NVC Filers - June 2014

[AustinCanada 681]

I don't see why completing the DS-261 ahead of receiving the email would mess anything up. If it's available in the portal, then they're ready to receive it. If they weren't ready, then it wouldn't be available to complete (as with the DS-260, until the IV bill is showing as PAID).

The e-mail is to let people know the AOS has been invoiced (Saylin, please correct me if I'm wrong). I know it mentions in the e-mail to complete the DS-261 before paying, but I don't think completing the DS-261 before the e-mail trips up anything on the CEAC site.

Maybe it's safe to fill out the DS-261 form before the initial email. However, an NVC agent mentioned that it was the reason why it changed from "Completed" to "Incomplete" according to one of the Facebook groups.

I analyzed risks and benefits after reading many posts; then, I decided to wait for one additional day for the initial email from NVC. I thought waiting for one additional day wasn't a big deal if I could eliminate some potential risks. Again, it's your personal choice since it's your immigration application. It's all up to you to fill out the form before the email or after the email.

[Leury 6]

Was your case complete on the 20th or did you call and learn that it was complete on the 20th? could it have been approved several days earlier and you were not aware? how often did you call? The only reason I ask is because approved on the 20th and appointment set on the 24th is a VERY quick turnaround-- if that is the case I am EXCITED to see that level of activity from them. My case(s) were also completed on the 20th

It could have been done sooner, the only reason I say the 20th is because I received an e-mail on the 20th stating this:

Dear Sir or Madam:

The National Visa Center has received all documentation necessary to complete pre-processing

of your case. As soon as an interview date has been scheduled, the applicant, petitioner

and attorney (if applicable) will be notified.

The applicant should NOT make any travel arrangements, sell property, or give up employment

until the US Embassy or Consulate General has issued a visa.

The US Embassy or Consulate General may require additional documentation at the time of

the interview. Additional documentation requirements if applicable can be referenced at

the following URL: http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3742.html

Sincerely,

Director

National Visa Center

Then today at 1 in the AM I received an e-mail with PDF attached(P4 Letter) that was dated June 24th, 2014. Which Gave me info about the interview and what date it was. To be honest, caught me by surprise because I didn't expect to get it this quick. Not sure if it has to do with my PD being May 20, 2013. But I sure hope you get your interview date, I would be surprise if you don't get it it this week. Considering that we both got case complete the 20th.

To answer you other questions, I didn't call them a single time, through the whole process because I figured they would just BS me.

[bdrew612 1,071]

Maybe it's safe to fill out the DS-261 form before the initial email. However, an NVC agent mentioned that it was the reason why it changed from "Completed" to "Incomplete" according to one of the Facebook groups.

I analyzed risks and benefits after reading many posts; then, I decided to wait for one additional day for the initial email from NVC. I thought waiting for one additional day wasn't a big deal if I could eliminate some potential risks. Again, it's your personal choice since it's your immigration application. It's all up to you to fill out the form before the email or after the email.

I learned to take everything those phone agents say with a grain of salt. They often tell us what they think we want to hear and we oftentimes run with it, ignoring the information that doesn't sync up with what we want to happen (the many posts about them working OT, for example).

True, it's one extra day, but seeing how these delays continue to grow, I can imagine people not wanting to wait that long, which can lead to people rushing through it, realizing (or over-analyzing) that they made an error, opening it to double-check and voila! The date is reset.

This whole thing is a c r a p shoot.

[ColGil 126]

My wife has a job waiting for her with a start date of Sept. 15th. When I sent in our AOS and DS-260 in early Arpil, I though she would for sure have a green card by Sept. 15th. That was before they lost my original AOS, then I had to resend AOS on May 22nd and now still waiting for them to upload and review. Ridonkulus! Anyway, I have a supervisor review working on it and I've requested expeditious service. But starting to get worried that my wife will potentially lose her job if she doesn't have green card in time.

I posted something about this into the NVC filers - May 2014 forum, but this might help put your mind at ease (a little), your wife is authorized to work when she lands, her visa is a temporary green card and her employer can file a form a few weeks after her hire date when she receives her SS#

[Lottry 14]

What you mean by their system screwed up? Did you initially complete it and then resubmitted?

yes I submitted first on 4/24, and then on may 28 I checked the website and found my DS261 is incomplete, so I called nvc before doing anything, was told the system is acting up and I must resubmitted again and they will go by the original date (4-24) which was a lie,,,,

[miller_msm 1]

I posted something about this into the NVC filers - May 2014 forum, but this might help put your mind at ease (a little), your wife is authorized to work when she lands, her visa is a temporary green card and her employer can file a form a few weeks after her hire date when she receives her SS#

When will she receive your SSN?

[bdrew612 1,071]

yes I submitted first on 4/24, and then on may 28 I checked the website and found my DS261 is incomplete, so I called nvc before doing anything, was told the system is acting up and I must resubmitted again and they will go by the original date (4-24) which was a lie,,,,

I wonder if people should start printing a screenshot after they complete the DS-261 as proof of when it was completed. Then if it appears 'incomplete' contacting them stating there's proof of when it was done the first time (I know there was a glitch a couple months ago with the IV fee remaining 'in process' even after the people's banks showed the funds removed). Doubtful that would work, but if people want to take that extra precaution, I guess there's no harm, right?

And, because it bears repeating, don't touch it after it's submitted lol

[VNBCI130 94]

yes I submitted first on 4/24, and then on may 28 I checked the website and found my DS261 is incomplete, so I called nvc before doing anything, was told the system is acting up and I must resubmitted again and they will go by the original date (4-24) which was a lie,,,,

If they were going by original date then you should have argued to process them right away. Did you notice it was incomplete on 05/27? I feel bad for you..I was in the same boat at you. Initially submitted on May 22 and then when incomplete and resubmitted on May 24..nbv got it on may 27. Such a bummer. Still waiting for IV.

[AustinCanada 681]

I learned to take everything those phone agents say with a grain of salt. They often tell us what they think we want to hear and we oftentimes run with it, ignoring the information that doesn't sync up with what we want to happen (the many posts about them working OT, for example).

True, it's one extra day, but seeing how these delays continue to grow, I can imagine people not wanting to wait that long, which can lead to people rushing through it, realizing (or over-analyzing) that they made an error, opening it to double-check and voila! The date is reset.

This whole thing is a c r a p shoot.

LOL! (the last sentence!) I have summarized this.

If you're in a hurry and can't wait for one extra day -> Fill out the DS-261 form once it's available on the CEAC site -> Don't touch the DS-261 form! (unless you think your application is getting processed too fast and would love to wait for additional days!)

If you're a low risk taker and don't mind waiting for a one extra day -> Wait for the initial email from NVC; then, fill out the DS-261 form -> Don't touch the DS-261 form! (unless you think your application is getting processed too fast and would love to wait for additional days!)

[ColGil 126]

When will she receive your SSN?

I think it's 3-6 weeks providing it's requested in advance on the DS-260.

[miller_msm 1]

I think it's 3-6 weeks providing it's requested in advance on the DS-260.

3 to 6 weeks from when?

[ColGil 126]

3 to 6 weeks from when?

It's 3 weeks from arrival in the US. Here's the SS pages with more info. Just note that it makes reference to the DS-230, however the DS-260 replaces that for the IR1/CR1 process. There is an option to select towards the end regarding social security cards.

http://www.ssa.gov/people/immigrants/

You may also find this interesting, it details what an employer needs to do if you hire someone who hasn't yet received their SS#/Card

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/employer/hiring.htm

[alepenaflor 92]

Just one question, can you get expidite at the nvc too?

[benipals4 72]

COME ON NVC!!!!!

I never noticed but there is FNU after the beneficiary's name under IV on CEAC website.. Does anyone else have that? FNU was the one who signed for our packet. Does that mean that is the person who reviewed the DS-260 or our IV Package

[VNBCI130 94]

IV just invoiced and paid!!! ughh..such a relief!!!