Zee, I'm not so sure of that. Though, I'm sure you know more about than I. However, on my NOA2 (which just arrived in the mailbox today

) there is a sentence that would support niceguy26's claim that sometimes they go straight to the consulate. perhaps all NOA2s have the exact same scripture, i dont know. Mine says...
"The above petition has been approved, and forwarded to the listed consulate. Please contact the consulate with any questions about visa issuance....."
Does every approval use the same terminology? I also called to NVC today. but only used the automated system. There was no record of it. So, i just assumed they hadn't received it yet. the approval is only 5 days old. But perhaps its possible some really do get forwarded directly to the foreign consulate???