K-1 NVC one week? AP?

[AlgeriaParis 2]

Hello All,

I know that there are threads similar to this, but they are outdated and don't answer my specific questions.

I am filing for the K-1 visa. Our case was assigned a number at the NVC on 30 April. It's is now 6 May, so almost a week.

I called yesterday to the NVC number, and someone said our case was in AP. I called again today, and the woman on the phone said that she "saw no traces of AP on our file".

I'm getting discouraged, as many other applications to France seems to whizz in and out of the NVC in days. Are we delayed because my fiance is Algerian, applying at the French consulate?

Is it normal to be at the NVC this long? Can anyone advise? I'm getting very nervous... especially at the words "administrative processing".

Thanks in advance!

[cdneh 3,112]

I was told twice or case was not in AP when it was. The person who answered the phone when you called is a Tier 1 call taker, and there is not very much info on their screen. Give it a week and call again. If you are in AP, it is running about 2- 8 weeks these days.

There is mention of both of these items in previous threads. Here is a link to Part 2, which has recent posts.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/436021-stuck-nvc-for-ap-part-ii/

Edited May 6, 2015 by cdneh

[AlgeriaParis 2]

Since I'm new to this, can I ask how you then knew you were in AP?

What are average times for NVC?

[cdneh 3,112]

Since I'm new to this, can I ask how you then knew you were in AP?

What are average times for NVC?

I knew because I called and asked to speak to a Tier 2 supervisor, after a couple of weeks. Also, this was back when they first started putting K1's into AP at NVC, and nobody, not even here on VJ had ever heard of it. That is why we were worried, and that is why we called them.

They also said they would send a notice when it was done, and they did not do that. We did get two notices that said it was on the way to NZ, when it was not.

As I said above, recent wait times are running about 2- 8 weeks these days.

[mondix 12]

Look at my timeline. I was there from 4/8-4/30. I called every day. The last week I spoke with really nice and helpful supervisors. That Friday my case was sent to the consulate.

No two cases are alike. Some take longer to process than others. It sucks.

[AlgeriaParis 2]

Thank you both! It is very helpful.

Last two questions:

1: How did you get to talk to a Tier 2 supervisor?

2. I was told that all cases go through AP. Is that true?

[mondix 12]

After 2 weeks I politely asked to speak with a supervisor. The rep will place you on a brief hold to see if there is a supervisor available. If a supervisor is available, they'll transfer you right away. If not, they offer to put you back in the queue to see if there's one available at that time, or tell you to call back at another time.

All three supervisors I spoke with during the final week my case was in AP told me that AP is a normal process for all cases, but that some take longer than others. They couldn't explain why or tell me what exactly was happening, except to say that all cases are different. Each supervisor on the call told me they were emailing the department that was working on my case to see what the status was. I was told they'd call me back, but they never did. I was already used to calling everyday, so after speaking to a supervisor once, I asked to speak with them every time I called thereafter. Sometimes a supervisor was available. Other times not. I'd like to think my persistence that final week was the reason I called on 4/30 and was told " the case is being sent today," but I just think it took 22 days to get through AP.

If your hearts in it do as I did. I couldn't be patient. The third week I cried every time I hung up the phone.

Or you could patient, but I just could not, even though calling so often every day killed my spirit.

[AlgeriaParis 2]

Thank you for your response. I honestly cannot wait until I am at the Consulate stage.

I just called again, and they said that I was under AP. I don't understand this hypocrisy. It makes me crazy. I keep getting different answers. My father just died, and I just want us to be in the States! Every day is torture.

So when I call, I tell my case number to a person, who immediately "transfers me to someone who can help me with my case". Is that a Tier 2 supervisor? I was on hold for over an hour today.

Does being in AP now lesson our chances of being in AP later?

[cdneh 3,112]

Thank you for your response. I honestly cannot wait until I am at the Consulate stage.

I just called again, and they said that I was under AP. I don't understand this hypocrisy. It makes me crazy. I keep getting different answers. My father just died, and I just want us to be in the States! Every day is torture.

So when I call, I tell my case number to a person, who immediately "transfers me to someone who can help me with my case". Is that a Tier 2 supervisor? I was on hold for over an hour today.

Does being in AP now lesson our chances of being in AP later?

We were there just on 2 months. We called every day. We had to ask to speak to a supervisor.

Being in AP now does not rule out AP later. That being said, once it moved, it went quickly. On the basis of having the case number, my consulate sent me packet three, and I had my medical and everything else ready to go. Based on them having the electronic file when it was sent on, I was able to book an interview. That is why my timeline looks the way it does.

NVC Received : 2008-11-19

NVC Left : 2009-01-10

Consulate Received : 2009-01-13

Packet 3 Received : 2008-12-10

Packet 3 Sent : 2008-12-12

Packet 4 Received : 2009-01-13

Interview Date : 2009-02-02

The one piece of advice I give people in AP, is that is takes less time now, than it did in the past. And to get your bits and pieces together, and your ducks lined up, so you are ready to go when they send you on.

Good luck

Edited May 7, 2015 by cdneh

[mondix 12]

After you're on hold for hours lol someone will answer the phone. You'll give your case number, petitioners name DOB, your name and theyll confirm phone numbers and emails.

You'll ask for the status of your case, they'll tell you it's in AP and there's no timeline for completion, but that you'll be contacted when your case is sent to consulate.

Then you ask to speak to a supervisor.

[CowBoE 429]

Hello All,

I know that there are threads similar to this, but they are outdated and don't answer my specific questions.

I am filing for the K-1 visa. Our case was assigned a number at the NVC on 30 April. It's is now 6 May, so almost a week.

I called yesterday to the NVC number, and someone said our case was in AP. I called again today, and the woman on the phone said that she "saw no traces of AP on our file".

I'm getting discouraged, as many other applications to France seems to whizz in and out of the NVC in days. Are we delayed because my fiance is Algerian, applying at the French consulate?

Is it normal to be at the NVC this long? Can anyone advise? I'm getting very nervous... especially at the words "administrative processing".

Thanks in advance!

Here is our timeline...

06-02-2014 USCIS web site shows NOA #2 approval

06-06-2014 USCIS web site shows case sent to NVC

06-xx-2014 Fiancee acquired birth, marriage, and police certificates from local police station (wrong)

06-16-2014 NVC creates case with GUZ### number

06-19-2014 NVC sends case sent to Guangzhou, China

06-24-2014 Received packet 3 express mail from embassy

06-25-2014 Completed DS-160 and paid K1 visa fee

06-26-2014 Mailed packet 3 response back to Embassy

06-26-2014 Requested police certificate from Russian embassy

07-08-2014 Received packet 4 email from Embassy

07-17-2014 Picked up Russian police certificate

07-25-2014 Fiancee medical exam (received MMR & Varicella, but they missed required TD shot)

07-31-2014 Picked up medical exam reports

08-01-2014 Request (correct) birth, marriage, and police certificates from Notarial Service (GongZhengChu)

08-06-2014 Picked up birth, marriage, and police certificates from Notarial Service

08-14-2014 Passed Interview Guangzhou embassy

09-01-2014 Received passport, visa, & sealed envelope

09-13-2014 POE

[usmsbow 795]

Thank you both! It is very helpful.

Last two questions:

1: How did you get to talk to a Tier 2 supervisor?

2. I was told that all cases go through AP. Is that true?

2. yes, it is true. As others have indicated, there is a wide range of how long it is in AP. We were in it for a week.

I bet your file is on the way to France by Friday. I would also not call NVC until next week since you have the case # now. Your case so far is very normal time wise. Just check your status online.

Edited May 7, 2015 by usmsbow

[Amhara 460]

If our case went to AP at the NVC stage, it was not displayed on our CEAC.GOV screen. I checked it like I was a lunatic!

I don't think your fiance's ethnicity would have any bearing on it; it could, but I haven't see a blanket ban or delays instituted in MENA countries. That's not to say there aren't extra steps or work involved, but we haven't hit any yet (knock on wood!!!)

Let us know what you find out!

[usmsbow 795]

If our case went to AP at the NVC stage, it was not displayed on our CEAC.GOV screen. I checked it like I was a lunatic!

Really? Whoops, maybe my memory is wrong. What was its status before it was shipped to the embassy? Edit: never mind, got answer in your signature.

Edited May 7, 2015 by usmsbow

[Shauneg 762]

I think sometimes they take so long because they're busy answering the phones from people calling everyday.