Submitting documents to NVC as 'ONE package'

[NikLR 13,227]

Multiple NVC agents are advising to send all of the documents at once.

There is a (singular) document cover sheet now that has all of the AOS and IV documents on the one page to check off, with a barcode from NVC. The send the Document Cover Sheet to you use for sending both packages together. The instructions say to put this barcoded sheet, that includes documents for both AOS and IV on top of your submission of both packages.

I realize that this is a new process and despite documentation from NVC, the document cover sheet and multiple reports of NVC agents advising to send all at once when the AOS is paid, it is difficult for some to adapt to the new process and let go of the old one. I think that is human nature.

Many of the members here think it is a bad idea to not follow what we are being told by NVC.

A document cover sheet specifically sent by the NVC for this purpose is different. Sending the IV with the AOS cover sheet is what I am referring to. However if everyone starts to get the very fast turn around like you did with the IV bill, this will no longer be an issue at all.

On the NVC website it says "pay fees" "send all documents in one package." I read that as pay both fees, then send documents. Not pay one fee, send documents and later pay another fee. I personally would not risk the NVC losing any of my IV docs because they were there too early. But everyone is entitled to do what they think is best for their case.

I hope your quick IV invoice is the new norm!

Edited September 28, 2014 by NLR

[Dualie 185]

Saylin and I both agree that sending the IV with the AOS cover letter is just a bad idea. Even more so for EP because they get the emails right away, it doesn't need time to be mailed or opened in a mail room.

So, am I understanding you correctly in that you advise waiting until all fees are paid and processed to email anything? At this point the only interaction I have had with NVC is my initial login, which released the DS-261 (which I immediately completed and submitted). Then after about five days the fees appeared on the CEAC page. Paid the AOS fee, as it was the only one with a box to check beside it. It was paid on a Saturday, so I expect it won;t clear until close to the end of this coming week.

I am thinking I am supposed to wait until they release the IV bill to send everything in "one package" because that fee releases the DS-260? Just trying to make sure that I have it sorted properly in my brain.

Thanks for your help NLR (and Saylin!)

[NikLR 13,227]

So, am I understanding you correctly in that you advise waiting until all fees are paid and processed to email anything? At this point the only interaction I have had with NVC is my initial login, which released the DS-261 (which I immediately completed and submitted). Then after about five days the fees appeared on the CEAC page. Paid the AOS fee, as it was the only one with a box to check beside it. It was paid on a Saturday, so I expect it won;t clear until close to the end of this coming week.

I am thinking I am supposed to wait until they release the IV bill to send everything in "one package" because that fee releases the DS-260? Just trying to make sure that I have it sorted properly in my brain.

Thanks for your help NLR (and Saylin!)

Because they want everything in one package, yes. The NVC website states in it's steps:

Step 1: Choose an Agent

Step 2: Pay fees

Step 3: Submit Visa Application

Step 4: Collect Financial Document

Step 5: Collect Supporting Documents

Step 6: Submit Documents to the NVC

See it says you must pay the fees (both), THEN do the visa application, and THEN send the documents as one package. It says nothing on the website about sending the package before the IV fee is paid. I do understand that some/many NVC operators (contract workers for a call center, not actual government employees) are telling people to send both with the AOS cover fee, and that some people are receiving a document cover page to send all the documents with as well. The document cover letter I can see sending all the items at the same time but would not recommend sending everything with the AOS cover page before the IV fee is invoiced.

Personally, I'd email your AOS package after the fee clears and then email the IV package after the IV fee clears or wait until the IV fee is invoiced and clear then send both packages. Fee clears can take up to 5 days but as long as you're using IE, it normally only takes 2 or 3 at most.

If RobbieG is a good indication, (cross fingers, do a jig, knock on wood etc..) you'll get the IV fee about a week or so after the DS-261.

Oh please please please please please!

Also if you're emailing you may end up sending several emails as the largest attachment they can get is 5mb. That is ALL attachments on the email, not individually. The government does this as a security measure most likely.

Edited September 28, 2014 by NLR

[RobbieG 94]

A document cover sheet specifically sent by the NVC for this purpose is different. Sending the IV with the AOS cover sheet is what I am referring to. However if everyone starts to get the very fast turn around like you did with the IV bill, this will no longer be an issue at all.

On the NVC website it says "pay fees" "send all documents in one package." I read that as pay both fees, then send documents. Not pay one fee, send documents and later pay another fee. I personally would not risk the NVC losing any of my IV docs because they were there too early. But everyone is entitled to do what they think is best for their case.

I hope your quick IV invoice is the new norm!

I understand that the NVC is vague, but you aren't addressing the numerous NVC agents, who, on the phone, instruct callers to send both packages after the AOS is paid using the Document Cover Sheet.

NVC is telling us what the new norm is.

Your comment about NVC losing IV documents isn't new. In the past, even without this new process, the NVC lost documents. So to suggest that sending both packages could cause NVC to lose documents isn't valid. They lost documents before and I assume they will continue to lose documents now.

[RobbieG 94]

Because they want everything in one package, yes. The NVC website states in it's steps:

Step 1: Choose an Agent

Step 2: Pay fees

Step 3: Submit Visa Application

Step 4: Collect Financial Document

Step 5: Collect Supporting Documents

Step 6: Submit Documents to the NVC

See it says you must pay the fees (both), THEN do the visa application, and THEN send the documents as one package. It says nothing on the website about sending the package before the IV fee is paid. I do understand that some/many NVC operators (contract workers for a call center, not actual government employees) are telling people to send both with the AOS cover fee, and that some people are receiving a document cover page to send all the documents with as well. The document cover letter I can see sending all the items at the same time but would not recommend sending everything with the AOS cover page before the IV fee is invoiced.

Personally, I'd email your AOS package after the fee clears and then email the IV package after the IV fee clears or wait until the IV fee is invoiced and clear then send both packages. Fee clears can take up to 5 days but as long as you're using IE, it normally only takes 2 or 3 at most.

If RobbieG is a good indication, (cross fingers, do a jig, knock on wood etc..) you'll get the IV fee about a week or so after the DS-261.

Oh please please please please please!

Also if you're emailing you may end up sending several emails as the largest attachment they can get is 5mb. That is ALL attachments on the email, not individually. The government does this as a security measure most likely.

All valid points, but it is easy to discredit NVC phone agents due to their past low level of reliability.

But the fact remains that they work in the process and are insiders and not outsiders as you have portrayed them.

My advice to Dualie is to call the NVC, like many here have done, ask specifically ask (maybe a Tier 2?) if both packages can be sent for his specific case after the AOS is paid using the NVC supplied Document Cover Sheet.

I know it's vague from the NVC but for me personally, I am following their instructions that they have personally given me.

[linkbenny 3]

I'm now waiting for NVC case complete notification.

I-130 submitted july 7 2014

noa1 recieved on July 11 2014

Expedited request July 14 2014

Expedited request refused July 19 2014

Expedited request resubmitted July 24 2014

This time through my unit

Expedited request approved July 27 2014

I-130 petition approved July 27 2014

I-130 petition sent to nvc July 28 2014

Noa2 received on August 5 2014

called nvc to confirm on August 15 2014

requested for nvc expedite august 15 2014

Nvc notice received on august 29 2014

Filled ds261 august 29 2014

paid oas fees august 30 2014

Submitted aos package sept 1 2014

Nvc notice for package received sept 5 2014

Submitted iv package sept 10 2014

Nvc notice for received package sept 15 2014

Called nvc to confirm my expedited request status on Sept 15 2014. But was told to resend the expedited request again.

Expedited request emailed to NVCExpedite@state.gov on Sept 15 2014

Nvc Expedited request approved sept 22 2014

Nvc notice received on Sept 24 2014

Paid iv fees sept 25 2014

Filled and completed Ds260 sept 27 2014

Printed ds260 completed form and the confirmation page.

Now waiting for case complete notification and interview appointment overseas.

Edited September 28, 2014 by linkbenny

[NikLR 13,227]

All valid points, but it is easy to discredit NVC phone agents due to their past low level of reliability.

But the fact remains that they work in the process and are insiders and not outsiders as you have portrayed them.

My advice to Dualie is to call the NVC, like many here have done, ask specifically ask (maybe a Tier 2?) if both packages can be sent for his specific case after the AOS is paid using the NVC supplied Document Cover Sheet.

I know it's vague from the NVC but for me personally, I am following their instructions that they have personally given me.

NVC cover sheet is different than what others have posted as using the AOS bar code cover sheet.

As always:

Do what you feel you need to do with YOUR own case. My word and the others on this site should never be taken as the final world in anything related to YOUR case. USE YOUR OWN JUDGEMENT. As long as misinformation isn't spread the only time you've wasted or not is your own.

I'll not repeat it again. I won't add it to my signature. I have stated it numerous times. Everything is a suggestion and I expect everyone to use their own common sense and judgement. If you don't have common sense then you should be employing a good lawyer. I really don't understand why you're trying to argue with me.

[linkbenny 3]

I have said it in my previous post.

Submit oas and Iv documents as one package using same aos cover sheet.

The only difference is oas cover sheet comes as "attn cmr aos" while iv cover sheet comes as "attn cmr" the address underneath are thesame for both cover sheet.

Nvc has allocated 60days for both documents to be reviewed.

Following the old system by waiting for iv fees to become invoice and using the iv cover sheet will only delay your process, because you 60days of documents review will comment on the day nvc receives your last package.

[RobbieG 94]

NVC cover sheet is different than what others have posted as using the AOS bar code cover sheet.

As always:

Do what you feel you need to do with YOUR own case. My word and the others on this site should never be taken as the final world in anything related to YOUR case. USE YOUR OWN JUDGEMENT. As long as misinformation isn't spread the only time you've wasted or not is your own.

I'll not repeat it again. I won't add it to my signature. I have stated it numerous times. Everything is a suggestion and I expect everyone to use their own common sense and judgement. If you don't have common sense then you should be employing a good lawyer. I really don't understand why you're trying to argue with me.

I thought we were discussing, not arguing.

As part of the discussion we have both agreed on the same things. Do what you feel is best for your personal case.

I disagreed with proceeding with the "old" process you advocate of sending separate packages after fees had been paid.

I do feel since you have earned respect here and people trust your judgement that it comes with some responsibility. Stating that it is a "bad idea" to follow the NVC phone agents guidelines, which have said over and over to send them together after you pay the AOS, to those who trust you is questionable and open for discussion. If I gave the impression I was arguing I apologize.

100s if not 1000s of people depend on the information here and whatever information is correct or incorrect people need to hear it.

Sending packages separately and advocating it even with the NVC doesn't could push some couples cases back weeks if not months.

I'm still open to discuss for the benefit of the 1000s of members but if you aren't as you stated above, I understand. I just know that people look to you for help.

[Dualie 185]

Because they want everything in one package, yes. The NVC website states in it's steps:

Step 1: Choose an Agent

Step 2: Pay fees

Step 3: Submit Visa Application

Step 4: Collect Financial Document

Step 5: Collect Supporting Documents

Step 6: Submit Documents to the NVC

See it says you must pay the fees (both), THEN do the visa application, and THEN send the documents as one package. It says nothing on the website about sending the package before the IV fee is paid. I do understand that some/many NVC operators (contract workers for a call center, not actual government employees) are telling people to send both with the AOS cover fee, and that some people are receiving a document cover page to send all the documents with as well. The document cover letter I can see sending all the items at the same time but would not recommend sending everything with the AOS cover page before the IV fee is invoiced.

Personally, I'd email your AOS package after the fee clears and then email the IV package after the IV fee clears or wait until the IV fee is invoiced and clear then send both packages. Fee clears can take up to 5 days but as long as you're using IE, it normally only takes 2 or 3 at most.

If RobbieG is a good indication, (cross fingers, do a jig, knock on wood etc..) you'll get the IV fee about a week or so after the DS-261.

Oh please please please please please!

Also if you're emailing you may end up sending several emails as the largest attachment they can get is 5mb. That is ALL attachments on the email, not individually. The government does this as a security measure most likely.

My gut is telling me to wait until both fees are paid. Thanks for clarifying this. I remember seeing the steps here earlier, but I have a lot going on in my life right now (besides this process) and my brain became addled. It is easy to overthink things also. Anyway, I don't hold any illusions that this will make the process any quicker, but if it does (even just a little bit), then that is a bonus. So I will follow the steps they have set out and keep you all posted as to my progress.

Speaking of which, better update the ole timeline!

[Dualie 185]

All valid points, but it is easy to discredit NVC phone agents due to their past low level of reliability.

But the fact remains that they work in the process and are insiders and not outsiders as you have portrayed them.

My advice to Dualie is to call the NVC, like many here have done, ask specifically ask (maybe a Tier 2?) if both packages can be sent for his specific case after the AOS is paid using the NVC supplied Document Cover Sheet.

I know it's vague from the NVC but for me personally, I am following their instructions that they have personally given me.

Thanks for your advise RobbieG. I just changed positions at my work and the way my shifts run make it very difficult to find a time where I can call NVC and stay on the line waiting. I WILL do that if I HAVE to, but they have outlined what I should do, and it makes sense for electronic processing to do so in that order. I am ever so grateful to everyone here on VJ for your perspectives on things. Sometimes just talking about our questions on here makes it clearer in our minds. That is how it is with me anyway. Good luck with your journey Robbie. I am anxious to see how yours plays out as opposed to mine, as they being done through two different methods.

Learning is the name of the game !

[RobbieG 94]

Thanks for your advise RobbieG. I just changed positions at my work and the way my shifts run make it very difficult to find a time where I can call NVC and stay on the line waiting. I WILL do that if I HAVE to, but they have outlined what I should do, and it makes sense for electronic processing to do so in that order. I am ever so grateful to everyone here on VJ for your perspectives on things. Sometimes just talking about our questions on here makes it clearer in our minds. That is how it is with me anyway. Good luck with your journey Robbie. I am anxious to see how yours plays out as opposed to mine, as they being done through two different methods.

Learning is the name of the game !

Excellent! Discussion is key and the definition of a forum like this.

Good luck and yes, keep me posted!

[Chris&Angel 5]

Because they want everything in one package, yes. The NVC website states in it's steps:

Step 1: Choose an Agent

Step 2: Pay fees

Step 3: Submit Visa Application

Step 4: Collect Financial Document

Step 5: Collect Supporting Documents

Step 6: Submit Documents to the NVC

See it says you must pay the fees (both), THEN do the visa application, and THEN send the documents as one package. It says nothing on the website about sending the package before the IV fee is paid. I do understand that some/many NVC operators (contract workers for a call center, not actual government employees) are telling people to send both with the AOS cover fee, and that some people are receiving a document cover page to send all the documents with as well. The document cover letter I can see sending all the items at the same time but would not recommend sending everything with the AOS cover page before the IV fee is invoiced.

Personally, I'd email your AOS package after the fee clears and then email the IV package after the IV fee clears or wait until the IV fee is invoiced and clear then send both packages. Fee clears can take up to 5 days but as long as you're using IE, it normally only takes 2 or 3 at most.

If RobbieG is a good indication, (cross fingers, do a jig, knock on wood etc..) you'll get the IV fee about a week or so after the DS-261.

Oh please please please please please!

Also if you're emailing you may end up sending several emails as the largest attachment they can get is 5mb. That is ALL attachments on the email, not individually. The government does this as a security measure most likely.

Exactly, this is where the mass confusion comes from, the NVC creates New Procedures and posts them to the NVC website, but continues to follow the "Old Procedures of Processing"?

[Chris&Angel 5]

Exactly, this is where the mass confusion comes from, the NVC creates New Procedures and posts them to the NVC website, but continues to follow the "Old Procedures of Processing"?

IV Bill, marked as PAID at the NVC, DS-260 Window is now Open.

[LDN2NYC 11]

My gut is telling me to wait until both fees are paid. Thanks for clarifying this. I remember seeing the steps here earlier, but I have a lot going on in my life right now (besides this process) and my brain became addled. It is easy to overthink things also. Anyway, I don't hold any illusions that this will make the process any quicker, but if it does (even just a little bit), then that is a bonus. So I will follow the steps they have set out and keep you all posted as to my progress.

Speaking of which, better update the ole timeline!

Hey Dualie,

I am waiting for both of fee's to be paid before sending the packages. I called the NVC and asked the lady she said they're trying to be more streamline with the 'one package' process and that is what she would recommend I do.

She said the IV bill should become available this week and we will receive an email when it's ready. So just waiting on that...

It is down to the individual couple to decide what they want to do, however if the advice is to send as 'ONE' package I don't want to go against the advice.

Best of Luck