National Benefits Center vs. California Service Center

[Ismael&Blair 66]

Is there a difference or reasons why my application got routed to the National Benefits Center vs. California Service Center? I am actually located in California so I am wondering why my application went to that location? I sent it to the Phoenix, AZ lock box.

Like others that I had read on the boards, I am unable to see my status of my receipt number. I called the customer service phone line and the person reassured me that they are processing and looking into my case whether or not I am able to see an update online. He said just take my priority date wait the 5-6 months from that date (which is the normal processing time for the application). Then to my surprise, I didn't realized there was a whole second part of the process which is the VISA CENTER?!

So my other question is that after it goes through this first part with USCIS.

How long will it take for the state department to process, have the interview set up and finally the decision process made? I guess I totally miscalculated the timeline that my husband will join me and fly over. I am feeling UGH! All my ideas of planning our wedding celebration for the early new year is premature now.

Anyone with advice, comment, and words of encouragement is welcomed. Thank you.

[TBoneTX 45,305]

*** Thread shifted from CR-1 Process forum to the CR-1 Case Progress subforum. ***

[Nick1980 11]

Is there a difference or reasons why my application got routed to the National Benefits Center vs. California Service Center? I am actually located in California so I am wondering why my application went to that location? I sent it to the Phoenix, AZ lock box.

Like others that I had read on the boards, I am unable to see my status of my receipt number. I called the customer service phone line and the person reassured me that they are processing and looking into my case whether or not I am able to see an update online. He said just take my priority date wait the 5-6 months from that date (which is the normal processing time for the application). Then to my surprise, I didn't realized there was a whole second part of the process which is the VISA CENTER?!

So my other question is that after it goes through this first part with USCIS.

How long will it take for the state department to process, have the interview set up and finally the decision process made? I guess I totally miscalculated the timeline that my husband will join me and fly over. I am feeling UGH! All my ideas of planning our wedding celebration for the early new year is premature now.

Anyone with advice, comment, and words of encouragement is welcomed. Thank you.

There is no set time on any of the stages of the process. A New Year wedding is completely out of the question. You'd be lucky to make it through USCIS by that time. In reality, the USCIS stage is probably, without an expedition, going to take a minimum 5-6 months. After that your case goes to the NVC or National Visa Center. This stage isn't as long as USCIS, but still another 2-3 months I would guesstimate. Then, finally you get to the interview at your local US Embassy. Depending on how fast your Embassy moves, you could have an interview about a month after completion at the NVC. These are all just estimates and nothing is written in stone when dealing with some Gov't process. So, just be patient, you've just filed your petition so you've got a long ride ahead of ya Hope this helps a little!

[The Mean Lady 604]

Is there a difference or reasons why my application got routed to the National Benefits Center vs. California Service Center? I am actually located in California so I am wondering why my application went to that location? I sent it to the Phoenix, AZ lock box.

Like others that I had read on the boards, I am unable to see my status of my receipt number. I called the customer service phone line and the person reassured me that they are processing and looking into my case whether or not I am able to see an update online. He said just take my priority date wait the 5-6 months from that date (which is the normal processing time for the application). Then to my surprise, I didn't realized there was a whole second part of the process which is the VISA CENTER?!

So my other question is that after it goes through this first part with USCIS.

How long will it take for the state department to process, have the interview set up and finally the decision process made? I guess I totally miscalculated the timeline that my husband will join me and fly over. I am feeling UGH! All my ideas of planning our wedding celebration for the early new year is premature now.

Anyone with advice, comment, and words of encouragement is welcomed. Thank you.

Everyone applying after 8/15 is routed to the NBC center, then following that, you may be routed to yet another center (a field office) which would be back in California given that that is your state of residence.

This is a GOOD thing as these petitions are seeming to be handled in a more timely manner and if the timeline progresses the same as it has in the past, then you should be approved in roughly 3 months.

As for a new year wedding, it's totally possible. But only for 2014. Sorry.

[Shoot Em Straight 385]

Welcome to VJ

I would highly suggest you read a lot in the MENA forum of past posts and what the journey could be like. And set up your portal to Morocco.

There is a great deal to learn other than an "estimated" timeline. Be prepared with your application and evidence.

[MIBEN 83]

Everyone applying after 8/15 is routed to the NBC center, then following that, you may be routed to yet another center (a field office) which would be back in California given that that is your state of residence.

This is a GOOD thing as these petitions are seeming to be handled in a more timely manner and if the timeline progresses the same as it has in the past, then you should be approved in roughly 3 months.

As for a new year wedding, it's totally possible. But only for 2014. Sorry.

To add to your question on NVC and getting the interview scheduled, it takes average of 45 days or faster if you submit what they ask for faster. It took us 21 days to provide everything and them 24 to process everything. Once NVC is done it takes an average of 2 months for the interview to be held. Hopefully he is not placed on AP which can be another wait up to 13 months for the longest case I have seen. I have seen all types of timeframes each case can be different.

Good luck,

[Penny Pincher 11]

We received our NOA1 last September 24, 2012 on CSC. After a week, we received another mail saying that our application was transferred to NBC and routed to USCIS office after 5 days.

Then, we got our NOA2 last November 29, 2012. Total of 66 calendar days and 47 working days of waiting. We didn't expect this too soon. But thank God we made a glorious sigh.

[Darnell 8,478]

time, timing, location, queue.

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=c3c7ca7c5fed9310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=e7801c2c9be44210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD

[Ismael&Blair 66]

Thanks everyone for your input and comments. I guess I will have to be patient and expect his arrival more like in the summer of 2013.

[Darnell 8,478]

what were you expecting prior to you learning of the National Benefits Center?

[N-o-l-a 7,167]

Thanks everyone for your input and comments. I guess I will have to be patient and expect his arrival more like in the summer of 2013.

In the absolute best case scenario think May and worst case think fall or later. It is a really long process.

[Clint86 2]

We received our NOA1 last September 24, 2012 on CSC. After a week, we received another mail saying that our application was transferred to NBC and routed to USCIS office after 5 days.

Then, we got our NOA2 last November 29, 2012. Total of 66 calendar days and 47 working days of waiting. We didn't expect this too soon. But thank God we made a glorious sigh.

That is fast!!! My NOA1 is September 26...hoping

[Penny Pincher 11]

That is fast!!! My NOA1 is September 26...hoping

I know. I was shocked myself because I got notification from ebay in my husband's email from my iPhone and drop down... USCIS?? I was like, really silent because we really didn't expect his fast progress. Just, Thank God

[Ismael&Blair 66]

Welcome to VJ

I would highly suggest you read a lot in the MENA forum of past posts and what the journey could be like. And set up your portal to Morocco.

There is a great deal to learn other than an "estimated" timeline. Be prepared with your application and evidence.

Thanks...that is exactly what I have been doing every night and my mind is just going to pop with all the information. I am thankful for this website. Reality is now setting in. I was so clueless when I submitted my application. I am now going to be totally prepared because my hubby didn't know either. Boy was he surprised. But he said every case is different so only time will tell. I am already so impatient and it hasn't even pass the 30 day mark. LOL

Thanks for reading.

what were you expecting prior to you learning of the National Benefits Center?

I just thought my application was going to go to the California Service Center since I am in California. So I wasn't sure why it was routed to National Benefits Center in Missouri.

[NikLR 13,227]

I think he was asking, what kind of time frame were you expecting?