National Visa Center and USCIS

[Sen and Neil 0]

I just finished a conference conversation with the National Visa Center, Congressman Pomeroy from the State of North Dakota, and myself concerning the I-797 Notice of Action form mailed to Visa petitioners. According to the National Visa Center, this notice of action stating the same thing you will see on the USCIS website or that is emailed to you is not important and will not stop the process of the K1-Fiance` Visa. For those of you who are worried or upset that you have not received this NOA2, you need not worry. This NOA2 is not needed to move forward in the process of obtaining a Visa for your fiance`.

As to notifications, as long as when you check the status of your individual application using the receipt number that USCIS has given you from the 1st NOA, you have nothing to worry about. So the idea that NOA2 is a cruical and critical step is false. Do not be discouraged if you never receive this NOA2, your application is still moving forward! The only time you will need to worry is if they inform you via email or the USCIS website that your petition is disapproved.

If you need further guidance, feel free to contact me!

Thanks,

Neil

[Zee Bee 61]

But the NOA2 is needed for AOS. It specifically asks for a copy of it when applying.

From the I-485:

"B. Based on admission as the K-1 fiancé(e) of a U. S.citizen and subsequent marriage to that citizen.

Attach a copy of the fiancé(e) petition approval notice, a copy of your marriage certificate and your Form 1-94."

So it is important...after you have the visa and enter the US.

The NOA1 is not important.

Edited September 26, 2007 by ZeeNusah

[*julez* 124]

I just finished a conference conversation with the National Visa Center, Congressman Pomeroy from the State of North Dakota, and myself concerning the I-797 Notice of Action form mailed to Visa petitioners. According to the National Visa Center, this notice of action stating the same thing you will see on the USCIS website or that is emailed to you is not important and will not stop the process of the K1-Fiance` Visa. For those of you who are worried or upset that you have not received this NOA2, you need not worry. This NOA2 is not needed to move forward in the process of obtaining a Visa for your fiance`.

As to notifications, as long as when you check the status of your individual application using the receipt number that USCIS has given you from the 1st NOA, you have nothing to worry about. So the idea that NOA2 is a cruical and critical step is false. Do not be discouraged if you never receive this NOA2, your application is still moving forward! The only time you will need to worry is if they inform you via email or the USCIS website that your petition is disapproved.

If you need further guidance, feel free to contact me!

Thanks,

Neil

While a hard copy of the paper notice may not be necessary to continue processing for the K1 visa, it most certainly is necessary for AOS, as ZeeNusah pointed above.

[Johnnie Oz 0]

Ok,

But how the cases where folks have only found out about NOA2 (approval) after receiving a hard copy, ie I-797? Their statuses have not been updated on the USCIS website. In other words, if they (or those of us waiting) would never have received a NOA2, they/we would have NO clue what was going on...

And yes, I have read that you need it for AOS too.

[payxibka 10,047]

I just finished a conference conversation with the National Visa Center, Congressman Pomeroy from the State of North Dakota, and myself concerning the I-797 Notice of Action form mailed to Visa petitioners. According to the National Visa Center, this notice of action stating the same thing you will see on the USCIS website or that is emailed to you is not important and will not stop the process of the K1-Fiance` Visa. For those of you who are worried or upset that you have not received this NOA2, you need not worry. This NOA2 is not needed to move forward in the process of obtaining a Visa for your fiance`.

As to notifications, as long as when you check the status of your individual application using the receipt number that USCIS has given you from the 1st NOA, you have nothing to worry about. So the idea that NOA2 is a cruical and critical step is false. Do not be discouraged if you never receive this NOA2, your application is still moving forward! The only time you will need to worry is if they inform you via email or the USCIS website that your petition is disapproved.

If you need further guidance, feel free to contact me!

Thanks,

Neil

It is good your Congressperson helped you but the fact is that they spoke with the wrong department (NVC is a part of the Department of State versus USCIS which is a part of the Department of Homeland Security)... I-797 is a USCIS form and not an NVC form and of course they have no control over this document.

[Sen and Neil 0]

It states that you will need verification of approval. When you go to the USCIS website, you can print the status by using a button called a Printer Friendly Status... this as I have been informed by the National Visa Center is acceptable and will be acceptable replacement for a NOA2 that has never been received!

As for those who do not have an updated status, call the USCIS directly or wait for them to update their website. It is your choice, I prefer to make calls and get action rather than sit on my duff!

Neil

[Sen and Neil 0]

That is what I have been trying to say the whole time....the USCIS has nothing to do with your petition being forwarded to NVC or the Embassy... simply stated... NVC will only approve or disapprove the petition. Whether or not you receive the I797 Notice of Action has no bearing on the petition going forward!

:-)

Neil

I just finished a conference conversation with the National Visa Center, Congressman Pomeroy from the State of North Dakota, and myself concerning the I-797 Notice of Action form mailed to Visa petitioners. According to the National Visa Center, this notice of action stating the same thing you will see on the USCIS website or that is emailed to you is not important and will not stop the process of the K1-Fiance` Visa. For those of you who are worried or upset that you have not received this NOA2, you need not worry. This NOA2 is not needed to move forward in the process of obtaining a Visa for your fiance`.

As to notifications, as long as when you check the status of your individual application using the receipt number that USCIS has given you from the 1st NOA, you have nothing to worry about. So the idea that NOA2 is a cruical and critical step is false. Do not be discouraged if you never receive this NOA2, your application is still moving forward! The only time you will need to worry is if they inform you via email or the USCIS website that your petition is disapproved.

If you need further guidance, feel free to contact me!

Thanks,

Neil

It is good your Congressperson helped you but the fact is that they spoke with the wrong department (NVC is a part of the Department of State versus USCIS which is a part of the Department of Homeland Security)... I-797 is a USCIS form and not an NVC form and of course they have no control over this document.

[payxibka 10,047]

I am not sure taking advice from the National Visa Center who BTW does NOT adjudicate the AOS applications is sound practice.

[Johnnie Oz 0]

It states that you will need verification of approval. When you go to the USCIS website, you can print the status by using a button called a Printer Friendly Status... this as I have been informed by the National Visa Center is acceptable and will be acceptable replacement for a NOA2 that has never been received!

As for those who do not have an updated status, call the USCIS directly or wait for them to update their website. It is your choice, I prefer to make calls and get action rather than sit on my duff!

Neil

My point was that some (many?) people get no status update online. This means that if they never get a NOA2, they cannot know that they have been approved. Admittedly, most people without an update appear to have received a hard copy I-797, but certainly no e-mail (kinda unlikely without the online status update).

This puts us in a position of having to call USCIS every %^&* day to see what's up. Great. And even then some folks there just look at their screens and say sorry, no update; be patient etc.

In the meantime, the petition may already be approved, on its way to NVC or on its way to the embassy. All without us having heard a peep. Not cool.

I mean, how many errors can there be: no NOA1s mailed out, no NOA2s, no online updates, arbitrary touches etc etc.

[no name 1]

I am not sure taking advice from the National Visa Center who BTW does NOT adjudicate the AOS applications is sound practice.

Agreed.

[payxibka 10,047]

That is what I have been trying to say the whole time....the USCIS has nothing to do with your petition being forwarded to NVC or the Embassy... simply stated... NVC will only approve or disapprove the petition. Whether or not you receive the I797 Notice of Action has no bearing on the petition going forward!

:-)

Neil

The USCIS has everything to do with your petition being forwarded to NVC... Who do you think starts this chain of events? Secondly, USCIS adjudicates (approves or disapproves) the petition NOT NVC.

[Sen and Neil 0]

I agree with you, status updates on the USCIS website is sometimes rare, but if it is so rare that nothing is heard, then I think my first inclination would be to make a call! If the call to the USCIS does not resolve or answer your questions, that is when I would make a call to your Congressman! Belive me, as I have found out today, this is definitely one way to get answers, and get them quickly!

As for the email updates, I have my case and requested email upates, and that is how I determined that my petition was approved... through their email notification of statuses which you can elect to receive if you sign up for this! It is FREE, so why not right?

Neil

It states that you will need verification of approval. When you go to the USCIS website, you can print the status by using a button called a Printer Friendly Status... this as I have been informed by the National Visa Center is acceptable and will be acceptable replacement for a NOA2 that has never been received!

As for those who do not have an updated status, call the USCIS directly or wait for them to update their website. It is your choice, I prefer to make calls and get action rather than sit on my duff!

Neil

My point was that some (many?) people get no status update online. This means that if they never get a NOA2, they cannot know that they have been approved. Admittedly, most people without an update appear to have received a hard copy I-797, but certainly no e-mail (kinda unlikely without the online status update).

This puts us in a position of having to call USCIS every %^&* day to see what's up. Great. And even then some folks there just look at their screens and say sorry, no update; be patient etc.

In the meantime, the petition may already be approved, on its way to NVC or on its way to the embassy. All without us having heard a peep. Not cool.

I mean, how many errors can there be: no NOA1s mailed out, no NOA2s, no online updates, arbitrary touches etc etc.

[Sen and Neil 0]

Sorry, I stated my point incorrectly, my fault. What I meant to say was that once USCIS approved your petition, it is then passed on to the NVC... NVC is repsonsible after the USCIS has passed the approved petition to them!

Sorry, did not mean to confuse anyone! :-)

Neil

That is what I have been trying to say the whole time....the USCIS has nothing to do with your petition being forwarded to NVC or the Embassy... simply stated... NVC will only approve or disapprove the petition. Whether or not you receive the I797 Notice of Action has no bearing on the petition going forward!

:-)

Neil

The USCIS has everything to do with your petition being forwarded to NVC... Who do you think starts this chain of events? Secondly, USCIS adjudicates (approves or disapproves) the petition NOT NVC.

[kits_24_faith 0]

I just finished a conference conversation with the National Visa Center, Congressman Pomeroy from the State of North Dakota, and myself concerning the I-797 Notice of Action form mailed to Visa petitioners. According to the National Visa Center, this notice of action stating the same thing you will see on the USCIS website or that is emailed to you is not important and will not stop the process of the K1-Fiance` Visa. For those of you who are worried or upset that you have not received this NOA2, you need not worry. This NOA2 is not needed to move forward in the process of obtaining a Visa for your fiance`.

As to notifications, as long as when you check the status of your individual application using the receipt number that USCIS has given you from the 1st NOA, you have nothing to worry about. So the idea that NOA2 is a cruical and critical step is false. Do not be discouraged if you never receive this NOA2, your application is still moving forward! The only time you will need to worry is if they inform you via email or the USCIS website that your petition is disapproved.

If you need further guidance, feel free to contact me!

Thanks,

Neil

To my fellow kababayan.. If you look at my signature below or my timeline, you can pretty much have an idea what I am going through. I sent my application back in March and got a NOA1 in April. Not quite so sure when to start counting the days (from mailing or from NOA1 date). Anyways, if we are goint to start counting back in April this October will be my 6th month of waiting. Even with a RFE I've had I believe I am still overdue. I called yesterday because it's been more than 30 days since the case has resumed and still no NOA2 yet. The person I talked with yesterday was a nice gentleman and told me that my case is being reviewed by the officer and that I should hear something soon. But I am aware that with USCIS, soon can mean months instead of days, although I am trying to be positive and hoping for it before this month is over. As far as I know, NVC can only receive your case if the petition has been approved, but I am also aware that some never got their NOA2 email or hardcopy that made it to NVC which means that they have been approved or else NVC wouldn't have it in the first place.

I think some cases, not all, just happened to be in these mess or errors of USCIS' system. If everything flows perfectly as it should, everyone would have a smooth journey as follows..

After sending the application>>>>CHECK CASHED/CLEARED>>>>NOA1>>>>NOA2>>>>NVC>>>>Consulate/Embassy of the beneficiary>>>Packet 3 and 4 (medical and interview)>>>>VISA (if approved during the interview)...and follow other laws and regulations of the beneficiary's country before leaving..some countries the beneficiary needs to attend some conference or so before they can leave the country (like the Philippines).

[Sen and Neil 0]

Not sure what your case is going through, I know that in March I filed for petition, and receive my petition approval on the 28th of August! I even had an RFE otherwise it may have approved 10 days earlier!

Neil

I just finished a conference conversation with the National Visa Center, Congressman Pomeroy from the State of North Dakota, and myself concerning the I-797 Notice of Action form mailed to Visa petitioners. According to the National Visa Center, this notice of action stating the same thing you will see on the USCIS website or that is emailed to you is not important and will not stop the process of the K1-Fiance` Visa. For those of you who are worried or upset that you have not received this NOA2, you need not worry. This NOA2 is not needed to move forward in the process of obtaining a Visa for your fiance`.

As to notifications, as long as when you check the status of your individual application using the receipt number that USCIS has given you from the 1st NOA, you have nothing to worry about. So the idea that NOA2 is a cruical and critical step is false. Do not be discouraged if you never receive this NOA2, your application is still moving forward! The only time you will need to worry is if they inform you via email or the USCIS website that your petition is disapproved.

If you need further guidance, feel free to contact me!

Thanks,

Neil

To my fellow kababayan.. If you look at my signature below or my timeline, you can pretty much have an idea what I am going through. I sent my application back in March and got a NOA1 in April. Not quite so sure when to start counting the days (from mailing or from NOA1 date). Anyways, if we are goint to start counting back in April this October will be my 6th month of waiting. Even with a RFE I've had I believe I am still overdue. I called yesterday because it's been more than 30 days since the case has resumed and still no NOA2 yet. The person I talked with yesterday was a nice gentleman and told me that my case is being reviewed by the officer and that I should hear something soon. But I am aware that with USCIS, soon can mean months instead of days, although I am trying to be positive and hoping for it before this month is over. As far as I know, NVC can only receive your case if the petition has been approved, but I am also aware that some never got their NOA2 email or hardcopy that made it to NVC which means that they have been approved or else NVC wouldn't have it in the first place.

I think some cases, not all, just happened to be in these mess or errors of USCIS' system. If everything flows perfectly as it should, everyone would have a smooth journey as follows..

After sending the application>>>>CHECK CASHED/CLEARED>>>>NOA1>>>>NOA2>>>>NVC>>>>Consulate/Embassy of the beneficiary>>>Packet 3 and 4 (medical and interview)>>>>VISA (if approved during the interview)...and follow other laws and regulations of the beneficiary's country before leaving..some countries the beneficiary needs to attend some conference or so before they can leave the country (like the Philippines).