NVC - Can't get a hold of anyone!

[AmarilloByMorning 3]

I've been trying to get in touch with the NVC by phone this whole week, obviously to no avail. I've tried calling as soon as they open, and trying and trying and trying again to call back. I keep getting a busy signal, and on Wednesday at 9:00 am I got a machine telling me "The NVC is CLOSED."

I read on their website they're updating their phone system, so maybe this is the culprit? Has anyone else been able to get in touch with the NVC this week? If so, leave your tips for getting through below!

(Didn't post this in the NVC 1 month thread because we haven't been waiting longer than a month. I don't want to be in that boat, so we're trying to be proactive!)

[AverysMom 76]

The worst time to call is in the morning when they are just opening the lines, it will be extremely busy during this time. Try calling in the early evening. I got through when I was at this stage in the process between 5pm and 6pm. Good luck!

[usmsbow 796]

When you call and are told they are closed, that's just a system glitch. You might also get disconnected a lot. Just keep calling.

I was able to get through pretty easily around 4 PM EST on Wednesday.

[sachin1 42]

I called next day after it says they closed and it worked out after about 10 time.

[AmarilloByMorning 3]

Good news! I took the advice of everyone above and called later in the day (well...as opposed to calling right when the NVC opened ) It only took calling 53 times in a row, but we finally got to speak to someone!

Our case is currently at the NVC, we received our Case # and Invoice ID # (she said we would need it for the DS-160 later)

Case hasn't been sent to the Consulate in Amsterdam yet but she said to call back late next week because it could possibly have been sent by then!

WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Should I have received something via mail or email from the NVC about this? She also said that they had just updated our file to show that we had been assigned a case #...

Edited January 16, 2015 by AmarilloByMorning

[usmsbow 796]

Good news! I took the advice of everyone above and called later in the day (well...as opposed to calling right when the NVC opened ) It only took calling 53 times in a row, but we finally got to speak to someone!

Our case is currently at the NVC, we received our Case # and Invoice ID # (she said we would need it for the DS-160 later)

Case hasn't been sent to the Consulate in Amsterdam yet but she said to call back late next week because it could possibly have been sent by then!

WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Should I have received something via mail or email from the NVC about this? She also said that they had just updated our file to show that we had been assigned a case #...

You will get something in the mail from NVC. Since they just updated your file and assigned it a case #, you probably won't get that letter for a couple weeks.

[Blueblood 5]

Good news! I took the advice of everyone above and called later in the day (well...as opposed to calling right when the NVC opened ) It only took calling 53 times in a row, but we finally got to speak to someone!

Our case is currently at the NVC, we received our Case # and Invoice ID # (she said we would need it for the DS-160 later)

Case hasn't been sent to the Consulate in Amsterdam yet but she said to call back late next week because it could possibly have been sent by then!

WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Should I have received something via mail or email from the NVC about this? She also said that they had just updated our file to show that we had been assigned a case #...

Thanks for keeping the board updated, Amarillo. Frankly, I'm not sure I can stomach calling them 53 times in a row. Geesh. Props to you for your tenacity!

[wbeem 568]

Frankly, I'm not sure I can stomach calling them 53 times in a row. Geesh. Props to you for your tenacity!

Indeed!

When the NVC sends confirmation by mail, do they use the petitioner's or beneficiary's address?

[j&ana 363]

The worst time to call is in the morning when they are just opening the lines, it will be extremely busy during this time. Try calling in the early evening. I got through when I was at this stage in the process between 5pm and 6pm. Good luck!

I have call three times, when they first open in the morning and I have gotten thru all three times. Are you calling according to the eastern time zone or the local time zone where you are living

Edited January 17, 2015 by j&ana

[usmsbow 796]

Indeed!

When the NVC sends confirmation by mail, do they use the petitioner's or beneficiary's address?

The petitioner.

[AverysMom 76]

I have call three times, when they first open in the morning and I have gotten thru all three times. Are you calling according to the eastern time zone or the local time zone where you are living

I am finished with this process so I have no need to call anymore, I was responding to the OP. When I did call I called from the east coast as I live in Boston, MA.

Calling any inbound call center it is always best to not call as soon as they open because this is when the lines are busiest. I have worked in customer service before in call centers and I am speaking from experience. I did not say it was impossible to get in contact with someone, just that it would be more difficult. Rule of thumb.

[AverysMom 76]

Congratulations on getting through!

[j&ana 363]

I am finished with this process so I have no need to call anymore, I was responding to the OP. When I did call I called from the east coast as I live in Boston, MA.

Calling any inbound call center it is always best to not call as soon as they open because this is when the lines are busiest. I have worked in customer service before in call centers and I am speaking from experience. I did not say it was impossible to get in contact with someone, just that it would be more difficult. Rule of thumb.

[j&ana 363]

I am finished with this process so I have no need to call anymore, I was responding to the OP. When I did call I called from the east coast as I live in Boston, MA.

Calling any inbound call center it is always best to not call as soon as they open because this is when the lines are busiest. I have worked in customer service before in call centers and I am speaking from experience. I did not say it was impossible to get in contact with someone, just that it would be more difficult. Rule of thumb.

Really I heard just the opposite,that it is best to call early in the morning as compare to calling in the middle of the day. Or calling late in the evening as more people tend to call then.That is why I always call at that time,but anyway it is good the op was able to get thru to the Nvc

[AmarilloByMorning 3]

I have call three times, when they first open in the morning and I have gotten thru all three times. Are you calling according to the eastern time zone or the local time zone where you are living

I live in the Eastern Time Zone guess they were just super busy