Stressed Out. No NOA1 yet. It's been a month + now.

[Speeds03 16]

Ugh... I have been reading related posts saying not to worry to much about the NOA1.

But i just can't help myself ... I actually called USCIS today and let me tell ya' that i never in my life seen such a poor customer service. They were NOT helpful at all. The part that really has me worried is that since i didn't get NOA1, (which is not really that important) will the NOA2 suffer the same fate? - Since the NOA2 is indeed important, i am worried about not recieving that aswell - And i feel helpless!!!

Any thoughts and/or comments are very much appreciated.

Also, I would love to hear some stories by the people who have gone through the Dominican Embassy, (which is where i will have to go with my fiancee) when my petition is hopefully approved in 5 months (Sometime in April of 2012). I have read about 5 so far from the forums, but getting more input from other people would be very encouraging! English or Spanish.

[kzielu 1,154]

Are you sure NOA1 is not that important ? How do you know your file reached USCIS and is processed at all ? This tells you processing has been started, without it, how can you be sure it did not get lost somewhere on its way ?

[Penny Lane 8,159]

Was your check cashed? Do you have any evidence that USCIS received your petition?

[Operator 1,927]

Your timeline says you received NOA1 on November 18th. NOA1 is an important document as it lets you know that your petition has been received and is in process it also gives you a receipt number so that you can track its movement through USCIS.

[Speeds03 16]

Sorry for forgetting to add the obvious, I haven't had my good cup of coffee yet .

I sent out the I-129F petition on Nov 14, 2011. It arrived Nov 15, 2011 (Express Mail). I recieved the NOA1 notice by text message and Email, So i do have my case number to check the process online. (I check it everyday even though i know i have to wait 5 months to get the approval) Unless of course, i get hit with a RFE. Or if i get "touched" w/e that refers to...

But the point is, i don't have a hard copy yet. And the Email says that i would have recieved it in the mail between 7-10 business days... It's been over a MONTH! It has me all worked up, not just because of the missing NOA1 hard copy, but because if this happened the first time, will it happen AGAIN with the NOA2 which is the real important hard copy to have even after the Fiancee comes into the US. (or so i read...)

Edited December 20, 2011 by Speeds03

[Matt1968 13]

Sorry for forgetting to add the obvious, I haven't had my good cup of coffee yet .

I sent out the I-129F petition on Nov 14, 2011. It arrived Nov 15, 2011 (Express Mail). I recieved the NOA1 notice by text message and Email, So i do have my case number to check the process online. (I check it everyday even though i know i have to wait 5 months to get the approval) Unless of course, i get hit with a RFE. Or if i get "touched" w/e that refers to...

But the point is, i don't have a hard copy yet. And the Email says that i would have recieved it in the mail between 7-10 business days... It's been over a MONTH! It has me all worked up, not just because of the missing NOA1 hard copy, but because if this happened the first time, will it happen AGAIN with the NOA2 which is the real important hard copy to have even after the Fiancee comes into the US. (or so i read...)

I believe you can have another one mailed out to you, because if I'm correct you want to have a hard copy of the NOA1 for your records. I have two hard copies of my NOA1 because I filed two I-130's together.

[Speeds03 16]

I asked for that when i called USCIS, and the lady that was servicing me said: "I'm sorry, but we do not make duplicates of NOA, we cannot send you a duplicate." Me: ( ... ... ... ) Ok, Thank You Ma'm.

*Edit*

Who did you speak to in order to get yourself a copy? i sure didn't talk to anyone that was remotely helpful at the 1-800-375-5283 Customer Service Number...

Edited December 20, 2011 by Speeds03

[Penny Lane 8,159]

You don't need a hardcopy of your NOA1.

I wouldn't worry about the NOA2 until you've been approved.

Edited December 20, 2011 by Coconuts

[Matt1968 13]

A quick glance around the site, it looks like a few people didn't receive theirs either and USCIS wouldn't issue another one but would send an email of confirmation for your case no#. I don't know what the hassle about sending another I-797C would be, but that's USCIS. Like Coconut said you don't need a hardcopy going further, according to the other posts it's just good for having a complete file for your record.

Edited December 20, 2011 by Matt1968

[Speeds03 16]

Yeah... I guess.

And thank you all for the very timely responses. It is MUCH appreciated.

I will be updating my timeline as time goes by, to keep everyone posted!

[Samantha78 117]

I wouldn't worry about the hard copy of the NOA1 as long as you have confirmation via text/email, that is enough. I'm sure you also verified with with USCIS that it, in fact, was approved.

As others said, you should request a hardcopy, for your files, but the more important hard copy would be the NOA2. As you know, the wait right now seems like forever for the NOA2. But don't get discouraged. When I started my process I received mine in 42 days. At that time there was a 3 month wait. Those timelines change once they are caught up but right now there is an overload so just be patient and expect to wait long, that way if you are lucky enough to get it sooner, you wouldn't have had your hopes up.

And yea, make sure to keep the timeline up to date so we can help you out.

BTW...no question is stupid. I've asked many and it was probably the millionth time that same question was asked.....

[Speeds03 16]

Thanks!,

Let me share a little bit of my experience with this ordeal!

when i started to research what to do, in order to bring my fiancee over, i had absolutely NO clue what needed to be done. I thought i was going to need an attorney for this, and as i read on in a variety of different forums with all kinds of questions and answers, i became MORE discourged about going about it alone.

(mostly because i skim through all the context of information without really grasping everything lol )

But as I began to read everything carefully, i began to print out ALL the forms needed, along with all the evidence and information needed in the package. (i didn't even think i was going to need all that stuff, i seriously thought all i had to do was just fill out the I-129F and "Listo") - But as i read forums like this, i became aware of the experiences of other people, and enriched myself with the knowledge i needed to complete my package.

Thanks to everyone that has dedicated time on this website, to make it such a helpful tool for people in need of MUCH needed help!

When i was done completing the package, i felt a huge relief (and all tingly inside ) I was proud of myself (not that it's a hard thing to accomplish) But it felt good. Alot of people make mistakes because of the fact that they don't know off-hand, everything that is needed for this to be processed and approved with ease. I did everything step by step and HOPEFULLY (a month in process) I wont get hit with a RFE, and most importantly, wont be denied.

So again, i want to thank everyone for their every bit of much appreciated time and helpful words. And for the creators of this wonderful website, VisaJourney!!!

[Samantha78 117]

We all started like you did....knowing nothing and learning as we went along....sometime the hard way. But my best advice to you is.....if you are ever doubtful about something like sending a paper or submitting something or calling somewhere....as us first because one wrong move can delay or screw up your journey. These people in the the visa offices are not forgiving and they are like worker bee's.....no sympathy, no emotion....never think they will be understanding because they won't.

There's a lot of people here to help you....especially the DR crew..lol.....we live on here and help each other a lot.

[Hank_ 9,174]

As long as you have your case number I would not worry too much, and you mentioned you can track it on their site so relax. Now if it were the NOA2 I for sure would want a copy.

But as others have said, you are not the first to not receive their NOA1.

[StephanieM 60]

Always ask questions!

Best of Luck!!