Where to go from here

[Mekulisch 97]

We received NOA2 approval 1/15.  Notice from NVC of transfer to Moscow 2/19.  CEAC “ready” 2/21.  DHL hack showed shipment signed for on 2/26.

 

since we haven’t received any communication from the embassy, put in an inquiry at both the embassy and ustraveldocs.  No response from the embassy.  Ustraveldocs said look at your dashboard (showing Moscow).

 

another week gone by.  My fiancé called the embassy.  Was told it wasn’t in Moscow, must still be in the USA.

 

anyone have experience with this?  What’s the next step?  We are moving into the 250+ range since NOA1.  No rfe.

[HP+IC 292]

It is my understanding that every embassy adopts a way to inform the applicant that they may schedule the interview regardless of what CEAC status is. In my case it was an email from the embassy directed to my fiance but drawn in my own name. Kiev embassy expressly warns to nit schedule the interview until you have received a communication from them. For Russia, this communication may be in the form of full access to available dates (in Ukraine you can see them all once your DS-160 has been submitted for which you only need your NVC case number and MRV fee receipt). From what you describe above, the weak point is either the NVC itself or the DHL part. The NVC claims to had transferred your case by giving it to DHL but you can only guess whether or not it hsd done so in fact. Most probably so. As to the DHL, you can only guess which batch your case was in since you do not know for sure. Actually, DHL could have misplaced the whole batch (you don't know who may have suffered with you). That is, in my opinion, unless tge embassy admits to having your case physically you can hardly squeeze the appointment from them but rather demand that NVC conducts the investigation. Maybe the Embassy too, but why would they deny having your case? There are not so many fiancee applications for them not to be able to track and handle them properly. Anyway, I feel your pain and sincerely wish that you have it sorted out asap

[Mekulisch 97]

Thank you.  So, we continue to submit inquiries to NVC and the embassy?  

 

They must have the digital copy?  We have a full copy of the I-129f here. We coyget it to them, along with the copy of the NOA2.

 

but, how? I suppose we have to wait 6 weeks to file a formal inquiry?

[HP+IC 292]

I'm afraid the Embassy has a strict policy and schedule which they must adhere to and unless/until they get it as hard copy from NVC they will not be able to do anything. I don't think the file has been lost irrecoverably but rather misplaced which is hardly a good consolation. 

[GP1977 288]

I would try calling both the nvc and the embassy and try to put it on both of them. There is a very helpful supervisor at the nvc named Todd. Extremely helpful. When you call into the call center ask to speak to a supervisor and then ask for their supervisor and ask for Todd. He goes above and beyond what you expect out of typical government employee. 

 

But as @HP+IC said the embassy needs the physical file to schedule the interview.

[Mekulisch 97]

1 minute ago, GP1977 said:

I would try calling both the nvc and the embassy and try to put it on both of them. There is a very helpful supervisor at the nvc named Todd. Extremely helpful. When you call into the call center ask to speak to a supervisor and then ask for their supervisor and ask for Todd. He goes above and beyond what you expect out of typical government employee. 

 

But as @HP+IC said the embassy needs the physical file to schedule the interview.

Thank you so much for such specific information (Re: Todd) I will do that tomorrow 

[GP1977 288]

Just now, Mekulisch said:

Thank you so much for such specific information (Re: Todd) I will do that tomorrow 

I’d recommend calling when they open first thing in the morning (I think it’s 7 or 8/am est ) he was easiest to reach then. You might have to go through some hoops to get him on the line but when you don’t get the answer you are looking for just ask for their supervisor until you get him on the phone. 

 

But he’s helpful. Good luck 

 

[TBoneTX 45,273]

Country-specific thread is moved from the K-1 Process forum to the Russia/Ukraine/Belarus regional forum.

[Mekulisch 97]

On 3/12/2019 at 7:25 PM, GP1977 said:

I would try calling both the nvc and the embassy and try to put it on both of them. There is a very helpful supervisor at the nvc named Todd. Extremely helpful. When you call into the call center ask to speak to a supervisor and then ask for their supervisor and ask for Todd. He goes above and beyond what you expect out of typical government employee. 

 

But as @HP+IC said the embassy needs the physical file to schedule the interview.

I really appreciate your direction to seek out Todd at the NVC.  We hadn’t made any progress in finding out the status of our paperwork.  We are still awaiting a response to 2 emails to the embassy.

 

so, after reaching a supervisor, we were hopeful because she promised to send an “internal” email to the embassy asking for a status update.  No response.  So, I called again and asked specifically for Todd.  A little phone-tag later and we connected.  He informed me that “if someone told you that they would send an internal email, they were wrong, the NVC would not do that.”  

However, he said that he could contact the embassy liaison and ask for help.  Surprisingly, Todd called me back within half hour after getting a response from the “liaison.”  He verified that the hard copy was at the embassy and that an email will be arriving within (he gave me an estimate).  He also took time to walk me through a ustraveldocs concern.

 

above and beyond his job description.  Kind and considerate of a frazzled fellow human being.

 

 Thank you for your recommendation.  We still have a ways to go, but being heard makes me more hopeful.

[GP1977 288]

2 minutes ago, Mekulisch said:

I really appreciate your direction to seek out Todd at the NVC.  We hadn’t made any progress in finding out the status of our paperwork.  We are still awaiting a response to 2 emails to the embassy.

 

so, after reaching a supervisor, we were hopeful because she promised to send an “internal” email to the embassy asking for a status update.  No response.  So, I called again and asked specifically for Todd.  A little phone-tag later and we connected.  He informed me that “if someone told you that they would send an internal email, they were wrong, the NVC would not do that.”  

However, he said that he could contact the embassy liaison and ask for help.  Surprisingly, Todd called me back within half hour after getting a response from the “liaison.”  He verified that the hard copy was at the embassy and that an email will be arriving within (he gave me an estimate).  He also took time to walk me through a ustraveldocs concern.

 

above and beyond his job description.  Kind and considerate of a frazzled fellow human being.

 

 Thank you for your recommendation.  We still have a ways to go, but being heard makes me more hopeful.

Yes, he definately goes above and beyond what his normal job description entails.  I actually sent a recommendation to his supervisor after he helped me when my case was stuck at NVC for a few extra weeks and he helped me out.  I am glad he got you on the right track and now you have a contact at NVC if you dont hear from the embassy.  Good luck you are in the home stretch.

 

[Mekulisch 97]

God bless Todd.  Vika received the embassy email to begin to try to schedule the medical and interview.  No appointments, so far, in March.  However, we will get the medical done and be ready for any appointment available.

[HP+IC 292]

Well, in Ukraine my medical was 3 days shy of 1 month prior to my interview, I talked to the girls at the reception to keep my envelope until pickup. So I only picked it up today, as we have to come to Kiev for both medical and interview. I think they can keep it in the office as long as it is comfortable for you and you will focus on scheduling the interview

Edited March 15, 2019 by HP+IC

[Mekulisch 97]

2 minutes ago, HP+IC said:

Well, in Ukraine my medical was 3 days shy of 1 month prior to my interview, I talked to the girls at the reception to keep my envelope until pickup. So I only picked it up today, as we have to come to Kiev for both medical and interview. I think they can keep it in the office as long as it is comfortable for you and you will focus on scheduling the interview

Almost at the finish line!  Best of luck at the interview.

We are thinking that if she gets the medical out of the way, then we can grab any potential cancellation that might be short notice. If mine presents itself, then, as you say we only have the interview to worry about.

 

we’ll be hoping to hear good news from you soon!

[Prizm123 1,086]

all i want to know is who the heck is this Todd guy and why isnt he in charge of NVC?????

 

wow, thats some awesome service

[Mekulisch 97]

31 minutes ago, Prizm123 said:

all i want to know is who the heck is this Todd guy and why isnt he in charge of NVC?????

 

wow, thats some awesome service

Agreed. He had no idea who we were.  I was surprised that he left a message.  I was surprised he played phone tag. I was hopeful because he sounded like someone who cared enough to figure out the problem.  As I said earlier, things probably would have worked out anyway...but, I prefer to believe it worked out this quickly because of Todd, the super-supervisor!  I told him that he has an awesome rep on VJ.