Hi, I'm trying to estimate how long it would take my case to be all done with NVC, which may not be a very meaningful thing to do, but I cannot help anyway.

I've looked at the NVC timeline thread also. It has been very helpful.

I'm estimating the time it takes by identifying each step (generated--> receive-->send-->NVC receive-->next packet, etc.), assuming it would take 1 week for each step (some will actually be longer, some shorter, but on average) -- not using James' Shortcut.

Then I realized that I'm not sure about some of the steps.

1. I want to make sure "generated" and "sent" by NVC are the same thing (usually done on the same day)
2. When we send something back to NVC, if they process something, do they generate the next step on the same day? Should I leave one week between, for example, processing the AOS bill and generating the AOS form?

3. Also, how long does it take NVC to finish processing the DS 230 (usually arrives later than AOS form) once they've received it (how long between receiving DS 230 and case finishing)?

I tried to write every step that I can think of below. If I missed anything, please let me know. Thanks!

<<Affidavit of Support thread>>
NVC mail out AOS bill (finished)
Peittioner receives AOS bill (finished)
Petitioner send back AOS bill (finished)
NVC Receive AOS bill (finished)
NVC process AOS bill-->NVC Mail AOS form-->Petitioner receive AOS form-->Petitioner send back AOS form-->NVC receive AOS form-->NVC process AOS bill

<<Beneficiary/agent thread>>
NVC mail out Chocie of Agent form (finished)
Beneficiary email re: Choice of agent (finished)
NVC Accept choice of agent-->NVC Mail DS230 bill-->Agent Receive DS 230 bill-->Agent Send back DS 230 bill-->NVC Receive DS 230 bill-->NVC Process DS 230 bill-->NVC Mail DS 230 form-->Agent receive DS230 form-->Agent send back DS230 form-->NVC receive DS 230 form-->NVC process DS 230/complete case

NVC should send you a timeline of what the applicant and what the petitioner has to do.

Processed and Sent are definitly NOT the same. NVC seems to send mail either weekly, or monthly, and I suspect the Packet 3 (DS-230 packet) is dependant on them receiving the petitioner's Affidavit of Support.

For eg, see my timeline. I sent my Immigration Bill back on the 28th of May, give or take 1-2 weeks for mail. They receive the bill and process the packet... but it's not sent.

My husband finally got around to finishing and sending in the AoS at the end of June sometime, and THEN it's sent.

They probably due generate the next step that same day, and get it ready for mailing, but it's not actually mailed till another date (unless it's done ON that date I suppose)

I completly understand wanting to know what happens to try and cut down on time. I'm trying to do the same thing short of using James's Shortcuts. Expect a lot of stress though

It's very difficult to estimate how long a case will stay at the NVC because many things can happen along the way. What I've seen here on VJ is that you can spend about 2-3 months there if you use James' shortcuts, if not, it will take longer.

When the NVC says they've "generated" X form or bill, or they say that they've mailed you some kind of document, the actual mailing takes place a week to two weeks later. So don't count on getting it as soon as they say it was generated.

Here is how the NVC works:

You send the Choice of Agent (DS-3032). This generates --> IV Bill. This generates --> DS-230
You send the AOS bill. This generates --> I-864.
When the NVC is done reviewing both the I-864 and the DS-230, they complete the case.

Niphredill, the reason it took a month to get the DS-230 is because even though they said they had generated it, they didn't mail it until weeks later. The I-864 has nothing to do with the DS-230. This is when James' shortcuts come in handy because it might take a very long time to receive anything they say they've generated.

Hope that helps guys.

Diana

o.O

I suppose so. The automatic msg didn't change though till they had received the AoS, so I guess I just assumed (and yet, I also knew it wasn't the case as I had seen other journeys with the packet being sent out before the AoS was sent in, and because of the flowchart).
I used that example though, since it was obvious that it's NOT processed and sent on the same day.. even if the reason was wrong (hey, my husband sent me on a wild goosechase because of the I-864, I need to blame him for something ;P).

I guess this is just another trick of the mind to justify the length of time it takes and I'm too chickensh*t something will be missed if I use James' shortcuts

... I just wish NVC sent their mail weekly, and not bi-monthly... or whatever it is they do :\ Daily would be even better :\