Standard or Appointment processing?

[Chris Parker 10]

I called NVC today to ask about the DS-230, as the IVR said nothing about it this week on Tuesday (still IV bill payment received message). They said DS-230 is being mailed this week. Does that mean I can send in DS-230 now?

Also, more importantly, although the DOS website says my consulate has NVC appointment processing now, the operator said that it does not and they don't want original documents sent in. I don't know who to believe now. The original documents have been mailed to me from Russia, but now I may need to mail them back to Russia?

Edited September 26, 2007 by Chris Parker

[RandyandRina 2]

If they said that the DS230 has been generated and has been sent out, then you are OK sending the DS230 packet already. However, I know you have another concern in regards to the DS230 and what documents to send...

It's been talk of the town here in VJ when NVC has changed its process with most consulates from Standard to Appointment Processing. I can only think that the NVC operator that you spoke with was not aware of these changes, or did not confirm the changes that took place for your consulate particularly.

From what I know (i think it was) Stabu posted the handful of consulates that are still on Standard Processing. I will try to research that for you.

I suggest to call NVC again and let them know that the information of change with the Standard or Appointment Processing was from their own website and that you are calling for verification. Sometimes you need to talk to not just one NVC operator to verify things with them.

Good luck!

[Geist 0]

After this originally happened, I called the NVC and asked the operator and he spoke with his supervisor and then came back after a while and told me that I didn't have to worry about it.

Our case was completed yesterday. I would listen to them. It could be a mistake on the part of the webdesigner? Perhaps the links were updated but incorrectly?

Make sure that whomever you speak with talks to his supervisor and that you get their names and employee number too, just in case you have issues, if you take their advice and send it in with the standard processing info.

[Chris Parker 10]

If they said that the DS230 has been generated and has been sent out, then you are OK sending the DS230 packet already.

They don't say it has been generated, they just say it will be mailed out this week. I would have to presume this means that it was generated, as how could they mail it out if it hasn't been, but since there was no IVR message for it I am somewhat concerned.

I suggest to call NVC again and let them know that the information of change with the Standard or Appointment Processing was from their own website and that you are calling for verification. Sometimes you need to talk to not just one NVC operator to verify things with them.

I will call them again a few more times to see if any consistency arises... I think NVC is going to be very unprepared for collecting civil documents from this country (Russia) if they are, as even today, they are handwritten! Maybe NVC knows about the local policies for countries like this now, but I tend to doubt it.

Edited September 26, 2007 by Chris Parker

[endless 0]

I have the same problem, Italy is now appointment post, well, my wife called NVC yesterday and the operator told her...(here comes the masterpiece)... that he didn't think that they would change the requested docs during the process but if that was gonna happen they would send us a letter with the modified request. #######, so basically I have to wait for the DS-230 to come in the mail to see which docs they want, knowing that most likely they will only ask for the "standard processing" - I just don't feel like risking an RFE

endless

[Chris Parker 10]

I have the same problem, Italy is now appointment post, well, my wife called NVC yesterday and the operator told her...(here comes the masterpiece)... that he didn't think that they would change the requested docs during the process but if that was gonna happen they would send us a letter with the modified request. #######, so basically I have to wait for the DS-230 to come in the mail to see which docs they want, knowing that most likely they will only ask for the "standard processing" - I just don't feel like risking an RFE

Does the DS-230 notice even indicate which type of processing it is? The I-864 mailing I got just said, "download it from USCIS" and didn't even include a blank form! Furthermore, the latest version of the DS-230 cover sheet provided by James literally just says to check the website to determine what docs are needed.

Seems like, unless we can get at least one operator to tell us appointment processing is happening, we just will have to assume it is standard NVC processing despite the website update and risk RFE (in other words, have the documents on hand in case they are needed). I don't want to ask what will happen to the original documents if they are sent in when not required (I recall NVC's saying that documents received that were not requested will be discarded...).

PS: Did the IVR tell you the DS-230 was generated, or did you call an operator to find out?

Edited September 26, 2007 by Chris Parker

[endless 0]

I'm having my wife try to talk again to NVC and ask about the documents that I need to send in.

She talked to an operator and she told her that the IV-bill had been processed and the DS-230 sent out (I don't believe this, I think it has only been generated)

If I get a good enough answer I will try using JSC... I'm sick and tired of being at NVC with my life on hold!!

I will follow up asap!

[Chris Parker 10]

After this originally happened, I called the NVC and asked the operator and he spoke with his supervisor and then came back after a while and told me that I didn't have to worry about it.

Our case was completed yesterday. I would listen to them. It could be a mistake on the part of the webdesigner? Perhaps the links were updated but incorrectly?

Make sure that whomever you speak with talks to his supervisor and that you get their names and employee number too, just in case you have issues, if you take their advice and send it in with the standard processing info.

I've called them three times now. The third operator finally gave me the most conclusive answer:

As of October 1st, 2007, all embassies will be NVC appointment processing posts. Original documents will be required to be included if the package is received on or after October 1, 2007.

I guess I have to wait until next week to see what their story is then...

If I have to do NVC appointment processing, is the mailing address for the DS-230 and the original civil documents still ATTN: CMR?

Edited September 27, 2007 by Chris Parker

[RandyandRina 2]

If I have to do NVC appointment processing, is the mailing address for the DS-230 and the original civil documents still ATTN: CMR?

I'm glad you have finally received an answer from them regarding what kind of processing they will be doing for your consulate.

Yes, it will still be ATTN CMR.

Edited September 27, 2007 by RandyandRina

[Geist 0]

As of October 1st, 2007, all embassies will be NVC appointment processing posts. Original documents will be required to be included if the package is received on or after October 1, 2007.

This is really horrible It looks more and more like what we've been seeing this past year is complete and total centralization of the immigration process, so that it will move slower and (seemingly) discourage immigrants More control, less flexibility, less information for the masses.

[Zil 1]

If they said that the DS230 has been generated and has been sent out, then you are OK sending the DS230 packet already.

They don't say it has been generated, they just say it will be mailed out this week. I would have to presume this means that it was generated, as how could they mail it out if it hasn't been, but since there was no IVR message for it I am somewhat concerned.

I suggest to call NVC again and let them know that the information of change with the Standard or Appointment Processing was from their own website and that you are calling for verification. Sometimes you need to talk to not just one NVC operator to verify things with them.

I will call them again a few more times to see if any consistency arises... I think NVC is going to be very unprepared for collecting civil documents from this country (Russia) if they are, as even today, they are handwritten! Maybe NVC knows about the local policies for countries like this now, but I tend to doubt it.

"All documents not in English, or in the official language of the country in which application for a visa is being made, must be accompanied by certified translations."

How does NVC know if the documents are the right ones if they are not translated to English?

I guess they need to be at least marked in English.

[Chris Parker 10]

"All documents not in English, or in the official language of the country in which application for a visa is being made, must be accompanied by certified translations."

How does NVC know if the documents are the right ones if they are not translated to English?

I guess they need to be at least marked in English.

All very good questions. The application for a visa is now being made, at least initially, to NVC in USA.

Therefore, I have to assume all foreign documents submitted to NVC will now require a certified translation nevertheless. I'm going to put some post-it notes on our documents with the title and case #, but they are very old (50+ years) and very fragile and I am understandable nervous about sending them in with an automated barcode sheet!

I'll be praying this weekend that, somehow, the NVC operators on Monday October 1st will still keep telling me to not send original documents with the DS-230...

[Chris Parker 10]

As of October 1st, 2007, all embassies will be NVC appointment processing posts. Original documents will be required to be included if the package is received on or after October 1, 2007.

This is really horrible It looks more and more like what we've been seeing this past year is complete and total centralization of the immigration process, so that it will move slower and (seemingly) discourage immigrants More control, less flexibility, less information for the masses.

I called NVC again tonight. The answer this time is, yes, as of October 1st NVC will begin doing appointment processing for almost all the embassies, however because they sent the DS-230 package to me already (I guess they did if he's saying so, the IVR never did though), I may not be subject to NVC review of the civil documents, but if I am, they will send me an RFE. Operator also said, if I send the original documents now with my DS-230, they will be accepted and put into the file, and they will go to the consulate, however NVC might not review them.

Therefore, I am sending out my DS-230 package tomorrow with the original documents included, at least that way I know they'll get to the consulate safely and I'll avoid an RFE as much as I can.

[Zil 1]

As of October 1st, 2007, all embassies will be NVC appointment processing posts. Original documents will be required to be included if the package is received on or after October 1, 2007.

This is really horrible It looks more and more like what we've been seeing this past year is complete and total centralization of the immigration process, so that it will move slower and (seemingly) discourage immigrants More control, less flexibility, less information for the masses.

I called NVC again tonight. The answer this time is, yes, as of October 1st NVC will begin doing appointment processing for almost all the embassies, however because they sent the DS-230 package to me already (I guess they did if he's saying so, the IVR never did though), I may not be subject to NVC review of the civil documents, but if I am, they will send me an RFE. Operator also said, if I send the original documents now with my DS-230, they will be accepted and put into the file, and they will go to the consulate, however NVC might not review them.

Therefore, I am sending out my DS-230 package tomorrow with the original documents included, at least that way I know they'll get to the consulate safely and I'll avoid an RFE as much as I can.

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the information. I emailed my consulate about this issue yesterday. I will let you know what is their version of the story.

Zil

[Geist 0]

Way to get the info out of them, Chris

Now, why can't they just put a friggin date on the info on the website? seems like it would save them a lot of unnecessary people panicking and calling them...