NVC Filers - June 2014

[observatorka 197]

Yup I called. After being on hold for a little over an hour I got a hold of someone and they told me my case was complete. My checklist was scanned in on May 13th. I appreciate everyones help throughout this process so far. It's been a long process, started it last April. Also, congrats to all the others who have received case completes recently.

CASE COMPLETE as of May 5... checklist scanned on the 12th of may

ceac.... changed from paid to N/A..

this is something i wanted to read this morning!!! CCs!!! wooohooo and congratulations

[Eastyo11 20]

After many, *many*, attempts to call the NVC tonight, I finally got through and spoke to May, who very kindly informed me that our case number was assigned on June 4. She provided me with the IIN, too.

Unfortunately, our assigned embassy is incorrect, as they've routed us to the embassy in my husband's home country, rather than where we currently live (Paris). I fear that getting this corrected will really slow down the process.

Mine was the same, don't worry, just email them (with their required info, name dob etc) and give the new address and ask for the embassy to be changed to Paris (you must specifically ask for this change not just give them the new address) ... now, this does take about a month ... however, the good news is that you can continue to process as normal with the old case #! they will simply just change it later.

So at this stage there will be no slowing down

[Eastyo11 20]

Ok, I am officially an idiot. I sent my revised AOS from my checklist today. I was in such a rush and panic about the whole thing, I just checked what I sent and I forgot to tick the box that I am an American citizen

I can't do anything, but send another one on Tuesday when our post office opens again after a public holiday in Australia. I just can't believe I did this, I am so rattled and feel sick to my stomach. So, I guess I can add another few days onto my wait. I was sure I checked and re-checked the form, but was obviously not thinking straight because I was in a rush. Kicking myself so hard right now.

At least your attorney didn't send them the old incorrect form in response to the checklist! ... I called NVC and they said they would look at the 2nd one we sent (put on the system 2-3 days after!)

[samreen23 461]

It is a blessing and I would be thrilled if it had happened to me but to come in upset because you have to wait 30 days for Case # when the whole process for that person was 22 days is a little difficult to swallow.

I'm not upset with anyone who has their case come through quickly I would just like to know why this process is so unpredictable. I have always been one to want to know why things happen because my curiosity, well, it's just my nature.

But when you have been waiting for over a year, you put yourself in our shoes how would you like it? We are all waiting to start our lives none of us are playing game nor do we find this process comic relief.

My feather's aren't ruffled just wet from all the tears I've shed waiting to see my husband again. Sorry for not jumping up and down for those who have only waited 22 days.

I agree with soloenta 1000%. Ppl gotta stop complaining about these days when they have been so fortunate with MONTHS. I waited 10.5 months just for the approval so I m sorry if we don't feel sympathetic towards ppl who got approved in 3 4 months( or 22 days in ur case) who say that NVC is slow. We are not upset who got approved before. We just can't take their complains. U wouldn't believe but just by ONE month difference I have been set Back one year in my career. So yeah everybody is frustrated.

[amirhm7 6]

Hi everyone,

what should I write in the subject line and email body I want to send NVC for email communication enrollment?

[lovelystar 13]

I'm in the same boat. They keep sending me the checklists for Ds-261. Sent it 3 times already. IV fee is not invoiced so far. This expedite is a complete BS. Question: did you send all original documents for IV paperwork? Any idea if we will get them back?

Yes. I did send all original documents and in my cover letter I requested to return them at the interview. Where is your family located, I am right at Lugansk region. And yes, I agree with you 100% about expedite

[TM713 63]

It is a blessing and I would be thrilled if it had happened to me but to come in upset because you have to wait 30 days for Case # when the whole process for that person was 22 days is a little difficult to swallow.

I'm not upset with anyone who has their case come through quickly I would just like to know why this process is so unpredictable. I have always been one to want to know why things happen because my curiosity, well, it's just my nature.

But when you have been waiting for over a year, you put yourself in our shoes how would you like it? We are all waiting to start our lives none of us are playing game nor do we find this process comic relief.

My feather's aren't ruffled just wet from all the tears I've shed waiting to see my husband again. Sorry for not jumping up and down for those who have only waited 22 days.

Hi Soloenta,

I know you have been waiting for a long time, and I'm really sorry for that. We were prepared to wait a long time, too, and it was such a joyous relief when we didn't have to. I hope your case moves forward very quickly and you can put this process behind you! I don't blame you for being frustrated by the obvious inconsistencies in the spousal visa process. It makes no sense and could stand for a ton of improvement. Good luck!

Dear TM713,

I too sailed through USCIS, though I paid premium for the service. I do however understand some of the genuine frustration voiced in this thread re this matter. The blame falls squarely on NVC's shoulders. By treating all incoming mail on first-in first-served basis, they're allowing fast trackers to delay everyone who's unfortunate enough to get a checklist. The situation would've been resolved nicely if responses to checklists are given priority over initial submissions.

Looking at what I can see from the whole picture, NVC seems to have not planned any contingencies to deal with the USCIS throughput surge that was expected since last year at least. Merely working the odd Saturday after the fact is a symptom of failed strategic management.

Hi MoBar65,

It's true that there is a distinct lack of coordination between USCIS and the NVC, which might be inevitable given that they are housed within different governmental departments. It's probably wishful thinking on my part that they streamline such an unnecessarily clunky procedure! I agree that checklist responses, and most certainly checklist responses regarding inconsistent application of rules (e.g. requests for copies of original civil documents that have already been submitted) should jump to the head of the document review line. The burden placed on people who waited so long for I-130 approval who must now wait while NVC manages a surge of approved petitions is just too much.

Edited June 7, 2014 by TM713

[lovelystar 13]

You need to be patient.

They care about their procedures, not us. That's sad but we need to be patient.

Yes. I understand it all fully, but I know about other people cases from Ukraine (because I talked to them) and how it all went and this is sad. The thing is, when they process theirs cases, there was not much danger like it is now.

[lovelystar 13]

Hi, I'm really sorry about your situation, and that the NVC rep didn't allow you to take the birth certificates to the interview (very inconsiderate, taking into account your situation)

I asked NVC about expediting, and they told me that they only expedite the interview, not the process itself... Meaning that they will give you the interview date sooner, but you still have to wait for CC like everyone else...

I tried to request one myself because of Venezuela's violent political protests and insecurity, but I don't know if it is approved yet.. Obviously Ukraine's situation is much worse, but I can always try, right?

Good luck with everything!

Yes,it wouldn't hurt to try.

Good luck to you too.

[lovelystar 13]

Did you speak to a supervisor? If not do so and tell them you have an approved expedite.

No, I didn't talk with supervisor, but this time I will ask my husband to call and talk to them.

are you waiting for CC or interview??

waiting for CC

[chappell09 38]

Just a quick question about contacting the NVC. I am trying to go through Google Voice inside my gmail account. I have been pressing redial for an hour and a half, a few hundred times. It's not going through at all. Is it not possible to call the NVC with Google Voice? (This is the ideal option, as it's free and I'm out of the country.)

Thank you.

I've tried Google Voice multiple times, even for an entire day one time (100s of attempts) and could never get through to NVC. It always just hung up and said it was busy. I wish it would work because it would be free!

But every time I switched over to Skype, within 20-40 attempts I always got through.

Maybe it has to do with internet speed (it's not so good where I live)? not sure, but gmail unfortunately doesn't work for me either.

Good luck!

[sparrow20 32]

Just a quick question about contacting the NVC. I am trying to go through Google Voice inside my gmail account. I have been pressing redial for an hour and a half, a few hundred times. It's not going through at all. Is it not possible to call the NVC with Google Voice? (This is the ideal option, as it's free and I'm out of the country.)

Try the magic jack application for android..

Thank you.

[sparrow20 32]

I didnt quote that one properly..

[MoBar65 520]

I've tried Google Voice multiple times, even for an entire day one time (100s of attempts) and could never get through to NVC. It always just hung up and said it was busy. I wish it would work because it would be free!

But every time I switched over to Skype, within 20-40 attempts I always got through.

Maybe it has to do with internet speed (it's not so good where I live)? not sure, but gmail unfortunately doesn't work for me either.

Good luck!

I have been using Ooma Telo for years now as a formal US phone line. It's a wireless server that connects to any wired or wireless network. You establish a US phone number that travels with you around the world and use it to call US numbers for free. Great way to maintain US domicile as well as save money. I used it for banking, taxes, utility bills, ...etc. It does have monthly subscription (currently $3.82) and upfront cost. You can even login your current address for proper 911 calling.

I have no intention of subscribing to an expensive land-line after we move to the States. We'll just continue using it.

[sandraperry 34]

One silly question, because me and my husband have been arguing about it:

*Does the Petitioner needs to be at the Beneficiary's interview?

(My husband is currently in the USA and I am in Portugal, interview will be in Paris, France)