Hi everyone,

I'm happy to report that my K-1 petition was approved on May 3rd!

However, it is now May 11th and I have yet to receive my NOA2 via regular mail. There was only a 3 day gap between my NOA1 notice online to receiving in via mail. I'm only concerned because I think I'm supposed to send a copy of my paper NOA2 to my fiance for her interview.

I'm wondering if others that got their approval around the same time are in a similar situation. If so, please let me know so I don't worry. Also, does anyone know if it is possible to get another paper NOA2 issued if there was a problem and the original was lost?

Thanks!

(Sorry for the unintelligible subject line...

Ours took nearly two weeks to arrive. I don't think you actually need a copy of it anyway for the interview as the file can't be opened by the embassy until USCIS has contacted them and told them it is approved. I would just call them Monday if you have not received anything to put you mind at rest.

You will need a copy of your NOA2. It is important you recieve it. However, I would give it at least 3 weeks before you get worried.

Need a copy for Moscow? I don't think every Embassy/Consulate needs to see it. After all it was approved before being sent to NVC and on to the embassy.

You will also need a copy of the NOA2 when the beneficiary adjusts status in the US.

Yes, it is important you recieve it. As ridiculous as it sounds, make sure you get your NOA2 in the mail.

We were also approved on 05/03 and I still haven't received the NOA2 in the mail. I'm trying not to freak out but based on the fact that we didn't receive the NOA1 until 1 week before we were approved (and that's only because I raised hell with USCIS), makes me uneasy.

First that I have heard anyone say this. My fiance is here now on a visit and she will return with all of the relevant forms and letter from me but because we decided origionaly to use the help of an attorney I don't have the original NAO2, just the copy that they USCS sent to me.
So....
Does she need to take the origional NOA2 with her????

I also received the approval emails on May 3rd and I still haven't received the NOA2 in the mail either.

I did receive the hard copy letter in the mail from the NVC yesterday (Sat.) stating they had sent my packet onto the Foreign Consulate!

I do hope the NOA2 gets here soon so I can send it onto my fiance for his interview!

we were approved May 3 but didnt get the NOA2 hardcopy in the mail too. nothing from NVC either. guez we will just have to wait again..never ending waiting, lolz.. is it wise to call and ask them about the NOA2 hardcopy? i know we can call NVC to ask for the new case number and to check if our file had reached them yet but we're not calling until last week of May. at least we're giving them so much time!!!

Congrats on the approval none the less

What number are we supposed to call? We didn't get the hard copy either so far...

Anybody get there hardcopy yet?

I called USCIS again today. They're insisting they sent it. And now I have to send $200 and fill out the I-somthing or other form. The lady told me that their computer system shows that it was not returned to them.

Between May 3rd and May19th, I didn't recieve any mail from USCIS. I've since gone on a long vacation to visit my family, since me and my fiancee will move across country once we get married for work and school. But I had my mail forwarded to my family address, again nothing. I spoke with gentleman at my local post office who said USCIS mail may not be able to be forwarded. When I spoke to the lady at USCIS she said that the letter was "forwardable," but it it was returned it would be recorded in their system. I don't think they have a clue, but though I'd share incase it was helpful to someone else.

-DA

I was PM-ing with another VJ-er in the same boat. Neither of us have hard copies yet either. I called USCIS again (the 1-800 number on the NOA1) and followed what I had done before - the address change prompts. Got an operator who said it was $200 or nothing.

But then I did what the PMer recommended (don't know why I didn't the first time) - call and follow prompts for an RFE received. that kicks you to a CSC operator (not standard USCIS operator). i explained and said "i don't have $200!!! that's more than the filing fee!" he said that sucked and basically went through and "changed" my address from "#" to "APT #" and said that gave him the system message that it had been regenerated for printing. He said wait a few days and see what happens. So i'm waiting until the end of next week to make further calls.

this squares with the USCIS operators indication that if you had changed addresses, they could send a second copy (or, ahem, a first) - otherwise, pay up.

So, try calling the USCIS line, and follow the RFE prompts and hope for a reasonable, helpful CSC operator!

Just to be clear. If I change my address, then I can get a copy for free? I can just change it to my parents address if thats the case.

That was the implication - whether that is fact, I don't know. We'll see. I think that's the experiment the CSC operator was conducting for me. And it was the implication I got from the USCIS operator, but I didn't get too specific.

I would call the 800 #, go through the RFE prompts, see what you get out of a CSC operator and go from there.

My take........

CSC wants more money. Follow the money. If they forget to mail it and the re-charge you another 200 they double their money.

Please let us know if you receive it! I am going to try calling using these prompts as well.

I had the other response about $200 from the USCIS operator. There was another thread on this issue, where someone said they somehow got through to CSC as well and gotten help through them too. I really don't think we should have to pay $200!

Thanks for the tips!

Please let us know if you receive it! I am going to try calling using these prompts as well.

I had the other response about $200 from the USCIS operator. There was another thread on this issue, where someone said they somehow got through to CSC as well and gotten help through them too. I really don't think we should have to pay $200!

Thanks for the tips!
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Great update! I just got through to CSC by following the prompts for an RFE, and before I even started my schpeel about not getting the NOA2, she said "Ok, it seems there is a problem, the notice was sent back to us. There seems to be a problem on all notices that were sent out for approvals on that day. We will send you a duplicate copy and you do not have to pay any fee. You can expect it within 20 days."

I was like Wow!! that is exactly the information I wanted to hear!

So I don't know if you have to call to make sure you get the duplicate...but at least she acknowledged that there was a problem with the May 3rd people. Hopefully they will correct the problem for everyone!

Yes! Thanks for the update. I just called. I got a similar story...the rep said that some of the Notices were NEVER printed (tell me something I didn't know!) and some never arrived (returned mail)-but basically like you said May 3rd approvals were really messed up. She asked for my phone # and an alternate number and said to keep watching the mail. They would resend it to me (FREE!). While I was on the line, I explained I had left for vacation, I forwarded my mail via USPS, but wanted to be cautious and asked to change the adress and have it sent to my parent's address. She said it was no problem and would not affect my NOA2 being issued. Okay...so I guess we wait.

I love y'all.
-Dodie


[/quote]

Great update! I just got through to CSC by following the prompts for an RFE, and before I even started my schpeel about not getting the NOA2, she said "Ok, it seems there is a problem, the notice was sent back to us. There seems to be a problem on all notices that were sent out for approvals on that day. We will send you a duplicate copy and you do not have to pay any fee. You can expect it within 20 days."

I was like Wow!! that is exactly the information I wanted to hear!

So I don't know if you have to call to make sure you get the duplicate...but at least she acknowledged that there was a problem with the May 3rd people. Hopefully they will correct the problem for everyone!
[/quote]

one thing i forgot to mention yesterday: the CSC operator i talked to implied that printouts of the online portfolio showing your approval are "supposed" to satisfy the NOA2 requirement for AOS. Now, the way he said it sounded to me like people weren't always accepting that in place of the NOA2. I can't confirm that this is accepted practice or allowed under regulation. But that's the information he gave me, so I'll pass it along for anyone to do with as he/she pleases.

It may also be something for those calling CSC to ask about too, see what other information we get on that.

Yeah, initially I was thinking we would submitt our AOS with the online portfolio & the CRIS approval emails. I didn't start freaking about about the NOA2 until I read in another thread that it would have Teddy's Alien Registration Number on it. But isn't that supposed to be written on his visa in as well?

Hey, just checked my USCIS online and I was touched 6/10...maybe they are re-printing my NOA2. Anyone else get a touch?

After calling and getting the Cali lady (who was very nice and is supposed to be calling me later this week to check if I got the paper copy) I had a touch that day and the next. I'm hoping this means its being printed. However my online status still says processing... No CRIS e-mail or online approval for me!

Sounds Like not receiving an NOA 2 hard copy is common. My last and only touch after NOA1 was on 5/09. No email, nothing. I received a NVC letter dated 21 may, still no NOA2. So I guess the touch on 5/09 was the approval..?? Another "Hawaii" member just received his in the mail, this past Saturday. So I'm hoping to get it this week. It's basically been over 1 month after approval and no hard copy. I'll give it another week. then if I still get nothing I'll try to track it down.

He also didnt hear anything until he contacted his senator. They probably wont just send it out, so you should really start calling either Cali or your representatives.

Still haven't seen the hard copy yet, but just checked the online portfolio again and the date changed to 6/6 - which would be when I had my conversation with the friendly guy at CSC. We'll see if the hard copy turns up.

Next step will be to contact a congressional office.

btw: if you click "printer friendly version" of either the portfolio list or the case status page, you get a pdf of the status. I have saved copies of those and printed out - figure that, in-case, I can see if they really are accepted at the AOS stage. I hope not to test that CSC-operator's theory, however.

Personally, I wouldn't have a lot of faith in what anyone from that agency told me. Every time I spoke with them, they seemed like a nice - albeit clueless bunch. Getting the real thing in the mail two days ago was an enormous relief. I wouldn't settle for anything less.



I agree 100%. Call Akaka.

Giving this one a bump -

Hey May-Approvals - any more hard copy NOA2s turned up? Still nothing here. Will be calling congressional office Monday if nothing comes today or tomorrow.

USCIS page showed another "touch" on June 6, but nothing in snail mail yet. Should be here by Friday (that'd be about the same mail time as for the NOA1), but I'm not feeling like it will.

We had a touch on 6/10 as well. I think we should wait another week or so to see if it arrives. Hopefully it will, otherwise I will contact my congressman as well. I was really encouraged by my latest call to the CSC though, and I think the touch says something too, but I guess we can never be sure with them!!!

Yeah, nothing here either. I sent a follow up e-mail to my congressional office today. I guess I wait some more....

Hi There,

we are also still waiting for our hard copy NOA2. My Fiance just called the USCIS line and went through the RFE option to speak to an operator, but the person he was talking to was sitting in Indianapolis and not Laguna Niguel. He wasn't of any help, of course.

So I wanted to ask you: when you call, what prompts are you using to get to CSC??

Thanks!!!

Lord only knows. I just listen to the options and pray to get a person. When I called last week I asked the person helping me for the direct number to CSC, she told me that I had to call the National USCIS number and that when I entered my case number it would automatically transfer me to the correct SC...guess thats not true either! In all of my times calling, last week was the only time someone gave me their location, she answered, " Hi this is ---- at the California Service Center...".

-DA

Someone advised to follow the RFE prompts and we got someone who identified himself as being CSC, but I didn't do anything special aside from that, that I can think of (granted, I didn't jot down the EXACT keys I pressed).

Guess we'll just wait some more!

Thank you for your replies!

Well, we succeeded in getting to CSC after all. Howard spoke to a nice lady in Laguna Niguel, and of course she was surprised we never got our NOA2 as we were approved May 7. She said she was sending a duplicate. Yippee! I might not have it for my interview next week (hopefully they won't need to see it there), but we want to file AOS before the fee increase, so the sooner it comes, the better.

These are the prompts we used:
* 1 for English,
* 2 for main menu,
* 2 for reporting an issue,
* 4 for more evidence,
* then 2, 1,
* then entered our case number (with the WAC at the beginning, that is 922+10 digits).
* then it took us to a representative in the service center.

I called CSC Monday of last week and the lady reapproved me and said I would have the paper copy by today. Well still no paper copy, BUT I got an e-mail from CRIS last night saying I was approved and they mailed me the paper copy Good luck to everyone still waiting for CSC to get their heads out of you know where

Great update! I just got through to CSC by following the prompts for an RFE, and before I even started my schpeel about not getting the NOA2, she said "Ok, it seems there is a problem, the notice was sent back to us. There seems to be a problem on all notices that were sent out for approvals on that day. We will send you a duplicate copy and you do not have to pay any fee. You can expect it within 20 days."

I was like Wow!! that is exactly the information I wanted to hear!

So I don't know if you have to call to make sure you get the duplicate...but at least she acknowledged that there was a problem with the May 3rd people. Hopefully they will correct the problem for everyone!
[quote]

Wow, I'm one of those May 3rd people and didn't get our NOA2 either. That explains it now. I think I will call and try the RFE trick. I called today and that person did a service ticket whatever that means I have no idea. I tried to ask him but it basically sends an internal messages to some department for my problem. You would think that since they have received so many calls conerning the May 3rd mailing that they would resend them, lol.

Just another typical government deparment that is messed up.

Good Luck to all!!

Pardon my flip attitude at CSC, but I wonder if by any chance this had anything to do with the postage fee increase? I got NOA1 in March and the postage they paid was $0.371. The NOA2 arrived in June and the postage they paid for that was $0.373.

Its here!!!! I got my NOA2! Yipppeeee!

wonder if mine will finally arrive! still waiting . . . .

Congrats!! I hope to get mine soon as it was approved on May 3rd also. I did call today and actually talked to someone at the CSC. He was nice and put in a request to get another copy of my NOA2. He even suggested that they knew of a problem that resulted in many of us not getting our notices.

Charlie

I got my today as well! Kinda scary, the said dont contact INS, not USCIS

I used your tips today and it worked great. Talked to some guy at the CSC and he said he would request a new NOA2 be mailed to me. I'm sure it will take a while but it was nice to talk to someone that listened and just didn't say, you need to fill out form, blah, blah, blah and send $200 with it.

Thanks again,

Charlie