NVC Filers - April 2012

[MCMLXXXII 29]

I called the NVC, I was todl that it has been more than 15 business days, send a scanned copy of your approval notice to nvcresearch@state.gov

Has anyone else ever done that? What was the turnaround time? I have to go home and scan it before I can email it.

[Saylin 1,605]

Ohhh that's why... didn't know about that! thanks! :-)

You're welcome!

merci

[...]

Bienvenue

Hi everyone! Happy Monday morning....!

I have a question...my husband and I have decided to stall a little bit due to the fact that we'd like to move back to the US in Nov./Dec. We applied early because at that point it was still unclear if we would get auto-expedited because we both live abroad or not (and in fact, we did). So now, what we would ideally like, is to have the visa in the September, so that we can leave at any point between September and Jan/Feb. Considering this, when should we stall? I was thinking of sending in the AOS soon, and then just waiting a month or so to send the DS-230. From sending in the DS-230 to having a visa in our hands, how long is that approximately? When should I send in the DS-230 in order to get the visa by September?

Also, can anyone point me in the right direction of where to read about the "rules" that come with the visa in terms of entering/leaving the US? For example, my hubby (I am the USC and he is the beneficiary) was thinking that if we get the visa too early, he could go to the US, enter with the visa, and then come back to Chile. Then we would actually move to the US 1-2 months later. Is that possible? Would I have to go with him? I thought he had to stay in the US for awhile until he got his greencard and SSN? Or is that not right?

Thanks!

First off, I'd suggest determining how long it is from case complete date to interview date. If it's the average of two months, then you should try to aim for a case complete around July, if you want the visa in September. And to get a CC in July, then you should hold off on sending the IV package until June/early July. I'd suggest sending the AOS package though as that's the package where most people get checklists. Remember, once you get your visa, it's typically valid for 6 months. So, that means, you have about 6 months after getting your visa to use it at a POE. But my time frame is all dependent upon Chile's time frame from CC to interview date. If it's two months like I estimated, then what I listed above should be correct. If it's less or more than 2 months, you'll have to adjust it.

About your question about activating the visa and then returning, it is possible. There are many Canadians that do this. They activate the visa, then return back to Canada to tie up some loose ends (lease, job, school, etc). I'm not sure where the rules are on this though. I'd suggest looking at CBP's site first (US Customers and Border Protection). No, you shouldn't need to go with him. Nope, he doesn't need to stay and wait for the green card or SSN. It could takes weeks to receive that stuff. Just make they're going to an address where someone can safely hold onto it until you both actually move.

I left you off my list because I know your expedite was approved. Hopefully you find out today your interview date. How will you be notified of your interview date? Will the NVC operators be able to tell you once it is scheduled?

Since their case has left NVC, they will no longer be in contact with NVC as they no longer have access to their file.

I figured that's why I was left off the list My case is different from the others, so I can't offer much help - but I'll help with what I know (and today, that seems to be the importance of being careful and of speaking very slowly when calling DoS lol). As for being notified of my interview date - I have no clue how that will happen. Since the expedite was approved, I'm actually nervous that somehow the case will end up falling through the cracks and that will be that. There's no real documentation of exactly what happens after an expedite. Been searching for answers and no one really seems to have any - this is like flying blind!

Don't worry about it falling through the cracks. It's at Montreal now. Just keep calling DOS each day as they're the only source you can call at the moment. You can also try emailing Montreal, but it might be a few days to hear back from them as they're slow to respond to emails.

[Saylin 1,605]

I called the NVC, I was todl that it has been more than 15 business days, send a scanned copy of your approval notice to nvcresearch@state.gov

Has anyone else ever done that? What was the turnaround time? I have to go home and scan it before I can email it.

There have definitely been others who have sent it to that address. But I can't say what the turnaround time was or whether it even did anything.

Honestly, NVC is just slowing down at the moment and it's taking longer to get a case number assigned. You just have to be patient. Last year, starting around the summer time, NVC was taking 4+ weeks to get a case number assigned.

[bahialove 3]

Who else has case complete with the NVC but does not have an interview date yet?

I know of Rujby, bahialove, sheeshkabelle, and I'm sure there are others.

If the NVC is truly done booking May interviews and you have to wait until next month to find out your interview date are you ok with that? What if there were still May interview slots at your embassy and the NVC still does not book you an interview?

I'm traveling today so I won't be able to call the NVC until later tonight, but I would like to find out if the operators are telling people in our situation that we will have to wait until next month to get an interview date.

I would definitely prefer to know sooner than later, especially because we are hoping to move up to the states in the beginning of July. Since my case closed on Friday, I will wait until tonight to call and see what the response is. I will be pretty bummed if I end up having to wait until the second week of May

[lemayz 2]

Your visa app. Is good for 1 year.

Once you get the visa stamp in your passport. You don't have any limitations as to when you can travel, once you enter on that visa you are good to go.

First off, I'd suggest determining how long it is from case complete date to interview date. If it's the average of two months, then you should try to aim for a case complete around July, if you want the visa in September. And to get a CC in July, then you should hold off on sending the IV package until June/early July. I'd suggest sending the AOS package though as that's the package where most people get checklists. Remember, once you get your visa, it's typically valid for 6 months. So, that means, you have about 6 months after getting your visa to use it at a POE. But my time frame is all dependent upon Chile's time frame from CC to interview date. If it's two months like I estimated, then what I listed above should be correct. If it's less or more than 2 months, you'll have to adjust it.

About your question about activating the visa and then returning, it is possible. There are many Canadians that do this. They activate the visa, then return back to Canada to tie up some loose ends (lease, job, school, etc). I'm not sure where the rules are on this though. I'd suggest looking at CBP's site first (US Customers and Border Protection). No, you shouldn't need to go with him. Nope, he doesn't need to stay and wait for the green card or SSN. It could takes weeks to receive that stuff. Just make they're going to an address where someone can safely hold onto it until you both actually move.

Thanks to both!

[Trav&Shell 83]

Don't worry about it falling through the cracks. It's at Montreal now. Just keep calling DOS each day as they're the only source you can call at the moment. You can also try emailing Montreal, but it might be a few days to hear back from them as they're slow to respond to emails.

Thanks. I worry too much, and the DoS operator sounded just like some of the unhelpful NVC ones this morning. Oh well. Will keep calling and if nothing by Wednesday, may email. We will see...how are you doing?

[Rujby 23]

If you can get more evidence, definitely send it to NVC as well as to the senator! Make sure to write a letter that says you have further evidence from your doctor supporting your expedite request, and tell them what day you submitted it. Make sure they know it's urgent! (but maybe they'll approve you before then and you won't need that - I really hope that happens!!!)

[Saylin 1,605]

Thanks. I worry too much, and the DoS operator sounded just like some of the unhelpful NVC ones this morning. Oh well. Will keep calling and if nothing by Wednesday, may email. We will see...how are you doing?

Sounds like a good plan You should be hearing very soon about your interview date

I'm doing good. Long weekend of work and then homework. Kinda stressed about school at the moment, I'm 3 assignments behind in one class

[Rujby 23]

If you can get more evidence, definitely send it to NVC as well as to the senator! Make sure to write a letter that says you have further evidence from your doctor supporting your expedite request, and tell them what day you submitted it. Make sure they know it's urgent! (but maybe they'll approve you before then and you won't need that - I really hope that happens!!!)

Ok we will submit more evidence this wednesday after my wife's appointement with her doctor. now i can not wait to be on wednesday...

[Trav&Shell 83]

Sounds like a good plan You should be hearing very soon about your interview date

I'm doing good. Long weekend of work and then homework. Kinda stressed about school at the moment, I'm 3 assignments behind in one class

I'll keep you posted for sure No kidding stressed - that's a lot of homework! At least you're still doing well though...that's key - positive attitude!

Ok we will submit more evidence this wednesday after my wife's appointement with her doctor. now i can not wait to be on wednesday...

Wednesday sounds like a very important day for you two - we will pray! Your plan sounds very good.

[Rujby 23]

I'll keep you posted for sure No kidding stressed - that's a lot of homework! At least you're still doing well though...that's key - positive attitude!

Wednesday sounds like a very important day for you two - we will pray! Your plan sounds very good.

Thanks a lot Shell, very nice of you we are both in the same boat now, hoping for a May interview.

[Trav&Shell 83]

Thanks a lot Shell, very nice of you we are both in the same boat now, hoping for a May interview.

You're very welcome, Rujby - anytime! We are in the same boat, you're right - and I really hope there are enough May interviews left for us

[MCMLXXXII 29]

There have definitely been others who have sent it to that address. But I can't say what the turnaround time was or whether it even did anything.

Honestly, NVC is just slowing down at the moment and it's taking longer to get a case number assigned. You just have to be patient. Last year, starting around the summer time, NVC was taking 4+ weeks to get a case number assigned.

Hmmm...

Maybe its bad karma from making fun of Frank.

[Rujby 23]

You're very welcome, Rujby - anytime! We are in the same boat, you're right - and I really hope there are enough May interviews left for us

For me, i have been told there is no more, but for my expedite the operator says if it is approved, i will get one! When you call NVC do they tell you that there is no more May available?

[Saylin 1,605]

I'll keep you posted for sure No kidding stressed - that's a lot of homework! At least you're still doing well though...that's key - positive attitude!

[...]

You better keep me posted

Yeah, and after today's class, I'll be 4 assignments behind But, thankfully, I'm doing very well with the assignments I have turned in. And the teacher doesn't really dock off points for the assignments being late, so I should still pass the class, just gotta them done and submitted Anyone wanna do my Java homework? I'll trade ya help with the immigration process

Hmmm...

Maybe its bad karma from making fun of Frank.