Electronic Processing for K-1 Visa (Guangzhou, China Specific)

[johnsun87 2]

I am petitioning for a K-1 fiance visa for my fiancee who is currently living in Shanghai, China. I have a few questions regarding the immigrant visa electronic processing.

1. Based on the website (http://guangzhou.usembassy-china.org.cn/nvc_pilot_program_of_electronically_processing_visa_petitions.html), NVC electronic processing for K visas has different procedures. I don't understand what they mean when they say "although the petitions are loaded electronically, the US Consulate in Guangzhou still contacts visa beneficiaries to provide more documents prior to interview scheduling." Does this mean that my approved 129F petition, after it has been processed at NVC, will be sent electronically to the US Consulate in Guangzhou (thereby avoiding the 3-4 months wait due to customs)? I assume that any other communication between my fiancee and the Consulate will be in paper? Basically, I'm asking what benefit we will receive for opting into the electronic processing if we are a K-1 fiance visa. Does opting into the electronic processing allow us to avoid the 3-4 months delay due to customs?

2. Who opts in to the electronic processing? Do I do it or should my fiancee do it?

3. I know we will need the NVC case number to opt in to the electronic processing, but do we have to wait to receive something from NVC before opting in? If we know that we can opt in, do we still have to wait for the notice from NVC stating that I am eligible to participate in the electronic processing or can we simply opt in once we know the NVC case number?

Any information would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Pitaya 2,577]

~~Moved from NVC to China regional forum~~

~~Inquiry is Guangzhou-specific~~

Edited July 19, 2013 by A&B

[Ryan H 3,812]

For K1 cases, the NVC is nothing more than a mail stop; a case number is assigned to the file and the file is then shipped off. There is no opportunity for you to OPTIN to Electronic Processing, that's only done in immigrant visa cases (e.g. spouse, parent).

In some instances, a K1 file is electronically transferred and the Consulate accepts said transfer; if this happens to you, Darnell will say "burn some joss, you've been blessed" as you will have avoided the 3-4 month delay you speak of.

However, the more likely scenario is that the file will be electronically sent and the physical file will be shipped as well; if the physical file is shipped, the case cannot proceed until it is on-station at the Consulate.

[johnsun87 2]

For K1 cases, the NVC is nothing more than a mail stop; a case number is assigned to the file and the file is then shipped off. There is no opportunity for you to OPTIN to Electronic Processing, that's only done in immigrant visa cases (e.g. spouse, parent).

In some instances, a K1 file is electronically transferred and the Consulate accepts said transfer; if this happens to you, Darnell will say "burn some joss, you've been blessed" as you will have avoided the 3-4 month delay you speak of.

However, the more likely scenario is that the file will be electronically sent and the physical file will be shipped as well; if the physical file is shipped, the case cannot proceed until it is on-station at the Consulate.

Thanks for the response. Is there any way to get them to electronically transfer the file? It's pretty ridiculous that some cases will avoid a 3-4 month delay and others won't when every case can be sent electronically.

[Operator 1,927]

Hi johnsun87 please check your common sense at the door.

At this point that option isn't available for your model.

The best thing to do is be on-point once you hit the DOS stage, set up a calling schedule and make friends with a visa specialist.

Welcome and good luck!

[Darnell 8,478]

I've written about this, at least twice a year, in some depth. I'm lazy today, so I suggest you use the advanced search tool here (not the google search thingie).

search terms: 'SAFEFILE Guangzhou' , member name = 'Darnell' then click on 'display as posts'

small path blocker - ain't no opt in for K-1 visa thingies.

new stuff: you should chase after, instead, an account on ustraveldocs.com, after you learn of the GUZ Casefile # from NVC. When yer fiance pays the fee with CITIC, things go rather fast , irrespective of where the casefile is or how it was sent to GUZ IV. If you get real speed (say 2 weeks from paying) then SAFEFILE version of the casefile will be used on interview day.

Edited July 19, 2013 by Darnell

[Operator 1,927]

Here is some good scoop.

Uncle Darnell isn't always lazy.

[Pitaya 2,577]

Here is some good scoop.

Uncle Darnell isn't always lazy.

Great link!

Dunno about that Uncle Darnell though….. jus kidding... I do have to wonder if he has found a choice spot to keep an eye on the the new consulate digs in Guangzhou…

[Darnell 8,478]

hahhaaa.. it's coming.

pick a bank, any bank.

Seriously - banks abound round the new Consolidated Consulate Compound, so I'm scoping out hawker stands and food courts inside the bank buildings...