Transferring paper work between consulates

[Dodger 0]

Hi, does anyone know what is invloved in transferring documentation between consulates in different countries.. we have applied for our i-129f application and waiting for approval.. the address given on the application is in the United Kingdom, I am returning to my home country South Africa, should i wait for the i-129f to be approved and sent to the UK consulate, then get it sent to the consulate in South Africa or do it as soon as possible?

The help would be greatly appreciated!

[heathius 0]

What consulate did you specify on your I-129F application?

If you said SA, it will go to the SA consulate. If you specified UK, transfer will depend on when you will leave the UK and head back to SA.

If you will head back to SA before the case even gets to the consulate, you should contact either the CSC or NVC (whereever the case is when you get ready to leave the UK) and have them formally change your address and your specified consulate. If the case is at the UK consulate, you need to contact them and have them transfer it to the SA consulate.

I don't think you should have a problem changing consulates, but it may result in a delay.

[Dodger 0]

Hi Heathius

Thanks again for the help..

I specified UK, but as my work permit expires in Decmeber I will be cutting it fine! So im thinking of transferring it to SA, Im thinking it may be better to wait untill it gets to the UK first then change the address of the consulate like you suggested, if i contact the CSC or NVC while they processing im worried it would just confuse them!

[Mew 0]

Hi Heathius

Thanks again for the help..

I specified UK, but as my work permit expires in Decmeber I will be cutting it fine! So im thinking of transferring it to SA, Im thinking it may be better to wait untill it gets to the UK first then change the address of the consulate like you suggested, if i contact the CSC or NVC while they processing im worried it would just confuse them!

Dodger, wait for the approval and then change the address with NVC, if that's the case (you never know when you'll get the approval). I think it'd be more complicated to have the case forwarded from UK to South Africa.

[Dodger 0]

Hi Heathius

Thanks again for the help..

I specified UK, but as my work permit expires in Decmeber I will be cutting it fine! So im thinking of transferring it to SA, Im thinking it may be better to wait untill it gets to the UK first then change the address of the consulate like you suggested, if i contact the CSC or NVC while they processing im worried it would just confuse them!

Dodger, wait for the approval and then change the address with NVC, if that's the case (you never know when you'll get the approval). I think it'd be more complicated to have the case forwarded from UK to South Africa.

Hi Mew

Thanks for the help, so as soon as the i-129f is approved then we should contact the NVC, sorry for the stupid question, but is there only one NVC the petition can be sent to? this is all so new to me! and how would i go about contacting them?

Thanks!

[Mew 0]

Hi Mew

Thanks for the help, so as soon as the i-129f is approved then we should contact the NVC, sorry for the stupid question, but is there only one NVC the petition can be sent to? this is all so new to me! and how would i go about contacting them?

Thanks!

Yes, only one NVC.

An automated recorded message system can answer many of these inquiries 24 hours a day, seven days a week (603 334-0700). Operators are available to respond to more difficult inquiries from 7:30 AM to 12:30 AM (EST) Monday through Friday. Status of case information and access to an operator can only be provided by entering your NVC case number or CIS receipt number on a touch-tone telephone. Case inquiries can also be made via email at NVCINQUIRY@state.gov. NVC only has information on petitions it has received. If our automated service does not recognize the CIS file or receipt numbers you entered, most likely we have not yet received your petition.

You'll have to give them your NOA1 number and you must speak to a live operator when you call. The automated system doesn't work for K1s. Best time to call is either early in the morning or late at night.

Another option would be changing your address before NOA2 with USCIS:

USCIS has created an additional procedure and recommends additional notifications for those aliens who are also applicants for benefits. Applicants and Petitioners with pending cases should telephone customer service at 1-800-375-5283 to report their change of address and get the address on the pending application/petition changed. If you are not a U.S. Citizen you will also be required to complete a Form AR-11. If you are not a U.S. citizen and you have a case pending with USCIS you need to do both - call customer service and complete the Form AR-11. The AR-11 is used by non-U.S. citizens to meet the legal requirements of informing USCIS of any change of address. Presently, completing an AR-11 does not update your address on any pending case. Also, while calling customer service updates the address on your pending case, it does not meet the legal requirement of completing an AR-11. Please see Change of Address (found under Contacting Us) on your local office About Us page.

- http://www.uscis.gov/text/howdoi/address.htm

Although it says only residents are to follow these instructions, some VJers have changed the beneficiary's address by doing this.

Edited September 8, 2006 by Mew

[aussiewench 9]

Just in case the information is needed once your petition is approved.

I-824

This form will be used to request a duplicate approval notice, to request approval notice to another U.S. Consulate; and to request notice to a U.S. Consulate for derivative visas to family members.

http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/i-824.htm

[Dodger 0]

Just in case the information is needed once your petition is approved.

I-824

This form will be used to request a duplicate approval notice, to request approval notice to another U.S. Consulate; and to request notice to a U.S. Consulate for derivative visas to family members.

http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/i-824.htm

Hi aussiewench! thanks for the help, did you go through a similar experience? So would you say the best is to wait for the applicaton to be approved, then to contact the NVC and then file the I-824.. and would i file that dorectly to the NVC or USCIS? Ive read the website but im getting so overwhelmed....

[aussiewench 9]

Just in case the information is needed once your petition is approved.

I-824

This form will be used to request a duplicate approval notice, to request approval notice to another U.S. Consulate; and to request notice to a U.S. Consulate for derivative visas to family members.

http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/i-824.htm

Hi aussiewench! thanks for the help, did you go through a similar experience? So would you say the best is to wait for the applicaton to be approved, then to contact the NVC and then file the I-824.. and would i file that dorectly to the NVC or USCIS? Ive read the website but im getting so overwhelmed....

No, not a similar experience.

The I-824 can only be used once there is an approval of the petition.

NOTE: USCIS will not process Form I-824 if your petition or

application has been denied or has not yet been approved.

According to the instructions the form is sent to the USCIS and they notify the consulate.

USCIS to notify a different U.S. Consulate or Port-of-Entry

concerning the approval of an application or petition.

Check Box B. If approved, USCIS will cable information

regarding the approval of your application or petition to a

different consulate or Port-of-Entry than originally requested.

You could try calling the NCSC 1800 number to see if you can just get it changed but not sure how productive this would actually be.

[Mew 0]

I-824 is to be filed with USCIS after you've gotten NOA2.

From the form:

If you are requesting: USCIS to notify a different U.S. Consulate or Port-of-Entry concerning the approval of an application or petition. Check Box B. If approved, USCIS will cable information regarding the approval of your application orpetition to a different consulate or Port-of-Entry thanoriginally requested.

Edit: Woops, I was typing at the same time as Aussie.

Edited September 8, 2006 by Mew

[Dodger 0]

Thanks very much Aussiewench, this info has helped me allot!