So who can really provide our Case Number?

[Mike V 56]

In order to set a time (done online) for the embassy interview in Manila, my fiance needs a case number.

 

I called the National Visa Center.  They said to contact the embassy in Manila.

 

My finance called the embassy in Manila.  They said that only the National Visa Center can provide the case number.

 

On the front of the I-797 Notice of Action / Approval Notice it says:  "The above petition has been approved, and forwarded to the listed consulate.  Please contact the consulate with any questions ..."

 

On the back side is further wording that we should contact the consulate.

 

Any advice?  The oldest child who will accompany my fiancee turns 21 on 12 April, so we have a pressing deadline and are trying to finish this ourselves ASAP.

 

Ease Fiance Visa (based in San Diego) was handling our file and did the initial filing, but they went totally out to lunch in November, costing us two valuable weeks during which they would not answer their phones nor respond to emails.  I had returned our paperwork by USPS Next Day; they also lied about its receipt claiming it was "logged in" a week after the USPS tracking info said it was delivered.  I further noticed that they claimed on their web sites to have an "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau, when in fact their BBB rating is an "F".  (Should have cross-checked that sooner!)

 

So ... what is the best approach to getting that case # so my fiancee can set her interview date?

 

For the record, receipt date was 22 Nov, notice date 27 Feb.  I had guesstimated from online info that we would hear by 4 March, they (California Service Center, Laguna Niguel, CA) beat that by 5 days.

Edited March 14, 2017 by Mike V
add info

[TheSkywalkers 143]

On 3/15/2017 at 2:05 AM, Mike V said:

I called the National Visa Center.  They said to contact the embassy in Manila.

 

My finance called the embassy in Manila.  They said that only the National Visa Center can provide the case number.

 

NVC can provide you the case #. They would have to assign a case # before they send the case to the Consulate where your fiance is. The Consulate has nothing to do with assigning the case #. I am sorry to hear that you are going through this but I hope all goes well with you guys.

 

Best of luck!  

[Mike V 56]

On the 3rd round NVC said I would have to wait until the embassy receives the file.  NVC is adamant that the file goes directly from the California Service Center to Manila.

 

I have heard from the embassy in response to my email.  They are watching for the file and wrote back to clarify some information.

[Love_A_Brit 33]

On 3/14/2017 at 6:05 PM, Mike V said:

For the record, receipt date was 22 Nov, notice date 27 Feb.

Does this mean that you received your NOA2 on February 27th?  Your file will be forwarded from the California Service Center to the NVC, where it is assigned a case number.  From there, your file goes to the embassy in Manila.  Typically, it doesn't take long for a case number to be assigned.  Do remember, though, that the Northeast has been experiencing some nasty weather and there have likely been delays in mail processing, as well as people who just couldn't make it to work.  You can call the NVC every day for a status update if you like.  I recommend calling early in the day or late at night to avoid the horrendous hold times.  Please note that in some cases, people wait a very long time for a case number to be assigned.  Ours took over 6 weeks.  The NVC doesn't consider it a problem until you hit the six week mark.  At that time, you can open a case and have them investigate what happened and where your file is.

 

In the meantime, be sure that you are doing everything to prepare for the interview.  Obtain police certificates, research the immunization/medical exam requirements, get your tax transcripts together.  That way, when you do get a case number you can proceed as quickly as possible through the interview process.

Edited March 17, 2017 by Love_A_Brit

[Delandman 0]

We are in the same boat. We received our NOA2 on 03/16/17 waiting on our case number. Can someone let us know what tel number the called to get their case #?

[Rick & Apple 233]

32 minutes ago, Delandman said:

We are in the same boat. We received our NOA2 on 03/16/17 waiting on our case number. Can someone let us know what tel number the called to get their case #?

The number for NVC is: 1-603-334-0700.

Operator assistance is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM (Eastern Time). For the shortest wait time, call early in the morning or late evening.

[Mike V 56]

The embassy actually provided the case number via emails earlier this week, but that might be because in our correspondence they discovered that the oldest child had been omitted from the file (He was properly listed on the I-129F, just got "lost" along the way).  That can be fixed if they get the file in time.

 

We are now waiting for the embassy to receive the physical file.

[Delandman 0]

13 hours ago, Rick & Apple said:

The number for NVC is: 1-603-334-0700.

Operator assistance is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM (Eastern Time). For the shortest wait time, call early in the morning or late evening.

 

 

I called this morning they asked me when I got my letter I told them 03/15/17 they said that my case number will not be ready for six weeks.....  Is this a normal time frame to get back the NOA02

[Mike V 56]

3 hours ago, Delandman said:

 

 

I called this morning they asked me when I got my letter I told them 03/15/17 they said that my case number will not be ready for six weeks.....  Is this a normal time frame to get back the NOA02

Keep calling every day or two, it gives them something to do.

My understanding is that you can't complain about not having it until six weeks have passed, but it sure won't hurt to call & ask.

Edited March 23, 2017 by Mike V
spelling

[Mike V 56]

We are good to go for the physical exams & interview, next question is here (different ?, new thread):

 

5-7 days between physical exams & embassy interview?

 

[Rick & Apple 233]

11 hours ago, Mike V said:

We are good to go for the physical exams & interview, next question is here (different ?, new thread):

 

5-7 days between physical exams & embassy interview?

 

I think the main reason for allowing some time between the exam and interview, is the time needed for the TB skin test.

 

My fiance, now wife, had her medical on a Tuesday/ Wednesday, and the interview on the following Monday. she had no problems.

She had to fly to Manila, so that is why we did the medical and interview so close together. 

[Mike V 56]

TB tests must be checked in 48 hours, that's why they don't start physicals on Thursdays.

 

Flights & hotel rooms booked, fingers crossed

 

Tomorrow she must endure 9 hours of nonsense at Cebu CFO.  I don't think her family (esp. not her daughter, 27) believes me when I say if we want to go somewhere and do something, we just get on a plane & go.