dancingchicken

Just an update on this - we ended up going to JFK and the process there was smooth - Waited 3 minutes, in and out in 2 minutes. Approved instantly. The guy at Newark was wrong - if anyone has similar problems with Newark airport, would recommend scheduling an appointment at JFK.

And just like that, my status changed to "Interview ready to be scheduled"... bit of a bummer, I expected "approved", but oh well. Wonder how long this is going to take from now on?

We got an RFE for beneficiary's birth certificate, with no red flags or anything out of the ordinary - I have a feeling it's just up to the mood of the officer that looks at your case. Seems like it can't hurt to include it though - so it's good advice for anyone starting this process to add it to their packet.

We got an RFE for beneficiary's birth certificate, with no red flags or anything out of the ordinary - I have a feeling it's just up to the mood of the officer that looks at your case. Seems like it can't hurt to include it though - so it's good advice for anyone starting this process to add it to their packet.

So after almost 8 months of waiting our NAO1 finally got approved. 
 
My husband called earlier and asked to speak with a Tier 2 supervisor. They returned the call about 2 hours later and said we had been approved today and they will be sending the letter of approval in the mail  
 
So happy!! Finally on to the NVC

Hey guys, just sharing the good news!!
 
Visa approved!!
Timeline: 
NOA1: Feb.9,2017
NOA2: July 25,2017
Sent to NVC: Aug 1,2017
MNL case number: Aug 12,2017
Paid AOS and IV:  Aug 15,2017 (Sent the expedite letter as well) 
DS 260 done:  Aug 18,2017
Medical: Aug 22,2017 
Expedite approval and papers sent to Manila, Case status ready: Aug 23,2017
Interview: Sept 5,2017 - Approved!! 
VOH: Soon!! 
 
 
Guys thank you so much for accompanying me through this journey, it a bittersweet one but in the end it's worth it. Don't lose hope and always think positive. And thus, I will be leaving you one of my favorite quote from my favorite book.. 
 
"And, when you want something, all in the universe consipires in helping you achieve it." - The Alchemist

There are the standard reasons for an expedite, then there are reasons that aren't listed. I was chit chatting with an operator at the NVC and he suggested I request an expedite. I said, "its not one of the reasons listed". He said, "so"... The worst that will happen, 'they' will deny it. It affects nothing, you don't lose your spot in line etc. The expedite request will be sent to the Embassy that will be interviewing the beneficiary. They decide yes or no. From what I have read and based on my own experience you should have a decision in 2-4 business days.
 
If your case is granted, 'expedite'. Your file is pulled and sent to the Embassy. Basically switching you to consular filing. Our case was expedited because of getting the kids in school for the beginning of the school year. We were already into week 5 of the 11 week wait for NVC to check the file. From the timelines similar to ours it saved 6 weeks. Difference being, my boys will be sitting in class vs sitting at the Embassy waiting to be interviewed. 

I emailed NVC and the Tokyo embassy and explained that my wife's immigrant visa has been making it difficult for her maintain stable employment. Her current job ended June 30, and she has few options for employment because she'll be immigrating soon. I asked for an expedite for this reason, and the embassy accepted it. He embassy, not NVC, approves the expedites at this stage.