K-1 December 2014 Filers

[steftlin 10]

Does every embassy still use the Packet 3 system?

I could be wrong, but I may have seen it on another thread (forgive me for not linking; I've read so many threads on VJ) that the Philippines no longer uses the Packet 3's (?). And if they don't, I don't know what it's been replaced with---my guess would be an electronic system (again, ?).

Yeah some embassy have started using electronic packets. It looks like Philippines is one of them. See the embassy info page here on VJ: http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/index.php?ctry=Philippines&cty=Manila

[Blueblood 5]

Cheers, steftlin. I mean, let's be real here: I think electronic transmission of documents has been around for at least a couple of years now. Time for DoS to get into the 2000's*

*Yes, I meant 2000's as opposed to the Teens.

[Williameshawjr 3]

I feel like a complete moron asking this. But what does the packet 3 refer to?

[Blueblood 5]

William, it's my understanding (and other please correct me if I'm wrong here) that the "Packet 3" is essentially our Petition and supporting documents, as received by NVC from USCIS, and whatever it is NVC might add to that file, which is then shipped to the respective embassy.

Again, what NVC actually does, and whether they actually reject petitions or RFE like USCIS, I have yet to determine.

[Williameshawjr 3]

Yeah. That makes sense. It would be packet one when at uscis, two when at NVC and three at ambassy

[Williameshawjr 3]

From what I can tell. The NVC is like a distributor in a supply chain. A middle man almost. They assign it a number and contact the embassy, collect the money.

[Blueblood 5]

Thanks, William. I hope that's all they do, not bc my fiancé or I have a record or anything like that, but simply bc once bureaucrats start looking into files, and making checks in computers, delays happen. I just hope all was done at USCIS--after all, they're the office that issues the approval. That said, if all NVC does is collect money and forward paperwork, what's the purpose of AP?

I thought we paid the visa fees in-country, to the embassy? Or do we have to pay NVC separate fees as well?

Funny thing with this: I told my fiancé it was "so complicated" bc our Petition needed to go to USCIS, then the embassy. lol! I had no idea it had a second stop at another DoS entity Stateside. Amazing.

Best wishes in your journey!

[chrismorrison 96]

From what I can tell. The NVC is like a distributor in a supply chain. A middle man almost. They assign it a number and contact the embassy, collect the money.

I would almost be tempted to take a guess that the NVC is to the embassies what the Dallas lockbox is to the service centers.

Has anyone here received RFEs from NVC?

[steftlin 10]

I feel like a complete moron asking this. But what does the packet 3 refer to?

Packet 3 is pretty much a checklist of items you need to send back to the consulate before they will issue the interview date. Check the embassy info page for exactly what your embassy requires for packet 3.

Here's a generic discussion of packet 3 and 4: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/32788-what-is-in-packet-3-and-4/

[reddevils4evr 4]

I am so excited, it's almost 10PM at night and I've just received electronic NOA2!!

Congrats! Hoping for the same quick turnaround

[gawan 8]

I am so excited, it's almost 10PM at night and I've just received electronic NOA2!!

Congratls, now it is a time to wait the hard copy of NOA2, may be on Friday or Saturday.

Edited January 22, 2015 by gawan

[muhkoo 12]

Oh, man. I thought I was doing well with the wait before I saw all the quick approvals from the CSC on this thread. I submitted our I129F a month ago on 12/22/14 and received the electronic NOA1 on 12/30/14 (said it was received on 12/24 though), then the hard copy around 01/04/15. It's being processed at the TSC. I didn't expect to feel so sad after reading this! I am glad that there are that fewer couples suffering through this process, but I just can't believe the disparity between the two centers. So discouraging.

[gawan 8]

I am sorry for you man I know TCS takes too long to speed the process as I sent mine the same day like yours. Hang on and keep hope you will get it soon , good luck

12/22/2014 Sent the I-129f package to Dallas Service Center

12/23/2014 Texas Service Center assigned for the package

12/29/2014 Received text message and electronic NOA1 that indicated my case will be transfered to California Service Center

01/03/2015 Received the hard copy of NOA1

01/15/2015 The petition approved

[gabijajanc 1]

guys, I have a question. So after you get a NOA2 and then how much time does it take for you to get a visa (like when could you expect to fly over to the US). Thanks!

[Williameshawjr 3]

guys, I have a question. So after you get a NOA2 and then how much time does it take for you to get a visa (like when could you expect to fly over to the US). Thanks!

That's a tough one. I doubt any could give you a straight answer. It depends on your case and your embassy. Here's what I did. I checked similar timelines and looked at the estimated times and averaged for my embassy and got 67 days. My embassy is different from yours however.