Unexpected NOA2 and flight ticket on hand

[Yau & Yadi 2]

Hi guys,

So I sent in my I-129F 01/25/2012, got NOA1 on 02/02/2012, fair enough I'd say. As I was getting ready to wait at least 4-5 months, I went in and got me a flight ticket and though I would spent 1 month with Fiancee so time (and the wait) would pass more quickly for at least a month.

BUT....out of the unexpected, I checked my email today (JAN 23) and boom: NOA2 Text/Email. I didn't know what to think tbh, to be happy or to be sad.

Now don't think I am being ungrateful here, but I was NOT expecting this so quickly and got me completely by surprise.

Situation: Fiancee's birthday is March 4th, and I really really want to be with her on that special day. It's something personal, you know....

Thing is, my flight ticket is from March 2, to March 30 (29 days). I received NOA2 Text/Email on Feb 23, exactly 1 week from my departure.

Now I don't know what to do here. If NVC # would be assigned before, or on March 2 I would be fine since I can call and schedule the interview, then leave. But if it doesn't gets assigned I will have to leave for 29 days WITHOUT scheduling the initial interview.

My question: Will this affect the K1 process? When I come back March 30, my case would of gotten the # assigned and everything I suppose, I would just need to schedule the interview. Is there a problem NOT scheduling the interview right after you get the case #? Can you wait, like 4 weeks before actually scheduling the interview, or does it have to be right away?

Have any of you been to a similar experience? I can wait to schedule the interview, not in a hurry, the thing is, will NVC wait, and will it affect me later on?

What I am thinking is that it will probably take them 2 weeks to assign the actual case #, so in reality, my case would just be with them for 2-3 weeks untouched (from me), # assigned and everything, waiting for me, the petitioner, just to schedule the interview.

Is this normal? Can NVC hold my case until I come back March 30 and schedule the interview for her?

I'd appreciate any comment/similar experience!

Edited February 24, 2012 by Yau & Yadi

[Leatherneck 693]

That is pretty darn fast, 21 days to NOA2.

There is no mandated time one must schedule the interview. Some couples slow down the process after the the NOA2 based on their needs.

You have no worries with the petition expiring anytime soon., so you have time.

Congratulations!

Edited February 24, 2012 by Leatherneck

[Yau & Yadi 2]

That is pretty darn fast, 21 days to NOA2.

Congratulations!

Yes, it is. It was un-imaginable for sure - which was what got me so surprised, and excited of course. And thanks ^^

But I am worry now of my trip and leaving for a month without first scheduling an interview at NVC. Not sure if this is the right thing to do. Hence the purpose of this thread.

Any comment would be appreciated on this issue. Thank you

Edited February 24, 2012 by Yau & Yadi

[Moomin 292]

Just go-go-go and celebrate your fiance. You can delay the process as you're referring to, you don't have to do it right away. Calling to get NVC/embassy case# is not required either but it helps speed up the process for scheduling a medical and interview. We're not talking about being gone for a year or even a half. Gather the documents you need and can before visiting so you're more or less ready when returning to home country.

..and I agree, that was freaking fast! Congrats.

[Leatherneck 693]

There is no time frame set I stone when one must schedule the interview, you have lots of flexibility with doing so. You can certainly set up the interview when you have your docs prepared and you're ready to move forward. Once you have your case #, the next move is yours and nothing happens until you make it happen. You're not under the gun to set up and proceed with the interview from NVC or the U.S. Interests Section.

You gotta figure the time to transfer the case from USCIS to NVC to assigning a case # will easily take a week or more, then the case is transfered to the U.S. Interests Section in Havana.

Now that you have a heads up, can get some of the documents ready before your trip?

I think you might have the 2nd fastest time to NOA2 recently here on VJ.

[pushbrk 12,881]

The US citizen's location at the time the interview gets scheduled is meaningless.

[Yau & Yadi 2]

Thank you moomin. I will definitely go and celebrate, not only her birthday, but also the NOA2.

And thank you Leatherneck, I am planning to take the necessary documents. Like a copy of the NOA2, etc etc.

You know, I got approved really fast. And I don't know why. I am obviously extremely happy, but somehow I feel something inside, seeing all the K1 cases going on, and how people wait so long for the NOA2, I see it as unfair and unjust for people like me to get approved almost instantly while others wait for ages.

No one will ever know how USCIS do actually handle their cases. Because mine was just another one on the pile, and somehow got picked up, even before September/October filers and got accepted/decision was made.

Who knows - I am not going to break my head over this. I just wish you all good luck and happy journey.

[Moomin 292]

You're not in charge of how they process petitions, don't feel bad about it.

You're the USC? If that's the case, you can bring your documents needed for interview - then you don't have to send them later on(if the dates are somewhat close to interview date). You can wait with signing the letter of intent until the last day of your visit, same with the other forms where your signature is needed. But yes, NOA2 also. Keep a copy of it around, you'll need it later on in the AOS process.

Copy of your passport stamp can be shown as proof of ongoing relationship along with pictures from your recent trip.

If your fiance(e) isn't ready to move just yet, remember that the K1 is(usually) valid for 6 months after it's issued, as long as the POE is some time before the K1 expires. But it can of course only be used that one time.

[Ivie & Eguagie 119]

Wow!, that was fast....congrats

[L&A <3 0]

I guess you and me are the luckiest ones!! Someone told me that there was someone else besides me that got approved within weeks. Mine took 19 days!!! We are so lucky!! Im extremely happy!! Wish I could share the good luck with all those that have been waiting for a while Anyways Congrats and good luck.. :D :D See you around

[KTandTommy 31]

21 days!! That's amazing!!

Congratulations

[JamieandJamie 3]

Wow congrats!! It took mine almost 6 months to get approved. you shouldnt feel bad about getting approved so fast, just be happy!! No rhyme or reason for the processing times for the i129f lol