January 2014 Filers

[ChrisFurlough 18]

OK, so to be clear, the only way that I'll know that my case has been sent to the NVC is when I get a letter in the mail specifically stating that?

[Mbrennan 15]

If you've followed the checklist from this site then it should be fine. They should've sent a RFE if there is something important that was missed. Every case is different hence the difference in processing time.

We're still waiting for our NOA2 also. Just have to keep our spirit up and keep on checking the case status

Unfortunately I didn't discover this site until after we'd started the process so I didn't use this checklist. However, we did hire a lawyer to help us out, and after submitting a 45 question questionnaire, and a list of documents (passports, boarding passes, itineraries, police records, photos, engagement/wedding stuff, birth certificates etc.) hopefully that's enough.

Nothing as yet, but as you say, let's keep our spirits up and one day soon, maybe that case status will be updated

[Sungtory 4]

After receiving NOA2 within 30 days, I felt the need to give back to the VJ community as I would have been lost without their step-by-step guidance on all inquiries. (Plz feel free to ask any specific questions and I'll try to be clear and detailed as possible)

Thank you VJ and wish the best to all. I'll continue to post updates.

Timeline:

1/17/2014 - Packet submitted (Texas office)

1/21/2014 - Receipt confirmed (NOA 1 text)

1/28/2014 - NOA 1 confirmed (Hard copy)

2/13/2014 - Petition approved (confirmed via USCIS website)

2/18/2014 - NOA 2 confirmed (Hard copy - letter stating my petition has been approved sent to NVC and that further instruction will follow along with a case number within 30 days)

Waiting...

*FYI, my fiancee resides in S. Korea.

[allende 5]

OK, so to be clear, the only way that I'll know that my case has been sent to the NVC is when I get a letter in the mail specifically stating that?

There are two ways to know: in the USCIS website when it says that it's been approved and it says the date it was sent to the NVC and when you receive the hard copy of NOA2 through regular mail. It says the same date than on the USCIS website.

The difference is that you know sooner through USCIS. At least we knew through there one week or so before we received the actual letter... I signed up for a mailing list at USCIS so I got the message that our case had been approved January 28th and my fiance got the letter February 3rd.

My fiance got a text message and an e-mail for the NOA1 but he didn't receive either of those for the NOA2. I actually know more than he does :-P He did not get notified when we were assigned a case number at NVC (I found out because I called them) I also found out at the CEAC webpage that our case had been sent to the embassy about a week before he got the letter in the mail. Internet is always faster than regular mail! :-) I don't know why they texted him for the NOA1 but not for anything else...

Edited February 20, 2014 by allende

[ChrisFurlough 18]

Thanks allende!

At USCIS, I have this status:

Post Decision Activity

On February 14, 2014, 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.

Will it change to something else when the file is sent to the NVC?

[allende 5]

Not on my case! It has been sent to NVC, been processed to the embassy and it still says the same! I think that as soon as they send your case to NVC, USCIS is done so that's it for them (as far as I know!)

When it says that they sent you a notice on February 14th that's when they sent you the NOA2. You'll probably get the letter soon since it's already been a while. I don't think anyone notifies you when they send the file to NVC (hopefully it's right away) or when NVC gets it... I waited exactly 2 weeks after date of USCIS notification before I called the NVC and I was lucky to get the case number right away. I would do the same if I were you, you can call them in a week or so.

Good luck!

[longtruelove 11]

After receiving NOA2 within 30 days, I felt the need to give back to the VJ community as I would have been lost without their step-by-step guidance on all inquiries. (Plz feel free to ask any specific questions and I'll try to be clear and detailed as possible)

Thank you VJ and wish the best to all. I'll continue to post updates.

Timeline:

1/17/2014 - Packet submitted (Texas office)

1/21/2014 - Receipt confirmed (NOA 1 text)

1/28/2014 - NOA 1 confirmed (Hard copy)

2/13/2014 - Petition approved (confirmed via USCIS website)

2/18/2014 - NOA 2 confirmed (Hard copy - letter stating my petition has been approved sent to NVC and that further instruction will follow along with a case number within 30 days)

Waiting...

*FYI, my fiancee resides in S. Korea.

wow you got your fast and you were at the texas center i'm still waiting for mine

[allende 5]

By the way, when it says follow the instructions, well... It says not to call NVC for at least 30 days after NOA2 but I guess most of us can't wait that long! My advice is to call them. Worst thing that can happen is that you waste some time on hold... I called them through Skype because I was too impatient (my fiance couldn't call them until the evening for him so that's the middle of the night for me; I'm 7 hours ahead) If they don't have it yet or they haven't assigned a case number keep trying every few days... That's what I would do!

[ChrisFurlough 18]

By the way, when it says follow the instructions, well... It says not to call NVC for at least 30 days after NOA2 but I guess most of us can't wait that long! My advice is to call them. Worst thing that can happen is that you waste some time on hold... I called them through Skype because I was too impatient (my fiance couldn't call them until the evening for him so that's the middle of the night for me; I'm 7 hours ahead) If they don't have it yet or they haven't assigned a case number keep trying every few days... That's what I would do!

Yep! I'm impatient as well. I called them yesterday, they told me that they didn't have it yet, and that it would take 8 weeks. (Stock answer).

I'll be calling them weekly to see what they have to say.

I know another situation is "Once you get your case number, you should wait 30 days before trying to schedule an interview". uhhh.. How about NO? Does NO work you for? As soon as I get the MNL number, I'll be on the site trying to schedule an interview.

[allende 5]

Yep! I'm impatient as well. I called them yesterday, they told me that they didn't have it yet, and that it would take 8 weeks. (Stock answer).

I'll be calling them weekly to see what they have to say.

I know another situation is "Once you get your case number, you should wait 30 days before trying to schedule an interview". uhhh.. How about NO? Does NO work you for? As soon as I get the MNL number, I'll be on the site trying to schedule an interview.

I agree!

Lucky you if you can schedule your interview. Here (in Spain) I have to wait until they send me the letter by regular mail. And there is no phone to call to ask if they got our case or when they'll send the letter There is one number but it's a recorded message, no real people. Basically, they tell you to wait for the letter. I have no choice but to wait! Believe me, if there were any other way I'd try to get ahead of that letter! Are we still in the 19th century? I can't believe they can't have a proper internet service or a simple phone... Anyways, I don't mind waiting if I know an approximate time; if they told me I have to wait 5 weeks for the letter fine, at least I know that it'll eventually come. It's the "limbo" that I hate. I like to be informed

[BillButler 2]

I checked the National Visa Center site today and put in my new number, the new message:

Please follow the instructions you received from the National Visa Center (NVC) for the next step in the processing of your visa petition. If you have misplaced the instructions sent to you by the NVC or did not receive them, please contact us athttp://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3177.html for additional information.

Does that mean there will be instructions sent in the mail? They have only had my packet two days. I hope it means it is headed to Manila soon!

[TrixieStep 10]

Thanks allende!

At USCIS, I have this status:

Post Decision Activity

On February 14, 2014, 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.

Will it change to something else when the file is sent to the NVC?

You should be notified when they ship from TSC to NVC.

[ChrisFurlough 18]

You should be notified when they ship from TSC to NVC.

Yes, I understand that I will be notified. My question was HOW will I be notified?

[battlejeep 0]

Received NOA2 text and email today 2/20/14 at 11:15pm eastern time from CSC!

[TrixieStep 10]

Yes, I understand that I will be notified. My question was HOW will I be notified?

I was notified via text and email that the file was shipped. It'll say something like..."We shipped this file to NVC..."