NVC Filers - January 2012

[Laure&Colin 558]

Really i got to check on the Ling Che shorcuts too

Oh YES it should be your bedtime story every night! It has most, if not all answers, and it describes the process in a very clear and organized manner, with checklists. Incredibly useful and totally reliable.

[Voided01 7]

After they've (NVC) recieved your papers from USCIS how long does it usually take to put the information in their system?

[Saylin 1,605]

After they've (NVC) recieved your papers from USCIS how long does it usually take to put the information in their system?

Looking at recent cases, about a week or two.

[Voided01 7]

Looking at recent cases, about a week or two.

Thanks let's hope that's the case

[gad33 47]

OK all scream with me know. Arrrrrrrrgh!!!!!!!!

We still haven't received tax transcripts. When I tried to request them again last weekend through the website I couldn't because they said they had been requested within the last two weeks. So I asked hubby to phone to see when they sent them. After going through phone options that died he was put in a queue that said 15 minute wait not something he could do as he is working. So I decided to phone from home. Even though we are in Canada the 800 number doesn't work so I'm paying for this call. Just over 6 minutes to speak to a live person. Both our names and SSN given twice. She said she couldn't find any requests so she'd put in a request, I'll just put you on hold. Then she came back to me, I didn't see how long I was on hold but it wasn't quick and said system had gone down and to call back in about 15 minutes. What? I've just given them 17 minutes of my life and they want me to do it again?

Frustrated? Me? I need the bashing the head on a brick wall icon.

[Saylin 1,605]

OK all scream with me know. Arrrrrrrrgh!!!!!!!!

We still haven't received tax transcripts. When I tried to request them again last weekend through the website I couldn't because they said they had been requested within the last two weeks. So I asked hubby to phone to see when they sent them. After going through phone options that died he was put in a queue that said 15 minute wait not something he could do as he is working. So I decided to phone from home. Even though we are in Canada the 800 number doesn't work so I'm paying for this call. Just over 6 minutes to speak to a live person. Both our names and SSN given twice. She said she couldn't find any requests so she'd put in a request, I'll just put you on hold. Then she came back to me, I didn't see how long I was on hold but it wasn't quick and said system had gone down and to call back in about 15 minutes. What? I've just given them 17 minutes of my life and they want me to do it again?

Frustrated? Me? I need the bashing the head on a brick wall icon.

I would suggest using Google Voice. That's how I called NVC every day (and later DOS) for free

[alizon 77]

I would suggest using Google Voice. That's how I called NVC every day (and later DOS) for free

Or Skype. I think an unlimited skype to phone US-Canada plan is $3 a month, which will be good for calling home once you're in the US.

Separate question: a medical exam a month before the interview is fine, right? Max got his tetanus booster today, so he's good for vaccines (except the flu...the nurse told him he had to get a prescription, go get the prescription filled in a pharmacy, and bring it back to the office at another date to get the shot? #######? He'll just get it at the exam if they want him to have it). Medical is currently scheduled for Feb. 13, interview is March 13.

[gad33 47]

I would suggest using Google Voice. That's how I called NVC every day (and later DOS) for free

That's not the main issue. It's being on the phone for 17 minutes and still have nothing and not being able to do anything about it except lose another 20 minutes of my life.

[alizon 77]

That's not the main issue. It's being on the phone for 17 minutes and still have nothing and not being able to do anything about it except lose another 20 minutes of my life.

Could be worse...I waited 1.5 hours at H&R Block this week (I had an appointment!!!), just to have the tax person say she had never dealt with a couple in our position before, and I'll have to come back and see her after she does some research. Luckily for that office, I had just found out about our interview date, so I was in a good mood.

Not to mention waiting 150 days from NOA1 to NOA2...

[Saylin 1,605]

Or Skype. I think an unlimited skype to phone US-Canada plan is $3 a month, which will be good for calling home once you're in the US.

Separate question: a medical exam a month before the interview is fine, right? Max got his tetanus booster today, so he's good for vaccines (except the flu...the nurse told him he had to get a prescription, go get the prescription filled in a pharmacy, and bring it back to the office at another date to get the shot? #######? He'll just get it at the exam if they want him to have it). Medical is currently scheduled for Feb. 13, interview is March 13.

Yup, a medical a month before the interview is fine. That's what happened in my case! I had the medical early April, and my interview was early May.

And wow about the flu shot A prescription? For a flu shot? I'd suggest he keep looking around, there should be a clinic or somewhere that offers it for free. It'll save $25ish dollars at the medical.

That's not the main issue. It's being on the phone for 17 minutes and still have nothing and not being able to do anything about it except lose another 20 minutes of my life.

Get used to it! I lost 9 months while waiting in Canada for the visa.

[alizon 77]

Yup, a medical a month before the interview is fine. That's what happened in my case! I had the medical early April, and my interview was early May.

And wow about the flu shot A prescription? For a flu shot? I'd suggest he keep looking around, there should be a clinic or somewhere that offers it for free. It'll save $25ish dollars at the medical.

I know, it seemed totally weird, and I kept pressing him about it...but at a certain point I have to let go of my micromanaging ways and just take his word for it.

[Saylin 1,605]

I know, it seemed totally weird, and I kept pressing him about it...but at a certain point I have to let go of my micromanaging ways and just take his word for it.

I probably would have been the same way!

[oabdelra 2]

I probably would have been the same way!

I've got another question! (surprise? lol)...when is my wife allowed to get the medical? Can it be before case complete at NVC? Does the consulate send her any packets??

I read the notes but I just wanted to verify

Thankkkk uuuu

[Saylin 1,605]

I've got another question! (surprise? lol)...when is my wife allowed to get the medical? Can it be before case complete at NVC? Does the consulate send her any packets??

I read the notes but I just wanted to verify

Thankkkk uuuu

There are a few countries which allow advance medicals (such as the Philippines). Egypt is NOT one of them though. Plus, in Cairo right now, it's a few months from CC to interview, so you would definitely want to wait as medicals are only good for 6 months.

And no, IR-1/CR-1 visa applicants don't receive packages from consulates/embassies, only from NVC.

[oabdelra 2]

There are a few countries which allow advance medicals (such as the Philippines). Egypt is NOT one of them though. Plus, in Cairo right now, it's a few months from CC to interview, so you would definitely want to wait as medicals are only good for 6 months.

And no, IR-1/CR-1 visa applicants don't receive packages from consulates/embassies, only from NVC.

I saw that Cairo caught up with the backlog on interviews. If that's the case, is there anything wrong with taking the medical now, getting it out of the way, then just waiting a couple months till NVC finishes up and then the interview? I mean would we be breaking any rules?