Approved K1 sent direct to Consulate from Texas Service Centre

[Townso 1]

So, 5 weeks after approval in Texas with regular calls to the NVC to see if our file has been transferred, I rang the USCIS customer service number to be told that they wouldn't discuss the case with the beneficiary, but only the applicant. My fiancee called them and was advised that our file had gone directly to the embassy. I have now paid the courier fee and am awaiting confirmation of an interview date. All this without the magic number we were led to believe was a prerequisite for any activity at the embassy.

I'm delighted (obviously) but frustrated to know that the file has been sitting in London for 3 or 4 weeks without us knowing.

[emyardy 11]

I have never heard of a case going straight to the embassy. Are you sure that this is what happened? Of course, I know that if this is the case, someone else on here will say if this has happened before or not. As for the embassy, do not forget that there are quite a few steps to take before you can receive an interview date. The embassy will let you know if they have your case by sending you a letter with a link to the DS forms.. You also need a police certificate, and you'll need to have a medical exam booked, as well, for which you will need your LND number.

I think the embassy is taking quite some time now to schedule interviews, so you should have plenty of time to get all that stuff done if you haven't already.

[Pitaya 2,577]

~Moved from K-1 Process to K-1 Progress Forum~

[Andie 147]

So, 5 weeks after approval in Texas with regular calls to the NVC to see if our file has been transferred, I rang the USCIS customer service number to be told that they wouldn't discuss the case with the beneficiary, but only the applicant. My fiancee called them and was advised that our file had gone directly to the embassy. I have now paid the courier fee and am awaiting confirmation of an interview date. All this without the magic number we were led to believe was a prerequisite for any activity at the embassy.

I'm delighted (obviously) but frustrated to know that the file has been sitting in London for 3 or 4 weeks without us knowing.

As an aside.. and just out of curiosity since its not in your timeline... how long did Texas take between NOA1 to NOA2? Thanks

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

All notces say the case is going directly to the embassy/consulate and 0 cases actually do. They ALL are forwared to NVC and put in a diplomatic pouch and then sent on. A K1 may only be at NVC for 1-3 days so many people don't catch in there

[Darnell 8,478]

i've heard of this happening, where it skips NVC.

The IV Unit sees it and sends it back to NVC.

Lets just assume USCIS sub-human that you talked to is making sh|te up, for the moment.

For clarity, call into NVC, and speak with a human, giving over the USCIS receipt number. If NVC has the file, or even has had the file in the past, you can get the Consular Casefile Number (you need this to continue with the Embassy). Use a Telephone. Petitioner or beneficiary can inquire.

[lost_at_sea 995]

I have now paid the courier fee and am awaiting confirmation of an interview date.

Have you had your medical and returned your DS forms (you'll need to know your LND number for the medical and for DS-2001)? You need to do both of those things before you'll get an interview date.

Paying the courier fee (and visa fee) is generally the last thing K1 applicants do upon receiving their "Packet 4" (i.e. interview invitation letter).

Edited August 27, 2013 by lost_at_sea

[Townso 1]

I went online and was prompted to pay the courier fee (having input my passport number and original case number). I have the courier details and confirmation that my status is set as "Attend interview" .

I shall call them in the morning and update

[Townso 1]

As an aside.. and just out of curiosity since its not in your timeline... how long did Texas take between NOA1 to NOA2? Thanks

We were transferred from Vermont to Texas in early July and approved approx. 3 weeks later

[lost_at_sea 995]

I went online and was prompted to pay the courier fee (having input my passport number and original case number). I have the courier details and confirmation that my status is set as "Attend interview" .

I shall call them in the morning and update

Again - have you had your medical? Did you complete and return your DS forms?

[Townso 1]

Again - have you had your medical? Did you complete and return your DS forms?

No - and this is what is concerning me. I have all of the paperwork. I just need to schedule the medical and fill in the DS forms, but the embassy have confirmed on the telephone that they have the file, and the website they directed me to told me to pay the courier fee to obtain an interview date

[Darnell 8,478]

Cool ! you know the Consular Casefile Number, then? Yes? No ?

[lost_at_sea 995]

No - and this is what is concerning me. I have all of the paperwork. I just need to schedule the medical and fill in the DS forms, but the embassy have confirmed on the telephone that they have the file, and the website they directed me to told me to pay the courier fee to obtain an interview date

Right, welp...

You need to get on and start following the embassy instructions. You *do* need the magical case number (you can't book your medical without it, and the DS-2001 form asks for it). Do you know your case number? It begins "LND" followed by 10 numbers. It is required.

These are the instructions you'd have got from Packet 3: http://london.usembassy.gov/iv_15.html

It lists all the forms you need to do, plus links through to booking your medical. Note:

The visa interview will not be scheduled until the Immigrant Visa Unit is in receipt of the results of the medical examination. The failure to schedule the medical examination will result in delays to your application.

Edited August 27, 2013 by lost_at_sea

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

So, 5 weeks after approval in Texas with regular calls to the NVC to see if our file has been transferred, I rang the USCIS customer service number to be told that they wouldn't discuss the case with the beneficiary, but only the applicant. My fiancee called them and was advised that our file had gone directly to the embassy. I have now paid the courier fee and am awaiting confirmation of an interview date. All this without the magic number we were led to believe was a prerequisite for any activity at the embassy.

I'm delighted (obviously) but frustrated to know that the file has been sitting in London for 3 or 4 weeks without us knowing.

It went to the NVC first, got a case number, and is indeed likely in London now. You will get a letter of instruction from the embassy when they have logged in your case and are ready for you to apply for the visa. It will have your new Dept of State case number--LNDxxxxxxxxxx.

Paying for the courier does not get you an interview. It should have been done after you had taken all the other required steps and had received your interview letter. That appointment letter instructs you how to pay the MRV fee and couriers online at the same time. It's a new system and several have gotten messed up by doing what you did and weren't able to go back in and pay the visa fee.

No - and this is what is concerning me. I have all of the paperwork. I just need to schedule the medical and fill in the DS forms, but the embassy have confirmed on the telephone that they have the file, and the website they directed me to told me to pay the courier fee to obtain an interview date

It sounds like you registered for a non-immigrant visa appt like tourist, student, etc. The embassy person you spoke to was giving you the wrong info for a K1. Edited August 27, 2013 by Nich-Nick

[Townso 1]

It went to the NVC first, got a case number, and is indeed likely in London now. You will get a letter of instruction from the embassy when they have logged in your case and are ready for you to apply for the visa. It will have your new Dept of State case number--LNDxxxxxxxxxx.

Paying for the courier does not get you an interview. It should have been done after you had taken all the other required steps and had received your interview letter. That appointment letter instructs you how to pay the MRV fee and couriers online at the same time. It's a new system and several have gotten messed up by doing what you did and weren't able to go back in and pay the visa fee.

It sounds like you registered for a non-immigrant visa appt like tourist, student, etc. The embassy person you spoke to was giving you the wrong info for a K1.

I have paid the MRV and courier fee. Screengrab attached.

I have no idea. The US based customer service number told us (half an hour ago) to contact the embassy to confirm the interview date