NVC Filers - July 2014

[bmansour 9]

is this related to the delay we are facing ?

U.S. Department of State: Consular Affairs posted this on FB:

Information Regarding Ongoing Consular Consolidated Database (CCD) Performance Issues and Steps Taken

The Department of State continues to work to restore our visa system to full functionality.

We anticipate it will take weeks to resume full visa processing capacity.

We continue to prioritize immigrant visas, including adoption cases. So far, we have been able to issue most cases with few delays.

Nearly all passports currently being issued within our customer service standards, despite the system problems. We are able to issue passports for emergency travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What caused the system performance issues? Hardware, software, or both?

On July 20, to improve overall system performance and address previous intermittent performance issues, we updated sofware as recommended. Our database began experiencing significant performance issues shortly after this maintenance was performed.

A root cause has not been identified at this time. Current efforts are focused on bringing the system back to normal operations. Once that has been accomplished, resources will be applied to determine the root cause.

Q: What steps did we take to mitigate the performance issues?

Since July 20, our team has worked to restore operations to full capacity. On July 23, the Consular Consolidated Database (CCD) was brought back online with limited capacity.

The Department of State is working with Oracle and Microsoft to implement system changes aimed at optimizing performance and addressing ongoing performance issues.

We are incrementally increasing the number of processed cases as our systems will allow.

Q: Has the Bureau of Consular Affairs experienced these types of outages in the past?

CA has experienced minor outages in the past, but never of this magnitude. We have a plan in place to mitigate these occurrences in the future.

Q: Is the software to blame? Why was this allowed to happen?

We have been working to improve our services through upgrades while maintaining existing operations worldwide. However, we are limited by outdated software and hardware.

Q: Why did those steps not work? What’s the next step?

We have not determined why the problems occurred. We are working with our contractor and the software vendor to address the problems.

We are bringing additional servers online to increase capacity and response time.

Q: Why wasn’t there a back-up server?

There was back-up capability and redundancy built into the system. However, the upgrade affected not only our current processing capability, but also our ability to use our redundant system.

Q: What steps are being taken prevent this from happening again?

CA has a plan in place to upgrade the CCD to a newer version of the Oracle commercial database software by the end of the calendar year. We are working to ensure the existing system will remain fully functional until the new database is up and running and thoroughly tested. The plan includes establishing two fully redundant systems.

Q: If CA is fee funded, why can’t it build a robust database that doesn’t fail?

The database has grown dramatically, in both quantity of data and functionality, and vastly improved border security. In addition to checking names against databases, we review fingerprints and perform facial recognition.

We are working towards modernization of our software, hardware, and infrastructure. Demand for our services outpaced our modernization efforts.

Consular Affairs has, and has had, a redundant system. However, the upgrade affected not only our current processing capability, but also our ability to use our redundant system. This is one of the issues we are urgently addressing now.

Q: What do I need to know if I’m a passport applicant?

Almost all passports are currently being issued within our customer service standards, despite the system problems.

We are able to issue passports for emergency travel.

Q: What do I need to know if I’m a visa applicant?

Visa applicants they can expect delays as we process pending cases. We remain able to quickly process emergency cases to completion.

We are working urgently to correct the problem to avoid further inconveniencing travelers.

We are posting updates to the visa page of travel.state.gov, and our embassies and consulates overseas are communicating with visa applicants.

In addition to communicating through our websites, e-mail, and letters, we are also reaching out to applicants via Facebook and other social media sites, such as Weibo, to relay the latest information.

Q: Why hasn’t the Department been more forthcoming until now?

We have experienced CCD outages in the past, but they have never disrupted our ability to perform consular tasks at this magnitude.

We informed the public as soon as it was apparent there was not a quick fix to bring the CCD back to normal operating capacity, and are briefing Congressional staffers regularly.

Q: What is the outlook for Non-immigrant visas? When do we estimate the backlog will be processed?

That will depend on a number of factors. Current efforts are focused on bringing the system back to normal operations.

We must also continue processing new requests. We are committed to reducing the number of pending visa cases as quickly as possible, but we want applicants to know that we will continue to be operating at less than optimal efficiency until the system is restored to full functionality.

Q: Is the Department going to reimburse applicants who missed flights/canceled weddings/missed funerals?

We sincerely regret any delays, inconvenience, or expense that applicants have may have incurred due to the CCD performance issues.

While it might be of little solace to those who have experienced hardship, we are always very careful to tell travelers NOT to make travel plans until they have a visa in hand. Even when the CCD is operating normally, there may be delays in printing visas.

The Department does not have the authority to reimburse applicants for personal travel, nor do we include these costs when calculating our fees. The Department cannot refund visa fees except in the specific circumstances set out in our regulations.

Q: What impact will this have on SIVs?

We have the highest respect for the men and women who take enormous risks in supporting our military and civilian personnel. We are committed to helping those who have helped us. While issuances of Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) to Afghans and Iraqis have been impacted, as have visa issuances around the world, SIV processing continues and remains a high priority.

Q: How is this impacting student visas? They are scheduled to start the fall semester soon.

We are committed to issuing visas to all qualified students and exchange visitors. Issuance of student and exchange visitor visas has been impacted in the past few days, but visa processing continues.

We understand the importance to international students and exchange visitors, their families, and their U.S. host institutions of timely visa issuance in order to facilitate travel and to ensure all students and exchange visitors may begin their programs on time.

Q: What about situations where the student won’t arrive to school on time?

Students should contact their educational institution’s Designated School Official (F and M visas) or designated U.S. sponsor’s Responsible Officer (J visas) and discuss with them what arrangements they can provide for you to begin your program after the start date on your Form I-20 (F and M visas) or Form DS 2019 (J visas), should such a circumstance become necessary.

Q: Will this have any impact on the Diversity Visa program in September?

While issuances of all immigrant visas, including diversity visas, have been impacted in the past few days, IV processing continues and remains a high priority. The Department expects to have used all numbers for DV-2014 when the program year ends on September 30, 2014.

Q: What impact do we anticipate this will have on the U.S. economy?

Tourism and students have a major impact on our economy. Last year, it was estimated that international visitors spent $180.7 billion and supported 1.3 million American jobs. International students contribute $24.7 billion to the U.S. economy through their expenditures on tuition and living expenses, according to the Department of Commerce.

We recognize the significant impact that international travel and tourism has on the U.S. economy, and are taking all possible steps to ensure that the economic impact is minimal.

People traveling under the Visa Waiver Program are not affected at all; nor are those whose previously-issued visas remain valid.

We routinely advise applicants needing new visas to make appointments well in advance of their planned travel, and not to book their travel until they have their printed visas in hand.

[left.coast.love 17]

Hi! I just got off the phone with Mel after 40 minutes on hold. He was quite nice. I called to verify my scan dates for the AOS checklist response packets (sent one, realized it was wrong, sent another). It does seem they've been quick with the scans lately (2 business days).

Since my IV packet has yet to be reviewed (June 25 scan), I was given a glimmer of hope by some VJ comments that they might just review both the IV and the checklist responses since they're all sitting there waiting to be reviewed. Well, Mel burst my bubble by saying that they review the packets by scan date, and all three packets aren't necessarily sitting in my folder waiting for whoever grabs my case. Womp womp! I may be the only one nursing that fantasy, but I figured I'd share.

Best of luck to everyone!

[Saylin 1,605]

is this related to the delay we are facing ?

[...]

If you're referring to the interview portion waiting to get a visa back, yes. But I'm thinking you mean the long wait times at NVC. And the answer is no. The backlog has been ongoing for a couple months now and it was due to a huge influx of cases from USCIS. NVC is now trying to get through the backlog while still continuing to get cases from USCIS.

[nicholemariev 114]

......

The Department of State is working with Oracle and Microsoft to implement system changes aimed at optimizing performance and addressing ongoing performance issues.

Q: Is the software to blame? Why was this allowed to happen?

We have been working to improve our services through upgrades while maintaining existing operations worldwide. However, we are limited by outdated software and hardware.

......

Alright, who has contacts at Oracle or Microsoft?? Love how they outed the companies in an attempt to shift the blame.... beautiful.

And bmansour, this has to do with printing visas at the consulates/embassies only. NVC claims that this has nothing to do with their systems.

[Amanda4964 202]

i also had a checklist delivered on 16th june and scanned on 20th. Have you called within last few days? i think you should call!

That is encouraging! I do plan to call tonight my time (7am EST) to see if they can tell me anything. If no news at least I can get my actual scan date.

Thanks Amanda! According to your signature, your revised AOS arrived at NVC on June 16th.

Let's say it took them 4 days to scan your document, so your scan date is June 20th. Then, you add 30 business days from June 20th.... and your 30th business day is August 4th (since July 4th was a holiday)!

They may be able to review your document faster since it's a checklist document (instead of a package). Fingers crossed for a CC!

I think it likely it was scanned the 20th June, as others with mail received on the 16th had theirs scanned on the 20th. Let's hope they do review it within the 30 business days so I can maybe have news early next week at least (I had forgotten to add the public holiday!)

I am slightly freaking out that when I call they will tell me it hasn't been scanned yet. I wouldn't even be surprised at this point. Then I think, what if I have a 2nd checklist from something they missed the first time. OMG, this whole process is making me loco!!!

[msc13 282]

Hi! I just got off the phone with Mel after 40 minutes on hold. He was quite nice. I called to verify my scan dates for the AOS checklist response packets (sent one, realized it was wrong, sent another). It does seem they've been quick with the scans lately (2 business days).

Since my IV packet has yet to be reviewed (June 25 scan), I was given a glimmer of hope by some VJ comments that they might just review both the IV and the checklist responses since they're all sitting there waiting to be reviewed. Well, Mel burst my bubble by saying that they review the packets by scan date, and all three packets aren't necessarily sitting in my folder waiting for whoever grabs my case. Womp womp! I may be the only one nursing that fantasy, but I figured I'd share.

Best of luck to everyone!

Hi left.coast.love

I am with you. I also called NVC this morning and asked if they might review my IV with a scan date of June 20th with the AOS checklist that was scanned in July. What a silly question to ask. Of COURSE they will not do that. We have to wait another 30 business days although they are back logged so it might take longer.

I was just lost for words, said thank you and said Goodbye!

[AustinCanada 681]

If you're referring to the interview portion waiting to get a visa back, yes. But I'm thinking you mean the long wait times at NVC. And the answer is no. The backlog has been ongoing for a couple months now and it was due to a huge influx of cases from USCIS. NVC is now trying to get through the backlog while still continuing to get cases from USCIS.

Supervisor Ike told me that they were receiving more applications now and that's causing the backlog.

However, I just checked your spreadsheet and counted the number of NOA2 per month. Here are the numbers:

March: 59

April: 48

May: 49

June: 33

July: 18 (as of July 30th)

It seems like fewer applicants are entering the NVC stage. This explains why we're getting our case numbers faster now.

I know your spreadsheet contains a small percentage of applicants so it may not have the most accurate information.

But... What about the backlog due to a huge influx of cases from USCIS that everyone is talking about?

[MoBar65 520]

Alright, who has contacts at Oracle or Microsoft?? Love how they outed the companies in an attempt to shift the blame.... beautiful.

Maybe some software engineer there goofed and counted 1 + 1 = 2 !!!!

[Amanda4964 202]

Can anyone tell me what the Facebook pages are that you like for visa info? Links please, I'd like to check them out. The 8 hours a day I spend checking this just doesn't seem obsessive enough.

[MoBar65 520]

Can anyone tell me what the Facebook pages are that you like for visa info? Links please, I'd like to check them out. The 8 hours a day I spend checking this just doesn't seem obsessive enough.

Hmmm... Sniffing dust is not good enough for you anymore... You want to upgrade to the more potent crack!!!

Please reconsider. There will be no turning back from that road!

[sparrow20 32]

Mention it at the interview.

thanks saylin.. should i bring the updated I-864 to the interview as samreen23 says?

What I think is that u should wait till the interview and mention at that time since ur ds260 is already submitted. Or maybe just take the updated I-864 to the interview. But let's see what the experts say

thanks samreen23..

[JeffNJazz 55]

I just called NVC and found out that they approved my AOS package yesterday!

Well, I didn't receive a false checklist so it looks like some people receive false checklists while others don't.

I'm now waiting for them to review my IV package and DS-260. I'll just have to wait until Sept 5th (my 30th business day).

I hope I don't get a checklist on my IV package. I reviewed it so many times! Fingers crossed!

Congratulations!!!!! Sooooo happy for you

Hopefully we will be as lucky and squeak through checklist free

[sparrow20 32]

just called to NVC.. the girl is kinda sleepy.. i told her that tomorrow will be our 30 business day since our last package (june 20, 2014).. i asked her if we can get results tomorrow, she said "probably".. hoping for the best.. i wont call tomorrow.. im extending 3 days for their backloged.. she also told me that our AOS has been reviewed and it's fine (that's her term "fine")..

[AustinCanada 681]

Can anyone tell me what the Facebook pages are that you like for visa info? Links please, I'd like to check them out. The 8 hours a day I spend checking this just doesn't seem obsessive enough.

You must be an immigration junkie, Amanda! Wait! Is addict the right PC word for junkie?

https://www.facebook.com/groups/297983330378608/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1448412012059417/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/USGreencardpetitionerscommittee/

You recognize some people on the Facebook groups because they're also on Visa Journey.

I guess lots of us are immigration addicts!

[JeffNJazz 55]

I have a question about the IV package... I'm getting it ready now so we can just send it when the fees are available to pay

When it asks for 2 passport photos, do we have to get new, more recent photos taken, or can we use the same ones from USCIS and the I-130 package (I got extras printed up at that time)

It took like 30 tries last time to get one photo where my hubby wasn't making a goofy face,

just wondering how long the photos are good for and if I can use the same ones