NVC Filers - March 2012

[Amanda&Elvio 12]

:crying: :crying: I am so upset, if I do get a checklist for this, what should I do? Will they be able to tell me what it is on the phone? And if so, do just reprint the AOS cover sheet, and send only "MY" I-864, I don't remember this question being on my joint sponsor's I-864A. Do I need to wait for a special letter from them to send this, and I wouldn't need to resend all the other stuff (IRS transcripts, employment letter, paystubs) that I sent with the initial packet right? I am sorry for being annoying. I am really upset at myself. I had doubts about this question, but stupid me didn't double check and ask.

:crying: :crying: :bonk: :bonk:

Yes just realized I left it blank on my joint sponsor's I-864A as well. I am to upset to even type. I am going to sleep.

Aww Steph, I'm sorry :( . But a checklist isn't the end of the world. The operator was able to tell me exactly what mine was for and then I got an e-mail about it later that day. You should be about to correct it in a day or too; I doubt it'll slow your case down too much. Just take a deep breath and focus on filling the forms out completely this time. Good luck!

[StephanieM 60]

Aww Steph, I'm sorry :( . But a checklist isn't the end of the world. The operator was able to tell me exactly what mine was for and then I got an e-mail about it later that day. You should be about to correct it in a day or too; I doubt it'll slow your case down too much. Just take a deep breath and focus on filling the forms out completely this time. Good luck!

Thanks, the words of encouragement def help. It's good to know that if I do get a checklist it shouldn't take too long to correct it. I am feeling better about it today, last night I was just so mad at myself. No worries, like I said before, I prepared for the worst and hoping for the best. Thanks guys!

[chaine1 116]

Hi all,

I received my NOA2 on March 1st, and am currently waiting for my NVC case number. In the meantime, I am beginning to prepare the I-864. I apologize if this question has been addressed in the FAQs, but I haven't had luck figuring this out.

In looking at the NVC flowchart, it looks like the NVC will send me a package for the I-864? So is it wrong for me to begin to fill it out now? I live abroad, and am in a bit of a time crunch, so I am trying to do this as quickly as possible.

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks!

[Laure&Colin 557]

Hi all,

I received my NOA2 on March 1st, and am currently waiting for my NVC case number. In the meantime, I am beginning to prepare the I-864. I apologize if this question has been addressed in the FAQs, but I haven't had luck figuring this out.

In looking at the NVC flowchart, it looks like the NVC will send me a package for the I-864? So is it wrong for me to begin to fill it out now? I live abroad, and am in a bit of a time crunch, so I am trying to do this as quickly as possible.

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks!

No it's not wrong to start filling out the form! It's actually a good idea to get everything ready while you're waiting for your case #, so you can fly through the NVC step really fast.

The NVC won't send you any package, you will receive emails when fees are ready to be paid, and all the instructions and forms will be linked on the payment portal.

I suggest you study the FAQ and the links in the 1st post: following the "LingChe shortcuts" you will be proactive and won't wait for the NVC to come to you for the further step.

[chaine1 116]

No it's not wrong to start filling out the form! It's actually a good idea to get everything ready while you're waiting for your case #, so you can fly through the NVC step really fast.

The NVC won't send you any package, you will receive emails when fees are ready to be paid, and all the instructions and forms will be linked on the payment portal.

I suggest you study the FAQ and the links in the 1st post: following the "LingChe shortcuts" you will be proactive and won't wait for the NVC to come to you for the further step.

Thanks a million Laure&Colin!

It looks like you are in a somewhat similar position to us (returning from abroad), can I ask you a few questions? ie - We don't really know yet where we are going in the USA, but I am using my parent's address. My parent's will also be co-sponsoring for me, as I plan to enter into a PhD program. What addresses did you use on your I-864? I can PM you, if you'd rather.

Thanks so much - am feeling a little lost with this one...

[VisaJourney2011 14]

Yeah, there should be NO blanks on any forms. Sending in tax information is required. Just because you sent them in doesn't mean you should leave lines blank. Maybe you'll get a smart, nice officer who will look over your tax transcripts, but be prepared for a checklist. I'd suggest fixing the I-864 as soon as you can, re-printing the AOS bar-coded cover sheet and have an envelope handy. Next week, once NVC starts working again, call an operator once in the morning, and once in the evening. Keep as up to date as possible on your case. IF an operator mentions you have a checklist on your AOS, ask them what is missing and get the specifics. Hopefully, though, it won't come down to that. There ARE some nice officers out there where people should have gotten checklists but didn't. If you're lucky, and don't get a checklist, I'd still suggest to bring the updated I-864 form to the interview. Then you can mention there that you realised you didn't fill in the information by accident.

Good luck!

For form DS-864,

NO BLANKS ! so what are we to put if it doesn't apply, such as if Petitioner is the only sponsor and beneficiary is the only person immigrating.

In such case do we put: NONE or N/A?

In form DS-230, in the top, it clearly says, "If questions are Not Applicable, put N/A" but for some i used NONE. and others N/A

1) So i'm a bit confused as to if both are okay when it makes sense? hmmmmm

2) Also regarding Passport photos, does it have to be recent? meaning in last 6 months or some kinda of time frame requirement for passport photos?

just that we've a photo that we sent during initial 130app at uscis, thats over 6 months old.

Edited March 11, 2012 by VisaJourney2011

[Laure&Colin 557]

Thanks a million Laure&Colin!

It looks like you are in a somewhat similar position to us (returning from abroad), can I ask you a few questions? ie - We don't really know yet where we are going in the USA, but I am using my parent's address. My parent's will also be co-sponsoring for me, as I plan to enter into a PhD program. What addresses did you use on your I-864? I can PM you, if you'd rather.

Thanks so much - am feeling a little lost with this one...

On the I-130, we used my husband's parents address because we didn't yet know where we would live. However by the time we got our NVC case number, my husband had just moved back to the US to start a new job (post-doc position), so we were able to give his temporary address in California on all the forms.

Then after we got a case complete, he moved into the house he rented for us, and we informed the NVC of the address change. I'll also bring new forms with the new address to the interview.

You can give your parent's address for the time being, and change it later on when you know where you'll live.

One thing you need is to prove your intention to relocate to the US at the time of the interview. Do you have evidence that you're gonna move back soon? A letter saying you were accepted in the PhD program maybe?

[Saylin 1,605]

For form DS-864,

NO BLANKS ! so what are we to put if it doesn't apply, such as if Petitioner is the only sponsor and beneficiary is the only person immigrating.

In such case do we put: NONE or N/A?

In form DS-230, in the top, it clearly says, "If questions are Not Applicable, put N/A" but for some i used NONE. and others N/A

1) So i'm a bit confused as to if both are okay when it makes sense? hmmmmm

2) Also regarding Passport photos, does it have to be recent? meaning in last 6 months or some kinda of time frame requirement for passport photos?

just that we've a photo that we sent during initial 130app at uscis, thats over 6 months old.

First off, it's the I-864, not DS-864

And yes, there should never be any blanks on any of the forms. You either put 'none' or 'n/a', depending on the question.

As for the photos, they have to taken within the last 6 months. Read the requirements here: http://travel.state.gov/visa/visaphotoreq/visaphotoreq_5334.html (third bullet mentions the validity period of photos).

[VisaJourney2011 14]

First off, it's the I-864, not DS-864

And yes, there should never be any blanks on any of the forms. You either put 'none' or 'n/a', depending on the question.

As for the photos, they have to taken within the last 6 months. Read the requirements here: http://travel.state.gov/visa/visaphotoreq/visaphotoreq_5334.html (third bullet mentions the validity period of photos).

Several months ago I read somewhere that we need or should include a "Letter from our bank" stating our bank balance? IDK what it's called but basically to show that we are financially stable etc...maybe it goes with AOS package. hmmmm

[foobaz123 39]

Several months ago I read somewhere that we need or should include a "Letter from our bank" stating our bank balance? IDK what it's called but basically to show that we are financially stable etc...maybe it goes with AOS package. hmmmm

I've never read such a requirement anywhere. All they are concerned about is income, not bank balances. Though, I imagine you could do such a thing if you needed to show assets if your income wasn't high enough.

[Saylin 1,605]

Several months ago I read somewhere that we need or should include a "Letter from our bank" stating our bank balance? IDK what it's called but basically to show that we are financially stable etc...maybe it goes with AOS package. hmmmm

Bank statements are optional. But if you're using assets, it'd be a good idea (if not mandatory).

[StephanieM 60]

Yay NVC opens tomorrow, we will all be back in business.

[Amanda&Elvio 12]

Yay NVC opens tomorrow, we will all be back in business.

YES! I was just thinking the same thing

[lizka 3]

hi there, i tried paying the bill online, but it only shows the one 88 dollar fee the IV fee is still not up, do i have to pay both at once, i thought that one depends on the other, and i can't get the iv bill till i pay the AOS fee?

this is what i get...

Affidavit of Support (AOS) Fees

Petitioner

Fee Amount

Payment Status

Select

MY NAME

$88.00

NOT PAID

IV Application Processing Fees

Applicant Name

Birth Year

Relation

Fee Amount

Payment Status

Select

Total Amount Selected: $0.00

i select the 88 and it won't let me pass...

hi there, i tried paying the bill online, but it only shows the one 88 dollar fee the IV fee is still not up, do i have to pay both at once, i thought that one depends on the other, and i can't get the iv bill till i pay the AOS fee?

this is what i get...

Affidavit of Support (AOS) Fees

Petitioner

Fee Amount

Payment Status

Select

MY NAME

$88.00

NOT PAID

IV Application Processing Fees

Applicant Name

Birth Year

Relation

Fee Amount

Payment Status

Select

Total Amount Selected: $0.00

i select the 88 and it won't let me pass...

i should also add that my husband has not sent the Change of Agent form yet, can i pay before he does this? I was invoiced via email so I know I should be able to do this...

[GoingCrazy2012 16]

Sorry to throw this question out in this forum but maybe I could get some help from you guys or perhaps you could guide me in the right direction. As many of you, I will be very soon approaching the end of the NVC stage (Thank God!)...

Is there anywhere I can find out the average time it takes for the Embassy in Colombia to assign an interview date once my case is closed at NVC?

I know this is a very specific question for COLOMBIA but it has been kind of hard for me to find people in VJ going for a CR1/IR1 in COLOMBIA. Most applicants I see from COLOMBIA are going for a K1 Visa (which is a completely different game). Any comments are greatly appreciated.