Time it takes for NOA2

[Prof_Q 9]

Hi,

 

How long does it take to receive the NOA2 nowadays? We're planning on filing at the end of this month, so by which month should I expect to receive the NOA2?

 

Thanks in advance.

[RJandHamid 1,128]

It's currently taking around 6-7 months for NOA2 approval.

[Prof_Q 9]

7 minutes ago, RJandHamid said:

It's currently taking around 6-7 months for NOA2 approval.

 

Is that the maximum amount of time or can it take longer than that too?

[kris&me 572]

To clarify the NOA 2 does say approval but it is only approval that all the documents are there and in order

the actual visa can only be approved and issued at the embassy when CO approves the interview

good luck

[Prof_Q 9]

1 minute ago, kris&me said:

To clarify the NOA 2 does say approval but it is only approval that all the documents are there and in order

the actual visa can only be approved and issued at the embassy when CO approves the interview

good luck

 

I am already aware of that. Thank you for looking out.

[kris&me 572]

no problem 

many do not realize this

 

[RJandHamid 1,128]

8 minutes ago, Prof_Q said:

 

Is that the maximum amount of time or can it take longer than that too?

It is possible that it could take longer. 6-7 months is just the current average, with most filers receiving either an RFE or NOA2 in that time period.Unfortunately there is no maximum time frame, and some unlucky filers end up waiting more than 7 months. 

[George & Roth 1,485]

K-1 -> In total you are looking at 11-12 months from the date you submit the petition until your fiance can arrive. 

 

The marriage visa may be a better option, compare the time/cost it takes now for that one and consider it is a faster path to citizenship overall. 

[Prof_Q 9]

6 minutes ago, George & Roth said:

K-1 -> In total you are looking at 11-12 months from the date you submit the petition until your fiance can arrive. 

 

 

If its 6-7 months like OP said then where are you getting the 11-12 months from?

[geowrian 22,336]

20 minutes ago, Prof_Q said:

Is that the maximum amount of time or can it take longer than that too?

There's never any maximums. In some circumstances, people have waited over a year for the NOA2. The 6-7 months is only an estimate based on what most cases see.

 

I-129F: 6-7 months currently

Transfer from USCIS to NVC to Embassy: Currently close to 2 months (although this is unusual...I wouldn't expect this to still be the case in 6-7 months).

Embassy processing: varies heavily, but expect 1-3 months from arrival to interview

Total: 9-12 months under current processing timelines

 

Just now, Prof_Q said:

If its 6-7 months like OP said then where are you getting the 11-12 months from?

"until your fiance can arrive" -> entire process, not just the NOA2

Edited January 8, 2018 by geowrian

[George & Roth 1,485]

10 minutes ago, Prof_Q said:

 

If its 6-7 months like OP said then where are you getting the 11-12 months from?

 

It is total time for arrival. Some of the steps after NOA 2 (such as mailing from USCIS to the NVC) are now taking a longer time, just posted the total time so you are not shocked when you actually do the process. 

[Prof_Q 9]

So there is zero possibility it takes less than 6-7 months for the NOA2? Like that is definitely 100% the least amount of time it takes to arrive now? 

[Lemonslice 4,583]

2 hours ago, Prof_Q said:

So there is zero possibility it takes less than 6-7 months for the NOA2? Like that is definitely 100% the least amount of time it takes to arrive now? 

A few lucky ones get it faster, however you can't count on that.

[tanderson64 201]

3 hours ago, Prof_Q said:

So there is zero possibility it takes less than 6-7 months for the NOA2? Like that is definitely 100% the least amount of time it takes to arrive now? 

No one can answer this question for you because no one knows the time YOUR petition will take for NOA2 approval, and then NVC routing, Embassy receipt and processing, interview, and post interview processing, and visa approval and issue.

 

Every visa case is different.

 

For BEST ESTIMATE, expect the ENTIRE process to take approximately 12 months based on the present timeline for people going through the process now.

 

Send in your petition, and wait patiently.  

[PRC Rabbit 40]

I filed in January 2017 and NOA2 came in November.  By August  the waiting was terrible. If you don't get NOA2  a few months after  the last 'touch' (RFE, etc) start calling, writing, etc.  USCIS will let your petition sit endlessly.