September 2013 Filers

[Crumulent 7]

Case update:

We received our Vancouver case number today by calling DOS (202) 485-7600 at about 7:30AM PST. Pressed 1 then 0, transferred to a lady named Sarah who was very nice and helpful. I provided the USCIS receipt number then she gave the case number and said that it was forwarded to the consulate yesterday. Our NOA2 date was November 8th and based on our case number, it was processed at NVC/DOS on December 9th. That makes it 32 days from NOA2 to reaching NVC.

Also note that our original I-129F package was sent to TSC which was then forwarded to CSC. We never received any text or email updates regarding the case being forwarded to NVC. Our USCIS case status still says "On November 8, 2013, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E). Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283." I highly recommend calling DOS to check your case status, especially if your case was processed at CSC.

I will be emailing the consulate my DS-160 confirmation along with my completed Packet 3 list and ask for Packet 4 to be emailed.

Good luck everyone!

Thank you, this is extremely helpful. And I'll be going to Vancouver as well for my interview when I finally get to that stage.

[djv-tco 29]

A note for everyone who received their case number from NVC/DOS, here's a way to figure out exactly* when your case left NVC.

By exactly, I mean given normal circumstances and your package was not lost or something to that effect.

First, let's take apart your case number from NVC/DOS. It should be in AAA########## format. For the purposes of this note, let's use MTL2013756004 as an example.

• AAA - this is the three letter consulate code. MTL is for Montreal.
• #### - the first four numbers is the year, i.e. 2013.
• ### - the next three is the Julian day your case number was created. Subtract 500 from the number to determine the day of the year. 756-500=256. 256 is September 13 in Julian calendar of a non-leap year.
• ### - the last three is the total number of cases sent to the beneficiary's consulate with yours being the latest one processed as of that day. 004 is the fourth case they've processed, so far, for this particular consulate.

Now that we have September 13, 2013 as the date when the case was created, let's check when the package left NVC. The shipping reference used by NVC to ship out packages is in EXP DD MMM YYYYA format, In this case, EXP 13 SEP 2013A.

• Go to DHL to track the package using the shipping reference.
• Enter a date range for from and to. Normally, when you call NVC/DOS they tell you when your case left or forwarded to the consulate so use those dates.
• Look for your package from the list result!

***You might have to play around with the DD part of the shipping reference as well as the from and to date ranges. In my case, for example, I had to enter a DD three days prior as my case actually left on a Monday but the shipping reference was created the Friday before.

I used this to make sure that my case was picked up and actually delivered and signed for at my local consulate. I was also able to print a copy of the proof of delivery so that's a bonus.

Have fun!

Edited December 17, 2013 by djv-tco

[djv-tco 29]

Thank you, this is extremely helpful. And I'll be going to Vancouver as well for my interview when I finally get to that stage.

You're welcome! Glad to be of help.

[djv-tco 29]

Hi Djv-tco (or anyone that can help )

I received my case number today.

Where do I go to fill out the DS-160? I thought I went to the right place but they are asking for an invoice ID number. When I called the DOS back they told me, I will get the invoice number once the package reaches the embassy. I don't think the person I spoke to knew what I was talking about, when I said 'invoice ID number'.

Should I try calling again or do I have to wait till my package is at the US embassy?

Sorry, Yanet. I just saw this now.

You can find the DS-160 form here.

I'm not sure about the invoice ID number but I used the case number DOS gave me when I phoned them. Regardless, I started filling out DS-160 weeks ago. I wanted to see what it asks for and if there was any information that might take me time to find. The good thing about the online form is you can start completing it and retrieve it again within 30 days. Just make sure you make a note of your Application ID after creating one. It was easy for me to go in and out and update my application so I had it done even before DOS gave me our case number. As soon as I had it, I signed and submitted the application.

^That's all me though. I've reviewed my local embassy requirements many times before I did something I wasn't supposed to. I am not familiar with your embassy so certainly wouldn't recommend anything I did with our case.

The only one solid advice I would give anyone is do a lot of research and use the custom Google search on VJ. That thing is the best thing that ever happened to US visa applicants.

Edited December 17, 2013 by djv-tco

[Brucensd 1]

WOW that worked..Based on my case ID converted, DHL web site said the batch of applications left NVC Boston Friday and was received In London today. Great news to know its finally reached the Embassy. Thank you so much.

[sind27 41]

Do they ask u about ur NOA2, because everytime that i called them they asked me for that but i havent received it, dont know if it get lost, or somebody took it and never returned it, so i dont know my notice date, what should i do??

Called the NVC today and they told me they had our case and gave me our case number, Now just gotta wait for it to be shipped out

Edited December 17, 2013 by sind27

[TrixieStep 10]

WOW that worked..Based on my case ID converted, DHL web site said the batch of applications left NVC Boston Friday and was received In London today. Great news to know its finally reached the Embassy. Thank you so much.

We did the DHL as well, same timeline, shipped on a Friday and it was received in Monday. Don't be disheartened if it takes a few days for your case to go from 'In Transit' to 'Ready'. Ours went to ready on 25/11/1013 and he's just now been sent packet 3 from London. Keep us posted.

[Xenob 2]

Do they ask u about ur NOA2, because everytime that i called them they asked me for that but i havent received it, dont know if it get lost, or somebody took it and never returned it, so i dont know my notice date, what should i do??

Thew only time they asked me about my NOA2 was on Friday, and that was just to tell me it could take the NVC to get it 4-8 weeks. All other times they justed wanted to know our USCIS receit number. Expect this last time I had to give them names and birthdates, that when they told me they had it, but hadnt shipped out and gave me the case number.

[sind27 41]

Thew only time they asked me about my NOA2 was on Friday, and that was just to tell me it could take the NVC to get it 4-8 weeks. All other times they justed wanted to know our USCIS receit number. Expect this last time I had to give them names and birthdates, that when they told me they had it, but hadnt shipped out and gave me the case number.

Oh wow, the last 5 times that i called them they ask about my noa2, I'll wait until friday noon if I havent receive the hardcopy (NOA2) I will call USCIS to see if they can give me the notice date... thank u and good luck.

Edited December 17, 2013 by sind27

[icedblu15 5]

Sending good vibes to everyone Congratulations to all who got their NVC case number

[luchiniski 2]

I received an update yesterday 12/16/2013 that my petition was sent to the NVC. . It took 33-days to be ship out.

[sind27 41]

Did u received ur hardcopy of noa2?

They shipped our case on Dec 13. I will wait until Monday to call the nvc.

I received an update yesterday 12/16/2013 that my petition was sent to the NVC. . It took 33-days to be ship out.

Edited December 18, 2013 by sind27

[tessyht 1]

Does anyone have the most recent phone number for the Department of State? Trying to call them but the number I have just says not in use!

[TrixieStep 10]

The only one I have is 202-485-7600.

[tessyht 1]

The only one I have is 202-485-7600.

It worked! Thanks, we have our interview date for the 16th January!