what step are we on??

[Timmy&FeiFei 0]

Hello all!

I’ve spent a lot of time on this site over the past year and it’s been a huge help. Now that we’ve got the ball rolling with our CR-1 visa, I have some questions I hope y’all can help clear up.

1) I DCFed in Guangzhou on Valentine’s Day and have been anxiously awaiting our NOA1. Yesterday I received an email from the Immigrant Visa Unit in Guangzhou with our case number and information on submitting the DS-260. Is this email our NOA1?

2) Also, the email includes instructions about going to a CITIC bank location and submitting some other documents. However, the DS-260 instructions hint that electronic processing would be the way to go. Is now the time to opt in for EP, or should I follow the instructions in the email and find a drop-off location here in Chengdu?

3) The email only asks that we complete the DS-260, submit a photocopy of the beneficiary’s passport information page, as well as 2 photos of beneficiary. But, upon completion of the DS-260, the “next steps” are as follows:

All applicants must:

1. Obtain and submit required supporting civil documents.
   
2. Obtain and submit photographs that meet the Department of State’s visa requirements.
   
3. Review the information specific to U.S. Embassy/Consulate General where your visa interview will occur.
   

So which instructions should I follow? It seems I’d be better off sending more than necessary (additional copies of our civil docs - birth and marriage certificates; police record), and as they stated in the email, they can feel free to “destroy” the unnecessary documents.

4) Lastly, I’ve seen other timelines, stories, and flowcharts about the DCF process, and it really feels like we’re skipping some steps here. Is it possible that our case has already reached NVC but I haven’t received an NOA2 stating that our I-130 has actually been approved?!

If someone with some experience could help shed some light on the situation it’d be much appreciated!

[Darnell 8,478]

eh - i do wish the instructions were more clear, from GUZ IV, or at least contain a clear roadmap.

NOA-1/NOA-2 - don't expect these on the I-130 .

DS-260 is an ONLINE form, everyone does this now, the DS-230 is 'no more'. Still, is it part of Electronic Processing? EP is a doc intake process for NVC, and since NVC is not (repeat NOT) involved with your casefile, there is NO EP available to you. GUZ IV is doing the doc intake for the visa application. GUZ USCIS just completed their bits. Note is two seperate entities.

Major things to do:

1. pay the fee at CITIC bank, get the receipt and receipt #.

2. file the DS-260 ONLINE

3. attempt to self-schedule the appointment at ustraveldocs.com/cn

4. find a CITIC Bank drop off location in Chengdu.

CIVIL DOCS required on the DS-260 will be collected on Interview Day.

The I-864 and Affadavit-of-Support-Supporting-Documents will be collected on Interview Day.

Any email instructions you have from GUZ IV should be followed, IMO, make them the 'leading candidate' for your 'how-to' this month and next.

Here is a recent DCF/Guangzhou filer

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?app=core&module=search&do=user_activity&mid=168634

Might want to read his stuff - his is 'as current' as exists, here.

Edited February 28, 2014 by Darnell

[Timmy&FeiFei 0]

Wow, thanks for the quick, informative response!

The DS-260 is done and submitted. I'll be going to the CITIC drop-off location in Chengdu tomorrow. I haven't received any notices about this "fee" that I'll be paying, but I'll be ready for it.

And it what you say is true, that I don't need to be waiting around for an NOA1/2, then this process is going scary fast. I've got my fingers crossed it'll stay on track.

[Darnell 8,478]

set up an account at ustraveldocs.com/cn [note it can display in english or chinese, you click, you pick]

and read all there. much of it doesn't apply to you two based on casefile type, but there's medical exam info buried in there as well.

still, you have to set up a document delivery point for the visa packet (sent out after the interview) prior to interview day.

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to DCF Discussion.