Don't be too passive awaiting NVC

[Killowatts 28]

So, interesting info.  In our case, the foreign fiancé has not yet received her letter from the Embassy, but has scheduled her biometrics, interview and just finished day 2 of her physical today.

 

I'll explain.

 

As you see in my signature block, the NVC emailed us that it was passing the packet on to Manila embassy back on 4/22 after holding it for almost a month.  To this day, I have not received a physical letter to the same effect.  That's deviation from expectation #1.

She had completed her DS-160 as soon as the NVC notified us that it had the packet from USCIS back in March.  She was able to move forward with scheduling biometric and Embassy appointment on late 4/23, a day and a half after getting the notification email from NVC.

 

She set her biometric for May 7 and we got lucky that a sooner-than-expected slot was open May 13 for the interview.  She then scheduled her Medical at St. Luke's 4/29 - 4/30, which she is finishing as I type this.

 

While sitting at Day 2 of her physical, I, the petitioner, received an email from the US Embassy in Manila instructing us that it has the packet and to complete the DS-160 and then schedule the appointments.  Had we waited, we would have wasted precious days/weeks.

 

So, it's a bit of a gamble because the DS-160 is only valid for 30 days, but I strongly encourage you NOT to sit and wait for the embassy letter/email.  We have yet to get any printed letters, petitioner or foreign fiancé, and the emails have been a bit later than past descriptions would lead you to predict.

 

Disclaimer: your mileage may vary, don't blame me if things doing go the same for you.  I'm just relaying the particulars for OUR situation.  She's on track to be her by our planned and purchased travel date of June 4.

[SoliDeoGloria 0]

This is also the move I’ll make once we receive the NOA2. Some people are suggesting not to book an interview slot or medical appointment yet and just wait for the letter. I believe it will eventually arrive anyway and the case number can be requested 15 days after receiving the NOA2. Better than someone else beating me to the interview slots. As far as what I have read and noticed, others start filling out the DS-160 once the case is 'In Transit,' but you mentioned that there’s actually an email notification from the NVC? That seems better. We also don’t want to waste a day just waiting for the NVC to USEM email.

May I know what’s included in that email? Just curious, why are others for it before booking their appointment? I assume it's just the generic instructions on where to book the appointment, right?

[Edward and Jaycel 1,304]

The letter, called a K1-FTP letter, (it comes as an email attachment) from NVC is to advise you of your Department of State case number and that the case file is on its way to the embassy

[Edward and Jaycel 1,304]

A couple of other things....
 

1. The DS-160 application: While you are filling it out and saving your progress as you go along is only valid for 30 days, however once you submit the application, it is valid for 1 year after the date of submission.

2. With the new scheduling website that went into effect for Manila (New as of October 2024), we have seen quite a few reports that it will not allow you to enter the visa payment information (receipt number) and schedule your appointment until the status of your NVC (State Department) case number shows "Ready" on CEAC. Once you get your case number you can check the status of the case here: https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx