APRIL 2019 K-1 NOA2 ----> NVC

[Chicamungo 15]

Called the NVC yesterday afternoon. NOA2 was on April 1st (although the paper actually shows 3/29) and they still haven't received it yet. Hopefully next week!

[TheLedgerFiles 78]

16 minutes ago, Chicamungo said:

Called the NVC yesterday afternoon. NOA2 was on April 1st (although the paper actually shows 3/29) and they still haven't received it yet. Hopefully next week!

You may feel like trying again today. I had called yesterday afternoon as well and they didn’t have it. 

 

I just called NVC now and they let me know they received it yesterday; and as soon as it has a case number they’ll inform us!! NOA2 was officially 3/29 on paper as well. 

[Chicamungo 15]

1 minute ago, TheLedgerFiles said:

You may feel like trying again today. I had called yesterday afternoon as well and they didn’t have it. 

 

I just called NVC now and they let me know they received it yesterday; and as soon as it has a case number they’ll inform us!! NOA2 was officially 3/29 on paper as well. 

Well if that's the case, maybe I'll call mid-next week so I can get the case number. I'm eager to know it gets there, but I personally don't see too much value in just knowing it's just arrived, I want that number! But good to know, appreciate it!

[Eric Bargemann 48]

Question (apologies in advance if this has been asked before):

 

Once we get the NVC case number, is it fine to schedule the interview/medical exam (in our case specifically, with the US Embassy in Manila)? Or must we wait until CEAC shows "READY"? I've seen conflicting information and just wanted to confirm.

 

Thanks!

[Greenbaum 12,258]

3 hours ago, Eric Bargemann said:

Question (apologies in advance if this has been asked before):

 

Once we get the NVC case number, is it fine to schedule the interview/medical exam (in our case specifically, with the US Embassy in Manila)? Or must we wait until CEAC shows "READY"? I've seen conflicting information and just wanted to confirm.

 

Thanks!

I'm going to give you places that you can go and get your answer as it's a little more complicated to answer here. First, become familiar with the Sub-forum for the Philippines here on VJ. Link is below. Next, get familiar with Hank's website where he has outlined the steps that are needed, where to go, what to do all in a simple format to follow. It's a no brainer. Hundreds have used his website. You also will have your questions answered by him in the PI SF.

 

Link to the Embassy Letter/P3/Checklist

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_gN0SjyLEdkLj1WR7QuBDDJumcvByyGX/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yt5aVD7vlHG-dgnzzKW_5ijRYpkrV5km/view?usp=sharing

 

Embassy letter for a non-immigrant K=1

https://ph.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/fiancee-visa/the-interview/

 

Hank's website

http://www.visaconnection-philippines.com/k-1-visa-application.html

 

Additional information can be found here:

http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/index.html?firstTime=No

 

Also, there is a sub-forum for the Philippines here on VJ that you should be a part of. It's a good place to read what others are experiencing which will only prepare you for your interview.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/129-philippines/

 

Manila US Embassy states that a scanned copy of the signed I-134 is fine, if you don't have the original.

[Greenbaum 12,258]

5 hours ago, cywrainide said:

Hey guys, just a short question- is there any time limit for sending the documents in after you receive your packet 3 back to the embassy? Really stressed rn with how fast everything's going... smh

I often think how a specific question about an Embassy that no one else is familiar with can give a person an answer to such a critical question. I'd recommend seeking out others in the link below that are from your country and can answer your questions. You are done for now with this thread. Move on over and discover those that can help you.

 

https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/698561-singapore-pr-malaysian-k1-process-coc-vaccinations-packet-3/

[P&K 38]

NOA2 : April 1

Inquiry sent : April 13

NVC reply : April 20, they received our petition but no case number yet, and I should wait the number to be assigned within 8 weeks. 

 

I don't want to wait 8 weeks to make an inquiry again lol but I don't want to stress over sending inquiries all the time either. So I guess I will send another inquiry in about a week. 

[Sarge2155 4,570]

10 minutes ago, P&K said:

NOA2 : April 1

Inquiry sent : April 13

NVC reply : April 20, they received our petition but no case number yet, and I should wait the number to be assigned within 8 weeks. 

 

I don't want to wait 8 weeks to make an inquiry again lol but I don't want to stress over sending inquiries all the time either. So I guess I will send another inquiry in about a week. 

That's just a standard reply they give you from NVC wait 10 business days after your case arrives then hit them with the calls!! Relax you are on easy street now!

Edited April 20, 2019 by Sarge2155

[Zoeeeeeee 795]

Hi @Greenbaum,

 

Thanks so much for taking the time to put together all the info and providing all the answers you have.

 

We got our paper copy of the NOA2 yesterday, so I tried going to 

 

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/ask-nvc.html

 

to update our email addresses - however, the page doesn’t seem to exist anymore - if you have an updated link for this, I’d really appreciate it.

 

Many thanks

 

Zoë

Edited April 20, 2019 by Zoeeeeeee

[Greenbaum 12,258]

5 hours ago, Zoeeeeeee said:

Hi @Greenbaum,

 

Thanks so much for taking the time to put together all the info and providing all the answers you have.

 

We got our paper copy of the NOA2 yesterday, so I tried going to 

 

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/ask-nvc.html

 

to update our email addresses - however, the page doesn’t seem to exist anymore - if you have an updated link for this, I’d really appreciate it.

 

Many thanks

 

Zoë

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/ask-nvc.html

 

Is working for me 

 

[Banana9ieue 26]

I think that someone wrote a message on here that the next dispatch of cases from the NVC to consulates is supposed to be on April 30th... is this right? Where does this info come from?
I'm hoping to call the NVC tomorrow and they'll have my case number. 

[SanjaAlex 248]

1 hour ago, Ella and James said:

I think that someone wrote a message on here that the next dispatch of cases from the NVC to consulates is supposed to be on April 30th... is this right? Where does this info come from?
I'm hoping to call the NVC tomorrow and they'll have my case number. 

Yes, April 30th and May 1st is the next batch. It's been quite regular, every two weeks on Tuesday and Wednesday cases are shipped to the embassy. 

[marine6357 7]

11 hours ago, Greenbaum said:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/ask-nvc.html

 

Is working for me 

 

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/ask-nvc.html?wcmmode=disabled

Try this one.

[Zoeeeeeee 795]

21 hours ago, Greenbaum said:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/ask-nvc.html

 

Is working for me 

 

Well, now I look like a fantasist, as it’s working for me too - I was getting the 404, page not found error before, I swear! 🤪

[KristineGB 56]

On 3/29/2019 at 3:47 PM, Greenbaum said:

This thread was created for those who are waiting from their NOA2 K-1 to the case assignment from NVC.

 

These are items that everyone asks for, so I thought I just post them here for you to refer to when it's necessary.

 

1. How do I update my email address with NVC Once you receive your NOA2 approval then contact NVC via https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/ask-nvc.html to update your email address as well as your beneficiary's email address. This will give you an email alert when your file arrives at NVC, your case is assigned and when the file leaves for your Embassy. Enter the petitioner's information as well as the beneficiary's in the "box". Full name, Date of Birth, NOA2 receipt number and WAC number. We have found in some cases that email's are never sent and in other cases this works well. So, your mileage may vary.

 

2. Checking on your embassy case number from NVC:

It will take 7 - 10 business days for NVC to receive your file from USCIS after you receive the NOA2, then another 2 - 5 business days for NVC to get your file in their system and produce your case number. Call 7:00 am eastern time for shorter wait times.

 

1-603-334-0700 or 603-334-0888. Operator assistance is available Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Eastern Time) 1 for English, then 7 (or 5, but I would go 7 as they would tell you if you should call 5 instead after they receive your case.)

 

Best time to call:

Right after they open which is around 7:00am US Eastern Time, Mon-Fri. Most have had luck getting the phone answered after the first ring if they called right at 7am.

 

3. How long to assign a Case # from NOA2

It's been taking about 2-3 weeks for NVC to assign the case number. Then it's taking another 2-4 weeks depending on the Embassy to receive your case. Your mileage may vary!

 

4. Follow Similar VJ members timelines. Use the tools here in VJ to answer "when I am going to get etc. etc." question. Near your picture there is a link for your timeline. Select it and once you're on the next page near your picture you will see "follow similar timelines" and it will populate 12 other couples who are near your dates. Scroll down and you will see a "spreadsheet" style page showing all the variables for measurement for when others from your Embassy are getting the same notice of approval or action. Try it. It really works!

 

5. Follow similar VJ members timelines from other countries. And if you want to follow those from other countries that have similar timelines as yours there are several tools available to you. Go up to Immigration Timelines on the blue ribbon above and select it. Once you are on the next page looked to your left and you will see a box that states, "find similar timelines" and select it. A list will populate with those who are processing close to your timeline. When they start to change you will soon be behind them.

I followed those that were in my group to give me an idea where they were in processing, so I could judge if I was ahead or behind. It's accurate, maybe within a day or so.

If you choose to follow those twelve members then you will get an email every time their status updates.

 

6. Be sure your profile is complete so that we can determine your Embassy. Many of our answers are predicated on the information you supply in your profile. When we look at the left column and can't determine your timeline OR your Embassy it's hard for us to give you a factual answer. If you look at the profile of others here, they have a flag for their country, so it makes it easy for us to reply as we can quickly determine your Embassy. Our answers will sometimes be tailored to a specific Embassy hence the reason for you to complete your profile.

 

So, if you could help yourself out and complete your profile that sure would help us out when we want to reply to your question with factual information.

 

Go to the top right of this page select your name (it's on the upper right-hand corner)>my profile>[below your picture on the right column] edit my profile. Scroll to the bottom and fill in "Immigration Info". There now we can better serve you.

Thanks

 

7. Timelines. Complete your timeline. In your profile to the left of the page you will see the word "timeline" toward the bottom. Select it and it will take you to the page that has the link for you to complete your timeline. This to can help us to answer some of your questions.

 

8. Tracking your case. As a K1, when checking your case online at CEAC.state.gov you have to select "immigrant visa" as it is treated as such even though it is a "non-immigrant visa".  Technically the K-1 is a non-immigrant visa with intent to immigrate, but it is treated like an immigrant visa because of the AOS. It is kind of a ba$tard. Non-immigrant case treated like an immigrant case. The K-1 on its own is a single entry, with a short time limited visa that expires within 90 days after POE. That is why it is a non-immigrant visa treated like an immigrant visa.

 

USICS states If you have a pending I-129f, I-90, I-485, I-751 or N-400, we’ve recently changed the way we’re displaying processing times online to give you a more realistic date range. To check these times, visit https://t.co/ho3dfC5KCA

 

9. Tracking your case file that's in transit to your Embassy. Go to http://www.dhl.com/en/express/tracking/shippers_reference.html on this page you add your search information. You change the day and month to what you think your package might have left NVC or call NVC to get the date your package had left NVC in route to your Embassy then go to the DHL website and enter the following information:

 

NOTE: It will take 24 hours before the shipment will show any results using this hack. DHL and NVC will need time to update their systems.

 

EXAMPLE:

* Shipper´s Reference : EXP 24 MAR 2011A　 (This is the date you think it left NVC, just substitute the date and　leave everything else as is)

* Date range for shipment - From: 23 - 03 - 2011

* Date range for shipment - To: 26 - 03 - 2011

Account Number - Leave this blank

Shipment Destination: Philippines (Works for any country Just replace your country where the Embassy is located using the drop down box).

 

Sign up for SMS tracking alerts on the DHL website.   Once you find your waybill, check for the "sign up for shipment notifications". When there are any changes to the shipment you will get a SMS message to your phone. How awesome is that!

 

I hope these tips help you along your Journey. So, let’s share our experiences, our tips and ask questions.

 

 

10.  Track your case with USCIS:

 

Old site (also the data source for all 'USCIS case tracker' apps): https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do

New : https://myaccount.uscis.dhs.gov/ (you have to create an account and add your case # to it)

Neither is more reliable (and it's very possible you won't see anything on either, and will have to just wait for the physical mail). For a while it looked like they were phasing out the "old" site, but that trend seems to have reversed itself and there are still lots of cases that show up on only one (or much earlier on one than the other).

 

11. How long will it take to NOA2. Once your case has been received from NVC by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that will process it, the length of time varies from case to case according to its circumstances. Some cases are delayed because applicants do not follow instructions carefully or supply incomplete information. (It is important to give us correct postal addresses and telephone numbers.) Some visa applications require further administrative processing, which takes additional time after the visa applicant's interview by a Consular Officer.

 

12. USPS Informed Delivery Service. There is a service provided by the USPS (US Postal Service) whereby each morning USPS will scan your incoming mail (just the address side of the envelope) and email you an update. It's very convenient these days to have advance notice that an important piece of mail is being delivered.

 

The service is available to most communities but some are still being rolling out so not all areas are available. Check the website with your zip code to verify your location is available for the service. A person in the USA can sign up for this free service here: https://informeddelivery.usps.com/box/pages/intro/start.action

 

13. Calling USCIS - You'll need your receipt number, DOB for both of you and full names. Beneficiary or the petitioner can call.

 

1 (800) 375-5283 8:00 am

 

Option 1:

Call USCIS. Do not press anything. Do not choose a language. If someone who picked up the phone cannot answer your question, ask them to transfer you to TIER 2.

 

Option 2:

Dial 1-866-953-7684

 

Option 3:

Call 1-800-375-5283

Press 1 to continue to English

Press 2 for case status

Press 1 if you know your receipt number

Press your receipt number 922(followed by your WAC#).

They will tell you to visit the website for the answer but press 3 or wait and you will be connected to a live agent.

 

Option 4:

Dial 1-800-375-5283 then press 1,2,2,4,2,1 then enter receipt number then press 1.

 

14. Get to know your sub-forum. Each country is divided to sub-forums here on VJ. This is where you go during your wait at this stage to get familiar with those who have gone before you and those who are currently processing. There is a wealth of information there in those threads. It's a better place to ask then someone in this thread from Germany, Spain or Norway who may not know the "steps" that must be taken for approval in your Country's Embassy.

 

To get there go up to the blue ribbon at the top of the page, select "forums" and scroll down about 3/4 of the page for the link to your region/embassy.

They temporarily changed hours for customer service to 9am