RedPepper
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Posts posted by RedPepper
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I am so excited! Just got off the phone to NVC and our case number has been assigned! So excited I have to focus and get on to the next task at hand!!! WOOHOOOOO!!!!!!!
I am feeling so blessed and lucky right now!!!! Wow! Congratulations!!! All the best!!!
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Hi Saylin
Do you know how long it usually takes from the time you submit DS260 and other required documents to get a case complete? What has been the norm lately?
I hope you don't mind me responsing, since you are directly addressing Sayling in this question.
On a call to the NVC they told me to count about 30 business days (YES 30 BUSINESS DAYS--excluding weekdays and holidays) after the last document submitted was dated as received. So if you sent your DS260 and submitted your civil documents, which ever was received last--check with them the dates their system recorded it as received. They review it within 30 business days from then.
I saw in some timelines that NVC gave case complete after 3-5days!!! There is no actual pattern in the timelines.
My docs were last received in October 3...until now I do not have a case complete yet. So Calling NVC every other day to check. If the NVC operator was true to her word, 30-business-days for me willbe November 14.
A very long wait, I know!Hoping they give me a case complete sooner. And hoping for an earlier case complete for everyone else, and you, too! Good luck!
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Hey Folks... I have a problem and I'm now freaking out. I just tried to log in to check the status of my invoice (which was fine last night) and here is the error I got:
This case is in the process of termination. Fee payments and online forms can no longer be accepted. If you believe you have received this message in error, or to resume processing of the case, please contact the NVC immediately.
My hubby just sent the email for DS-3032 today and we got the auto-reply notice. I am really freaking out. Anyone else gotten this??? I obviously believe I received this message in error...
Thanks!
HI! I see that this post was yesterday. How was it?
I remember Saylin had a guideline for this one...BUT
If still unresolved, I still suggest that you contact NVC immediately just to make sure.
Email them (so when they respond, you have a written communication to refer to/as proof.
AND call NVC--if it still does not get resolved, Darnell always suggests to talk to a supervisor instead.
Better chances of getting resolved. :-) Good luck!
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Hello everyone,
Yesterday I finished my DS260 and submitted it along with civil documents. The AOS package I have completed about 10 days ago. Now when I log in to the CEAC website all the statuses either say PAID or COMPLETED. What is the next step from here? I know I'm supposed to wait for case complete but do I still check for anything in the CEAC website or do I start calling NVC right off the bat?
Thank you!
Yes, i guess it's just waiting for case complete, but better check their website once in a while in case something comes up so you can catch RFE's or glitches before it causes you delay or something...
I had the experience that after paying the IV fee and CEAC website reflected our status as PAID--it suddenly changed to REJECTED...(check my timeline). Good thing I kept checking their website.
And oh, I suggest to keep screen shots of how your invoice pages look like...good thing I did, it came in handy when I sent an email to NVC for disputes, queries, or requests.
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Are you talking to a supervisor at NVC? IMO, is better to get a supervisor there, if'n you want actual resolution to a problem.
I should have known this when I was having difficulties with the payment portal.
But I was a VJ only recently. hehehe!
Hopefully, I won't need to talk to a supervisor though.
Hopefully, everything is smooth with the waiting, and no more glitches nor RFE's
Thanks for the info, Darnell!
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My wife's visa was approved! Thanks again to everyone on visa journey who contributes to the website. The process truly is tedious and without the help of others who have gone through it or are going through it and their willingness to share information it would have been much harder for us to get to where we are today with visa in hand and an upcoming flight home. Best of luck to everyone else either just starting, stuck waiting, or almost there on the road to getting their visa.
Congratulations!!! Yaay!!!
My wife's visa was approved! Thanks again to everyone on visa journey who contributes to the website. The process truly is tedious and without the help of others who have gone through it or are going through it and their willingness to share information it would have been much harder for us to get to where we are today with visa in hand and an upcoming flight home. Best of luck to everyone else either just starting, stuck waiting, or almost there on the road to getting their visa.
Congratulations!!! Yaay!!!
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APPROVED!!!!!!!!!
I haven't spoken to him yet (his phone is basically broken, could only call his mother) but she said he got through easily and spoke with a really nice woman. Apparently she only asked him a few questions. They told him he can pick up his visa within the next five days, but he's booked his flight for the 31st.
16 daysssssss!
Thanks to my lovely vjers who have helped us along the way! You're all wonderful
I love hearing good news! Congratulations!
My wait is coming to a Case Complete myself, but I can't wait!
Your excitement is contagious! So happy for you! All the best!
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My husband and I uses MagicJack. Thanks to Apple21 of VJ who suggested it. My husband is subscribed for $20 a year, and I on the other hand, only had to download the app on my iPhone.
When I have no wi-fi access, I just turn my 3G or LTE on, and he can call me anytime. A lot cheaper.
Other times, we use Tango, that allows me to leave voice/video and text messages--which we get once we get online on our iPad or iPhone. Other times we use Viber.
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My stupid RFE
***technically it was not an RFE, but this stupid mistake delayed my process big time!
Payment Portal for IV Fee Payment:
I made a mistake of not double checking the checking account number my husband dictated to me.
He was too tired to see the numbers right, I was too confident he knew what he was talking about. LOL
After 5 days on the payment portal, website shows payment REJECTED.
My payment got REJECTED 3 times since, apparently the payment portal system does not yet have an automatic RESET
on a REJECTED status and stays there until you email the technical team of NVC website to have it reset.
Every time I attempted to make a payment, it gets rejected because the system thinks their is still an active payment there even though there is non! We paid the Visa fee by mail instead.
Lesson learned:
On the payment portal, be sure that the figures you are trying to input are all correct.
Don't assume you got the information right the first time. Always double check, and double check again.
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Hello how are you vj's!?
I have a question about social security.
I'm currently in the process of obtaining my IR-1 visa. What is the best way to obtain my social security card when considering time and cost. I heard you can apply for it on form DS-260 but there is a fee, I have also heard when you go to the social security office there is no fee. I was also told that you can apply for it at the port of entry in Los Angeles. Please can anyone give me insight regarding this matter.
Thank you in advance!
You only have two choices:
1) Apply for SSN through DS260, gets delivered to your door once you get there--in about 2 weeks +/-
2) Once in the US, go to the nearest Social Security office and wait in line to apply for an SSN. (hehehe)
Consider travel time, waiting time, the convenience, and of course expenses? I suggest choice #1. Hehehe
SSN's are given at no cost when applied for through your DS260. No worries.
Check their website for more info. It will answer all your questions.Good luck Kababayan! -
So I just got back update form him. He has sent the package again and we are going to wait couple weeks to see if it gets approved. The package has G-28 in it. Does that mean all forms (Of-169 form, Of-230, I-864) in future will be sent to attorney instead of petitioner? We just don't want him to handle anymore forms for us.
Also, thank you for your answers.
I suggest you fire your lawyer now, UNLESS your petition has a "complication" that only the lawyer can help you with.
My husband was paying an accountant-lawyer too--he feels safe and secure this way but half of the time since my papers got to NVC and I met VisaJourney, I argue with my husband how things should be done against the lawyers advice!!!
Believe me, the lawyer didn't know how things are done. He didn't even know that the DS230 and DS3032 is already useless since September 1, 2013! We sent the paper work, but I accomplished online DS260 and DS261 on my own--against THEIR advice, saying it will complicate and delay things--and my husband later found out I was right.
Hahaha! And if he listened to me, I should already be scheduled for an interview now!
I am pretty sure the lawyer is in it only for the greens, they do not really care.
And my guess is, he is as "lost" as you are. His secretary could even be the only one working on your case, for all you know and you are paying him how much? $$$$$ such a waste.
Good luck on your petition!
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USCIS received my I-130 application on February 22, 2013. Up to now, it's still on "Initial Review." Could it be because I also filed I-129 thereafter? Both are still on "Initial Review."
I remember I was once in a call with them, they told me that every time they receive documents on my case my timeline adjusts to the timeline of the last document they have received on the case. An RFE with them will mean two weeks to two months or more of delay and more of the waiting.
So, to your question, YES. It could be. But it also can be any other reason.
Best be on your toes all the time--just in case it gets approved, you should already be ready.
Take advantage of the long wait. From this on, you are not in control--but when it gets to NVC--Wow!
Read on this link http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/457530-nvc-filers-october-2013/ especially on the Le CHing Shortcut. There will be so much for you there! Good luck!
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Hi. My name is Aakash. I have filed I 130, petition for alien relative for my spouse. I filed on August 24th. I can check my application status on USCIS website with the case number they have provided me both through email and postal mail. The status is initial review. I would like to know that approximately how long will it take for initial review? Also, after the initial review has been done, what are the preceding steps I need to take? Any documents that I should keep ready at this point?
Kindly guide. I appreciate your assistance. Thank you.
Mine was about 6 months. It would have been shorter if we didn't get an RFE (Request for Evidence.)
We were asked to send out to them my passport size pictures.
Just keep checking the USCIS website for updates.
Also, while you are on the wait, it would be better for you guys to already prepare for everything from now.
Read the shortcuts on Saylin's link everybody else on this post gave you a link of.
The Ling Che Shortcut on http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/457530-nvc-filers-october-2013/
And all the other tips there. VERY VERY VERY USEFUL!
It would have shortened my visa processing time had my husband and I known the Visajourney forums existed.
We learned only about it when I was googling for answers--but that was until my papers were all in--we would have saved a lot of time if we did the shortcuts. But despite that VisaJourney and its members have been very helpful! We wouldn't know what to do without them.
You could still save time with yours!
...and 6 months more or less is a long wait, but if you follow the Tips everybody else gave you,
your petition will be completed in half the time you might be beating everybody else's record! So cheer up!
:-( Hold on and enjoy the ride! Good Luck and All the Best!
Hi. My name is Aakash. I have filed I 130, petition for alien relative for my spouse. I filed on August 24th. I can check my application status on USCIS website with the case number they have provided me both through email and postal mail. The status is initial review. I would like to know that approximately how long will it take for initial review? Also, after the initial review has been done, what are the preceding steps I need to take? Any documents that I should keep ready at this point?
Kindly guide. I appreciate your assistance. Thank you.
Mine was about 6 months. It would have been shorter if we didn't get an RFE (Request for Evidence.)
We were asked to send out to them my passport size pictures.
Just keep checking the USCIS website for updates.
Also, while you are on the wait, it would be better for you guys to already prepare for everything from now.
Read the shortcuts on Saylin's link everybody else on this post gave you a link of.
The Ling Che Shortcut on http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/457530-nvc-filers-october-2013/
And all the other tips there. VERY VERY VERY USEFUL!
It would have shortened my visa processing time had my husband and I known the Visajourney forums existed.
We learned only about it when I was googling for answers--but that was until my papers were all in--we would have saved a lot of time if we did the shortcuts. But despite that VisaJourney and its members have been very helpful! We wouldn't know what to do without them.
You could still save time with yours!
...and 6 months more or less is a long wait, but if you follow the Tips everybody else gave you,
your petition will be completed in half the time you might be beating everybody else's record! So cheer up!
:-( Hold on and enjoy the ride! Good Luck and All the Best!
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We submitted the DS-260 today. And now we are ready to mail out BOTH the AOS and IV packages, and I want to mail them out in the same envelope. I know that it is possible to do this but the address differs slightly on each cover page.
For AOS:
National Visa Center
Attn: CMR AOS
31 Rochester Ave Suite 100
Portsmouth, NH 03801-2914
For IV it says the same thing but it just says Attn: CMR (with no AOS)
Can I mail them together? What should I put the "Attn" for?
Or do I really have to send them separately?
We read somewhere to send the docs to the CORRECT address, or else face delay on the case.
Although it is just a matter of "a different post office box," my husband sent it separately just to make sure.
I don't know if there are others who did the same thing or did otherwise. Would love to hear from others, too.
Just curious how others did it.
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I have a link to pay IV active but when i click it, it takes me back to AOS receipt page. Does this mean that it should be available soon?
It happens to me, cant pay IV fee like more than 20 days, really dont know what to do, called NVC nobody is giving answer very hard to reach them
Oh Milly, please don't get me wrong, a part of my message to you (refer to previous post) went missing. Must have deleted it by accident while editing it. Hehehe
KP and SP, this just MIGHT help. I hope it is useful. Please also refer to my previous post on this thread. Just right before this one--it just MIGHT give useful information.
What I meant was--if you couldn't pay your IV Fee yet--for as long as you can print cover page and already have IV fee billing, you do not have to wait for the payment portal to be OK. You can send payment through the alternative method of payment. http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3905.html
I found out, due to my experience, that the NVC payment portal MAY still be unstable. So after the mess (with the payment portal that happened to me (refer to my timeline), we decided to pay the alternative route. It was received a day after it was sent. And reflected PAID on the payment portal 3 days after the payment.
P.S.
Of course the first payment error was due to my husband giving me the wrong checking account number.
The next two failed attempts of payment were payment portal system glitches.
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It happens to me, cant pay IV fee like more than 20 days, really dont know what to do, called NVC nobody is giving answer very hard to reach them
It was the same thing with me! Check out my timeline below--delayed my IV fee by 2 weeks. Calling them didn't help. I sent them an email--that got me the response I needed.
IMPORTANT:
If you have previously made payments on the same FEE you are paying: Before making ANOTHER ATTEMPT to pay through the NVC Payment Portal, make sure that there is NO ACTIVE payments in process--email the technical team of NVC.
I emailed them TO CANCEL ANY ACTIVE ONLINE PAYMENTS ON MY VISA FEE. After 2 business days, the payment portal was reset--but we were scared that things could get messy again due to the delay and 2X system errors we had on the payment.
We opted to send our IV Fee by overnight MONEY ORDER through the US postal service instead. Then we advised our bank to "hold" charges made by the NVC on this account. This is the link where you can see the mailing address for Money Order (Alternative Mode of Payment), please carefully follow instructions: http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3905.html
Hope it helps. Good luck!
This is a part of the email I SENT TO NVC:
Dear Sir/Madame:
In reference to your office's response to our inquiry, we have
attempted to MAKE ANOTHER ONLINE PAYMENT. Unfortunately, this was
another failed attempt. Please refer to screenshots of error messages
below.
In lieu to this, KINDLY CANCEL ALL ACTIVE ONLINE PAYMENTS in reference
to our Visa Application Fee (IV Fee) ONLY. We have opted to send our
payment through money order via overnight US Postal Service instead.
Will appreciate your most favorable response.
This is a part of the email I got from NVC:
Dear Sir/Madam:
The National Visa Center (NVC) received your inquiry regarding
the immigrant visa petition: ......
Please be advised that your fee payment was not accepted. For
further instructions please refer to the paragraph below that
corresponds to your method of payment:
Online Payment
If the payment has been deducted from your bank account, please
provide proof of payment from your financial institution, along with a
request to review the payment, to the NVC at the address below:
National Visa Center
Attn: CMR
31 Rochester Ave, Suite 100
Portsmouth, NH 03801-2914
If the payment was NOT deducted from your account, please make
another attempt to pay the fee by following the Fee Collection
instructions found on our website: ImmigrantVisas.state.gov.
Money Order or Cashier's Check
If the cashier's check/money order was cashed, please submit a
copy of both sides of the cashier's check/money order, along with a
request to review the payment, to the NVC at the address below:
National Visa Center
Attn: CMR
31 Rochester Ave, Suite 100
Portsmouth, NH 03801-2914
IF the cashier's check/money order was NOT cashed, please make
another attempt to pay the fee by following the Fee Collection
instructions found on our website: ImmigrantVisas.state.gov.
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My VJ family,I am a may filer and my noa2 just got approved.I am the beneficiar,and I don't know what to do next,what forms I am to download and the link to download them.trusting you guys for a response soon.thank u all
Hi there Sewa, most of the processes are now done online--except for the I-184 (Affidavit of Support) which the petitioner will download, fill out and submit to NVC. refer to this link for that:
http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3197.html
To know more about the new process please read this thread by Saylin:
http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/457530-nvc-filers-october-2013/#entry6547401
To fill out forms, make payments, print cover sheets and/or receipts, Check visa application status, do it here:
Good luck!
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And oh, Sunkissed513, before I forget--as you read on Apple 21's responses to my questions,
you might want to check her (his?) timeline, too! She (he?) did an early medical examination.
It's in her (his?) response where she (he?) explained her (his?) reason.
See you around! And good luck again--to ALL OF US! Yay!!!
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Hello, Just help. We just got the NVC case # and papers in transit to Abu Dhabi Embassy. Is it possible to schedule my interview date now? or should I wait for Embassy to contact me to schedule the interview?
Although, I don't see how or why they will let you--even those that I know that had valid reasons were not granted that request. You know, for the reason that if they let you, everybody will start thinking, that if one can do it, then EVERYBODY can do it...and you can just imagine the effect in their operations like a chain reaction.
But AGAIN, a number of people I know have had their share of surprises in our consulate where I come from. So, I suggest you give your consulate a call. I say there is no harm in trying. Call them. But be sure to read on country specific interview and medical regulations and what and what nots before you do.
There is a thread similar to your situation you might want to check out: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/424602-possibility-to-get-early-interview-appointment/
Just bring along with you as much proof of the validity of your relationship with your petitioner as much as you can during the interview, and be ready to answer questions. Saylin's Post on this Thread may help you prepare. Check out the links towards the end of the first post: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/457530-nvc-filers-october-2013/#entry6547382
Are there forms that I should fill-out first before scheduling the interview? or can I fill out the forms AFTER i schedule the interview?
With your case--I am not sure if we would have the same process. This part you will have to ask somebody else.
Can i also schedule the medical exam?
The system how it is done in your consulate MAY be different from how it is done here. So RESEARCH, ASK, and CALL your consulate.
I asked the same question a few days ago, and someone gave me a response. Hope it works with your consulate, too.
Look for Apple21's response to my questions. Check this thread out:
Please help!
GOOD LUCK! And please do update us!
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I called NVC this morning, wasn't aware about US Holidays--was surprised later to discover NVC wasn't open. Then only did I know it was Columbus Day.
Was fun trying to call! :-( :'(
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Just so you know, your case complete e-mail will look like this:
......
BE HAPPY as this e-mail is just a few days away!
Hahaha! Your message just made me smile! YES! I think so!
I am looking at a 90 day--more or less--countdown to POE! Fingers crossed!
Well of course I should not get my hopes too high, but OMG, I got all excited!
Can't wait!
Thanks Firesp33dR!
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Oh I seeeee! So that's the secret! Hahaha! Funny how lost I was.
I did call NVC yesterday considering my time here (that's technically very early this morning in EST terms), and geez I didn't know it was Columbus day! I should have also been aware of US Holidays, too! Now, I know, when calling NVC from abroad, I should also be aware of holidays! hehehe! Will call them again later.
Now off to the October threads.
Thanks again Saylin!
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Thanks Saylin! Apparently I am lost in the threads--someone told me i should try september and october filers but i don't seem to share a similar timeline with them. Mine's either delayed or too advanced in some threads--I do not know where I belong. Lol
Still continuously reading, exploring and discovering. Thanks for your help, support and advice anyway. Will look further into the october threads. I missed some discussions there, maybe I should dig deeper. Still getting the hang of the website tools and my way around VJ.
And hey? Really appreciate what you guys are doing here! These forums are a lot of help!!! Thank you again. See you around!
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You don't have to pay it before you POE but they won't generate your green card until you do. I believe you have up to a year. I did mine before my POE just because I saw no reason to delay it. I wanted everything taken care of as soon as it was available.
So, MsHogan?
How much was it? And when and where did you pay it? Thanks!
NVC Filers - October 2013
in IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports
Posted
NVC tells me docs received are being reviewed within 30 business days from the time they received the last document you submitted. Yes, 30 business days--excluding weekends and weekdays.