For me personally, my case was received at the consulate in Montreal and it was sitting on ready for few days.. And then I received a letter from the NVC saying they forwarded my case to the embassy.. and then a week later I received my packet 3 with directions. After sending my packet 3, I got my packet 4 the next day.. now I'm just waiting for an interview spot to open so I can schedule and pay the fees. Hope my time line helps you a little bit.