LDN2NYC

Hello guys!

Im from the March 2014 thread and was wondering how many Feb filers have a Case Complete, and would appreciate some feedback on the NVC process....has it really taken 60 days or less?

Thank you!

David

Hey, still waiting here sent both packages and were received on 6 October and that's my scan date. I believe they're currently working on scan date of Sept 16th that's the last I've seen.

I sent my documents with my maiden name and all is fine.

In the mail, it should say "NVC received on XXX DATE", that is your reference date. Most likely Oct 6 for you

Thank you I'll go with the 6th October.. 32 days and counting - praying I hear before and it's a CC without check-list.

I sent my documents OCT 14th as one package too, and NVC sent me an email confirmation on OCT 20th. The scan date shows as of OCT 15th according to the email they sent me.

"20­OCT­14 (date the email I received)

Dear Sir/Madam,

The National Visa Center (NVC) received your documents on 15­OCT­14.

We are currently receiving an increased number of approved petitions from U.S. Citizenship and

Immigration Services. As a result, we are experiencing increased review times for documents

received."

Thank you for clarifying this for me. great help

Hi guys,

Congratulations to all the petitioners with their CC I am hoping to get ours some time soon. I had one query regarding the NVC status. On the CEAC website, I just checked the status by putting in invoice ID and case no, and I see three sections :

Section 1 : Choice of Address and Agent : DS 261 Status --> Complete

Section 2 : Affidavit of Support filled by my husband (Petitioner) --> AOS Fee Paid and AOS Supporting docs --> N/A

Section 3 : Applicant information ( Me , Principal Applicant) --> IV Fee Paid; IV Application Completed and Civil Documents --> N/A

Now, my query is how to decipher if my case is complete. When my husband called NVC, they repeated the text of the 60 day waiting window email that we were sent earlier. Our NVC Scan date is oct 6,2014.

Thanks in advance

we have the same scan date.. I am hoping I hear towards the end of this month.. fingers crossed for you too.

Hi all,

I have a question, my documents were received by NVC on the 6th October 14 and I got the 60day email on the 8th October 14. Should I be using 6th or 8th as my scan date?

I sent both packaged as 'ONE' as per current information.

They just switched this. I have a cover sheet for the AOS and a cover sheet for the IV.

The new instructions say:

What Document Cover Sheet are they referring to? I didn't receive any cover sheet. The first letter I got from the NVC states my case number, IID, and beneficiary number and it tells me to file my DS-261.

As of now I am thinking of putting both the AOS and IV with their individual cover letters in one package and mailing to NVC with ATTN: DR.

The ATTN:DR is different than the ATTN for the AOS and IV cover letters.

Do I need to get a new cover letter? I would imagine agents can deal with the old cover letters if sent in ONE package but you never know.

The document cover sheet they speak off, I never reviced. We sent our packages together in one package. AOS with the payment cover sheet and same for IV and mailed together in same envelope.

They received the documents on the 6th and on the 8th October we got the 60day email.

So we waiting now.....

My two packages were received on 6th October and I received the 60 Day email today 8th October.

The wait begins.....

hey, I have a question to people that have recently pay for the fees :

did you receive anything after it showed PAID on ceac ? do we still are going to get bar - code sheet or I just need to use the "document cover sheet" I got with aos invoice/ welcome letter ?

I didn't not receive anything via mail, we printed the document cover sheet which is available once you pay and sent the documents with that.

Is NVC back to its normal processing times? I wonder, if it is.....Its good news for all of us. Did somebody else too get an email stating 2-4 weeks instead of 60 days???

It says this on the CEAC website the 2-4wks info as per below.. so I hope its moving faster and we bypass the 60days.. one can remain hopeful right?? haha

Once received, it will take the NVC 2 to 4 weeks to review your case. If any additional information is required after the review, the NVC will notify the applicant (or the applicant’s agent).

I am hopeful

I am doing electronic processing, so it's a PDF scan of the original. EP requires us to bring all originals with us to the interview.

If I were you, I would get a notarized copy if you can, and bring your originals with you to your interview. I do believe they accept notarized copies in the packages (and I KNOW if I'm wrong I will get stomped on shortly...lol!)

Guys and Girls, I would highly suggest, that you submit the Original Certified Police Certificate, unless your in EP status. A Notarized copy will lead to a check list. Don't take the chance!

Thanks for your replies, I will just submit the original as per the wiki last thing I need is a check-list.

Just logged in to find the IV fee available to pay. Trying to contact the hubby to get that puppy paid!

Snap. Us too. Showed available to pay like 2 hrs ago. Paid it straightaway and mailing the two packages tomorrow as one.

Hope you get yours done and shipped.

I will fill in the DS-260 during the week, going by the wiki it doesn't need completing urgently.

Question - will you be sending original police certificate or a copy???

Hi VJ'ers

Did you submit the Original police certificate or a photocopy?

My confusion comes because on the wiki it states original, but on the travel.state website it says photocopy.

Any replies will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

My gut is telling me to wait until both fees are paid. Thanks for clarifying this. I remember seeing the steps here earlier, but I have a lot going on in my life right now (besides this process) and my brain became addled. It is easy to overthink things also. Anyway, I don't hold any illusions that this will make the process any quicker, but if it does (even just a little bit), then that is a bonus. So I will follow the steps they have set out and keep you all posted as to my progress.

Speaking of which, better update the ole timeline!

Hey Dualie,

I am waiting for both of fee's to be paid before sending the packages. I called the NVC and asked the lady she said they're trying to be more streamline with the 'one package' process and that is what she would recommend I do.

She said the IV bill should become available this week and we will receive an email when it's ready. So just waiting on that...

It is down to the individual couple to decide what they want to do, however if the advice is to send as 'ONE' package I don't want to go against the advice.

Best of Luck

Hope October is great month for us all.. Currently waiting for the IV fee to be billed..

I FINALLY got through to NVC after trying two days in a row.

I rang to find out if my DS-261 has been accepted, the lady took my email address and said she will submit it now as she has spoken to me, I asked when the IV fee will be available and she said some time next week but couldn't specify a date.

Fingers crossed!!

I am glad NVC is progressing I paid my IV fees yesterday and sent both of my packages today Actually I wanted to send everything before I even paid my IV fees. I thought I'd put AOS document sheet in front of both packages (that's what the NVC rep told me to do) but while I was waiting for my husband to collect all his documents, it took him 2 weeks to do that (one week for collecting docs, and one week for sending them here from India)..While I waited for the docs, I got an email on sept 20th that My IV fees has been invoiced but it I couldn't pay it til like yesterday.. I received my husband's documents yesterday and today I sent the packages together attaching IV document sheet hopefully they will receive it by tomorrow and sept 25th (my hubby's birthday) will be my scan date

That's excellent especially on your husband's birthday that's got to add some extra good luck on there. I hope all continues to run smoothly.

All the best

Hi,

Check my NVC process

08.13.2014: Case Number & IIN assigned

08.13.2014: Received DS-261 / AOS Bill

08.13.2014: DS-261 Form Completed

08.14.2014: Pay AOS Bill

08.18.2014: AOS Payment Status "Paid"

08.30.2014: Send AOS Package

09.02.2014: Received AOS Package

09.04.2014: Scan AOS Package

Please allow 15 days for the NVC to process your DS-261 before continuing to the next step - My AOS payment exceeded the 15 days and did not receive IV bill yet.

Thanking you

I was actually referring to VJ member - harsimar0925.

I am not sure what went wrong with my post but that's who's timeline I was referring to.

Thanks.

paid my iv fees today..when will I be able to fill out ds260 ???

Your timeline is giving me great hope. Your IV bill appeared 15days after receiving the AOS bill, so that's bang on the new process timings

Are you going to be submitting your packages as 'ONE package' as per new process?

NVC is saying that your package must be submitted together per there New Online posted Application process and flowchart to (Mail-In I-864 plus Financials and DS-260 Civil Documents), unless your going to sit on your AOS for 60 days until you have Access to the DS-260 (which is Pending at this time), you simply cannot submit both together. If this was the intend of the NVC, this would mean around 60 day for the AOS review to completion, then another 15 days or more for the completion of the IV review to completion before you send in all the documents, which they will review again over a 60 day window or another 4 1/2 months in processing time.

Your timeline is vary close to our timeline, but yet we have completed both the DS-261 and submitted our AOS separately, your AOS is currently still under 'Review" as is mine, until it's completed you won't have Access to the IV Payment window which is still pending and Access to the (DS-260 Online Immigration Visa Application). NVC is still processing our petitions using the Old Process, under the New Process the IV Fee payment window along with the AOS payment window whould be opened at the same time, this isn't the case at this time!

Whoever the person that thought about this change at the NVC, clearly didn't look at the whole process as it stands right! The Delays that are being caused right now are from the NVC which has everyone confused about the process!

As for those who are just starting this process with the DS-261, it would be great to know if they would update this forum on weather or not the AOS and IV Payments windows are open at the same time under the New Process. If this is True, then all the prior pending petitions submitted before 19 Sept 2014, have a Legit Beef witht the NVC, therefore opening the window for Congressional Complaints.

You make a very good and varied point, I think at this rate I will have to call and find out what side of the process we fall into. Our AOS fee etc was invoiced prior to Sept 19th date so I am confused as to what we should do. We need to fill in the I-864 and then we can submit the AOS package, but the 'DELAY' threat from NVC if both packages aren't sent together is worrying me.

U.S. Department of State

National Visa Center Process of Pending Applications IR-1/CR-1

Under the old policy of document submissions and the step by step process:

Step 1. DS-261 Online Form

Choice of Agent Form (Contact Person for matters involving the Status of the Pending Application)

Notification from NVC as “Complete”

Step 2. Affidavit of Support (AOS) Fee Window is opened for the Petitioner to make payment.

Petitioner Makes Payment

Notification from NVC as “Paid”; with Acknowledgement (Receipt) and Document Submission using the NVC Generated Cover Letter.

I-864 Affidavit of Support Form, with Petitioner Financial Documents

Step 3. DS- 260 Online Visa Application data-entry:

Immigration Visa (IV) Fee Window is opened for the Petitioner to make payment.

Petitioner Makes Payment

Notification from NVC as “Paid”; with Acknowledgement (Receipt) and Document Submission using NVC Generated Cover Letter.

Civil Document Submission: Marriage Cert., Birth Cert, Police Reports etc.

Step 4. NVC Beneficiary Visa Application Approval (Case Complete)

Step 5. NVC sends Approved Visa Petition sent to Local U.S. Embassy with Visa Interview Date.

Step 6. U.S. Embassy send letter to Applicant with Instructions and needed Documents prior to the Interview.

Step 7. The Interview

Step 8. U.S. Embassy Issuance of Visa or Denial of the Visa

Old Step by Step Process with the Nations Visa Center.

http://www.visajourney.com/examples/NVC_Process_Flowchart_v1-2.pdf

Old Process for Fee Payments:

http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/immigrate/immigrant-process/documents/fees.html

Normal Application Processing time was 30 Days. On or about 1 August 2014, this policy changed to 60 days (word of mouth from the NVC Call Center), and has been reported by pending Petitioners/Applicants when calling the NVC to inquire about their Application Status, that the NVC is experiencing delays because of the number of Applications they’re receiving from USCIS.

Application Fee changes for various Documents went into effect on 12 Sept 2014; this should “Only” apply “New Applications”, not the current Pending Application that were filed months or years ago.

Under the New Policy of Document Submission to the NVC, all Documents must be submitted at the same time (One Package); this change occurred on or about 19 September 2014. There was No “News” notification posted anywhere on the Department of State Consular’s website informing current Petitioners/Applicants of this change.

http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/immigrate/immigrant process/documents/Submit_documents.html

NVC News Bulletin:

http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/news.html

It’s not like the NVC “Didn’t know” who these Petitioners/Applicants were, once the DS-261 is completed, the NVC has an entire “Database of email addresses (Choice of Agent)” of pending Applications that should have been “Notified Immediately of this Change”!

The main contradiction to this “New Policy Change” is, the Petitioner/Applicant cannot Access the DS-260 Online Application without being “Billed and Paying the IV Fee First”, because it’s “Not Available” until the IV Fee is “Paid First”, therefore making the “One Package Submission is Moot”!

There is “No” remedy given by the NVC to those who have filed documents prior to this change and who will have Priority at this point, other than the “Fact of Significant Delays”, because these New Procedures were “Not Followed”!

It was discovered after reviewing the Consular’s “Step by Step” procedures and processing of Visa Applications on or about the same date as stated above.

http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/immigrate/immigrant-process.html

As it stands right now, those who filed and followed the “Old Process and Procedures” are now victimized and penalized by the NVC because of this change in Policy! This shouldn’t be the case; the NVC should be using “FIFO” method to resolve this issue!

Issue:

Since nearly 100% of all pending Visa Applications (at least a Thousand or more that are pending) where submitted under the Old Policy prior to this change, now the Petitioner/Applicant faces delays beyond their control because of this change in Policy. This should not be the case; the Department of State created this new problem, therefore causing “Significant” delays in the process of Pending Applications because of the Policy Change.

Solution:

Open the IV Fee Payment Window “Immediately”; so that all “Pending Applications” prior to this change can pay the IV Fee and submit their “Documents” without “Delay”!

http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/immigrate/immigrant-process/documents.html

These are the NEW steps as I read and understand them.

Step 1 – Choose an agent

Step 2 – Pay fees (Immigrant visa application processing fee and Affidavit of support fee)

If you pay online allow 5 days for the NVC to process your fee payments before continuing to the next step

Step 3 – Complete DS-260 (Cannot Access or Complete this Document until the IV Fee is Paid)

After completing the DS-260 you must print the confirmation page and bring it to your interview.

Step 4 – Collect financial documents

· Complete Affidavit of Support Form i.e., I-864

· Obtain financial evidence i.e., IRS Tax Transcripts

Step 5 – Collect supporting documents (These are the IV documents, marriage cert/ police cert etc)

Step 6 – Submit documents to the NVC as ‘ONE package’ (Impossible to Submit as “One Package”)

· After you collect your affidavit of support form (s) and financial evidence in Step 4, and supporting documents in Step 5, You must submit all of the documents in 'ONE package' to the NVC. Your case may be significantly delayed if you fail to submit all of your documents in one package.

· PLEASE ALLOW 60 DAYS for the NVC to review your forms and documents.

Thanks for the clearly stated updated information.

How come you say in RED- it's impossible to submit as "One Package" ??

I thought that was actually going to be okay...

Thanks again.

This is what I have at the fees page now. For some reason, I can't select the IV payment - there is no box to select it((((

Affidavit of Support (AOS) Fees

Petitioner

Fee Amount

Payment Status

Select

JOHNSON JANE

$88.00

PAID

IV Application Processing Fees

Applicant Name

Birth Year

Relation

Fee Amount

Payment Status

Select

Total Amount Selected: $0.00

The fee is not available for you to pay yet that's why it's showing at $0.00 - once it's available Its $325 that's the new amount as off September 12th 2014. For new applicant only..

The link you posted isn't working...and do you think this means it'll be a faster service now?

I am sorry - this one should be working

http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/immigrate/immigrant-process/approved/contact.html

If you read from - Choose an agent that's step 1.

Hi guys,

I'm new here. i'm in the process of bringing my wife over from China. So far i have completed the d-261 form and i have submitted the paid AOS.

A couple of days ago i got an email saying i had to pay for the IV, but when i check there is no invoice available. Its listed there but the option to pay is at $0.00 and has no check mark.

Am i missing something?

Also i wanted to ask, for the D-260 app do i have to submit my wife's police and birth certificate in original form? I mean getting anything from China to the States has proved difficult to say the least. Is there any way that scans or pdfs can be submitted? These should be submitted with the D-260 app right?

Once that's done whats usually the time frame for an interview? We are hopping she can spend the spring festival(Feb) with her family then come over.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

I am currently waiting for the IV fee to become available on the ceac website, like yourself it shows as $0.00

I will be submitting original Birth certificate and police cert + a copy of each.

I'm doing this now. I got an e-mail on Sept 17 informing me of the case number and invoice code. I was instructed to submit the choice of agent online which I did immediately. On Sept 18 I went online and was able to pay the AOS fee. Currently payment is "pending" and I don't have the option to pay the IV fee yet. I'm hoping that will come soon so I can submit everything together and I'll be sending by FexEx from abroad which will cost an arm and a leg.

Ryan

Hi Ryan,

I am at the same place as you, our AOS has appeared as Paid but no option for the IV fee yet. I'll follow your time line to see how you get on :-)

Maureen

Hi My fellow Feb filers, I think I have come onto something today about the NEW NVC process, this can be found here

http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/immigrate/immigrant-process/approved/contact.html

I have listed the steps below also.

Step 1 – Choose an agent

Step 2 – Pay fees (Immigrant visa application processing fee and Affidavit of support fee)

If you pay online allow 5 days for the NVC to process your fee payments before continuing to the next step

Step 3 – Complete DS-260

After completing the DS-260 you must print the confirmation page and bring it to your interview.

Step 4 – Collect financial documents

· Complete Affidavit of support form i.e I-864

· Obtain financial evidence i.e IRS Tax Transcripts

Step 5 – Collect supporting documents ( These are the IV documents, marriage cert/ police cert etc)

Step 6 – Submit documents to the NVC as ‘ONE package’

· After you collect your affidavit of support form (s) and financial evidence in Step 4, and supporting documents in Step 5, You must submit all of the documents in ONE package to the NVC. Your case may be significantly delayed if you fail to submit all of your documents in one package.

· PLEASE ALLOW 60 DAYS for the NVC to review your forms and documents.

As you can see the difference is you now submit the packages as ONE and not separately, as people have done previously, another NVC filer thinks this has come into effect as off September.