NVC Process

[tuvaty 3]

Hello VJ members,

I've been reading on the guides/topics on the NVC process a lot lately, but I am still confused on the process. May be someone here may help answer some of these questions for me. I am following this link: http://www.visajourney.com/examples/NVC_Process_Flowchart_v1-2.pdf.

Although my case hasn't been forwarded to the NVC, but I'd like to plan ahead. Okay, so after USCIS approved the case, they send you the NOA2 and forward your case to the NVC. Quetions.

1. If my spouse is overseas and I am in the US; who should I be designated as her Agent on DS-3032 (Choice of Agent Form) and do it for her here in the US? Or should I designate someone in Vietnam (or may be my spouse) to do it? I know it's a matter of choice, but which is best?

2. Once the DS-3032 is assigned, the DS-230 (Immigrant Visa) package to the NVC is required. If my spouse or the agent is assigned overseas, will they have to send that package to the US, since the NVC is in the US? Or would it be better if I act as the agent for my spouse and do the DS-230 in the US for her? Which option would be faster/better?

I guess my question comes to: which is the best agent to assign: (1) assigning the agent overseas will take longer since they have to send the DS-230 from overseas to the NVC using snail-mail; or (2) having me as the agent and complete all the forms here in the US and express mail it here within the US.

How did everyone approach this process? Thanks for the inputs.

[Ryan H 3,791]

Anybody can be the agent, most people choose the USC petitioner. If you have a lawyer, the lawyer would automatically be designated as the agent.

[M in CA 9]

1. If my spouse is overseas and I am in the US; who should I be designated as her Agent on DS-3032 (Choice of Agent Form) and do it for her here in the US? Or should I designate someone in Vietnam (or may be my spouse) to do it? I know it's a matter of choice, but which is best?

2. Once the DS-3032 is assigned, the DS-230 (Immigrant Visa) package to the NVC is required.

How did everyone approach this process? Thanks for the inputs.

You (Petitioner) talk to NVC agent on phone as soon as NVC receives the petition.

(You get NVC-ID, invoice # and you tell them both email addresses.)

Beneficiary in Vietnam then sends email version of 3032, designating you as Agent.

Beneficiary needs to download DS-230 from travel.state.gov, fill out Parts 1&2, but only sign part1... then DHL it to you, along with ALL the original documents that NVC requests.

Link to government site listing docs

Agent/Petitioner pays the IV bill in US $$ (this is where I think it's easier to have US agent).

You (as agent) then send complete IV packet (forms & original docs plus one set of photocopies) to NVC - as Agent, you are the local contact.

Meanwhile, you also take care of the Affidavit of Support bill and forms(see VJ guides - they are great).

what it really boils down to, is that the beneficiary must sign his/her own DS-230. And he/she has all the docs. So you might as well have all that DHL'd to you here. Keep one set of photocopies for yourself in case NVC loses anything

I hope this helps...

[tuvaty 3]

Right Ryan H, but which would be more convenient? Since the beneficiary is overseas, she has all the documents required for DS-320; things like:

Two passport-style photographs (2X2 inches) of the beneficiary.

Completed and signed form DS-230 Part I by the beneficiary

Completed and unsigned form DS-230 Part II by the beneficiary

Photocopy of the beneficiary's passport biographic data page

Original/certified copy of beneficiary’s birth certificate

Original/certified copy of beneficiary’s and petitioner’s marriage certificate

Original police certificate(s) of the beneficiary

Original/certified copy of military record, if applicable

Original/certified copy of divorce decree, death certificate, etc. of previous marriage, if applicable

So if the US citizen in the US has all those docs, then of course it would be convenient to have the petitioner as the agent. But if the beneficiary has those documents, then it may slow the process down since she has to send all those from another country to the US.

Would it be faster if the beneficiary sends all those docs to the petitioner in the US before DS-320 is required, then the petitioner sends it to the NVC?

[tuvaty 3]

You (Petitioner) talk to NVC agent on phone as soon as NVC receives the petition.

(You get NVC-ID, invoice # and you tell them both email addresses.)

Beneficiary in Vietnam then sends email version of 3032, designating you as Agent.

Beneficiary needs to download DS-230 from travel.state.gov, fill out Parts 1&2, but only sign part1... then DHL it to you, along with ALL the original documents that NVC requests.

Link to government site listing docs

Agent/Petitioner pays the IV bill in US $$ (this is where I think it's easier to have US agent).

You (as agent) then send complete IV packet (forms & original docs plus one set of photocopies) to NVC - as Agent, you are the local contact.

Meanwhile, you also take care of the Affidavit of Support bill and forms(see VJ guides - they are great).

what it really boils down to, is that the beneficiary must sign his/her own DS-230. And he/she has all the docs. So you might as well have all that DHL'd to you here. Keep one set of photocopies for yourself in case NVC loses anything

I hope this helps...

Thanks A&M. That really helps. I was thinking of doing exactly the same way you described, but just don't know if anyone's done that way. Or have someone overseas do it since they have most of the paperwork required for DS-320. Thank you.

Edited July 16, 2011 by tuvaty

[M in CA 9]

Thanks A&M. That really helps. I was thinking of doing exactly the same way you described, but just don't know if anyone's done that way. Or have someone overseas do it since they have most of the paperwork required for DS-320. Thank you.

I just figured.... I am going to know immediately when the bill is registered as "paid", and I can send the IV packet 1-day-delivery. So... hubby sent all his docs and forms to me DHL. I did the photocopying and have the envelopes all addressed and ready to go.

Last time he DHL'd something to me, he regular-mailed a copy the next day. Took at least a week for regular mail, and LONGER for the certified post!

Every day is precious...