NVC Filers - July 2014

[dawning 212]

I’ve heard of two terms: “Advanced Technician” and “Advanced Expert”

For instance, the translation of “Técnico Superior Universitario en Informática” could be “Advanced Technician in Computer Science, University Level”

This term is used for 3-year degrees, “Licenciaturas” are 5-year degrees (Bachelor’s Degree)

Thank you-- that's helpful. I think someone else on the regional forum suggested it might be equivalent to an associate's degree in the US?

[Saylin 1,605]

Hey guys,

Thanks again to Saylin and everyone who helps to make this process tolerable!

I got my case number assigned yesterday which is a few days before I was expecting, so that's awesome! But I have a question about my employer letter. I got it from them last week but I just looked at it and it wasn't signed and it also didn't have my annual salary, so I need them to draft another one. I am a nurse and my biweekly paychecks (and therefore my annual salary) are a little different every time, based on exact hours worked, overtime, meetings, education, etc. They included my hourly rate but I think I need an annual salary amount from what it says on the NVC website.

My question is this:

Should I estimate the salary or should I have them include the salary from 2013 tax transcript?

Thanks again for the continued support!

Yes, if it varies, then estimate it, based on the average of what you've gotten so far. The whole point of the employment letter is to show CURRENT income, so putting an amount from 2013 would be pointless (unless you make the exact same amount).

Once you do get the employment letter, use that amount on the I-864 for the question asking current annual individual income.

Hi all. Hubby called NVC this morning and they wouldn't put him through to a supervisor. So we got the same answer - "under review. keep waiting."

We sent AOS packet on 7th May (IV packet had already been approved before that). Is there anything we can do? Should we be worried?!

Thanks in advance.

Being that you're one month overdue for them finishing the review, yeah, I'd be a little worried. I'd suggest calling up and trying again to get a supervisor as an operator won't be able to help much (unless they have a new status update for you). Be persistent in getting a supervisor. Don't take no for an answer.

[katieflossom 54]

Yes, if it varies, then estimate it, based on the average of what you've gotten so far. The whole point of the employment letter is to show CURRENT income, so putting an amount from 2013 would be pointless (unless you make the exact same amount).

Once you do get the employment letter, use that amount on the I-864 for the question asking current annual individual income.

Being that you're one month overdue for them finishing the review, yeah, I'd be a little worried. I'd suggest calling up and trying again to get a supervisor as an operator won't be able to help much (unless they have a new status update for you). Be persistent in getting a supervisor. Don't take no for an answer.

Thanks Saylin. Sounds dumb, but what info do we need to get from the supervisor? Just when it was scanned in? Then if they see it's been over 30 days will they do something there and then?

[Molly&Juan 90]

Yes, if it varies, then estimate it, based on the average of what you've gotten so far. The whole point of the employment letter is to show CURRENT income, so putting an amount from 2013 would be pointless (unless you make the exact same amount).

Once you do get the employment letter, use that amount on the I-864 for the question asking current annual individual income.

Being that you're one month overdue for them finishing the review, yeah, I'd be a little worried. I'd suggest calling up and trying again to get a supervisor as an operator won't be able to help much (unless they have a new status update for you). Be persistent in getting a supervisor. Don't take no for an answer.

Thanks Saylin! Will do.

Also, this may be silly, but if there is an A number above my husbands name on our NOA2, is that the Alien registration number that it's asking for on the I-864?

[megwin 57]

The I-864 form can be found on USCIS. And you have to wait for the AOS bill to be invoiced to pay it.

Thank you Saylin! I guess this frustration I am feeling is preventing me from thinking clearly.

Well I am sure you have noticed by now that we are in the same boat, which hopefully is of small comfort As far as I can tell, all we can do is have the AOS package ready. I also filled out a paper copy of the DS-260 (so there are no surprises when it comes time for the real deal!), and my husband is in the process of getting all the docs needed for the IV package, which he should have by the end of this week. But from what I can tell, at that point it is out of our hands and all we can do is wait and wait and have everything ready for whenever NVC gets around to making one click every 100 days on our case. hahaha. But seriously, hang in there. I'll post immediately when I can access CEAC and/or am able to make a payment! My case number was assigned June 20th, so we should be looking at a pretty similar timeline as far as when we can access CEAC.

[Saylin 1,605]

Thanks Saylin. Sounds dumb, but what info do we need to get from the supervisor? Just when it was scanned in? Then if they see it's been over 30 days will they do something there and then?

Explain that you're about 30 business days over the usual time frame for reviewing packages. Mention the date you sent the package and the scan date that operators have provided you. Then ask what the heck is happening with your IV package as it should be reviewed by now. Go from there. Hopefully the supervisor will be of some assistance and figure out what's going on.

Thanks Saylin! Will do.

Also, this may be silly, but if there is an A number above my husbands name on our NOA2, is that the Alien registration number that it's asking for on the I-864?

Yes, if there's an A number, then use that everywhere on the forms where it asks for it.

[baltoro 27]

Thanks Saylin. Sounds dumb, but what info do we need to get from the supervisor? Just when it was scanned in? Then if they see it's been over 30 days will they do something there and then?

Ask why is the review not done yet, what is holding it up if anything and how long more should you keep waiting?

[lake_to_mountain 4]

Here is a situation that I am wondering if anyone on VJ has experienced or has any advice regarding. I enrolled in electronic processing and to date my wife and I have done everything either online or by email. Yet today I received the following email in response to my emailed submission of the supporting documents for my DS-260.

"You cannot participate in email processing because you already submitted a form or document to the National Visa Center by mail. This means you must continue processing your case by mailing your forms and documents to this address:"

Any ideas what is going on or what I should do? I called and the customer service agent couldn't figure it out either. I have been put down for a supervisor call back so I should get to talk to a supervisor soon but in the meantime I am now worried that this will delay everything even further.

[NikLR 13,227]

Here is a situation that I am wondering if anyone on VJ has experienced or has any advice regarding. I enrolled in electronic processing and to date my wife and I have done everything either online or by email. Yet today I received the following email in response to my emailed submission of the supporting documents for my DS-260.

"You cannot participate in email processing because you already submitted a form or document to the National Visa Center by mail. This means you must continue processing your case by mailing your forms and documents to this address:"

Any ideas what is going on or what I should do? I called and the customer service agent couldn't figure it out either. I have been put down for a supervisor call back so I should get to talk to a supervisor soon but in the meantime I am now worried that this will delay everything even further.

That's odd. Wait for the supervisor call back.

[katieflossom 54]

Explain that you're about 30 business days over the usual time frame for reviewing packages. Mention the date you sent the package and the scan date that operators have provided you. Then ask what the heck is happening with your IV package as it should be reviewed by now. Go from there. Hopefully the supervisor will be of some assistance and figure out what's going on.

Thank you

[Rlelle09 28]

Ouch I am really sorry!! I didn't mean to make you feel bad. I wouldn't be surprised if you did get your interview date in sept. I mean, there are cases where people have moved through the NVC stage quite rapidly. One never knows. All we can do is send positive vibes and prayers that it moves faster.

Lets keep it positive and wish for the best!!!!

You didn't make me feel bad I was kidding!! Lol! Granted this whole process makes u feel like you want to cry sometimes. I really don't think September is going to be interview time for me :-(

[TargetNovember14 41]

ok good…and yes this process wants to make me tear my hair out.

One never knows when your interview might come up….keeping it positive is the best way to go.

You didn't make me feel bad I was kidding!! Lol! Granted this whole process makes u feel like you want to cry sometimes. I really don't think September is going to be interview time for me :-(

[TYorke1 9]

Hi Saylin

Sorry I know this isn't relevant to NVC but I wanted your advice and I know you're most often on this thread. Basically I arrived in the US a month ago and I still have not received my social security number despite requesting one on the DS-260. I called the SSA last week and they said the process can take up to 8 weeks and they advised that I shouldn't go and apply at the SSA office until this period is up as it may cause a duplication etc.

I recall you saying one time that you didn't receive your SSN when you arrived? What do you think I should do? I'm really eager to receive the number and get started.

Thanks

[TargetNovember14 41]

Ok, are you logging into the online forms portal then trying to access the DS-261 (unsuccessfully) or you can't log into the online forms portal at all? Remember, the DS-261 and online forms portal are two different things. The online forms portal consists of both the DS-261 and DS-260 (plus you can see the fee summary).

If you have a lawyer attached to your case, I highly suggest you do NOT click on the DS-261, otherwise you'll then have to wait 30 days for the IV bill to be invoiced. The lawyer will automatically be selected as agent, thus by-passing the DS-261. But, the DS-261 may still appear in the online forms portal, I'm not sure.

And yes, a few members have reported that the past few days where it seems like you may have to wait for the initial information package from NVC before even being able to log into anything. But, this is merely what operators have told them, and we should all be wary of anything they say.

Yes i was going directly to the CEAC website.

I am SO NOT CLICKING the DS261 anymore. I will, however, keep checking the payment portal and see if the AOS fees becomes payable...

I will also keep a lookout for the email from NVC (to me or the lawyer)..in case thats the confirmation email.

there is now a whole thread on visa journey, who are facing this issue.

[Saylin 1,605]

Hi Saylin

Sorry I know this isn't relevant to NVC but I wanted your advice and I know you're most often on this thread. Basically I arrived in the US a month ago and I still have not received my social security number despite requesting one on the DS-260. I called the SSA last week and they said the process can take up to 8 weeks and they advised that I shouldn't go and apply at the SSA office until this period is up as it may cause a duplication etc.

I recall you saying one time that you didn't receive your SSN when you arrived? What do you think I should do? I'm really eager to receive the number and get started.

Thanks

On the VJ threads, it's recommended that if you don't receive the SSN within 3 weeks from POE, then go apply in person at a local SSA office. Which is what I did. After 3 weeks from my POE with no SSN in the mail, I went to the local SSA office and applied in person. Took like 20 minutes or so. Then 10 days later, I received the card in the mail.

I haven't heard anything about 8 weeks, but I don't follow the SSN thread (http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/156-social-security-numbers/)%C2'>

It's probably safe to go apply in person since it has been a month, but it's obviously up to you if you want to wait another month (thus 8 weeks total) before applying (or if it actually gets mailed to you).

Yes i was going directly to the CEAC website.

I am SO NOT CLICKING the DS261 anymore. I will, however, keep checking the payment portal and see if the AOS fees becomes payable...

I will also keep a lookout for the email from NVC (to me or the lawyer)..in case thats the confirmation email.

there is now a whole thread on visa journey, who are facing this issue.

Sounds good

And yeah, as of the last couple months, NVC has been increasing the time frames for pretty much everything. Probably to stagger out the recent influx of approved cases from USCIS. Hopefully they figure it out soon and get back to "regular" processing times.