made prior to the P3 actually leaving the GUZ IV mailroom. Since the time delay is real, assume is some bundling and printing and insertion, then it sits in the mailroom for a few days after, waiting for EMS delivery truck to pick it up. Expect a 2 to 3 week LAG between 'P3 sent' timetick and the P3 actually arriving in the beneficiary's hands.

Edited April 25, 2011 by Darnell

[Jane Huang 2]

Awesome reply! Yes, Im clear now, also leant today about the difference between calling NVC and calling DOS during different stages.

One question, can we request NVC sent out the casefile SOLELY via SAFEFILE or DHL, or it depends on luck?

[Jane Huang 2]

Hi Darnell,

I read your other post and understand we have no input on which way they sent out.

My next question is, if our case number is GUZ does that mean we will be sent out by DHL? GZO stands for the lucky half by SAFEFILE? Is that the case? Oh gosh, we have already got our case # GUZ.

Thanks Wuhaness

Edited May 2, 2011 by Jane Huang

[Darnell 8,478]

k-1 casefile #s do not change when SAFEFILE is used.

DoS hotline is best bet for learning casefile status, after NVC sent it out.

[Jane Huang 2]

thank you