I sent in the assembled I-130 packet to the Chicago lockbox on April 15th. It was signed for on April 17th, and I got back the confirmation of delivery about a week later. My check was deposited on April 20th.

It is now 7 weeks later, and I have yet to receive the NOA, or any acknowledgement whatsoever from USCIS or Homeland Security. My husband is Romanian but has legal residence in Spain. Could that be slowing down the process, or is this delay just due to the significant backlog of cases?

I have been unable to speak to anyone on the phone at USCIS because you need a receipt number in order to do so, and my lack of one is my reason for calling.

Any information would be GREATLY appreciated. I want to send in the I-129F, but need the NOA first.

I don't believe there were any problems with the materials in my packet. I had 9 affidavits from 3 countries, in addition to numerous other evidence of bonafides.

Thank you,
Cynthia

- Married on January 19, 2008

Have you gotten the check back from your bank? Or are you able to access a copy of the check online? If so you can find your case number on the back of the check.

My bank doesn't return checks, but I will try calling them to see if they are able to photocopy and fax me the back of the processed check.

That is a helpful suggestion, thank you.

Do you have any ideas as to why it has taken so long just to get a receipt?

I waited close to 5months for my NOA1. This was during the backlog though. You should be getting something soon. I would keep calling every so often. It's tough to advise at this stage since without a receipt number there is no way to track the info for you when you call. It's a waiting game at times. If your check clears then that's the beginning of your proof and then you can call back with this info. The receipt number is on the back of the check but is often illegible or incorrect.

Thank you, my check cleared on April 24th, so I was expecting something within two weeks of that. But it's been six so far and I'm getting worried. I'm sorry it took so long for you. It's good to know that my cleared check might help me get the receipt number more quickly.

I feel your pain. Please look at my timeline...

I was able to get a copy of my check today, and I got a 13-digit case number that starts with EAC off of it. I assume that is the correct number, yes?

Anyway, I went to the USCIS website and typed in the number and did a status search, and got this result:

"Case Status Retrieval Failed
This Receipt Number cannot be found at this time in this automated system. Please check your case receipt number to see if it is correct. If you have questions or concerns about your case status, please contact the National Customer Service Center."

What does that mean?? How can I have a case number, but it's not in the system? The number on the check is VERY clear and I'm positive I entered it correctly.

add one to the last number ex: if it ends in a 4 then the last number is 5...try that. otherwise it might not be in

Hey, that worked! Wow! How did you know to add 1 to the last digit? Can I be certain that is my case number and not someone else's?

This is the message I got:

"Application Type: I130, IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR RELATIVE, FIANCE(E), OR ORPHAN

Current Status: Case received and pending.

On April 22, 2008, we received this I-130 IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR RELATIVE, FIANCE(E), OR ORPHAN, and mailed you a notice describing how we will process your case. Please follow any instructions on this notice. We will notify you by mail when we make a decision or if we need something from you. If you move while this case is pending, call customer service. We process cases in the order we receive them. You can use our processing dates to estimate when yours will be done. This case is at our VERMONT SERVICE CENTER location. Follow the link below to check processing dates. You can also receive automatic e-mail updates as we process your case. Just follow the link below to register."

However, I have never received a notice from USCIS. Now that I have a case number, I can call and ask for a second notice, correct?

Thank you!

lol well someone else has posted it, and that is how mine was too.

Today I had an appointment at the local USCIS office and they confirmed that I have my my correct case number, and the letter (NOA) was sent to me on 4/22.

BUT...since I don't have the actual letter, I'm in a pickle because the NOA has to be included with the I-129F application, and USCIS does not send out duplicate letters, according to the woman at the local office. She's going to try and get one for me, or try to find a way for me to file the 129 without the NOA for the 130.

But because the NOA apparantly got lost in the mail, I may have to submit the entire I-130 packet over and start from scratch, and wait for my new NOA letter.