after getting our case number

[Impatient Cupcake 10]

hello. so 8 months after we sent our petition, we finally got approved last week. today my fiance called and got our case number but they said our case was still in nvc. my question is can i have my medical and pay the visa fee now or do we need to wait till the embassy receives our files?

thanks!

[Hank_ 9,174]

I have read of many others that once they get the MNL # they go to BPI pay the fee then schedule their interview, none ever mentioning waiting until the packet arrives at the embassy.

I know when its our turn once I get the MNL # my Fiancee will be beating feet to BPI (actually she can pay online as I had her open a bank account there when I was there last) to pay the fee, schedule her interview and getting her medical and CFO completed.

Edited February 2, 2012 by Hank_Amy

[Impatient Cupcake 10]

thanks hank!

[Tahoma 2,292]

You are asking a good question. Traditionally, you had to wait to schedule an interview until after your physical case file arrived at the Embassy and was entered into their system. It would be helpful to know if this procedure has changed. I have seen no conclusive evidence of a change so far.

It certainly would speed up the visa process if you could simply use your MNL case number to make an interview appointment without your physical case file having arrived at the Embassy. People could save a week or more.

I hope you pay the visa fee and try to schedule an interview right away...before your case file leaves the NVC...because it would help show that the process has changed. Please let us know whether or not you are successful in scheduling an interview within the next few days.

[wantmybaby 4]

We paid BPI fee and scheduled interview just a couple days after the MNL # was known. But, there's no hint of anything being sent to the embassy. Is it possible to show up for appointment only to be told that it can't happen because there's no petition there yet? Ours is scheduled just a little over 3 weeks beyond the time that the MNL # was available.

[Tahoma 2,292]

We paid BPI fee and scheduled interview just a couple days after the MNL # was known. But, there's no hint of anything being sent to the embassy. Is it possible to show up for appointment only to be told that it can't happen because there's no petition there yet? Ours is scheduled just a little over 3 weeks beyond the time that the MNL # was available.

I'm curious. What date did you get your MNL case number? And what date did the NVC send your case file to the USEM?

As for your interview appointment, I don't think you have anything to worry about. I have never heard of the USEM turning away anyone from their interview for that reason. Even if you were able to schedule an interview before your physical case file was at the USEM, undoubtably your case file would arrive in time for your interview.

Good luck with your interview!