2014 NVC Filing Process for CR-1 Spouse Visa

[newguy05 1]

Hi, this is my attempt to create a simple and updated NVC workflow. Having read through many guides and threads, it is very confusing as a lot of the information is outdated.

Below is what I have so far, would appreciate of those with knowledge to fill in the blanks and let me know if any step is missing/wrong. I will also fill in the blanks myself as my case progresses.

End of USCIS:

1) NOA2 approved -> Post decision activity status indicating the application has been forward to NVC

Start of NVC

2) Get NVC Case # and IIN (Invoice Identification Number)

• Call NVC every 2 days (603) 334-0700 Option 1, to speak with a live person(no automated system)
• Provide USCIS receipt # and ask for NVC case # and Invoice Identification Number (spell it out over the phone).
• NVC will tell you 1 of 3 things:
  • Not received - meaning they have nothing yet from USCIS. Hang up.
  • Received package but not processed - meaning they received the delivery from USCIS but have not scanned into the system and has no case #. Hang up
  • Received and scanned - meaning they have the case# and IIN. You then provide them the both petitioner/beneficiary name and birthday to get the info

3) Login to https://ceac.state.gov/IV/Login.aspx with the info obtained from step 2 above and complete DS-261 Choice of Agent

4) Opt in for Electronic Track for all steps going forward. <-- This is the part i am really confused, how do you do that exactly? Many articles stated to send emails with exact subject to NVC but those are all from 2005. Does anyone know how the process works now?

5) At this point, the workflow splits into 2 separate parallel tracks. Note the requirement list for each form below is well defined so i wont bother list them out.

5A) Pay fee and petitioner complete I-864 Affidavit of Support <-- From my understanding even though you chose Electronic Track, this CANNOT be filed online and MUST be submitted via regular paper mail. Is this correct? Any detail will be appreciated.

5B) Pay fee and beneficiary complete DS-230 Immigrant Visa application. From my understanding this can be submitted directly online and no need to mail it in.

6) NVC review all info submitted in step 5 and send to US embassy of the beneficiary country to start the embassy process.

Edited March 14, 2014 by newguy05

[NikLR 13,227]

Electronic processing is only available to select countries. 90% of the world cannot use it.

When calling the NVC you do not need to press any numbers to speak to someone. There is no automation period. It's if busy, it means all the lines are busy and call back.

[newguy05 1]

Electronic processing is only available to select countries. 90% of the world cannot use it.

When calling the NVC you do not need to press any numbers to speak to someone. There is no automation period. It's if busy, it means all the lines are busy and call back.

Hi, assume i am in one of those countries that have electronic processing, how/when/where do I opt in? The only info I found is from years ago when it first went live and noone was sure how it works and some said it may even delay your processing if done at the wrong time. Thanks

[NikLR 13,227]

The ENROLL is different for China and for Canada. You do not ENROLL if you have a country that has mandatory EP.

There are two wiki's for these countries. One is by Saylin for Canada and the other is by Ryan_H for China.

[bkghosh 121]

5B) Pay fee and beneficiary complete DS-230 Immigrant Visa application. From my understanding this can be submitted directly online and no need to mail it in.

Actually this form is now DS-260. Mailing is no longer an option. You have to fill it online and submit it, when it becomes available.

[newguy05 1]

The ENROLL is different for China and for Canada. You do not ENROLL if you have a country that has mandatory EP.

There are two wiki's for these countries. One is by Saylin for Canada and the other is by Ryan_H for China.

Hi, this is for china. Do you know if it has mandatory EP? i can't find any info.

I did see Ryan_H's wiki: http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/NVC_Electronic_Processing

But it is a little confusing, the wiki said to wait until after DS-3032 email then email to NVCElectronic@state.gov and attach the signed DS-3032 along with other info. But then a little down in the speed bump section, it mentioned not to use the DS-3032 form that was in the kit sent to you.

Sorry i am a bit confused. Any help will be appreciated.

Actually this form is now DS-260. Mailing is no longer an option. You have to fill it online and submit it, when it becomes available.

thanks, seems i can't edit my original post anymore to change it though.

Edited March 15, 2014 by newguy05

[Ryan H 3,812]

For the record, I have thread which I have updated. The wiki was written by someone else and is not up to date.

My thread can be viewed here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/327561-my-ep-experience/

[Darnell 8,478]

Ya, sorry, folk confuse Ryan and myself often.

I'm the pretty one, have nice ankles and whatnots.

Tis time to update the wiki, I'm a thinking !

[newguy05 1]

For the record, I have thread which I have updated. The wiki was written by someone else and is not up to date.

My thread can be viewed here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/327561-my-ep-experience/

Thanks folks, and Ryan thank you so much this is exactly what I was looking for, everything is very clear now. Just waiting on NVC to start the next step.

[Kaylara 814]

When you call the NVC, you can press 1 to wait for a customer service rep.

[dwheels76 5,468]

Hi, this is my attempt to create a simple and updated NVC workflow. Having read through many guides and threads, it is very confusing as a lot of the information is outdated.

Below is what I have so far, would appreciate of those with knowledge to fill in the blanks and let me know if any step is missing/wrong. I will also fill in the blanks myself as my case progresses.

End of USCIS:

1) NOA2 approved -> Post decision activity status indicating the application has been forward to NVC

Start of NVC

2) Get NVC Case # and IIN (Invoice Identification Number)

• Call NVC every 2 days (603) 334-0700 Option 1, to speak with a live person(no automated system)
• Provide USCIS receipt # and ask for NVC case # and Invoice Identification Number (spell it out over the phone).
• NVC will tell you 1 of 3 things:
  • Not received - meaning they have nothing yet from USCIS. Hang up.
  • Received package but not processed - meaning they received the delivery from USCIS but have not scanned into the system and has no case #. Hang up
  • Received and scanned - meaning they have the case# and IIN. You then provide them the both petitioner/beneficiary name and birthday to get the info

3) Login to https://ceac.state.gov/IV/Login.aspx with the info obtained from step 2 above and complete DS-261 Choice of Agent

4) Opt in for Electronic Track for all steps going forward. <-- This is the part i am really confused, how do you do that exactly? Many articles stated to send emails with exact subject to NVC but those are all from 2005. Does anyone know how the process works now?

5) At this point, the workflow splits into 2 separate parallel tracks. Note the requirement list for each form below is well defined so i wont bother list them out.

5A) Pay fee and petitioner complete I-864 Affidavit of Support <-- From my understanding even though you chose Electronic Track, this CANNOT be filed online and MUST be submitted via regular paper mail. Is this correct? Any detail will be appreciated.

5B) Pay fee and beneficiary complete DS-230 Immigrant Visa application. From my understanding this can be submitted directly online and no need to mail it in.

6) NVC review all info submitted in step 5 and send to US embassy of the beneficiary country to start the embassy process.

Sorry to be a nudge but you posted this you say because information is outdated yet you posted outdated information. The DS-230 was replaced September 1, 2013 by the online DS-260. Same for the DS-3032 replaced by the DS-261.

Your #6 is incorrect. Everything gets reviewed once you get case complete you are then in the interview queue (except for China). Your casefile stays at NVC until you are assigned an interview date. Once an interview is assigned to you your casefile will than be shipped shortly (usually within a week) to the embassy.

***I onlu note this because you didn't mention your country and many people may search VJ come across this and thinks it applies to them. This is why having a timeline and a profile of your country of interview is very helpful when giving information and answering questions.

Each of the below threads are a monthly thread.For NVC filers information follow this thread and read Post #1 and #2.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/483206-nvc-filers-march-2014/

For information about case complete and interview come to

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/483206-nvc-filers-march-2014/

Edited March 15, 2014 by dwheels76