Upon suggestion of a VJ member (thanks foobaz123), I have created a FAQ of the most common questions I see here on VJ concerning the NVC process. If you know of a common question that isn't mentioned here, please inform me through a reply in this thread or PM me. I'd be more than happy to include it here.
FAQ
How long does it take to get a case number assigned after NOA2?
As of recently, it's been taking around 3-4 weeks, depending where you were approved.
When (and how often) should I start calling NVC about the case number?
Wait at least a week from your NOA2 date, then start calling. Call about 1-3 times a week for now. Once NVC has received the case, then start calling every single day afterwards (or as often as you want) until you get it.
What happens if my case doesn't arrive in a timely manner? (Timely manner being the current wait time)
VJ member tokinaija suggests: "Call USCIS, and specifically request to be connected to a Tier 2 supervisor (bypassing the contract customer reps). When connected to a Tier 2 representative, request that you want confirmation that your approved case has been physically shipped to NVC. In amenable words, request for the specific date that the package was shipped. If you are lucky, you will get someone who would take the time to confirm this for you."
Will I receive XXXX (initial information package, invoices, instructions, interview letter, etc) by email or snail mail?
As long as you give over the email addresses of both the petitioner and beneficiary (once you have a case number), ALL correspondence from NVC will be sent through email. This does not necessarily mean that YOU can send THEM information by email though. Only those eligible for EP (electronic processing) can email the AOS and IV packages.
What's the difference between EP and online forms?
Online forms are just that, online forms. The DS-261 and DS-260 are NOT part of electronic processing. Electronic processing (EP) is emailing in documents. Not everyone can do this yet. You still have to be eligible for EP before emailing in packages. The link to see who's eligible is in the first post.
What's the DS-261?
The DS-261 replaces the old DS-3032. So, instead of sending the DS-3032 once a case number is assigned, you'll have to wait for the DS-261 to become available on the online forms portal (link in the first post). Once it's available, fill it out. It's exactly like the DS-3032, except online. If you wish to see screenshots of the DS-261, you can do so here: Saylin's DS-261 screenshots (these are screenshots I uploaded back in 2011, but should still be the same, or at least similar). To go through all the screenshots, click on the 'next' button (there are 6 images in total). Once you've submitted the DS-261, print out the confirmation page at the end. This is for your own records.
What's the DS-260?
The DS-260 replaces the old DS-230. As before, you will still submit the IV package, just without the DS-230. The DS-260 will be done online. For me, it was only available once the IV appeared as PAID in the payment portal. Not sure if it's changed or not at all since then. But, at the most, it'll be a few days after you pay the IV bill. Like the DS-261, it'll be on the online forms portal (link in first post). You can do the DS-260 before or after you send the IV package, it doesn't matter. As long as it gets done, NVC doesn't care.
Please note: depending on how prepared you are, the DS-260 can take a few hours. You can always save and return, if you wish; it doesn't need to be all done in one sitting. But, it'll take an hour at the least (30 minutes maybe if you're really fast). My suggestion is to have a DS-230 pre-filled out and that way you can just copy over the answers. This will shave off quite some time if you prepare ahead. But be warned, there are some differences between the DS-230 and DS-260 where the DS-260 asks for more information. You can view screenshots (and thus the differences) here from when it was first released back in 2010: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/49845403/DS-260-screen-shots There have been changes since this original DS-260 was released, but it's quite similar still. As with the DS-261, print out the confirmation page at the end. Make sure to bring this to the interview, just in case. It took Montreal quite a few months to get used to the online forms, so they were still requesting DS-230s at the interview. So, it might not be a bad idea if everyone going through NVC now brought a completed DS-230 to their interview, in case it's requested. Having a DS-230 already completed will shave off much time if you had to suddenly fill out the form at the embassy/consulate.
What do I do after my case number is assigned?
Get the IIN from an operator (ask for the 'Invoice Identification Number', not IIN). Give over the email addresses of the beneficiary and petitioner. If you are doing EP (and are eligible for it), then send the optin email. Once possible, send the DS-261 online (may take a day or two before you can sign onto the online forms portal).
After the case number is assigned, how long does it take for the AOS bill to be invoiced?
Recently, it's been taking a week or less.
How much are the two bills? And how do I pay them?
The AOS costs $88 (per case) and the IV is $230 (per person). They have to be paid with a US banking account on the payment portal (site linked in first post). See information here: http://travel.state..../info_3906.html If you can't or don't want to pay online, here's a link to how to pay through the mail: http://travel.state..../info_3905.html .
Help! I can't sign into the payment portal. Why?
If you're getting an error message ("Please be advised that the case that you have attempted to access is not eligible for further processing by the National Visa Center at this time…" or "This case is in the process of termination. Fee payments and online forms can no longer be accepted…" or "You cannot make online payments for your case at this time. Please contact the NVC if you have questions or need further information."), do NOT panic. This is actually good news! If you just got your case number, then this message means NVC is inputting your case in their system. If you get this message a few days after case number generation, then it's a good possibility that NVC is invoicing your AOS bill. And if this message appears a few days after DS-3032 acceptance, then there's a good chance the IV bill is being invoiced.
What is needed in the AOS package?
Generally, the following is needed:
With no joint sponsors:
- Bar-coded cover sheet from payment portal - Cover letter (optional) - Completed, signed, and dated I-864 form by petitioner - Tax information* of petitioner (either just the last year OR the last 3 years) - Employment letter of petitioner (optional, but good proof of CURRENT income) - Pay stub(s) of petitioner (optional, but good proof of CURRENT income)
With joint sponsors:
- All of the above of the petitioner - Completed, signed, and dated I-864 of joint sponsor - Tax information* of joint sponsor (either just the last year OR the last 3 years) - Proof of US citizenship/residency of joint sponsor (ex: copy of US passport, US birth certificate, US naturalization certificate, or front & back of green card) - Employment letter of joint sponsor (optional, but good proof of CURRENT income) - Pay stub(s) of joint sponsor (optional, but good proof of CURRENT income)
If the joint sponsor is a household/family member, also include proof of that relationship (example: if a parent is a joint sponsor, include the petitioner's birth certificate with parents' name on it to show link).
*You have two choices here of what to send in:
- Tax return transcripts ordered from IRS (preferred by NVC and of most consulates/embassies) RECOMMENDED OR - Tax returns (1040) and W2s and any other schedules (if applicable)
What if I (the petitioner) live with my spouse in their foreign country? Do I need to include anything in either package?
You'll need to provide proof of US domicile with the AOS package, as well as bring it with you to the interview. Please read the I-864 instructions (pages 3 and 4) for information about it. This is NOT needed if the petitioner is living in the US. Here is a sample cover letter to include in the package (it lists MANY possible documents, some may not be applicable of course, to prove that you have, or will re-establish, domicile in the US):
NAME SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER FORM I-1864 No. 15 Country of Domicile
I, XXXX, am currently residing in FOREIGN COUNTRY with my spouse, SPOUSE'S NAME. Below you will find a list of attached documents to show that my principle residence is in the US and the steps that I have taken to return to the US with my family.
Steps I have taken to maintain US Domicile: • Maintained my XXXX voter registration • Maintained my XXXX credit card registered in the US with a US PO box • Maintained my bank account at the XXXX Credit Union • Maintained my bank account at XXXX Bank • Maintained my XXXX drivers license • Maintained my US retirement fund through XXXX • Maintained my US investment account with XXXX • Maintained my US PO box • Maintained licensure by the XXXX • Maintained membership in the XXXX • Maintained my automobile in care of my parents
Supporting Documents for the above steps I have taken: • Voter registration card showing permanent US address • XXXX credit card statement showing US billing address • XXXX Credit Union statement showing permanent US address • XXXX Bank statement showing permanent US address • XXXX drivers license showing permanent US address • Retirement fund statement showing permanent US address • Mutual fund statement showing permanent US address • XXXX license currently up to date • Renewal of XXXX membership • County tax bill showing I still own a vehicle
Steps I have taken to return to the US to take up residence: • Made arrangements for us to have a house to live in • Contacted schools for requirements of things to bring to register my children in school • Contacted my auto insurance company to find out about re-instating my insurance on my car • Contacted shipping company for estimate of costs to ship belongings
Supporting documents for the above steps I have taken: • Lease agreement for our house • Email from schools regarding registration requirements • Email from my former auto insurance company regarding my inquiry • Email from XXXX with estimate and correspondence regarding shipping our belongings
I declare that I intend in good faith to re-establish my domicile in the United States no later than the date of spouse's admission into the US.
I certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States that the statements in this letter and all accompanying evidence are true and correct.
Signature: ____________________________________________________ Date: ______________________ NAME
Thanks to VJ member lemayz for this suggestion!
I sent the AOS package but got a checklist for the IV package (which I either have sent or not sent yet) [or vice versa]. What's going on?
If you sent the packages separately, then get a checklist for the other one, just ignore it; it's a false checklist. The same applies if you sent just one of the packages and get a checklist for the other. Please understand that as soon as NVC reviews a package, they very frequently generate a checklist for the other package, without even checking if they have it in the building first. If you do get a checklist for one of the packages, you do NOT have to use that bar-coded cover sheet; you can still use the one from the payment portal.
The only time a checklist is real (and not false) is if it asks for something very specific missing in a package (like a police certificate, for example). If it asks for something general, like the entire package, then you can assume it's false. Call up an operator at NVC to confirm.
Thanks to VJ member sulhaq for this suggestion!
When does the IV bill get invoiced?
About a week or two after you complete the DS-261, NVC will accept and add it to your case file. A few days after that, the IV bill will be invoiced. You won't get an email of acceptance, so you need to call to find out when it's been accepted and added to the case file.
What is needed in the IV package?
Generally, the following is needed:
- Bar-coded cover sheet from payment portal - Two passport-style photographs (2" x 2") of beneficiary (on the back, write: beneficiary's full name, date of birth, and case number) - Copy of bio-data page of beneficiary's unexpired passport - Original or Certified Copy of beneficiary's birth certificate, PLUS A PHOTOCOPY - Original or Certified Copy of marriage certificate, PLUS A PHOTOCOPY - Original police certificate(s)
Please read: http://travel.state..../info_3195.html for additional documents if applicable (such as petitioner documents in IR-5 cases or divorce/military records or proof of permanent residency, etc).
Also read the country-specific documents linked in the first post. There may be additional documents needed not listed above.
If my documents are not in English, do they need to be translated?
NVC's website states:
"All documents not written 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 and submitted to the NVC. The translation must include a statement signed by the translator stating that the:
-Translation is accurate, and
-Translator is competent to translate."
Despite this, I have seen cases of people getting checklists for not having translations of non-English documents. I'd suggest you get everything translated anyways to be on the safe side. It's not needed, but highly recommended.
Additionally, embassies/consulates in some countries require translations of documents into English even though they are written in the official language of the country, so it's best to check with the embassy/consulate to see what document translation requirements are. [Thanks to Ryan H for his suggestion on this last statement!]
How long does it take for a bill to appear as PAID in the payment portal after paying it?
Usually just a day or two, but can take longer.
Do I have to wait for NVC to email me instructions before mailing packages?
NO. If you wait on NVC for this, it can take WEEKS to get anything from them. As long as the respective bill has been paid in the payment portal, you can send in your package.
Members have had luck sending the packages as soon as they pay the bills (since the bar-coded cover sheet becomes available after paying). If you're not going to wait for it to appear as PAID in the portal, at least wait until the money has cleared the bank account.
What address do I send the AOS and IV packages?
You will find their addresses on their respective bar-coded cover sheets, which are printed off the payment portal.
Can the packages be sent from abroad or does it have to be from within the US?
Doesn't matter where the package is sent from; NVC just needs to receive it.
Do the packages have to be sent separately or can they be sent together?
Either one or the other works. Again, as long as NVC receives both needed packages, they don't really care. Each way has their pros and cons.
Help! I called NVC and they said they haven't received my package(s) yet, but the tracking says it was delivered!
Don't worry. Unfortunately, the package won't show up in the operator's system until the package has begun to be reviewed. At that point, it's entered in the system. So, don't fret. If your tracking says it arrived, it arrived.
After sending in the packages, how long does it take for them to get reviewed?
NVC operators are stating 30 business days now. In most cases though, it's faster than that.
Do I get an email if my packages have been accepted?
No, not that I have seen. You have to call NVC every day and ask for updates on your case to find out if a package has been reviewed and accepted.
Note: If you're in the EP program, lately people have been getting acceptance emails, but don't ever rely on receiving emails from NVC. Call, call, call.
Do I get an email when my case is completed?
Generally, no. Only those doing EP (electronic processing) get the case complete emails. There are some non-EP folk that get case complete emails. It used to be rare, but it's becoming more common. Although, they're delayed by almost a week or more, so do not rely on them. Again, to find out if your case is complete (the fastest way), call an operator at NVC and ask.
After the case is completed, what happens?
In most cases: the case is put in a queue to get an interview date scheduled. Once an interview date is scheduled, the case is shipped out to the consulate/embassy.
Who should I be calling to find out my interview date?
You could call NVC and/or DOS. Both have access to your case information. Their numbers are linked above.
How long does it take to get an interview date after a case complete?
This varies by country and consulate/embassy. Some people find out within a day or two, others a few weeks, then the few unfortunate that wait a few months (ex: Ghana). To get the best estimate for YOUR country is to search, using the timeline feature, when others got case completes and when they got their interview dates scheduled.
When do interview dates get scheduled?
If you talk to operators at NVC, they'll always tell you they ONLY schedule during the second week of each month. This is a LIE. They schedule interviews ALL month long. Many people (like myself) have gotten scheduled during the last week of the month. I repeat, they schedule ALL month long.
How long does it take for NVC to mail my case out after getting an interview date scheduled?
Usually it's the next day, but it can take up to a week or more in rare cases.
Is it possible to get a tracking number for my green card after POE?
Yes it is! Follow VJ member Darnell's advice:
"Call USCIS, get a human, ask for the TRACKING NUMBER on the green card. Yes, such a thing exists, and they will give it to you when asked.
Then call USPS and inquire for status. In the end, if USPS sent it back to USCIS, you'll need to call USCIS again, talk with an ISO about 'returned mail pieces', go over your address again on the telephone, and ask to have all returned mail pieces sent back to you."
Please note: the above time frames are just estimates. Do NOT freak out if your case takes a little bit longer. The time frames are constantly changing. They also depend on NVC's work load for that day/week.
- get case number and IIN, give email addresses over - complete the online DS-261 - pay the AOS bill, once it's invoiced - once the bill appears as PAID, send the AOS package - pay the IV bill, once it's invoiced - once the bill appears as PAID, send the IV package
- complete the online DS-260 - respond to any checklists, if applicable - get case complete - get interview date scheduled - case is sent to embassy/consulate
Below are the possible questions, not all but it is good to know the answer to all. Hope this helps.
1. Who is the Petitioner?
2. Where did you meet your wife?
3. Do you speak to many woman online?
4. What language does the petitioner speak?
5. How long have you known your wife?
6. Have you been married before? Do you have any children?
7. Has your wife been married before? Does she have any children?
8. What College your wife attended?
9. Which subjects has your WIFE studied?
10. How many times has your wife visited Morocco?
11. How long was each visit?
12. What's your wife full name?
13. Has she used any other names?
14. How many times have you met?
15. When and how did you meet?
16. When was the last time you were together?
17. How long have you known each other?
18. How long were you together the last time?
19. How long were you together any other time(s)?
20. What are the dates of the visits?
21. What have you done when your WIFE came?
22. Where did you go?
23. Where does your WIFE live? Which city and state?
24. What does your WIFE do for a living?
25. Where does your WIFE work?
26. What is your Wife’s phone number?
27. Do you know how long your WIFE has had this job?
28. Did you have a wedding ceremony?
29. Please describe your wedding ceremony.
30. Questions about the pictures; when, where and who.
31. Where will you live?
32. Have you met your Wife’s family?
33. Where does your Wife’s parents live?
34. How do you communicate with your WIFE?
35. How do you keep in touch?
36. What language do you use to communicate with your WIFE?
37. How many times do you and your WIFE talk on the phone each month?
38. Do you want children?
39. What does your family think about your marriage?
40. Do you love your WIFE?
41. What do you love about your WIFE?
42. Does your WIFE own or rent their home?
43. What is the address?
44. How long has your wife lived in Florida?
45. How much does your WIFE earn?
46. Write your Wife’s full name.
47. Have you ever been to the US?
48. Do you have any relatives/friends in the US?
49. Where do they live?
50. When did her mother died?
51. Does your WIFE have any brothers or sisters?
52. What are their names?
53. How old is he?
54. what does he do for a living?
55. where does he live?
56. how come there is no letter of intent on his behalf
57. What are your Wife’s hobbies and interests?
58. What are your hobbies and interests?
59. What do you have in common?
60. Do you know if your WIFE was married before?
61. How many times?
62. When did your WIFE divorce?
63. What is your wife ex husband name?
64. Why did they divorce?
65. Does your wife have any children?
66. What is her name?
67. How old is she?
68. When is her birthday?
69. What grade is she in?
70. What year was she born?
71. What does she call you?
72. Have you spoken to her?
73. How do you get along with your Wife’s child?
74. What is your Wife’s religious background?
75. Does your WIFE speak and understand your language?
76. Why do you want to come to the United States?
77. How old is your WIFE?
78. What is your Wife’s birth date?
79. Where was your WIFE born?
80. Do you speak and understand your Wife’s native language?
81. What do you do for a living?
82. What do you plan to do once you are in the US?
83. Do you plan to work in the US?
84. Do you plan to study in the US?
85. What company does your Wife’s work for and what is their title?
86. What is your Wife’s favorite food?
87. Where did your WIFE work in the past and for how long?
88. What color are your Wife’s eyes?
89. What color is your Wife’s hair?
90. Did you prepare the forms yourself?
91. Have you been in the military?
92. Who is the petitioner?
93. Please tell me more about your WIFE.
94. Do you plan to stay in the U.S. forever?
95. What made you decide to use the internet to find a WIFE?
96. How long has your WIFE been working for Atlantic Broadband?
97. When did you marry?
98. When was your wedding ceremony?
99. Who was there?
100. Was any of her family there?
101. Why weren't they there?
102. What is your religion?
103. Were you talking to a lot of women on the Internet?
104. What do you and your WIFE talk about on the phone?
105. Will you be a good parent to your Wife’s child?
106. Have you ever left Morocco?
107. For how long?
108. Why did you leave?
109. What did your wife love more here in Morocco?
110. Have you ever applied for a US Visa?
111. When did you apply?
112. Who was the petitioner?
113. What happened with the previous relationship?
114. WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T GET THE VISA?
More tips on the interview below……
1. Speak slow, and answer questions in detail. Stick to the question and don’t veer off the subject. Respond clear, and descriptive. Should not be longer than one minute to answer, but be sure to explain yourself.
2. If you do not know the answer to a question, do not lie. Say, "I don't know the answer to that at this time." or "I don't remember."
3. The answer to many questions will be in the papers that were sent in the petitions. Questions like, "what are your wife's parent's names". They will expect you to know the information given in your petitions. Review everything in your paperwork with your husband before his interview, and do a mock interview to see how the information may be applied.
4. Avoid saying "I think . . .". Women do this a lot. The examiner will expect you to know not be unsure, of your answers. Alwife, avoid adding "umm", "you know" and "ahh" type fillers to your speech.
5. When applicable, don't just state, demonstrate. If the examiner asks a question that can be answered with a document or photograph(s), provide it along with your answer.
For example, if the examiner asks, "What does your family think of your wife?", give them a picture or two with your answer; "They like her very much. Here is a picture of her with my mother at my home."
Or, "How many attended your wedding?" Answer, "(give a number, then say) We have wifeme lovely wedding photos of our guests having fun. Here are a few that I can show you."
6. Give American answers for dates and times. 12/24/07, not 24/12/07.
7. Dress well, but not overdressed.
8. Try to appear calm, well organized, and friendly. Nervousness raises suspicions.
9. Remain focused. If the examiner makes jokes, smile and enjoy, but do not make jokes too.
10. Make proper eye contact when conversing with the examiner, and try to control your own facial expressions assure that your face remains pleasant and cordial.
11. Be audible (means speak up) your examiner doesn't have to ask you to repeat your answers.
12. Organize your papers in a way that will allow you to retrieve them easily and quickly. Examiners appreciate order and someone who doesn't waste their time.
13. When the interview is over, always ask for the results. "What should I now tell my wife about my visa status after our interview?" Before you leave, have them explain any papers they give to you and/or any procedures they will be taking to complete your case. Try to get the examiner's name for future reference, if needed. Write it down. Remember to verify the phone number so they can contact you to pick up the VISA.!@! hurray@@!!!
14. Arrive early to the consulate, but always be prepared to wait for a time past your scheduled interview appointment time. Be careful of thieves around the consulate if you have to carry cash. Bring ID; you cannot enter without it.
CONFIDENCE IS THE KEY TO ANYTHING!
What are the possible interview questions for CR1?
1. How you met your spouse?
2. What does your spouse live?
3. What does your spouse do for living?
4. How do you communicate with your spouse?
I will request everyone to add more on this topic. Thanks
