anybody use CIVA?

[A+B in Haiti 1]

Has anyone in Haiti used CIVA to keep track of your visa application? what's your experience with them been?

[selavi 0]

I JUST called them. It took me several times to get through. After I had the PIN, I called the embassy (again, took several tries to get through), and they couldn't give me the information I needed (it's an operator not an actual consular officer you speak to). So for me, it was a waste of my $12, but if you have lots of questions and think you'll call often, maybe it will be helpful.

One more thing: Before our interview, I emailed the embassy several times, and that was much more helpful. I believe consular officers answer the emails.

Edited November 5, 2012 by selavi

[A+B in Haiti 1]

Thanks for your reply. Every time I call the Embassy they direct me to call CIVA. The problem is we don't have a case number and filed our I-130 in Haiti, so there's not a paper trail to follow. The immigration officer told us he would call 3 weeks ago to tell us what their decision was. I just want to know what's happening!!!

What email did you use to contact the Consulate?

[selavi 0]

Here's the email: Papcons@state.gov

They won't give you any information over the phone without a PIN from CIVA. Try email. Include date of birth information for both you and just let them know you don't have a case number. I know they were closed two days for the hurricane, and another two days because of a holiday. They'll probably be closed tomorrow (Monday) too. If that doesn't work, if you're the USC, maybe you can go to the ACS at the Embassy and make an inquiry?

[A+B in Haiti 1]

Here's the email: Papcons@state.gov

They won't give you any information over the phone without a PIN from CIVA. Try email. Include date of birth information for both you and just let them know you don't have a case number. I know they were closed two days for the hurricane, and another two days because of a holiday. They'll probably be closed tomorrow (Monday) too. If that doesn't work, if you're the USC, maybe you can go to the ACS at the Embassy and make an inquiry?

Thanks for the info. I really appreciate it. I have used that e-mail in the past and gotten no response, not even an automated "someone will reply to you soon" type email. When I wanted information about reporting my son's birth abroad, they were very fast in replying. It's so frustrating that the immigration questions are so hard to ask/get answers to!! Anyway, I hope with our dates of birth and the explanation that we have no case number will help move things along.

[selavi 0]

That's strange you didn't get a response. Maybe it's because you don't have a case number? I'd try to email one more time, and if no response, then go to the American Consular Services (ACS) at the Embassy and see if they can help. Maybe even try calling them first instead of the immigration units. I'm not sure if you need an appointment to go there...the only time I had to go to ACS was when I lost my passport, and they let me in. It's worth a try...

[A+B in Haiti 1]

An update: I e-mailed again, but included our birth dates and the fact that we didn't have a case number yet. We heard back within 24 hours that we were approved!!! So thankful. Now it's on to working on Packet 3

[selavi 0]

that's great news! good luck with everything else!

[TBoneTX 43,326]

***Thread shifted from K-1 Process forum to the Case Progress subforum. ***