Question about Having to Call the NVC

[mccorleone 12]

Hi Everyone... I've read in multiple threads here that after 2 wks of NOA2, we should call the NVC and ask for a case number! I've been wondering, WHY? Why would you need to call NVC and ask for a case number? Does the NVC work only on cases on which they receive a call? Isn't there a timeline within which the NVC typically gets to assign a number to a case?

Our petition was approved May 13th, so I would really appreciate all input concerning the NVC, particularly from those whose finance is from HCM, Vietnam. Thanks so much for your responses, and best of luck the rest of the way!! Regards...

[clairegie 265]

- so you can keep track of where you petition is, like the physical location of your papers.

- It will show READY when you can schedule an interview.

- In some countries, they ask for the case number during the medical exams. I don't know specifically with Vietnam, but that's how it is in the Philippines.

- You also need it when answering DS-160.

- After interview, you can also track when your case is under AP or of visa is issued using that number

Here is the website where you use that case number:

https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx?eQs=WwjqOlbeRYzCYubaSQI+RA==

[usmsbow 795]

- so you can keep track of where you petition is, like the physical location of your papers.

- It will show READY when you can schedule an interview.

- In some countries, they ask for the case number during the medical exams. I don't know specifically with Vietnam, but that's how it is in the Philippines.

- You also need it when answering DS-160.

- After interview, you can also track when your case is under AP or of visa is issued using that number

Here is the website where you use that case number:

https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx?eQs=WwjqOlbeRYzCYubaSQI+RA==

Not to quibble, but you don't need it for the DS-160. Your USCIS number works too. But yes, probably needed to schedule the medical (it is required in Indonesia too).

And OP- another VJ poster whose petition was approved in January still hasn't been contacted by the consulate in HCM. I'd say their experience is evidence that they aren't very good at contacting applicants once they've received your application. Given their experience, I'd definitely recommend getting the case # so you can know when it reaches Vietnam.

Edited to add link to thread I'm referring to:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/549205-received-noa-2-but-did-not-heard-anything-from-nvc-for-more-than-90-days/

Edited May 18, 2015 by usmsbow

[Shauneg 762]

Hi Everyone... I've read in multiple threads here that after 2 wks of NOA2, we should call the NVC and ask for a case number! I've been wondering, WHY? Why would you need to call NVC and ask for a case number? Does the NVC work only on cases on which they receive a call? Isn't there a timeline within which the NVC typically gets to assign a number to a case?

Our petition was approved May 13th, so I would really appreciate all input concerning the NVC, particularly from those whose finance is from HCM, Vietnam. Thanks so much for your responses, and best of luck the rest of the way!! Regards...

Long story short, you don't need to. You can wait for the letter from NVC with your case number (Petitioner will get a letter).

Why do peolpe call?: Just want to find everything asap, then stress theirselves out calling multiple times days on end and getting frustrated everyday that the NVC still doesn't have a number assigned yet.

Edited May 18, 2015 by Shauneg

[Roxy5212 3]

I called and got the case number from NVC and completed the ds-160 the day after. Depending on your country specifics it may be possible that not everyone can move forward with completing the ds-160 but I was and there where no issues in fact by doing so the embassey just automatically emailed us packet 3. If I did not they would have mailed packet 3 which would have delayed us about 2 additional weeks.

[Shauneg 762]

I called and got the case number from NVC and completed the ds-160 the day after. Depending on your country specifics it may be possible that not everyone can move forward with completing the ds-160 but I was and there where no issues in fact by doing so the embassey just automatically emailed us packet 3. If I did not they would have mailed packet 3 which would have delayed us about 2 additional weeks.

But to answer the OPs question. You didn't need to do that because the petitioner gets a letter from NVC with all the required information when a number is assigned. I agree that what you did makes it faster. I did it also so it's not like I'm shaming the idea. I'm just answering her question because she asked if it's necessary to do and if they only work on cases on which people call about it.....and the answer is simply no....but it does make it faster if you get the case number a few days earlier because you can start the paperwork for medical among other things.

[usmsbow 795]

Long story short, you don't need to. You can wait for the letter from NVC with your case number (Petitioner will get a letter).

Why do peolpe call?: Just want to find everything asap, then stress theirselves out calling multiple times days on end and getting frustrated everyday that the NVC still doesn't have a number assigned yet.

I received my letter last month, more than 4 months after my petition reached NVC and a few weeks after my fiancee arrived here in the USA. I wouldn't advise waiting for the letter. It might not get there in a timely manner.

[clairegie 265]

You can wait for the NVC letter. But if mail service in Vietnam is similar to the Philippines, I wouldn't count on it arriving on time/at all. I never got an NVC letter and they responded to my email inquiry about 4 months after my interview was done. They process ALL petitions, regardless if you call them or not.

[Cathi 5,609]

Long story short, you don't need to. You can wait for the letter from NVC with your case number (Petitioner will get a letter).

Why do peolpe call?: Just want to find everything asap, then stress theirselves out calling multiple times days on end and getting frustrated everyday that the NVC still doesn't have a number assigned yet.

^^^^^ This

[Longrangeshootr 20]

I tried to email the NVC several times, no response. I did call and they have us our case number. There seems to be quite a wait at HCMC for interviews. If you want to help speed your process up. You can call the NVC and get your case number so you can register at UStraveldocs so you can pay your visa fee so you can get your interview appointment set as soon as you can.

[Shauneg 762]

I received my letter last month, more than 4 months after my petition reached NVC and a few weeks after my fiancee arrived here in the USA. I wouldn't advise waiting for the letter. It might not get there in a timely manner.

Wow that's ridiculous. I got mine two days after the petition reached the embassy. I was answering the no bull answer to their question and letting them know that the petition would still be worked on if they didn't call. I called and got mine so it's not like I'm advocating againist calling just answering whether or not it's a true necessity....which is no.

[mccorleone 12]

Wow... Thanks so much for all your feedback! I appreciate that a lot!!

I suppose then the most cautious way to proceed would be:

- Call CSC in a few days to confirm that they already sent approved package to NVC.

- Call NVC a few days after that to confirm that they have received the package from CSC.

- Call NVC again 2 weeks later to ask to have the Case No.; and keep calling until one is given.

VJ says that "things are moving faster now" at NVC... but from your feedback, seems like NVC is not organized and works with minimal consideration of the petitioners' anxiety... LOL... Best of luck the rest of the way, everyone!!

[j&ana 363]

Probably not as a big deal if a k-1 does not call to get case number since the case is sent to the embassy for processing

For A CR-! Visa a person does want to call as it help speed up things since Cr-1 case are process there first before being sent to the embassy

[Pitaya 2,576]

~Moved from K1 Process to NVC Forum~

~Inquiry about NVC~

[mccorleone 12]

I've called NVC many times, but never even got a chance to "hold"; the automated message just said basically that they're busing assisting other customers and then simply disconnected me. Feeling quite frustrated...

To j&ana: Could you expand a bit further on how K-1 is sent to Embassy for processing, while CR-1 is processed prior to being sent to Embassy! Thanks