NVC Filers - January 2014

[Saylin 1,605]

Just assembling my documents to send in the AOS package now. I believe i will do it today!!

Question: Can we send in the pdf version of Tax return that you can now download from IRS website? and also take the same print out version to Interview?

Saylin,

I was just going through your excellent guide for Montreal EP processing and trying to find out how to reduce file size in acrobat and i couldnt find the "Document>Reduce File Size" option so i googled it and foud this out that helped me .. http://forums.adobe.com/thread/761153

"File > Save As > Optimized PDF...", as opposed to "File > Save As > Reduced Size PDF

I am not sure if some people would still be using the old version of Acrobat but you may want to add this in your next round of updating Wiki. Thanks again for all your help and support here to all of us here..

Yup, I'm assuming the online version is the exact same thing as what they mail. Print a copy out for your records as well as another copy for the interview when you hand over the AOS package.

Hmm, looks like with the new version of Acrobat they moved the 'Reduce file size' under the 'Save As' option. Don't know why Thanks for the heads-up. I'll go update the wiki right now.

my checklist was delivered today by UPS. hope they review at soon since it's a minor checklist

It'll be another 30 business days or so, just like with the original package. There's no fast-track checklist lane.

Hi Saylin,

I have a question about IV package.

So I filed I 130 for my parents.

Now, they do have an original marriage certificate, but they only have one and certified will take a long time.

However, since I have to send two separate envelopes, one for each. Can I send original with one and write a letter explaining that an original is with the NVC, however it's just in the other spouse's file.

They will go to the interview together.

Hmm, I'm not sure. But, if the cases are joined together at NVC, then you can send both IV packages together in the same envelope. Include the original in one of them and then a photocopy in the other (as well as an explanation that the original is in the spouse's package).

[hunnymoon 5]

question for filling out the 864 - it doesn't say anywhere on the directions, are all letters supposed to be capital or will lowercase be ok? also, it says to leave the space blank if the answer is "none," should that be followed or should i write "none" "NA" just in case?

[Saylin 1,605]

question for filling out the 864 - it doesn't say anywhere on the directions, are all letters supposed to be capital or will lowercase be ok? also, it says to leave the space blank if the answer is "none," should that be followed or should i write "none" "NA" just in case?

I didn't write all in capital letters and I was fine (although this was almost 3 years ago, so ).

And although the instructions says to leave lines blank if the answer is 'none' or 'N/A', I'd suggest you write one of them in (depending on the question) as some people were getting checklists last month for not filling in the lines (despite the instructions saying to do this).

[hunnymoon 5]

thanks saylin!

[Peace500 28]

Hmm, I'm not sure. But, if the cases are joined together at NVC, then you can send both IV packages together in the same envelope. Include the original in one of them and then a photocopy in the other (as well as an explanation that the original is in the spouse's package).

Thank you for responding. I am confuses b/c even though the cases are joined at NVC, they will still give me two separate case numbers, so two 260 with two different barcodes. ohhh... However, I will stick to the plan that we just discusses: put original in one and copy in the other one and explanation letter.

[Saylin 1,605]

Thank you for responding. I am confuses b/c even though the cases are joined at NVC, they will still give me two separate case numbers, so two 260 with two different barcodes. ohhh... However, I will stick to the plan that we just discusses: put original in one and copy in the other one and explanation letter.

Yes, even though cases are joined, they'll still have separate case numbers. But the benefit of being joined is that you can send the packages together, as well as that they'll interview on the same day.

[Saylin 1,605]

Alright folks, the February thread has been posted: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/478133-nvc-filers-february-2014/ This means that everyone can head on over. It doesn't matter when you got your NOA2, your case number, etc, everyone moves over to the current month, which is now February.

Please read the first two posts before asking questions as it is very likely that your question can be answered by simply reading.

Also, I posted 2 (for now) new questions at the bottom of the FAQ in relation to tax season. Please give that a read, especially petitioners.

[hunnymoon 5]

confused again: for the 864 (I am the USC sponsoring my husband)...

1) part 5 sponsors household size - for 1 I put 1 because that is the number on line 7 of part 3, but I am married so for number 3 would I put 0 since I can't count the same person twice? Seems counterintuitive.

2) part 5 sponsors household size - for 7 (optional) it says: "if you have siblings, parents, or adult children with the same principal residence who are combining their income with yours by submitting form 864A, enter number here."

- in the instructions it says these people are nondependent relatives.

- so basically my first question is, is that I am currently a student, have no income through work, but do have income from interest I earn through my bank accounts; i have about 80,000 in a CD (certificate of deposit, risk free) under my name, in checkings and savings combined on an account with my mom with her being the primary, we have about 150,000. On top of that i have about 600,000 in investments (stocks, bonds, equities, etc). All this money came from an insurance settlement back in 2005 and I have the paperwork to prove that. Can I file by myself to sponsor my husband, or should I have my mom joint sponsor (she does not claim me as a dependent) she makes about 18,000 a year and has over a million in investments (again the money came from an insurance settlement) - and if i do need her to joint sponsor, would she file a separate 864, or as per the instructions that I understand, would she file an 864A?

Thanks for helping me out! I know my question is a bit confusing, but hopefully it makes some sense.

[Gee&Cee 41]

Checking in, just received hard copy of NOA2, said shipped to NVC as well. NOA2 on Jan 23.

Question, how do I find out if NVC case status like on dock, in building, etc?

I called NVC and was to wait 8 weeks.

Thanks and good luck to all

Hi! We have similar timelines:

NOA1 7/24/2013

Transfer to CSC 1/14/2014

NOA2 1/24/2014

My husband called NVC today and heard the same 8 weeks for the case to arrive at NVC. We'll probably going to call them again next week, after we double check with CSC if the file has left the building on 1/24 (same day as approval)

[Saylin 1,605]

confused again: for the 864 (I am the USC sponsoring my husband)...

1) part 5 sponsors household size - for 1 I put 1 because that is the number on line 7 of part 3, but I am married so for number 3 would I put 0 since I can't count the same person twice? Seems counterintuitive.

2) part 5 sponsors household size - for 7 (optional) it says: "if you have siblings, parents, or adult children with the same principal residence who are combining their income with yours by submitting form 864A, enter number here."

- in the instructions it says these people are nondependent relatives.

- so basically my first question is, is that I am currently a student, have no income through work, but do have income from interest I earn through my bank accounts; i have about 80,000 in a CD (certificate of deposit, risk free) under my name, in checkings and savings combined on an account with my mom with her being the primary, we have about 150,000. On top of that i have about 600,000 in investments (stocks, bonds, equities, etc). All this money came from an insurance settlement back in 2005 and I have the paperwork to prove that. Can I file by myself to sponsor my husband, or should I have my mom joint sponsor (she does not claim me as a dependent) she makes about 18,000 a year and has over a million in investments (again the money came from an insurance settlement) - and if i do need her to joint sponsor, would she file a separate 864, or as per the instructions that I understand, would she file an 864A?

Thanks for helping me out! I know my question is a bit confusing, but hopefully it makes some sense.

1). You'd put 0 under spouse. I know it seems strange, but keep in mind, not everyone using the I-864 is filing for a spouse.

2). You can qualify on assets instead of income, but I'm not sure what you have is considered assets. I'd suggest creating a topic about just that and seeing what other, more informed, members have to say.

If you do choose to have your mother as a joint sponsor though, she'd file a separate I-864. Typically, the I-864A is only used by spouses of a joint sponsor filing an I-864. (Example: a father is the main joint sponsor who files an I-864, his spouse then files an I-864A). Remember, just because you're living in the same house, doesn't mean you're part of the same household. And since your mother doesn't claim you on her taxes, then you're not dependent on her, thus in two separate households, thus she's not eligible in this case to file an I-864A.

[Gee&Cee 41]

Alright folks, the February thread has been posted: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/478133-nvc-filers-february-2014/ This means that everyone can head on over. It doesn't matter when you got your NOA2, your case number, etc, everyone moves over to the current month, which is now February.

Please read the first two posts before asking questions as it is very likely that your question can be answered by simply reading.

Also, I posted 2 (for now) new questions at the bottom of the FAQ in relation to tax season. Please give that a read, especially petitioners.

Hi! Would you mind explaining why we move to another thread?

I'm asking just because when we were in the Service Center phase, we were following folks who were on the month of our NOA1. So, we were kinda a cohort, going through similar steps at a similar timing, asking similar questions. It was a little bit possible to even anticipate what might happen next. For example, my transfer happened within days of what others had happened!

We still had some wonderful "senior" members who clarified things for us. So, the overall process was still there.

I'm still not ready to go through preparation for interviews! But would love to know what is happening to other folks who received their NOA2 in January, 2014. And I confess I feel a little self-conscious sometimes asking questions that may be too "basic", but are just the questions I'm having, as a newbie.

So maybe I'm suggesting we stay in cohorts based on NOA2. But that's just because I don't understand the logic behind moving.

Thanks a lot

[Saylin 1,605]

Hi! Would you mind explaining why we move to another thread?

I'm asking just because when we were in the Service Center phase, we were following folks who were on the month of our NOA1. So, we were kinda a cohort, going through similar steps at a similar timing, asking similar questions. It was a little bit possible to even anticipate what might happen next. For example, my transfer happened within days of what others had happened!

We still had some wonderful "senior" members who clarified things for us. So, the overall process was still there.

I'm still not ready to go through preparation for interviews! But would love to know what is happening to other folks who received their NOA2 in January, 2014. And I confess I feel a little self-conscious sometimes asking questions that may be too "basic", but are just the questions I'm having, as a newbie.

So maybe I'm suggesting we stay in cohorts based on NOA2. But that's just because I don't understand the logic behind moving.

Thanks a lot

We're different than the I-130 filer threads We all stay together and move each month. This way, everyone can stay as up to date with NVC processing times and practices. Plus, it makes it more manageable if everyone's in the same thread instead of spread across multiple months.

And those with the same timelines as you at NVC would be moving as well, so you still know what's happening with those folks. And you can still anticipate what will happen next as everyone will be all together.

I completely understand I-130 filers staying in the same group as you have a receipt date, from the same month, which (kind of) matters at USCIS, so you're all in the same group essentially. At NVC, it's a new ball game where receipt date/NOA2 date mean nothing in that same sense. The speed you go is largely dependent upon you (how fast you pay bills, submit online forms, send in packages, etc).

And as of last month, previous month's threads will now be locked, so no future posts can be made. So, you can stay here in the January thread if you wish, but everyone else will have moved on to February and you won't be able to post anything here, questions or progress.

And don't be shy asking questions. Just make sure it's not something already covered in the first two posts (as that can get annoying for folks). If you're still too self-conscious, then PM someone the question.

[SVL 3]

Paid AOS fee today

[Gee&Cee 41]

We're different than the I-130 filer threads We all stay together and move each month. This way, everyone can stay as up to date with NVC processing times and practices. Plus, it makes it more manageable if everyone's in the same thread instead of spread across multiple months.

And those with the same timelines as you at NVC would be moving as well, so you still know what's happening with those folks. And you can still anticipate what will happen next as everyone will be all together.

I completely understand I-130 filers staying in the same group as you have a receipt date, from the same month, which (kind of) matters at USCIS, so you're all in the same group essentially. At NVC, it's a new ball game where receipt date/NOA2 date mean nothing in that same sense. The speed you go is largely dependent upon you (how fast you pay bills, submit online forms, send in packages, etc).

And as of last month, previous month's threads will now be locked, so no future posts can be made. So, you can stay here in the January thread if you wish, but everyone else will have moved on to February and you won't be able to post anything here, questions or progress.

And don't be shy asking questions. Just make sure it's not something already covered in the first two posts (as that can get annoying for folks). If you're still too self-conscious, then PM someone the question.

I won't be here by myself! You guys are a fun crowd! It makes sense then. I'll pack my bags to go to the February thread!

About posts 1 and 2... My two cents! They are a wonderful source of info and you can find everything there... if you know what you're looking for. As a newbie, though, when I first arrived here, I wanted to cry when I started looking at them! There was just so much information, at a time when I had no clue even about the most used acronyms, let alone where I was in the process and what to read about that step. Really overwhelming, at first.

I finally got to the end where you have this awesome "Summary of NVC Process". It was a great way to see the whole process at once. It would've been helpful for me to see that when I just started reading this thread, and Posts 1 and 2. Maybe move that to the top, as an overview?

But, I survived, right? Learned a lot and am here! So not changing anything is fine too! (I'm an evaluator by profession; can't help it analyzing and suggesting!)

Bottom line is: THANK YOU A LOT for answering all my/our questions, and putting all this material together! This thread and the previous one have been keeping me sane, informed, and empowered. In the midst of this demeaning, crazy process, this is an oasis!

To February Thread and Beyond!

[Saylin 1,605]

I won't be here by myself! You guys are a fun crowd! It makes sense then. I'll pack my bags to go to the February thread!

About posts 1 and 2... My two cents! They are a wonderful source of info and you can find everything there... if you know what you're looking for. As a newbie, though, when I first arrived here, I wanted to cry when I started looking at them! There was just so much information, at a time when I had no clue even about the most used acronyms, let alone where I was in the process and what to read about that step. Really overwhelming, at first.

I finally got to the end where you have this awesome "Summary of NVC Process". It was a great way to see the whole process at once. It would've been helpful for me to see that when I just started reading this thread, and Posts 1 and 2. Maybe move that to the top, as an overview?

But, I survived, right? Learned a lot and am here! So not changing anything is fine too! (I'm an evaluator by profession; can't help it analyzing and suggesting!)

Bottom line is: THANK YOU A LOT for answering all my/our questions, and putting all this material together! This thread and the previous one have been keeping me sane, informed, and empowered. In the midst of this demeaning, crazy process, this is an oasis!

To February Thread and Beyond!

Trust me, I know there's a ton of information, and the FAQ seems to go on and on, but there's just so many common questions about the NVC process!! It's hard to condense all that information!

I'll take your suggestion though and put a copy of the "summary of NVC process" on top as well