Susan+Masoud

Today was the best day of our life! 

We just had our interview this morning at the US embassy in Naples, italy and after a few questions we were told her visa and passport will be ready to pick up at the Mail Box Etc. ( not far from the embassy) @ 5 PM.  

We had the medical exam the day before (Monday) and they said they will send the results directly to the embassy before our interview.  The exam consisted of taking her height/weight, blood pressure, blood test and a long wait for the x-ray.  The exam was done by a male doctor with a female assistant. They were considerate of personal privacy and space.  It didn't require taking your clothes off and the female assistant would help lift her shirt for the doctor to listen to her lungs and breathing.  However, taking the chest x-ray was rather done without any regard to personal privacy and the male radiologist would just ask everyone to take everything off from waste up ( including bra) and didn't give any robe to cover up.  This was the most uncomfortable part of the exam, which I hope they will change by at least giving the person a hospital gown to cover-up and not be treated like that.  Anyway the results were at the embassy on the interview day as we were kind of nervous, because everything we had read, said to bring the exam result with us to the interview.  After the medical exam we were told to go to the embassy for fingerprinting at 2:00 PM. 

Today (next day), we arrived just before 7 AM at the embassy and there were already couple others waiting in line.  Just before 7:30 one of the guards collected the passports, then after a few minutes called people by name. By this time others had arrived and were worried their passports weren't collected, but the guards said they will get them later.  The guard gave the passport and a number and told us to proceed to 2nd floor.  For those wondering, yes the companion (in this case husband) were allowed inside as long as you should your US passport. 

We went to the same room we were the day before (after our medical) for fingerprinting.  First they called by numbers and they checked to make sure all docs were in file and asked for originals.  We were lucky to have copies of everything originally sent to NVC, because continuation page to our form DS-230 was missing,   She said it was probably lost at NVC, so I gave her our extra copy.  

After this point we were told to sit and wait to be called for the interview.  People were called in a different order for the interview and many of them had issues with their forms.  One lady had lost her luggage and her original documents in it, so she was having a hard time explaining.   Overall, they were very helpful with people and tried anything to help.  Three others who were called ahead of us were also approved.  Each interview took less than 5 minutes with very simple questions (how did you meet?  When did you meet? What is your job? Etc).  From the 8 of us 4 didn't get their visas for various issues with their documents. 

We went to the Mail Box etc. at 5 and got what we've been waiting for almost a year (which seemed like eternity). 

Like others have noted in this forum it is VERY IMPORTANT to have copies of everything sent and all original documents.  For example I (the US citizen petitionor) was asked for my original Iranian birth certificate and it wasn't one of the documents listed as required!   So, better to be prepared than be caught surprised!!! 

We had tons of pictures, airline tickets, 300+ pages of phone records, etc, but weren't asked for any of them, but you never know.

Okay...interview was last week on the 15th. He of course was placed in AP because he is from Iran. When they give out the blue slip, I always thought it meant we were approved just awaiting checks. When I called DOS, she said that he was Denied or Temp Denied. That hurt like a ton of bricks! Here I was thinking we were at least "conditionally" approved...but now I know we are denied

Royajoon78,

Please don't be disappointed and don't give up hope. The way I understand it, the 221g is given for many reasons and it is usually related to the additional checks and information required in connection with AP. It does not mean you have been denied.

I think what the lady had told you was that it was denied this time around and a visa wasn't issued because of required AP. If you do some research you will see that many other applicants / petitioners have received the same 221g blue form and it did not mean they were denied.

It all depends on how you look at it. If they didn't give the visa after your interview then you were temporarily (or conditionally) denied because he required to go through the AP. It doesn't mean much more than that. Don't let the robotic answers from the operators make you sad. I just wish they would do the AP before having the interview. It would be so much easier (may be?) on people not having to wait again ( sometimes indefinitely and without a known time frame).

Don't give up hope and "naa omid nashid".

I wish everyone a short journey through their AP period.

My advice (more opinion) is you had the warning signs and ignored them, so don't let the same mistake happen again. It's very unlikely he will give a damn about the expenses, let alone to pay for them.

So, just advice the immigration / USCIS and let them know about the situation in a brief and concise way. I would NOT give him the green card! Why would you?

It's better to end something that didn't work out sooner than later. At least you'll get on with your life sooner and learn from this experience.

Although I know it's always easier said than done, but try not to think it's the end of the world and know that there's a reason for why things worked out this way. You won't know the reason right now, but sometime down the road you will look back and see things differently and may be even understand why it didn't work the way you hoped for.

There are no guaranties in any marriage, even when we think we have the perfect match in life.

Hi royajoon78,

I would think it means you are approved, but they need to take their sweet time processing the rest of the paperwork. Unfortunately, this "administrative processing" seems to be very dependent on whether the applicant is male or female, what kind of work he/she has done in the past (if any) and what country they're from. As you have noticed, people from Iran and a few other countries are the only ones that seem to require this additional time. What actually is done during that time is a mystery to me, but I can't understand why it would possibly take anymore than a couple of weeks. I mean this process has to be done electronically checking against different databases (within minutes), so it's not like they send some secret agents to another country to do investigation work on the applicant.

Also, from my research on this site and others it seems to be very dependent on which US consulate is processing the case. For us Iranian, Turkey and Abu Dhabi seem to require the AP most. Each US consulate seems to have their own rules and standards.

When I applied for my wife (CR-1) I missed filling out the embassy location on the form (because I didn't understand the misleading question), so our case was sent to Naples, Italy. People going there seem to have less of q chance of AP, but then going there has its own set of difficulties, like getting Schengen visa for Italy, travel arrangements, much higher costs, and coordination of all the things to get done with the little time is given. I just hope we don't end up with AP, because it's a pain (and expensive) to make another trip down there.

At this point there is not much more we can do than just try not to think about the "when", but getting more ready for the future and being together after it's all done.

I wish you the best and hope it all works out quickly.

So, here is the latest...

We contacted the US consulate in Italy and they told us we must call the VISA information center hot-line for interview reschedule within 5 days (just before the Aug 2 interview date). We called the Visa Inf. Center (charged 15 euros for call)on July 27th, but they told us they could not reschedule this interview, because it was initiated by NVC in US. They said, if they schedule another appointment, then both appointments will be deleted by US embassy in Italy (both the initial one and the new one!). So, intead they wrote an email to US consulate in Naples, Italy and asked them to reschedule.

I followed up by an email to the US embassy in Naples, and told them we called VIC and asked for reschedule, but they could not do it. 3 days later, they replied back saying they will send her name to Italian embassy in Tehran (for her Schengen visa to Italy) as soon as an appointment is scheduled. They send the names of applicants going to Italy for interview, so that Italian embassy knows they are going there for an interview and give them visa.

Now, we're wondering if the US embassy will be doing the reschedule or we need to call the VIC to reschudle again?

This phase of the process is probably most confusing and not much information is available anywhere!

We were given less than 2 weeks notification to be at Naples, Italy for interview on August 2nd 2011, but because my wife has to get visa for Italy there isn't enough time. I emailed Naples consulate office, but got out of office reply saying they don't handle interview schedule and we have to call visa information center. Each call cost 15 euros and they only accept visa or mastercard.

I won't be back in US until Aug 3rd so that I can buy a visa card for this reason, I don't have visa or mastercard and we can't buy one here in Iran.

So, we will miss the appointment and we're worried what will happen now. It's very difficult dealing with this from Iran ( I'm here visiting my wife for 2 weeks) so, I hope this doesn't cause a problem. If they could just give us at least 3 weeks notice to get travel arrangements done we wouldn't have so much problems.

Has anyone missed their interview date and was able to reschedule ok?

We got our SIF and case complete in 2 weeks after sending in the last set of forms to NVC.

We figured it will take a while to hear back, so I"m in Iran visiting my wife for 2 weeks when just 3 days ago we got an email from NVC.

The email says our case is completed at NVC and we are scheduled for interview on Aug 2nd in Naples Italy.

The interview date is exactly 2 weeks from the email date that was sent from NVC.

At first we were so happy to hear we got an interview already. We were shocked with joy!!!

But, then the reality hit us... She needs to get a visa for travel to Italy from Iran. To get her visa the Italian embassy requires we first get airline tickets, hotel reservations and get in a 2 day waiting list just to get inside the Italian embassy in Tehran to apply for her visa. It seems impossible in this short amount of time. Not sure how long it takes for them to get her visa. They also require the letter for interview at US embassy in Italy for this, so we can't just get her visa in advance.

The airline tickets are also twice as expensive (because of short notice) and non-refundable so if for some reason the visa for Italy takes more than 3-4 days to get, we loose lots of money.

Now, although I hate to do this I have to ask to reschedule the interview date.

The letter from NVC didn't say anything about medical exam or how to schedule for one either, just says you're scheduled for interview on Aug 2, 2011 at Naples, Italy.

Not very helpful at all, so I spent hours on the internet trying to figure out how or where we would need to go for medical exam.

We're still not sure if we can just show up or we have to make an appointment.

Anyway, does anyone know where / who we need to contact for interview rescheduling?

The letter from NVC doesn't give any specific information on that either. It says some embassies schedule their own and others utilize outside service. It gives some direction to go to NVC site to determine this, but going there doesn't give much more info either.

We are bumbed that we couldn't stay with Aug 2nd date, but don't have much choice to get thing done in time.

If anybody knows where / how to contact for re-scheduling and anymore info on medical requirements please let us know.

Congrats!!!!!

I just checked to sign in from the link "Saylin" had provided and I also cannot sign in anymore! I had just checked yesterday and was able to sign in and see the fees paid.

Is there an automated phone number that you can call to get the status on the case? We weren't eligible for Electronic Processing so it sounds like we won't get any confirmation email about the case complete.

Does that mean the next thing to expect to hear is about the interview date?

WOW.... Can't believe it could be all done in a few more weeks!!! :D

My husband (a petitioner) just got an email from NVC yesterday, (checklist cover letter) said that they've received and reviwed his documents (AOS packet) and they're still WAITING for the Immigrant Visa Application (DS-230) and corresponding civil documents...

I mailed my DS-230 and the documents on June 07 2011, via DHL and its been delivered on June 09, 2011 (picked up in Boston?!) that's the last time I heard about my packet as well...week later I email NVC to see if they've received my application and documents yet but they told me, to wait 20 business day and can't tell if they've received it or not. what should we do now? I dont want to delay the process..and don't want my application to be lost somewhere!

Ps, my husband mailed his packet a few days ahead of me

Hi Aimee$Julio, we got the same kind of email today and we had already sent our DS-230 pkg about 5 days ago. Did this issue resolve itself or did you have to send the same documents again? Did you have to call them to get it fixed? Thanks

Hello Members,

Our AOS documents reached NVC on 17-June-2011. DS-230 documents reached NVC on 23-June-2011.

I got this checklist letter in the email today.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR: Beneficiary Name

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

______CORRESPONDENCE INSTRUCTIONS:___________________________ ______

When responding to the National Visa Center, please include the bar code sheet that came with this

letter. Failure to include the bar code sheet may cause a delay in the processing of your case. The bar

code sheet should be placed on top of all documents being submitted for this case and mailed to the

address provided.

______IMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION:____________________________ ______

The NVC has received the requested Affidavit of Support form (I-864) for this case. However, we are

still waiting for the Immigrant Visa Application (DS-230) and corresponding civil documents for each

traveling applicant to be returned to National Visa Center for review. You will find the DS-230 form

along with complete instructions for submitting the civil documentation required for this case at

www.ImmigrantVisas.state.gov under the Applicant Document Processing link.

We urge you to send in the DS-230 form(s) and required civil documentation for each traveling family

member in one package to the National Visa Center (NVC). Sending the information in separately may

cause delays in the processing of the case.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Its also mentioned in the very first line of the checklist cover letter from NVC that "We have reviewed the documents which you submitted in support of an application for an immigrant".

I have two questions:

1. Does that mean that they reviewed our I-864 documents and they are fine with that ?

2. We already sent DS-230 documents which reached NVC on 23-June-2011 (we also have proof of that from USPS). Then why did we receive this checklist letter from NVC ? Does the petitioner should call NVC to verify the receipt of DS-230 by NVC or to wait until NVC contact us again ?

Please advice. Thank you.

besthopes, we got the same exact email from NVC today (july 2) with the same exact wording. We also sent in our DS-230 and associated documents earlier right after paying the IV fee on-line. The DS-230 package was received by NVC on 27 June (about 5 days before this email was sent). I sent it with USPS Express mail and the tracking info shows it delivered on Monday 27 June and signed by NVC.

I have read on this site where others have had the same types of notices sent to them, because the timing where the documents are received and processed in the computer and when the letter is automatically generated.

I am hoping that next week we also get an email from NVC stating that the DS-230 and other documents are received and reviewed. Hope for a completion of case within the next week or two. Good Luck.

Hi there,

here you will find the informations about what she needs to bring to the Italian Embassy in Teheran in order to get a tourist visa for Italy:

http://www.esteri.it/visti/home_eng.asp

Thanks Max1gk

That link helped to at least see what they expect.

I hope some people would reply and share their experience with getting a visa there in Tehran.

I don't know how to obtain a health insurance coverage for 30,000 euros, but I hope they may give me some clue.

Don't worry inshALLAH everything will be fine............. did u already Email NVC in regards to that?

Did u call them ?

Hello,

I didn't call them yet. I emailed them the information 2 days ago, but haven't heard anything back. If I don't hear back by Monday, then I will call them.

In some ways Italy may be a better choice (since their work load may be not as heavy) and I've heard most people get their visa next day or two, but in other ways it's more difficult to get there (requires more planning and $$$$ and visa from Italian embassy in Iran).

I'll keep you all posted on what they say.

Thanks

The USA embassy in Italy is for different countries ( Malta , Iran etc) i would start to take care of the Italian visa in the meantime. Make sure you show them evidence ( interview appontment, marriage cretificate if any ) it shouldn't be hard to get it.

Good luck and we really hope this is not gonna delay everything

Thanks luisarsema!

I will have to do whatever possible to get her the visa. I will be going to visit her for couple of weeks in mid-July, so we'll have to make a trip to the Italian embassy and pray and hope that they will accept that as evidence that she is not planning on staying in Italy for any other reason. The other hard part is to plan the round-trip dates and hotel reservation in hopes that it won't require more than a week stay. I'll have to arrange all that before asking for her visa. They want those documented with the application before they will consider the visa application.

On question #22 of the I-130 it says this:

then it gives a place for city and country

Did you leave that blank?

I don't know much about having files moved from post to post. A potential issue is the post your are requesting the file be transferred to probably has the discretion of whether or not to accept to the file. Specific to your situation, the Embassy in Ankara or Abu Dhabi probably has the discretion of whether or not they will accept the file from the Consulate in Napoli.

OH NO!!

I read the question #22 on I-130 and didn't think it would apply to her since she is not in the U.S. and lives in Iran. That sounds like a trick question!!

I put down "N/A" for both City and State and City and Country.

Does that still apply in this case since she is not in U.S. and will not be applying for adjustment of status there? If that's the case, then it explains why they picked Italy (Turkey and Ab Dhabi probably have heavier workload).

Hi,

Are there any Iranians out there on VJ who have asked for tourist visa from Italy?

My wife will be scheduled for a US immigrant visa in Naples, Italy soon and we need to figure out what is required for a tourist visa to Italy so she can get her visa.

I am a US citizen and will accompany her on the trip to Italy for interview, but we have to figure out how she can leave the country to go Italy on a tourist visa.

Any tips or information from those who have gone through this would be greatly appreciated.

THANKS!! :help:

hello masoud!

i am in the process of changing the embassy because when i filed I-130 we both were on vacataion in pakistan so we wrote the address of pakistan but he resides in ireland from last 5 yrs and i am in USA . now when i got NVC case number they assigned embassy in pakistan but i want to change it to ireland .

i called and they said send us proof of his residence through email like his pasport with valid visa or his tax id number or registeration card............. i sent ........... they replied now give us his current address of ireland.......... i emailed his current address today............. when they will respond i will inform you

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now in ur case did you send ur wife's all documents of IRAN ?

their is a possiblity they did by mistake

did u call to ask NPL is it for nepal consulate or consulate in IRAN

or

wait lets see whats their response for my wait i will inform u

I had all the forms filled out when I visited her 2 months ago in Iran. Naples, Italy is one of the countries where they accept cases from Iranian applicants, but getting a visa for Italy is very difficult. For example they want a copy of home ownership proof in Iran, and proof from their bank that she has enough money in her account (not sure what is the min amount). She doesn't own a home in Iran and her bank account is not much.

We never asked and never had an opportunity to ask for a certain embassy, so this was just automatic. I'm not sure how she can get visa to go there for an interview when the time comes. I'm not sure why NVC doesn't consider these things when they send a case to there. Everything was going smooth until this problem.

Thanks!

You need to email the embassy that the case is going to and request them with the case number to send it to the embassy you want instead.

Then you need to email the embassy that you want the case at and let them know that the other embassy is going to send them your case.

Wow!! But, that sounds like it would add a couple of months to the whole process! That's even if they reply or accept the case to be sent to their post.

Hello everyone! I have been trying to find out if there is a form or a place on a form where NVC would ask for the applicant's choice of where their case to be sent, but no luck.

We're from Iran. I am the US citizen (petitioner) and my wife is currently in Iran (applicant). We just got our case number yesterday from NVC and it starts with NPL, which based on the info I've seen here and on NVC website it is supposed to represent the case is assigned to Naples, Italy.

It would be much more difficult for my wife to get a tourist visa for Italy for her interview. We were thinking the case would be assigned to Turkey (which requires no visa from Iranians) or Ab Dhabi (which is easy to get tourist visa for Iranians), so this was a surprise! The expense to go to Italy is also much much higher, but worst trying to coordinate the visa time frame for Italy (if she can get a visa) with the time we have to be there for interview would be difficult.

I've sent an email to NVC asking to see what can be done to assign the case to either Turkey or Abu Dhabi, but haven't heard back yet.

Has anyone been able to have their case sent to a different embassy after the NVC had already assigned the case? What's the process to do that?

Should we leave it for Italy? Is there any advantage to go to Italy instead of Turkey or Abu Dhabi?

Any other Iranians who had interview at Naples, Italy? Would you please share your experience and how you got visa for Italy?

All your help is greatly appreciated.