AOS and IV Package Together or Separate

[Mindy & Raju 11]

I received a letter from the NVC stating the case identification numbers with an invoice for the AOS and a cover letter for both the AOS and the IV package. The instructions on the first letter state as follows:

Step 1: Choose an agent

Step 2: Pay fees

Step 3: Submit visa application form

Step 4: Collect financial documents

Step 5: Collect supporting documents

Step 6: Submit documents to the NVC

I was thinking it would be best to send both packages together since all of the supporting documents are listed on the cover sheet. However, it is taking weeks for the IV bill to become available to pay. I have already paid the AOS bill and it has completely processed showing PAID. Should I send the AOS documents with the cover sheet now and send a second copy of the cover sheet later with the IV package? I don't want to end up with a checklist because of not sending both packages together. I also don't want to cause unnecessary delays waiting for the IV bill online. Also it appears that I am not able to send the package until after the DS260 online application is completed, which wont be available until after the IV bill is paid. Is it even possible to send the AOS package before paying for the IV bill? I feel like I am wasting time waiting but that is what the steps all say to do. To wait until all things are paid, then finish the DS260 before sending the documents to the NVC. I have attached a copy of the cover letter.

Edited March 20, 2015 by Mindy & Raju

[j&ana 363]

you can send both packets before the IV fee is paid and the Ds260 form is fill out. You can use the AOS document cover sheet, use one with each packet. IT does not matter what cover sheet you use with each packet. The important thing is that the packets be sent together so the review of your documents can start. The NVC is stating it is taking 60 days to review documents. You willhave enough time to pay the IV fee and fill out the DS-260 form while you are waiting for the Documents to be review. If you wait until after all fees are paid and DS-260 form is fill out, you are just waiting extra time

Also when you do the ds260 form print a copy of the confirmation letter and send or e-mail your spouse a copy as that is needed at the interview

Edited March 20, 2015 by j&ana

[Mindy & Raju 11]

Thank you for the response! I am planning to send all the documents now and deal with the IV fee not being updated online according to another thread. They are saying to call and have the agent choice form reviewed on the phone because it is hanging the website.

[Ciroc80 0]

How long did you had to wait for the welcome letter from National Visa Center after the approval of I-130 from USCIS?

[j&ana 363]

yes you can call and have them review the DS-261 choice of agent on phone, if it has been about 2 or 3 weeks since you fill it out.As it take some time for them to add the info. If an agent will not do it over the phone keep calling until you get a person that will do it . I had to speak to 3 or 4 agents, until I got a nice one that would review my DS-261 on the phone.

Edited March 21, 2015 by j&ana

[Mindy & Raju 11]

How long did you had to wait for the welcome letter from National Visa Center after the approval of I-130 from USCIS?

Sorry for the late reply but I didn't get the notification that this thread had new content.

I waited about a month for the letter. My case was approved by USCIS on Feb 2, 2015. The welcome letter from NVC was dated March 2 and I received it in the mail on the 9th (from what I can recall).

[Mindy & Raju 11]

yes you can call and have them review the DS-261 choice of agent on phone, if it has been about 2 or 3 weeks since you fill it out.As it take some time for them to add the info. If an agent will not do it over the phone keep calling until you get a person that will do it . I had to speak to 3 or 4 agents, until I got a nice one that would review my DS-261 on the phone.

Thank you for this advice! It actually was the DS-261 choice of agent form that delayed the IV fee online. After it was reviewed by the NVC phone rep, the IV fee was available online about 2 days later. I would recommend that anyone who isn't seeing the IV fee there call and ask for it to be reviewed by phone considering processing times are speeding up. I would have liked to be completing that application sooner than this.

[kimsothe 9]

?..... The state website did mention to send the AOS/IV packet at the same time and in the order that they requested. Not doing so could delay the process.

[Mindy & Raju 11]

?..... The state website did mention to send the AOS/IV packet at the same time and in the order that they requested. Not doing so could delay the process.

Yup. I was unclear if they really wanted the steps to be completed in that order or was there any flexibility there.