aussiewench

I agree.
neolla,
Can you please repost your query in its own thread. It would be more beneficial to you and to others

Email address for NVC
NVCINQUIRY@state.gov
When making enquiries always put your case number in the subject line.

Posted: Jan 10 2006, 08:05 PM Aussiewench
We didnt use Jame's Shortcuts out of choice and definately not begrudging anyone that does....just want to share/show that there are also ways of saving time without using those shortcuts as not everyone is confident in self generating, or simply choose not to use them
Suggestions
* Once the USC receive the AOS (I-864) Bill and the copy of the DS-3032 one can save time by emailing or faxing a copy of the DS-3032 Choice of Agent form to the beneficiary overseas who then selects the agent, signs the form and returns it to the address on the form. Doesn't save much but it saves the mailing time from NVC to the spouse.
* Have the beneficiary (now the applicant) fill out the DS-230 and send it to the USC if they are to be the agent....this can be done at any time before the DS-230 is generated at NVC. Once it is generated it will be sent to the agent, the signed copy with the cover sheet (that the agent will receive) which has the barcode can then be mailed to NVC.
* Have the beneficiary (now the applicant) forward any documents, photocopies etc that may be required to be submitted with the DS-230 to you ahead of time. Check out the Department of State website HERE
and select the Instructions for Visa Immigrant Applicant appropriate for the country of your spouse.
* Complete the I-864 which is also available in the above link for download. When NVC generates this form it comes to you with a barcode cover sheet which you will then need to return along with your completed I-864 form.
All the above do not save as much time as Jame's Shortcuts but they do save time.
IMPORTANT
Familiarise yourself with the NVC Flowchart so you know the order in which forms will be generated and what is sent to the USC (petitioner) and your spouse (beneficiary/applicant) to be completed.
NVC Flowchart for I-130/CR-1
NVC Automated Voice Response Service
So your I-130 petition has been approved and forwarded to NVC
Now you are wanting to know if it has been received and a case number assigned
You can use your CIS (NOA) receipt number from your approval to find out.
On calling the NVC automated voice response number (603) 334-0700 you will.... press 1 for English press 2 for Spanish
press 1 for information about your immigrant visa
It will then ask you if you know your CIS receipt number.....press 1
(Once you have a case number you can use this.....press 2)
You then follow the instructions to key in your number.
If will then tell you if NVC has received the petition, and assigned a number.
This automated service is available 24/7.
Once you have your case number you can call them at any time to hear any updates on your case, using either the NVC case number or your CIS (NOA) receipt number.
Hope this all assists some.
Lorelle aka wench
Those wishing to use Jame's Shortcuts, they are now available a couple of posts below.
Choice of Agent
Many members are having success in emailing the NVC to choose their agent in place of sending in the DS-3032. They usually send a confirmation email within a couple of days. If not you will need to call to confirm that it has been accepted. Below is an example email posted by AMarina.
Posted: Jan 11 2006, 12:20 AM AMarina
Thank you for sharing these. They are indeed useful. Here is one more: I read about it at another forum, and successfully used it myself:
As soon as you know (from the answering service or talking with an operator at the NVC) that the Choice of Agent form has been sent out, the beneficiary can EMAIL their choice of agent to NVC. Apparently, there is a rule that if you cannot locate your form (due to bad mail service in your country), you are entitled to appoint your agent by e-mail. We did it on a second day after the form was mailed, and received a response from NVC two days later that they accepted choice of agent (by the way, we still have not received that letter from them yet, lol).
Here is a sample of my correspondence with them:
Dear Sir or Madam,
Your inquiry has been received at the National Visa Center (NVC).
The NVC has updated the petitioner's address. Please continue to notify the NVC of any change of address or change in personal situation, which may affect the beneficiary's entitlement to a visa.
We have received the Agent of Choice selection.═ The Immigrant Visa Application (DS 230) processing fee bill will be sent to the petitioner.═ The fee must be paid according to the instructions before that form will be sent. Please allow two to four weeks for the petitioner to receive this fee bill.
Regards,
National Visa Center
ACB/tkm
-----Original Message-----
Dear Sir or Madam,
My name is ....., my visa case number is #......
Unfortunately I cannot locate my ds-3032 and would like to appoint my
husband as my agent of choice to receive all the correspondence from NVC.
His name and address is:
......
All mail from the U.S. Department of State concerning my immigration visa
application should be send to the address above. Thank you for your help.
Sincerely yours,

The I-134 was often used for those travelling to the US on a temporary basis, hence why that particular question when support was required to be shown for the temporary stay in the US. It is now often used in K visa nonimmigrant cases....the difference being that K visas are processed in much the same way as an immigrant visa as those entering on a K visa will be seeking immigrant status. The I-134 is also not legally binding. By the fact that an I-864 will be required when adjusting status, answering N/A (K1 visa process) for question 11 of the I-134 is acceptable.

Posted: Jan 10 2006, 08:05 PM Aussiewench
We didnt use Jame's Shortcuts out of choice and definately not begrudging anyone that does....just want to share/show that there are also ways of saving time without using those shortcuts as not everyone is confident in self generating, or simply choose not to use them
Suggestions
* Once the USC receive the AOS (I-864) Bill and the copy of the DS-3032 one can save time by emailing or faxing a copy of the DS-3032 Choice of Agent form to the beneficiary overseas who then selects the agent, signs the form and returns it to the address on the form. Doesn't save much but it saves the mailing time from NVC to the spouse.
* Have the beneficiary (now the applicant) fill out the DS-230 and send it to the USC if they are to be the agent....this can be done at any time before the DS-230 is generated at NVC. Once it is generated it will be sent to the agent, the signed copy with the cover sheet (that the agent will receive) which has the barcode can then be mailed to NVC.
* Have the beneficiary (now the applicant) forward any documents, photocopies etc that may be required to be submitted with the DS-230 to you ahead of time. Check out the Department of State website HERE
and select the Instructions for Visa Immigrant Applicant appropriate for the country of your spouse.
* Complete the I-864 which is also available in the above link for download. When NVC generates this form it comes to you with a barcode cover sheet which you will then need to return along with your completed I-864 form.
All the above do not save as much time as Jame's Shortcuts but they do save time.
IMPORTANT
Familiarise yourself with the NVC Flowchart so you know the order in which forms will be generated and what is sent to the USC (petitioner) and your spouse (beneficiary/applicant) to be completed.
NVC Flowchart for I-130/CR-1
NVC Automated Voice Response Service
So your I-130 petition has been approved and forwarded to NVC
Now you are wanting to know if it has been received and a case number assigned
You can use your CIS (NOA) receipt number from your approval to find out.
On calling the NVC automated voice response number (603) 334-0700 you will.... press 1 for English press 2 for Spanish
press 1 for information about your immigrant visa
It will then ask you if you know your CIS receipt number.....press 1
(Once you have a case number you can use this.....press 2)
You then follow the instructions to key in your number.
If will then tell you if NVC has received the petition, and assigned a number.
This automated service is available 24/7.
Once you have your case number you can call them at any time to hear any updates on your case, using either the NVC case number or your CIS (NOA) receipt number.
Hope this all assists some.
Lorelle aka wench
Those wishing to use Jame's Shortcuts, they are now available a couple of posts below.
Choice of Agent
Many members are having success in emailing the NVC to choose their agent in place of sending in the DS-3032. They usually send a confirmation email within a couple of days. If not you will need to call to confirm that it has been accepted. Below is an example email posted by AMarina.
Posted: Jan 11 2006, 12:20 AM AMarina
Thank you for sharing these. They are indeed useful. Here is one more: I read about it at another forum, and successfully used it myself:
As soon as you know (from the answering service or talking with an operator at the NVC) that the Choice of Agent form has been sent out, the beneficiary can EMAIL their choice of agent to NVC. Apparently, there is a rule that if you cannot locate your form (due to bad mail service in your country), you are entitled to appoint your agent by e-mail. We did it on a second day after the form was mailed, and received a response from NVC two days later that they accepted choice of agent (by the way, we still have not received that letter from them yet, lol).
Here is a sample of my correspondence with them:
Dear Sir or Madam,
Your inquiry has been received at the National Visa Center (NVC).
The NVC has updated the petitioner's address. Please continue to notify the NVC of any change of address or change in personal situation, which may affect the beneficiary's entitlement to a visa.
We have received the Agent of Choice selection.═ The Immigrant Visa Application (DS 230) processing fee bill will be sent to the petitioner.═ The fee must be paid according to the instructions before that form will be sent. Please allow two to four weeks for the petitioner to receive this fee bill.
Regards,
National Visa Center
ACB/tkm
-----Original Message-----
Dear Sir or Madam,
My name is ....., my visa case number is #......
Unfortunately I cannot locate my ds-3032 and would like to appoint my
husband as my agent of choice to receive all the correspondence from NVC.
His name and address is:
......
All mail from the U.S. Department of State concerning my immigration visa
application should be send to the address above. Thank you for your help.
Sincerely yours,

If that was me I would put the main job and then perhaps a reference to an attachment and on the attachment put the second part time job.
Its just that there has been RFE's for overlaps and gaps in timeframes, so IMO best to include an attachment as opposed to overlapping on the form.
Perhaps someone else has a better solution.

Tips
* Look at evidence of having met within the required 2 year period from the view of a third person. In other words 'I know it to be fact but will the adjudicator know from the evidence I have submitted'. Concentrate on providing strong overall evidence to support the fact, as opposed to an abundance of relationship evidence. Distinguish between the two.
* No gaps or overlaps on timeframes for residences and employment questions for past x amount of years on the G-325A
eg
October 2005 to Present
December 2004 to October 2005
March 2004 to December 2004
June 2003 to March 2004
and so on...

Tips
* Look at evidence of having met within the required 2 year period from the view of a third person. In other words 'I know it to be fact but will the adjudicator know from the evidence I have submitted'. Concentrate on providing strong overall evidence to support the fact, as opposed to an abundance of relationship evidence. Distinguish between the two.
* No gaps or overlaps on timeframes for residences and employment questions for past x amount of years on the G-325A
eg
October 2005 to Present
December 2004 to October 2005
March 2004 to December 2004
June 2003 to March 2004
and so on...

Here's a start
9 FAM 40.41 N4.6-3 Use of Form I-134, Affidavit of Support Under INA 213A
(CT:VISA-823; 07-14-2006)
a. With the required use of Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section
213A of the Act, under INA 212(a)(4)© and INA 213A for so many
classes of immigrants, the use of Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, has
been reduced considerably. Nevertheless, there still are circumstances
when Form I-134 will be beneficial. This affidavit, submitted by the
applicant at your request, is not legally binding on the sponsor and should
not be accorded the same weight as Form I-864. Form I-134 should be
given consideration as one form of evidence, however, in conjunction with
the other forms of evidence mentioned below.
http://foia.state.gov/masterdocs/09fam/0940041N.pdf