NVC Filers - August 2012

[Rock & Am 0]

Just added some new links on the first post relating to DHL tracking, medical, and interview. I know it's not part of the NVC process, but I know it'll still be useful to everyone once their case is completed

Thanks for the new info Saylin! You seriously rock at this.

[Saylin 1,605]

Thanks for the new info Saylin! You seriously rock at this.

You're very welcome

[marybraun 1]

Upon suggestion of a VJ member (thanks foobaz123), I have decided to create a FAQ of the most common questions I see here on VJ concerning the NVC process. If you know of a common question that isn't mentioned here, please inform me through a reply in this thread or PM me. I'd be more than happy to include it here.

FAQ

How long does it take to get a case number assigned after NOA2?

As of recently, it's been taking 4+ weeks. Check my spreadsheet (linked in post 1) to see where NVC is currently assigning case numbers.

When (and how often) should I start calling NVC about the case number?

Wait at least a week or two from your NOA2 date, then start calling. And call every single day afterwards until you get it.

What happens if my case doesn't arrive in a timely manner? (Timely manner being the current wait time)

VJ member tokinaija suggests: "Call USCIS, and specifically request to be connected to a Tier 2 supervisor (bypassing the contract customer reps). When connected to a Tier 2 representative, request that you want confirmation that your approved case has been physically shipped to NVC. In amenable words, request for the specific date that the package was shipped. If you are lucky, you will get someone who wold take the time to confirm this for you."

Will I receive XXXX (initial information package, invoices, instructions, interview letter, etc) by email or snail mail?

As long as you give over the email addresses of both the petitioner and beneficiary (once you have a case number), ALL correspondence from NVC will be sent through email.

What do I do after my case number is assigned?

Get the IIN from an operator (ask for the 'Invoice Identification Number', not IIN). Give over the email addresses of the beneficiary and petitioner. Email the DS-3032 (from the beneficiary's email address) following the template linked above.

When can I email the DS-3032?

Right after you get your case number. There's a chance it could get rejected (because they got to your email before they're ready to take documents), but if that's the case, just re-send it. On the flip side, there's also a chance it could get accepted and you wouldn't have wasted any time.

Note: if you have a lawyer, they're already designated as agent due to the G-28 included in the I-130 package, so no need to send the DS-3032, unless you fire your lawyer.

Note: if doing online forms (check link above for eligibility), then fill out the DS-261 found online at the above link. Do NOT send the DS-3032.

I got an email from NVC that contains a bar-coded DS-3032 (along with other information). Do I re-send the DS-3032?

NO. Do NOT email another DS-3032. NVC automatically generates these emails and do not care if you've already sent in a DS-3032 or not; they include a DS-3032 anyways. Only if NVC responds to your first DS-3032 with a rejection do you send another one.

After the case number is assigned, how long does it take for the AOS bill to be invoiced?

Usually just a few days.

How much are the two bills? And how do I pay them?

The AOS costs $88 (per case) and the IV is $230 (per person). They have to be paid with a US banking account on the payment portal (site linked in first post). See information here: http://travel.state..../info_3906.html If you can't or don't want to pay online, here's a link to how to pay through the mail: http://travel.state..../info_3905.html .

Help! I can't sign into the payment portal. Why?

If you're getting an error message ("Please be advised that the case that you have attempted to access is not eligible for further processing by the National Visa Center at this time…" or "This case is in the process of termination. Fee payments and online forms can no longer be accepted…" or "You cannot make online payments for your case at this time. Please contact the NVC if you have questions or need further information."), do NOT panic. This is actually good news! If you just got your case number, then this message means NVC is inputting your case in their system. If you get this message a few days after case number generation, then it's a good possibility that NVC is invoicing your AOS bill. And if this message appears a few days after DS-3032 acceptance, then there's a good chance the IV bill is being invoiced. And finally, if this message is appearing a few days or more after NVC received your packages, this is a good indication of case complete at NVC!

What is needed in the AOS package?

Generally, the following is needed:

With no joint sponsors:

- Bar-coded cover sheet from payment portal

- Cover letter (optional)

- Completed, signed, and dated I-864 form by petitioner

- Tax information* of petitioner (either just the last year OR the last 3 years)

- Employment letter of petitioner (optional, but good proof of CURRENT income)

- Pay stub(s) of petitioner (optional, but good proof of CURRENT income)

With joint sponsors:

- All of the above of the petitioner

- Completed, signed, and dated I-864 of joint sponsor

- Tax information* of joint sponsor (either just the last year OR the last 3 years)

- Proof of US citizenship/residency of joint sponsor (ex: copy of US passport, US birth certificate, US naturalization certificate, or front & back of green card)

- Employment letter of joint sponsor (optional, but good proof of CURRENT income)

- Pay stub(s) of joint sponsor (optional, but good proof of CURRENT income)

If the joint sponsor is a household/family member, also include proof of that relationship (example: if a parent is a joint sponsor, include the petitioner's birth certificate with parents' name on it to show link).

*You have two choices here of what to send in:

- Tax return transcripts ordered from IRS (preferred by NVC and of most consulates/embassies) RECOMMENDED

OR

- Tax returns (1040) and W2s and any other schedules (if applicable)

What if I (the petitioner) live with my spouse in their foreign country? Do I need to include anything in either package?

You'll need to provide proof of US domicile with the AOS package, as well as bring it with you to the interview. Please read the I-864 instructions (pages 5 and 6) for information about it. This is NOT needed if the petitioner is living in the US. Here is a sample cover letter to include in the package (it lists MANY possible documents, some may not be applicable of course, to prove that you have, or will re-establish, domicile in the US):

NAME

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

FORM I-1864

No. 15 Country of Domicile

I, XXXX, am currently residing in FOREIGN COUNTRY with my spouse, SPOUSE'S NAME. Below you will find a list of attached documents to show that my principle residence is in the US and the steps that I have taken to return to the US with my family.

Steps I have taken to maintain US Domicile:

• Maintained my XXXX voter registration

• Maintained my XXXX credit card registered in the US with a US PO box

• Maintained my bank account at the XXXX Credit Union

• Maintained my bank account at XXXX Bank

• Maintained my XXXX drivers license

• Maintained my US retirement fund through XXXX

• Maintained my US investment account with XXXX

• Maintained my US PO box

• Maintained licensure by the XXXX

• Maintained membership in the XXXX

• Maintained my automobile in care of my parents

Supporting Documents for the above steps I have taken:

• Voter registration card showing permanent US address

• XXXX credit card statement showing US billing address

• XXXX Credit Union statement showing permanent US address

• XXXX Bank statement showing permanent US address

• XXXX drivers license showing permanent US address

• Retirement fund statement showing permanent US address

• Mutual fund statement showing permanent US address

• XXXX license currently up to date

• Renewal of XXXX membership

• County tax bill showing I still own a vehicle

Steps I have taken to return to the US to take up residence:

• Made arrangements for us to have a house to live in

• Contacted schools for requirements of things to bring to register my children in school

• Contacted my auto insurance company to find out about re-instating my insurance on my car

• Contacted shipping company for estimate of costs to ship belongings

Supporting documents for the above steps I have taken:

• Lease agreement for our house

• Email from schools regarding registration requirements

• Email from my former auto insurance company regarding my inquiry

• Email from XXXX with estimate and correspondence regarding shipping our belongings

I declare that I intend in good faith to re-establish my domicile in the United States no later than the date of spouse's admission into the US.

I certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States that the statements in this letter and all accompanying evidence are true and correct.

Signature: ____________________________________________________ Date: ______________________

NAME

Thanks to VJ member lemayz for this suggestion!

I sent the AOS package but got a checklist for the IV package (which I either have sent or not sent yet) [or vice versa]. What's going on?

If you sent the packages separately, then get a checklist for the other one, just ignore it; it's a false checklist. The same applies if you sent just one of the packages and get a checklist for the other. Please understand that as soon as NVC reviews a package, they very frequently generate a checklist for the other package, without even checking if they have it in the building first. If you do get a checklist for one of the packages, you do NOT have to use that bar-coded cover sheet; you can still use the one from the payment portal.

The only time a checklist is real (and not false) is if it asks for something very specific missing in a package (like a police certificate, for example). If it asks for something general, like the entire package, then you can assume it's false. Call up an operator at NVC to confirm.

Thanks to VJ member sulhaq for this suggestion!

When does the IV bill get invoiced?

After you send the DS-3032, NVC will most likely respond in a week or so with an acceptance email (or rejection). A few days after acceptance, the IV bill will be invoiced.

What is needed in the IV package?

Generally, the following is needed:

- Bar-coded cover sheet from payment portal

- Completed, signed, and dated DS-230 form by beneficiary (do NOT sign or date part 2; this is done at the interview) [note: if doing online forms (DS-260), the DS-230 is obviously not needed]

- Two passport-style photographs (2" x 2") of beneficiary (on the back, write: beneficiary's full name, date of birth, and case number)

- Copy of bio-data page of beneficiary's unexpired passport

- Original or Certified Copy of beneficiary's birth certificate, PLUS A PHOTOCOPY

- Original or Certified Copy of marriage certificate, PLUS A PHOTOCOPY

- Original police certificate(s)

Please read: http://travel.state..../info_3195.html for additional documents if applicable.

Also read the country-specific documents linked in the first post. There may be additional documents needed not listed above.

If my documents are not in English, do they need to be translated?

NVC's website states:

"All documents not written in English, or in the official language of the country in which application for a visa is being made, must be accompanied by certified translations and submitted to the NVC. The translation must include a statement signed by the translator stating that the:

-Translation is accurate, and

-Translator is competent to translate."

Despite this, I have seen cases of people getting checklists for not having translations of non-English documents. I'd suggest you get everything translated anyways to be on the safe side. It's not needed, but highly recommended.

How long does it take for a bill to appear as PAID in the payment portal after paying it?

Usually just a day or two.

Do I have to wait for NVC to email me instructions before mailing packages?

NO. If you wait on NVC for this, it can take WEEKS to get anything from them. As long as the respective bill appears as PAID in the payment portal, you can send in your package.

What address do I send the AOS and IV packages?

You will find their addresses on their respective bar-coded cover sheets, which are printed off the payment portal.

Can the packages be sent from abroad or does it have to be from within the US?

Doesn't matter where the package is sent from; NVC just needs to receive it.

Do the packages have to be sent separately or can they be sent together?

Either one or the other works. Again, as long as NVC receives both needed packages, they don't really care. Each way has their pros and cons.

After sending in the packages, how long does it take to get a case complete?

Lately, it's been taking just a few days to a week after the last package is received.

Do I get an email if my packages have been accepted?

No, not that I have seen. You have to call NVC every day and ask for updates on your case to find out if a package has been reviewed and accepted.

Do I get an email when my case is completed?

Generally, no. Only those doing EP (electronic processing) get the case complete emails. There are some non-EP folk that get case complete emails, but it's rare. Again, to find out if your case is complete, call an operator at NVC and ask.

After the case is completed, what happens?

In most cases: the case is put in a queue to get an interview date scheduled. Once an interview date is scheduled, the case is shipped out to the consulate/embassy.

Who should I be calling to find out my interview date?

You should be calling both NVC and DOS. Both have access to your case information. Their numbers are linked above.

How long does it take to get an interview date after a case complete?

This varies by country and consulate/embassy. Some people find out within a day or two, others a few weeks, then the few unfortunate that wait a few months (ex: Ghana). To get the best estimate for YOUR country is to search, using the timeline feature, when others got case completes and when they got their interview dates scheduled.

When do interview dates get scheduled?

If you talk to operators at NVC, they'll always tell you they ONLY schedule during the second week of each month. This is a LIE. They schedule interviews ALL month long. Many people (like myself) have gotten scheduled during the last week of the month. I repeat, they schedule ALL month long.

How long does it take for NVC to mail my case out after getting an interview date scheduled?

Usually it's the next day, but it can take up to a week or more in rare cases.

-------------------------------------------------------

Please note: the above time frames are just estimates. Do NOT freak out if your case takes a little bit longer. The time frames are constantly changing. They also depend on NVC's work load for that day/week.

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Summary of NVC process:

- get case number and IIN, give email addresses over

- email the DS-3032

- pay the AOS bill, once it's invoiced

- once the bill appears as PAID, mail the AOS package

- pay the IV bill, once it's invoiced

- once the bill appears as PAID, mail the IV package

- respond to any checklists, if applicable

- get case complete

- get interview date scheduled

hi Thanks you saylin for the above inffo. in regards to the DS 3032 i have a friend who sent the Ds3032 email template using the link above but twice it was rejected by the NVC and reply to her that she must need to attach and use the ds 3032 form . I was confused then coz i am waiting for my case no and i hope i can get it too with in this week June 29 my noa 2 . and i am thinking to send ds3032 email template but also make me confuse because i dont want to have a same rejection or responce from NVC 2 weeks times was lost to my friend because of this template i hope that if i mail this soon i will not be rejected.

Thank you and i hope that NVC still accept the DS3032 of my friend.

[Bilal Lari 0]

Hello everyone

I've a question, our case was filed on 13Th February 2001 and we received a checklist response from NVC on 14Th April 2011 , at the time when our petition was filed I was 11 years old and my brother was 16 , so will they consider us from that date when our petition was filed or from current date. Thanks

[Dana and Divine 61]

Ahhh man Funfetti you are breakin my heart. I am just hangin on to when, where how my case will show up. No one knows. CSC or NVC. They both are playin keep away it seems with me and its getting on my nerves. CSC told me to give it 90 days to "SEE" if it shows up at NVC. 32 days waiting for just a case received. Very upsetting. It''s not about even invoicing, AOS, IV Bill or interviews for me getting through NVC. I just want to know my case isn't in a box in a room collecting dust. Or as that nightmare movie I remember where the box of files fell off the back of the truck and down a cliff. OMG....let me wake up quickly.

Okay sister,you've got to hang in there before you fall down that cliff! Now you are starting to have nightmares. Lord in Heaven above. Please find my sister's papers and send get them to the NVC right away so she can relax and get her husband home! She needs a back and foot rub!!!

[Saylin 1,605]

hi Thanks you saylin for the above inffo. in regards to the DS 3032 i have a friend who sent the Ds3032 email template using the link above but twice it was rejected by the NVC and reply to her that she must need to attach and use the ds 3032 form . I was confused then coz i am waiting for my case no and i hope i can get it too with in this week June 29 my noa 2 . and i am thinking to send ds3032 email template but also make me confuse because i dont want to have a same rejection or responce from NVC 2 weeks times was lost to my friend because of this template i hope that if i mail this soon i will not be rejected.

Thank you and i hope that NVC still accept the DS3032 of my friend.

When did your friend get her case number assigned from NVC? When did she send the DS-3032? When did she re-send it? Did she follow the template EXACTLY (with ALL the information listed)? What country is she from? A lot of information would be needed to know why exactly she was rejected... twice. I've never seen that happen before. Once, yes, but not twice.

Hello everyone

I've a question, our case was filed on 13Th February 2001 and we received a checklist response from NVC on 14Th April 2011 , at the time when our petition was filed I was 11 years old and my brother was 16 , so will they consider us from that date when our petition was filed or from current date. Thanks

You're writing in a thread for IR-1/CR-1 applicants. You're in the wrong forum. You need to search for your answer in the appropriate forum, here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/111-bringing-family-members-of-us-citizens-to-america/

[Bilal Lari 0]

When did your friend get her case number assigned from NVC? When did she send the DS-3032? When did she re-send it? Did she follow the template EXACTLY (with ALL the information listed)? What country is she from? A lot of information would be needed to know why exactly she was rejected... twice. I've never seen that happen before. Once, yes, but not twice.

You're writing in a thread for IR-1/CR-1 applicants. You're in the wrong forum. You need to search for your answer in the appropriate forum, here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/111-bringing-family-members-of-us-citizens-to-america/

Alright thank you !

[Dana and Divine 61]

Just added some new links on the first post relating to DHL tracking, medical, and interview. I know it's not part of the NVC process, but I know it'll still be useful to everyone once their case is completed

Thanks Saylin, it's always good to look ahead to what's coming next. I'm still waiting on case complete and expecting it around Monday, August 6, 2012. Here is for hoping!

Bite your tongue now.

Yeah, chew it off!!!! :rofl: :rofl:

[Dana and Divine 61]

Same to you sweetie pumpkin. I am going to do as the song says and "Hallelujah anyhow. Never let the devil see you down. Now the true test how long can I go without calling NVC. hehe I am trying to hold out to next week. I mean I have AOS packet all together husband still has some running around Lagos to do. Should be done by end of next week. We shall see how long HIS birth certificate takes once ordered. Okay lets get this party started people.

I found when I had it all prepared and ready to go is when everything rolled forward. That is what is going to happen with you too and it's going to happen fast. I beleive! I'm praying...I want to see you hear you scream, shout and post CASE COMPLETE...then I'm going to do my happy dance too!!!

just emailed my DS-3023 again as NVC operator instructed me. I hope they will accept my DS-3023 early next week.

it only took them one day to accept my second one and wouldn't you know the third day they found my first one!

[dwheels76 5,468]

Okay sister,you've got to hang in there before you fall down that cliff! Now you are starting to have nightmares. Lord in Heaven above. Please find my sister's papers and send get them to the NVC right away so she can relax and get her husband home! She needs a back and foot rub!!!

Yes mame. I need my feets rubbed for reals. LOL I am going to resist calling NVC until friday. haven't called since 11am. Thats a new one for me. It's hard the phone is just sitting here calling me. LOL

[Caribbean Pirate 9]

Hi all!

Question on my joint sponsor. I think I can sponsor my husband himself based on assets but as I am returning to the US and re-establishing a domicile I have a joint sponsor, just to be safe. If NVC says I'm ok on my own, will I be the only sponsor or will my mom still be responsible once we send in her paperwork? Anyone know how that would work?

So excited to be sending my AOS packet soon!

[dwheels76 5,468]

I found when I had it all prepared and ready to go is when everything rolled forward. That is what is going to happen with you too and it's going to happen fast. I beleive! I'm praying...I want to see you hear you scream, shout and post CASE COMPLETE...then I'm going to do my happy dance too!!!

it only took them one day to accept my second one and wouldn't you know the third day they found my first one!

Amen for real's thats why by next friday we are ready . I know it. Just like God held up me filing until job and everything was in the works. The day I got the job was my NOA2 day. So husband will be running all over Lagos starting tuesday (his uncle praise God is flying in from oil rig) and paying for everything even his medical. Thank you Jesus. Said its our belated wedding gift.

And frankly I think God is telling me "girl you just started work and have ONE paystub. I am trying to work this thang out. So flow with me". hehe Okay breathe breathe. I think I need to call again. LOL....sorry NVC is my drug of choice right now.

Now to all this false checklist and all this nonsense. Do fix all that you or Saylin. I can't emotionally handle an RFE, checklist or things just not working now.

[Amenspanglish 5]

Amenspanglish, I dont need a pardon

Oh, ok! Cool! Like I said, it's very rare from what I've seen so.. Yay! Again, sorry!

Yes mame. I need my feets rubbed for reals. LOL I am going to resist calling NVC until friday. haven't called since 11am. Thats a new one for me. It's hard the phone is just sitting here calling me. LOL

Don't do it! You are strong! Just focus on getting your stuff together.

Speaking of which, my hubby finally got his photos taken. It's my fault, I didn't get on the ball sending him the requirements (or finding out how to scan them) and I knew I didn't need them quite yet. I think I'll go with BIT's way of scanning them: Placing both photos side by side on computer paper and writing the Beneficiary's info on the top of the page. Anyway, my hubby will scan them to me tomorrow so I will have the e-mail with supporting documents ready to send! And my IV bill was finally ready to pay today so hopefully I can send those supporting documents soon! Again, used Safari and no problems!

[Dana and Divine 61]

Yes mame. I need my feets rubbed for reals. LOL I am going to resist calling NVC until friday. haven't called since 11am. Thats a new one for me. It's hard the phone is just sitting here calling me. LOL

I called them today for the first time. I sent out the final packet last Thursday. The operator (a British Speaking operator...oooo, laaa, laaa...makes me miss my hubby) stated it could take up to 20 days to process. I politely said okay, have a good evening and will wait another day or two to call back. That is only my fourth time calling since it was sent to NVC. Racks my nerves to wait on the phone for someone to give me news I don't want to hear!

[dwheels76 5,468]

I called them today for the first time. I sent out the final packet last Thursday. The operator (a British Speaking operator...oooo, laaa, laaa...makes me miss my hubby) stated it could take up to 20 days to process. I politely said okay, have a good evening and will wait another day or two to call back. That is only my fourth time calling since it was sent to NVC. Racks my nerves to wait on the phone for someone to give me news I don't want to hear!

Who you tellin. Waiting on hold for 20 to 30 minutes to get attitude. Like excuse me who's the one waiting to get their love one here. I don't have like you. I have to know. Once they say received and than case# is i am cool cuz the website will do the rest. I hate this not knowing drives me nuts. USCIS lucky I never called them.