Rough Estimate

[Mitexi 8]

Ok, barring an RFE or extra delays, we should hopefully be getting our NOA2 soon. My fiance (beneficiary) is wondering what the time frame is between NOA2 and the interview/visa in hand from the Sydney consulate. Assuming he sent in the necessary documents as soon as possible after being asked for them, what would be a rough estimate of the waiting time for all of this? He's working a full time temporary job right now and is trying to figure out how long he should stay there before he really cracks down and starts getting his stuff ready for shipping, visiting relatives, etc.

Looking at some timelines, I figured it would be about two months or longer. For anyone who went through there recently, is that about right? Or was yours faster/longer than that? Even a "between X amount and X amount" would be helpful.

[PatrickAndJess 14]

I just went through this process and researched many recent timelines to develop my own estimate. Assuming you are on top of your documents, no RFE, and you return the information they request immediately, I believe it takes about 1 month and 2 weeks (mine took 1 month and 10 days). However, I prepared all the information necessary before receiving the request and returned it to the consulate the very next day. Also, you may want to allow another week in case things run a bit longer than usual (I have been hearing from the group of people who have received NOA2's this month that the process at the NVC is taking longer than usual to send their cases to the Consulate). So I think an estimate of 2 months overall could be fair. It may happen a week or two earlier, or potentially later, especially if not everything goes as smooth as anticipated.

[Mitexi 8]

A few weeks longer than expected won't be too much of a problem (other than the wait killing us), but he doesn't want to put off getting ready expecting it to take a lot longer than it really will, and then it ends up zooming by and he's not prepared. If it's happened in less than 2 months, we'd rather prepare for the soonest, just in case. ^^;

Does the medical and police check need to be done after you receive your case number and packet 3, or can he potentially get them done now and have them ready to go?

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Does the medical and police check need to be done after you receive your case number and packet 3, or can he potentially get them done now and have them ready to go?

Police check he's good to get done now. Medical depends on the doctor. Some panel physician's require the NVC case number before they will let you do the appointment. So I suggest calling the panel for his state to find out what they require.

Here is the link he will receive for P3: http://canberra.usembassy.gov/fiance_niv_appl.html He can get the forms filled out now (and leave the dates blank so he can fill the date in when he signs them) and you can start getting your I-134 and supporting documents together to mail to him as well as the further letter of intent. The sooner you get all those documents to him, and the sooner he gets his medical and police check stuff done, the quicker you can return P3 and the quicker you get P4 (interview date).

Also, once you receive NOA2, you or he can start calling NVC to find out the NVC file number. That gives him the ability to do the medical (most likely before receiving P3 as it can take a couple of weeks between NOA2 and P3).