What do I do for 6 months until we get the NOA2?

[impecunious 0]

Hi all,

A few days ago, I received my text message & email that USCIS received my original I-130 submission, and that it has been forwarded to the NBC for processing. Later that same day, my status online also indicated that things are in "Initial Review." So although we're a whopping 5 days into this, so far so good.

My question is, assuming that we don't get any RFEs or other similar communications, what should I do for the next 4 to 6 months to make sure that things are moving as quickly as they can be? Should I really assume that no news is good news, or should I make a phone call or check in with USCIS periodically to make sure that nothing has gone awry? Based on some of the less fortunate stories here about people who have had to pester USCIS to get things done, I guess I'm just a little paranoid about doing nothing for the next half-year except waiting for USCIS to reach out to me, instead of being a little proactive and checking up on them.

Thanks in advance.

[dwheels76 5,468]

Hi all,

A few days ago, I received my text message & email that USCIS received my original I-130 submission, and that it has been forwarded to the NBC for processing. Later that same day, my status online also indicated that things are in "Initial Review." So although we're a whopping 5 days into this, so far so good.

My question is, assuming that we don't get any RFEs or other similar communications, what should I do for the next 4 to 6 months to make sure that things are moving as quickly as they can be? Should I really assume that no news is good news, or should I make a phone call or check in with USCIS periodically to make sure that nothing has gone awry? Based on some of the less fortunate stories here about people who have had to pester USCIS to get things done, I guess I'm just a little paranoid about doing nothing for the next half-year except waiting for USCIS to reach out to me, instead of being a little proactive and checking up on them.

Thanks in advance.

Well besides staying busy there's nothing you can do to speed anything along. Calling USCIS yields no nothing. Everyone's case from start to finish is in initial review u just got there so u r on a shelf somewhere waiting your turn.

What you can do is make sure you are ready for next stage at NVC. I highly suggest going to the ink below for NVC filers and read Post #1 and #2 so you know what's up.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/417050-nvc-filers-march-2013/

[LaVegano 12]

Hi all,

A few days ago, I received my text message & email that USCIS received my original I-130 submission, and that it has been forwarded to the NBC for processing. Later that same day, my status online also indicated that things are in "Initial Review." So although we're a whopping 5 days into this, so far so good.

My question is, assuming that we don't get any RFEs or other similar communications, what should I do for the next 4 to 6 months to make sure that things are moving as quickly as they can be? Should I really assume that no news is good news, or should I make a phone call or check in with USCIS periodically to make sure that nothing has gone awry? Based on some of the less fortunate stories here about people who have had to pester USCIS to get things done, I guess I'm just a little paranoid about doing nothing for the next half-year except waiting for USCIS to reach out to me, instead of being a little proactive and checking up on them.

Thanks in advance.

LOL. You have 5 days and we have 5 weeks. You might get approved before us. There is no crystal ball with the govt. Take a deep breath and relax. Good luck.

[RFQ 110]

I second what Dwheels said. Go study up on the NVC materials. This is where you can really make a difference in how fast your case gets pushed through. Unfortunately the USCIS process is all up to them.

I recommend staying busy even if its just hanging out on VJ

[MeredythB 38]

Yet another poster agreeing with the advice dwheels has given. Spend this time researching the steps for NVC and gathering the information and documents that you'll need. You want to be ready to go when you get your NOA2. Good luck!

[NikLR 13,227]

I suggest keeping busy. Go to the gym. Take a pottery class. Anything to keep you from obsessing over the arrival of the NOA2. But also make sure you've researched the next stage.

[impecunious 0]

Thanks to all. It sounds like the verdict is to prep for the NVC phase. I can do that.