What factors determine the length of time between NOA1 and NOA2?

[pfroehlich2004 0]

Nearly every day I check the visa timelines to see how fast CR-1 applications are being processed at our service center (Vermont). I see some couples getting approved in two months while others are waiting six months and even longer.

Is it just random luck or are there particular factors which can speed up or slow down the approval process?

[Enigma11561 336]

First stop checking every day. It will drive you crazy. Go about your normal life and maybe check once/twice a week.Secondly, there are many factors which can determine processing times. Your fiancee's country of origin,how much "stuff" you submitted over and beyond the docs, background checks, family names, who knows exactly. The bottom line is that you will be finished when you are finished and there is not a whole lot you can do about it. Just remember that the time here is nothing compared to the time together later on.

[sulhaq 59]

Two contributing factors determine the time:

1. The time it takes for USCIS to get to your case. When they receive your case it is put at the very end of their queue. They will process the applications received before you first, then get to yours. This is first major contributor and accounts for MOST of the delay.

2. Your actual application. When you finally reach the top of the queue they will analyze and scrutinize your application. What and how much you submitted. Is the application complete? Does it have all the required documents? Country of origin, background checks, family names. Pretty much all of what the poster above me has pointed out, and more, is included here.

Edited April 30, 2012 by sulhaq

[pfroehlich2004 0]

Thanks for the advice. The uncertainty is quite frustrating! We are expecting the birth of our first child next month and I would like nothing more than for the three of us to be able to spend this Christmas together with my family in the USA. From the statistics I've seen on this site, we could be lucky and have a visa by October or unlucky and not get it until next year :/

[foofurrah 4]

Thanks for the advice. The uncertainty is quite frustrating! We are expecting the birth of our first child next month and I would like nothing more than for the three of us to be able to spend this Christmas together with my family in the USA. From the statistics I've seen on this site, we could be lucky and have a visa by October or unlucky and not get it until next year :/

Unless you're filing from abroad, plan on a minimum of 5 months...

[sheeshkabelle 153]

There is no rhyme or reason for how long it takes. It all is determined by the alignment of the moon and the stars and the sun. Hopefully you don't wait 8 1/2 months with out an RFE like we did.

[ScottThuy 140]

dont expect anything before August and you will be ok.. if you keep looking and hoping for something before then, it will take its toll on you... Its the luck of the draw for those that get NOA 2 in a month.. the rest have to wait close to 6 months or so...