Kanuk

I want to share some experience with everyone going through the grinder at NVC which might help some,
As background, I was granted an expedite (through NVC) by my consulate which required only that I pay my fees and submit the DS260. Things bogged down. I was told 60 days... blah, blah, blah. My case went to a supervisors review. They did finally find the missing form, and as a result I was calling back to thank my supervisor (and the rep) for her hard work and we chatted for 20 min or so (it was an enlightening conversation). It was eye-opening to connect with someone on the other side and it prompted me to share.
Here are my two cents worth of advice and observation:
NVC processing:
- To begin with, for crying out loud, read and reread Saylin's wiki on the process. She is the patron saint of the NVC process and continues to help us out of the goodness of her heart. She is up to date and often chimes in on this forum. She is a goddess.
- Once you understand the process and are complying, you will have to wait. Yes, sixty days... It stinks, I understand. But calling again and again hoping for some other information will do you little good. The reps and the supervisors will NOT tell you anything else, even when they are attempting to look into or fix your issue. They simply aren't allowed. For instance, the supervisor would still only give me the '60 days' spiel, even though she was able to get back to me an hour later with a case complete.
- If you are following the wiki, you will know when something doesn't seem right and it is time to call and verify. If a deadline has passed, call.... If they tell you documents are missing that you KNOW were included, call....
- NVC presently appears to be a little short of qualified supervisors, and the caseload on them is tremendous. But if something is amiss in your case. Ask for a supervisor's review if you can't speak directly to one. It will take a few days, and they don't always contact you. Follow up with a call to see if the review was completed.
- I cannot stress this enough: I know how strung out we all are during this and how rude some of the reps are, but stay calm and polite (and persistent). They are human too and are actually more sympathetic than it appears on our end. But, they are overwhelmed and hamstrung by a broken immigration system, consulate bullying and a plethora of rules and regulations. Nevertheless, don't let a rep bully you. Call back for a different rep if you are being handled rudely.
A word on 'expediting'
- If you feel your situation qualifies for an expedite (and not just because you are you and a wonderful human being, which you are of course ). I suggest you take your time composing your request. You should briefly, yet factually, lay out your case without embellishing it with too much emotional overtone. I cannot stress how important it is to then back the request up with paperwork (in PDF format). A good paper-trail is a bureaucrat's friend. You want the consulate to have every shred of evidence when it considers your request.
- If you are granted an expedite, you now enter a grey area (for NVC as well sometimes) and there is no wiki! Pay attention to what your response letter/email states you need to do next. Don't hesitate to call NVC to get direction (though each rep may have a different story). It was only once I read my expedite email word for word to the rep that she put my case up for a supervisor review. Remember: polite and persistent!!
- Please, if you get an expedite, don't brag here. So many deserving people have been waiting and suffering for ages at NVC. On the flip-side, please don't pester someone as to why they got an expedite, or begrudge them if they get one. It can be incredibly personal.
I know this is a long-winded post, but I hope my experience and advice can help some of you now being ground up by the slow gears of NVC. Eventually we will all be spit out. I hope everyone has a smooth exit.

I want to share some experience with everyone going through the grinder at NVC which might help some,
As background, I was granted an expedite (through NVC) by my consulate which required only that I pay my fees and submit the DS260. Things bogged down. I was told 60 days... blah, blah, blah. My case went to a supervisors review. They did finally find the missing form, and as a result I was calling back to thank my supervisor (and the rep) for her hard work and we chatted for 20 min or so (it was an enlightening conversation). It was eye-opening to connect with someone on the other side and it prompted me to share.
Here are my two cents worth of advice and observation:
NVC processing:
- To begin with, for crying out loud, read and reread Saylin's wiki on the process. She is the patron saint of the NVC process and continues to help us out of the goodness of her heart. She is up to date and often chimes in on this forum. She is a goddess.
- Once you understand the process and are complying, you will have to wait. Yes, sixty days... It stinks, I understand. But calling again and again hoping for some other information will do you little good. The reps and the supervisors will NOT tell you anything else, even when they are attempting to look into or fix your issue. They simply aren't allowed. For instance, the supervisor would still only give me the '60 days' spiel, even though she was able to get back to me an hour later with a case complete.
- If you are following the wiki, you will know when something doesn't seem right and it is time to call and verify. If a deadline has passed, call.... If they tell you documents are missing that you KNOW were included, call....
- NVC presently appears to be a little short of qualified supervisors, and the caseload on them is tremendous. But if something is amiss in your case. Ask for a supervisor's review if you can't speak directly to one. It will take a few days, and they don't always contact you. Follow up with a call to see if the review was completed.
- I cannot stress this enough: I know how strung out we all are during this and how rude some of the reps are, but stay calm and polite (and persistent). They are human too and are actually more sympathetic than it appears on our end. But, they are overwhelmed and hamstrung by a broken immigration system, consulate bullying and a plethora of rules and regulations. Nevertheless, don't let a rep bully you. Call back for a different rep if you are being handled rudely.
A word on 'expediting'
- If you feel your situation qualifies for an expedite (and not just because you are you and a wonderful human being, which you are of course ). I suggest you take your time composing your request. You should briefly, yet factually, lay out your case without embellishing it with too much emotional overtone. I cannot stress how important it is to then back the request up with paperwork (in PDF format). A good paper-trail is a bureaucrat's friend. You want the consulate to have every shred of evidence when it considers your request.
- If you are granted an expedite, you now enter a grey area (for NVC as well sometimes) and there is no wiki! Pay attention to what your response letter/email states you need to do next. Don't hesitate to call NVC to get direction (though each rep may have a different story). It was only once I read my expedite email word for word to the rep that she put my case up for a supervisor review. Remember: polite and persistent!!
- Please, if you get an expedite, don't brag here. So many deserving people have been waiting and suffering for ages at NVC. On the flip-side, please don't pester someone as to why they got an expedite, or begrudge them if they get one. It can be incredibly personal.
I know this is a long-winded post, but I hope my experience and advice can help some of you now being ground up by the slow gears of NVC. Eventually we will all be spit out. I hope everyone has a smooth exit.

I want to share some experience with everyone going through the grinder at NVC which might help some,
As background, I was granted an expedite (through NVC) by my consulate which required only that I pay my fees and submit the DS260. Things bogged down. I was told 60 days... blah, blah, blah. My case went to a supervisors review. They did finally find the missing form, and as a result I was calling back to thank my supervisor (and the rep) for her hard work and we chatted for 20 min or so (it was an enlightening conversation). It was eye-opening to connect with someone on the other side and it prompted me to share.
Here are my two cents worth of advice and observation:
NVC processing:
- To begin with, for crying out loud, read and reread Saylin's wiki on the process. She is the patron saint of the NVC process and continues to help us out of the goodness of her heart. She is up to date and often chimes in on this forum. She is a goddess.
- Once you understand the process and are complying, you will have to wait. Yes, sixty days... It stinks, I understand. But calling again and again hoping for some other information will do you little good. The reps and the supervisors will NOT tell you anything else, even when they are attempting to look into or fix your issue. They simply aren't allowed. For instance, the supervisor would still only give me the '60 days' spiel, even though she was able to get back to me an hour later with a case complete.
- If you are following the wiki, you will know when something doesn't seem right and it is time to call and verify. If a deadline has passed, call.... If they tell you documents are missing that you KNOW were included, call....
- NVC presently appears to be a little short of qualified supervisors, and the caseload on them is tremendous. But if something is amiss in your case. Ask for a supervisor's review if you can't speak directly to one. It will take a few days, and they don't always contact you. Follow up with a call to see if the review was completed.
- I cannot stress this enough: I know how strung out we all are during this and how rude some of the reps are, but stay calm and polite (and persistent). They are human too and are actually more sympathetic than it appears on our end. But, they are overwhelmed and hamstrung by a broken immigration system, consulate bullying and a plethora of rules and regulations. Nevertheless, don't let a rep bully you. Call back for a different rep if you are being handled rudely.
A word on 'expediting'
- If you feel your situation qualifies for an expedite (and not just because you are you and a wonderful human being, which you are of course ). I suggest you take your time composing your request. You should briefly, yet factually, lay out your case without embellishing it with too much emotional overtone. I cannot stress how important it is to then back the request up with paperwork (in PDF format). A good paper-trail is a bureaucrat's friend. You want the consulate to have every shred of evidence when it considers your request.
- If you are granted an expedite, you now enter a grey area (for NVC as well sometimes) and there is no wiki! Pay attention to what your response letter/email states you need to do next. Don't hesitate to call NVC to get direction (though each rep may have a different story). It was only once I read my expedite email word for word to the rep that she put my case up for a supervisor review. Remember: polite and persistent!!
- Please, if you get an expedite, don't brag here. So many deserving people have been waiting and suffering for ages at NVC. On the flip-side, please don't pester someone as to why they got an expedite, or begrudge them if they get one. It can be incredibly personal.
I know this is a long-winded post, but I hope my experience and advice can help some of you now being ground up by the slow gears of NVC. Eventually we will all be spit out. I hope everyone has a smooth exit.

I want to share some experience with everyone going through the grinder at NVC which might help some,
As background, I was granted an expedite (through NVC) by my consulate which required only that I pay my fees and submit the DS260. Things bogged down. I was told 60 days... blah, blah, blah. My case went to a supervisors review. They did finally find the missing form, and as a result I was calling back to thank my supervisor (and the rep) for her hard work and we chatted for 20 min or so (it was an enlightening conversation). It was eye-opening to connect with someone on the other side and it prompted me to share.
Here are my two cents worth of advice and observation:
NVC processing:
- To begin with, for crying out loud, read and reread Saylin's wiki on the process. She is the patron saint of the NVC process and continues to help us out of the goodness of her heart. She is up to date and often chimes in on this forum. She is a goddess.
- Once you understand the process and are complying, you will have to wait. Yes, sixty days... It stinks, I understand. But calling again and again hoping for some other information will do you little good. The reps and the supervisors will NOT tell you anything else, even when they are attempting to look into or fix your issue. They simply aren't allowed. For instance, the supervisor would still only give me the '60 days' spiel, even though she was able to get back to me an hour later with a case complete.
- If you are following the wiki, you will know when something doesn't seem right and it is time to call and verify. If a deadline has passed, call.... If they tell you documents are missing that you KNOW were included, call....
- NVC presently appears to be a little short of qualified supervisors, and the caseload on them is tremendous. But if something is amiss in your case. Ask for a supervisor's review if you can't speak directly to one. It will take a few days, and they don't always contact you. Follow up with a call to see if the review was completed.
- I cannot stress this enough: I know how strung out we all are during this and how rude some of the reps are, but stay calm and polite (and persistent). They are human too and are actually more sympathetic than it appears on our end. But, they are overwhelmed and hamstrung by a broken immigration system, consulate bullying and a plethora of rules and regulations. Nevertheless, don't let a rep bully you. Call back for a different rep if you are being handled rudely.
A word on 'expediting'
- If you feel your situation qualifies for an expedite (and not just because you are you and a wonderful human being, which you are of course ). I suggest you take your time composing your request. You should briefly, yet factually, lay out your case without embellishing it with too much emotional overtone. I cannot stress how important it is to then back the request up with paperwork (in PDF format). A good paper-trail is a bureaucrat's friend. You want the consulate to have every shred of evidence when it considers your request.
- If you are granted an expedite, you now enter a grey area (for NVC as well sometimes) and there is no wiki! Pay attention to what your response letter/email states you need to do next. Don't hesitate to call NVC to get direction (though each rep may have a different story). It was only once I read my expedite email word for word to the rep that she put my case up for a supervisor review. Remember: polite and persistent!!
- Please, if you get an expedite, don't brag here. So many deserving people have been waiting and suffering for ages at NVC. On the flip-side, please don't pester someone as to why they got an expedite, or begrudge them if they get one. It can be incredibly personal.
I know this is a long-winded post, but I hope my experience and advice can help some of you now being ground up by the slow gears of NVC. Eventually we will all be spit out. I hope everyone has a smooth exit.

I want to share some experience with everyone going through the grinder at NVC which might help some,
As background, I was granted an expedite (through NVC) by my consulate which required only that I pay my fees and submit the DS260. Things bogged down. I was told 60 days... blah, blah, blah. My case went to a supervisors review. They did finally find the missing form, and as a result I was calling back to thank my supervisor (and the rep) for her hard work and we chatted for 20 min or so (it was an enlightening conversation). It was eye-opening to connect with someone on the other side and it prompted me to share.
Here are my two cents worth of advice and observation:
NVC processing:
- To begin with, for crying out loud, read and reread Saylin's wiki on the process. She is the patron saint of the NVC process and continues to help us out of the goodness of her heart. She is up to date and often chimes in on this forum. She is a goddess.
- Once you understand the process and are complying, you will have to wait. Yes, sixty days... It stinks, I understand. But calling again and again hoping for some other information will do you little good. The reps and the supervisors will NOT tell you anything else, even when they are attempting to look into or fix your issue. They simply aren't allowed. For instance, the supervisor would still only give me the '60 days' spiel, even though she was able to get back to me an hour later with a case complete.
- If you are following the wiki, you will know when something doesn't seem right and it is time to call and verify. If a deadline has passed, call.... If they tell you documents are missing that you KNOW were included, call....
- NVC presently appears to be a little short of qualified supervisors, and the caseload on them is tremendous. But if something is amiss in your case. Ask for a supervisor's review if you can't speak directly to one. It will take a few days, and they don't always contact you. Follow up with a call to see if the review was completed.
- I cannot stress this enough: I know how strung out we all are during this and how rude some of the reps are, but stay calm and polite (and persistent). They are human too and are actually more sympathetic than it appears on our end. But, they are overwhelmed and hamstrung by a broken immigration system, consulate bullying and a plethora of rules and regulations. Nevertheless, don't let a rep bully you. Call back for a different rep if you are being handled rudely.
A word on 'expediting'
- If you feel your situation qualifies for an expedite (and not just because you are you and a wonderful human being, which you are of course ). I suggest you take your time composing your request. You should briefly, yet factually, lay out your case without embellishing it with too much emotional overtone. I cannot stress how important it is to then back the request up with paperwork (in PDF format). A good paper-trail is a bureaucrat's friend. You want the consulate to have every shred of evidence when it considers your request.
- If you are granted an expedite, you now enter a grey area (for NVC as well sometimes) and there is no wiki! Pay attention to what your response letter/email states you need to do next. Don't hesitate to call NVC to get direction (though each rep may have a different story). It was only once I read my expedite email word for word to the rep that she put my case up for a supervisor review. Remember: polite and persistent!!
- Please, if you get an expedite, don't brag here. So many deserving people have been waiting and suffering for ages at NVC. On the flip-side, please don't pester someone as to why they got an expedite, or begrudge them if they get one. It can be incredibly personal.
I know this is a long-winded post, but I hope my experience and advice can help some of you now being ground up by the slow gears of NVC. Eventually we will all be spit out. I hope everyone has a smooth exit.

I want to share some experience with everyone going through the grinder at NVC which might help some,
As background, I was granted an expedite (through NVC) by my consulate which required only that I pay my fees and submit the DS260. Things bogged down. I was told 60 days... blah, blah, blah. My case went to a supervisors review. They did finally find the missing form, and as a result I was calling back to thank my supervisor (and the rep) for her hard work and we chatted for 20 min or so (it was an enlightening conversation). It was eye-opening to connect with someone on the other side and it prompted me to share.
Here are my two cents worth of advice and observation:
NVC processing:
- To begin with, for crying out loud, read and reread Saylin's wiki on the process. She is the patron saint of the NVC process and continues to help us out of the goodness of her heart. She is up to date and often chimes in on this forum. She is a goddess.
- Once you understand the process and are complying, you will have to wait. Yes, sixty days... It stinks, I understand. But calling again and again hoping for some other information will do you little good. The reps and the supervisors will NOT tell you anything else, even when they are attempting to look into or fix your issue. They simply aren't allowed. For instance, the supervisor would still only give me the '60 days' spiel, even though she was able to get back to me an hour later with a case complete.
- If you are following the wiki, you will know when something doesn't seem right and it is time to call and verify. If a deadline has passed, call.... If they tell you documents are missing that you KNOW were included, call....
- NVC presently appears to be a little short of qualified supervisors, and the caseload on them is tremendous. But if something is amiss in your case. Ask for a supervisor's review if you can't speak directly to one. It will take a few days, and they don't always contact you. Follow up with a call to see if the review was completed.
- I cannot stress this enough: I know how strung out we all are during this and how rude some of the reps are, but stay calm and polite (and persistent). They are human too and are actually more sympathetic than it appears on our end. But, they are overwhelmed and hamstrung by a broken immigration system, consulate bullying and a plethora of rules and regulations. Nevertheless, don't let a rep bully you. Call back for a different rep if you are being handled rudely.
A word on 'expediting'
- If you feel your situation qualifies for an expedite (and not just because you are you and a wonderful human being, which you are of course ). I suggest you take your time composing your request. You should briefly, yet factually, lay out your case without embellishing it with too much emotional overtone. I cannot stress how important it is to then back the request up with paperwork (in PDF format). A good paper-trail is a bureaucrat's friend. You want the consulate to have every shred of evidence when it considers your request.
- If you are granted an expedite, you now enter a grey area (for NVC as well sometimes) and there is no wiki! Pay attention to what your response letter/email states you need to do next. Don't hesitate to call NVC to get direction (though each rep may have a different story). It was only once I read my expedite email word for word to the rep that she put my case up for a supervisor review. Remember: polite and persistent!!
- Please, if you get an expedite, don't brag here. So many deserving people have been waiting and suffering for ages at NVC. On the flip-side, please don't pester someone as to why they got an expedite, or begrudge them if they get one. It can be incredibly personal.
I know this is a long-winded post, but I hope my experience and advice can help some of you now being ground up by the slow gears of NVC. Eventually we will all be spit out. I hope everyone has a smooth exit.

I want to share some experience with everyone going through the grinder at NVC which might help some,
As background, I was granted an expedite (through NVC) by my consulate which required only that I pay my fees and submit the DS260. Things bogged down. I was told 60 days... blah, blah, blah. My case went to a supervisors review. They did finally find the missing form, and as a result I was calling back to thank my supervisor (and the rep) for her hard work and we chatted for 20 min or so (it was an enlightening conversation). It was eye-opening to connect with someone on the other side and it prompted me to share.
Here are my two cents worth of advice and observation:
NVC processing:
- To begin with, for crying out loud, read and reread Saylin's wiki on the process. She is the patron saint of the NVC process and continues to help us out of the goodness of her heart. She is up to date and often chimes in on this forum. She is a goddess.
- Once you understand the process and are complying, you will have to wait. Yes, sixty days... It stinks, I understand. But calling again and again hoping for some other information will do you little good. The reps and the supervisors will NOT tell you anything else, even when they are attempting to look into or fix your issue. They simply aren't allowed. For instance, the supervisor would still only give me the '60 days' spiel, even though she was able to get back to me an hour later with a case complete.
- If you are following the wiki, you will know when something doesn't seem right and it is time to call and verify. If a deadline has passed, call.... If they tell you documents are missing that you KNOW were included, call....
- NVC presently appears to be a little short of qualified supervisors, and the caseload on them is tremendous. But if something is amiss in your case. Ask for a supervisor's review if you can't speak directly to one. It will take a few days, and they don't always contact you. Follow up with a call to see if the review was completed.
- I cannot stress this enough: I know how strung out we all are during this and how rude some of the reps are, but stay calm and polite (and persistent). They are human too and are actually more sympathetic than it appears on our end. But, they are overwhelmed and hamstrung by a broken immigration system, consulate bullying and a plethora of rules and regulations. Nevertheless, don't let a rep bully you. Call back for a different rep if you are being handled rudely.
A word on 'expediting'
- If you feel your situation qualifies for an expedite (and not just because you are you and a wonderful human being, which you are of course ). I suggest you take your time composing your request. You should briefly, yet factually, lay out your case without embellishing it with too much emotional overtone. I cannot stress how important it is to then back the request up with paperwork (in PDF format). A good paper-trail is a bureaucrat's friend. You want the consulate to have every shred of evidence when it considers your request.
- If you are granted an expedite, you now enter a grey area (for NVC as well sometimes) and there is no wiki! Pay attention to what your response letter/email states you need to do next. Don't hesitate to call NVC to get direction (though each rep may have a different story). It was only once I read my expedite email word for word to the rep that she put my case up for a supervisor review. Remember: polite and persistent!!
- Please, if you get an expedite, don't brag here. So many deserving people have been waiting and suffering for ages at NVC. On the flip-side, please don't pester someone as to why they got an expedite, or begrudge them if they get one. It can be incredibly personal.
I know this is a long-winded post, but I hope my experience and advice can help some of you now being ground up by the slow gears of NVC. Eventually we will all be spit out. I hope everyone has a smooth exit.

I want to share some experience with everyone going through the grinder at NVC which might help some,
As background, I was granted an expedite (through NVC) by my consulate which required only that I pay my fees and submit the DS260. Things bogged down. I was told 60 days... blah, blah, blah. My case went to a supervisors review. They did finally find the missing form, and as a result I was calling back to thank my supervisor (and the rep) for her hard work and we chatted for 20 min or so (it was an enlightening conversation). It was eye-opening to connect with someone on the other side and it prompted me to share.
Here are my two cents worth of advice and observation:
NVC processing:
- To begin with, for crying out loud, read and reread Saylin's wiki on the process. She is the patron saint of the NVC process and continues to help us out of the goodness of her heart. She is up to date and often chimes in on this forum. She is a goddess.
- Once you understand the process and are complying, you will have to wait. Yes, sixty days... It stinks, I understand. But calling again and again hoping for some other information will do you little good. The reps and the supervisors will NOT tell you anything else, even when they are attempting to look into or fix your issue. They simply aren't allowed. For instance, the supervisor would still only give me the '60 days' spiel, even though she was able to get back to me an hour later with a case complete.
- If you are following the wiki, you will know when something doesn't seem right and it is time to call and verify. If a deadline has passed, call.... If they tell you documents are missing that you KNOW were included, call....
- NVC presently appears to be a little short of qualified supervisors, and the caseload on them is tremendous. But if something is amiss in your case. Ask for a supervisor's review if you can't speak directly to one. It will take a few days, and they don't always contact you. Follow up with a call to see if the review was completed.
- I cannot stress this enough: I know how strung out we all are during this and how rude some of the reps are, but stay calm and polite (and persistent). They are human too and are actually more sympathetic than it appears on our end. But, they are overwhelmed and hamstrung by a broken immigration system, consulate bullying and a plethora of rules and regulations. Nevertheless, don't let a rep bully you. Call back for a different rep if you are being handled rudely.
A word on 'expediting'
- If you feel your situation qualifies for an expedite (and not just because you are you and a wonderful human being, which you are of course ). I suggest you take your time composing your request. You should briefly, yet factually, lay out your case without embellishing it with too much emotional overtone. I cannot stress how important it is to then back the request up with paperwork (in PDF format). A good paper-trail is a bureaucrat's friend. You want the consulate to have every shred of evidence when it considers your request.
- If you are granted an expedite, you now enter a grey area (for NVC as well sometimes) and there is no wiki! Pay attention to what your response letter/email states you need to do next. Don't hesitate to call NVC to get direction (though each rep may have a different story). It was only once I read my expedite email word for word to the rep that she put my case up for a supervisor review. Remember: polite and persistent!!
- Please, if you get an expedite, don't brag here. So many deserving people have been waiting and suffering for ages at NVC. On the flip-side, please don't pester someone as to why they got an expedite, or begrudge them if they get one. It can be incredibly personal.
I know this is a long-winded post, but I hope my experience and advice can help some of you now being ground up by the slow gears of NVC. Eventually we will all be spit out. I hope everyone has a smooth exit.

I want to share some experience with everyone going through the grinder at NVC which might help some,
As background, I was granted an expedite (through NVC) by my consulate which required only that I pay my fees and submit the DS260. Things bogged down. I was told 60 days... blah, blah, blah. My case went to a supervisors review. They did finally find the missing form, and as a result I was calling back to thank my supervisor (and the rep) for her hard work and we chatted for 20 min or so (it was an enlightening conversation). It was eye-opening to connect with someone on the other side and it prompted me to share.
Here are my two cents worth of advice and observation:
NVC processing:
- To begin with, for crying out loud, read and reread Saylin's wiki on the process. She is the patron saint of the NVC process and continues to help us out of the goodness of her heart. She is up to date and often chimes in on this forum. She is a goddess.
- Once you understand the process and are complying, you will have to wait. Yes, sixty days... It stinks, I understand. But calling again and again hoping for some other information will do you little good. The reps and the supervisors will NOT tell you anything else, even when they are attempting to look into or fix your issue. They simply aren't allowed. For instance, the supervisor would still only give me the '60 days' spiel, even though she was able to get back to me an hour later with a case complete.
- If you are following the wiki, you will know when something doesn't seem right and it is time to call and verify. If a deadline has passed, call.... If they tell you documents are missing that you KNOW were included, call....
- NVC presently appears to be a little short of qualified supervisors, and the caseload on them is tremendous. But if something is amiss in your case. Ask for a supervisor's review if you can't speak directly to one. It will take a few days, and they don't always contact you. Follow up with a call to see if the review was completed.
- I cannot stress this enough: I know how strung out we all are during this and how rude some of the reps are, but stay calm and polite (and persistent). They are human too and are actually more sympathetic than it appears on our end. But, they are overwhelmed and hamstrung by a broken immigration system, consulate bullying and a plethora of rules and regulations. Nevertheless, don't let a rep bully you. Call back for a different rep if you are being handled rudely.
A word on 'expediting'
- If you feel your situation qualifies for an expedite (and not just because you are you and a wonderful human being, which you are of course ). I suggest you take your time composing your request. You should briefly, yet factually, lay out your case without embellishing it with too much emotional overtone. I cannot stress how important it is to then back the request up with paperwork (in PDF format). A good paper-trail is a bureaucrat's friend. You want the consulate to have every shred of evidence when it considers your request.
- If you are granted an expedite, you now enter a grey area (for NVC as well sometimes) and there is no wiki! Pay attention to what your response letter/email states you need to do next. Don't hesitate to call NVC to get direction (though each rep may have a different story). It was only once I read my expedite email word for word to the rep that she put my case up for a supervisor review. Remember: polite and persistent!!
- Please, if you get an expedite, don't brag here. So many deserving people have been waiting and suffering for ages at NVC. On the flip-side, please don't pester someone as to why they got an expedite, or begrudge them if they get one. It can be incredibly personal.
I know this is a long-winded post, but I hope my experience and advice can help some of you now being ground up by the slow gears of NVC. Eventually we will all be spit out. I hope everyone has a smooth exit.

I want to share some experience with everyone going through the grinder at NVC which might help some,
As background, I was granted an expedite (through NVC) by my consulate which required only that I pay my fees and submit the DS260. Things bogged down. I was told 60 days... blah, blah, blah. My case went to a supervisors review. They did finally find the missing form, and as a result I was calling back to thank my supervisor (and the rep) for her hard work and we chatted for 20 min or so (it was an enlightening conversation). It was eye-opening to connect with someone on the other side and it prompted me to share.
Here are my two cents worth of advice and observation:
NVC processing:
- To begin with, for crying out loud, read and reread Saylin's wiki on the process. She is the patron saint of the NVC process and continues to help us out of the goodness of her heart. She is up to date and often chimes in on this forum. She is a goddess.
- Once you understand the process and are complying, you will have to wait. Yes, sixty days... It stinks, I understand. But calling again and again hoping for some other information will do you little good. The reps and the supervisors will NOT tell you anything else, even when they are attempting to look into or fix your issue. They simply aren't allowed. For instance, the supervisor would still only give me the '60 days' spiel, even though she was able to get back to me an hour later with a case complete.
- If you are following the wiki, you will know when something doesn't seem right and it is time to call and verify. If a deadline has passed, call.... If they tell you documents are missing that you KNOW were included, call....
- NVC presently appears to be a little short of qualified supervisors, and the caseload on them is tremendous. But if something is amiss in your case. Ask for a supervisor's review if you can't speak directly to one. It will take a few days, and they don't always contact you. Follow up with a call to see if the review was completed.
- I cannot stress this enough: I know how strung out we all are during this and how rude some of the reps are, but stay calm and polite (and persistent). They are human too and are actually more sympathetic than it appears on our end. But, they are overwhelmed and hamstrung by a broken immigration system, consulate bullying and a plethora of rules and regulations. Nevertheless, don't let a rep bully you. Call back for a different rep if you are being handled rudely.
A word on 'expediting'
- If you feel your situation qualifies for an expedite (and not just because you are you and a wonderful human being, which you are of course ). I suggest you take your time composing your request. You should briefly, yet factually, lay out your case without embellishing it with too much emotional overtone. I cannot stress how important it is to then back the request up with paperwork (in PDF format). A good paper-trail is a bureaucrat's friend. You want the consulate to have every shred of evidence when it considers your request.
- If you are granted an expedite, you now enter a grey area (for NVC as well sometimes) and there is no wiki! Pay attention to what your response letter/email states you need to do next. Don't hesitate to call NVC to get direction (though each rep may have a different story). It was only once I read my expedite email word for word to the rep that she put my case up for a supervisor review. Remember: polite and persistent!!
- Please, if you get an expedite, don't brag here. So many deserving people have been waiting and suffering for ages at NVC. On the flip-side, please don't pester someone as to why they got an expedite, or begrudge them if they get one. It can be incredibly personal.
I know this is a long-winded post, but I hope my experience and advice can help some of you now being ground up by the slow gears of NVC. Eventually we will all be spit out. I hope everyone has a smooth exit.

I want to share some experience with everyone going through the grinder at NVC which might help some,
As background, I was granted an expedite (through NVC) by my consulate which required only that I pay my fees and submit the DS260. Things bogged down. I was told 60 days... blah, blah, blah. My case went to a supervisors review. They did finally find the missing form, and as a result I was calling back to thank my supervisor (and the rep) for her hard work and we chatted for 20 min or so (it was an enlightening conversation). It was eye-opening to connect with someone on the other side and it prompted me to share.
Here are my two cents worth of advice and observation:
NVC processing:
- To begin with, for crying out loud, read and reread Saylin's wiki on the process. She is the patron saint of the NVC process and continues to help us out of the goodness of her heart. She is up to date and often chimes in on this forum. She is a goddess.
- Once you understand the process and are complying, you will have to wait. Yes, sixty days... It stinks, I understand. But calling again and again hoping for some other information will do you little good. The reps and the supervisors will NOT tell you anything else, even when they are attempting to look into or fix your issue. They simply aren't allowed. For instance, the supervisor would still only give me the '60 days' spiel, even though she was able to get back to me an hour later with a case complete.
- If you are following the wiki, you will know when something doesn't seem right and it is time to call and verify. If a deadline has passed, call.... If they tell you documents are missing that you KNOW were included, call....
- NVC presently appears to be a little short of qualified supervisors, and the caseload on them is tremendous. But if something is amiss in your case. Ask for a supervisor's review if you can't speak directly to one. It will take a few days, and they don't always contact you. Follow up with a call to see if the review was completed.
- I cannot stress this enough: I know how strung out we all are during this and how rude some of the reps are, but stay calm and polite (and persistent). They are human too and are actually more sympathetic than it appears on our end. But, they are overwhelmed and hamstrung by a broken immigration system, consulate bullying and a plethora of rules and regulations. Nevertheless, don't let a rep bully you. Call back for a different rep if you are being handled rudely.
A word on 'expediting'
- If you feel your situation qualifies for an expedite (and not just because you are you and a wonderful human being, which you are of course ). I suggest you take your time composing your request. You should briefly, yet factually, lay out your case without embellishing it with too much emotional overtone. I cannot stress how important it is to then back the request up with paperwork (in PDF format). A good paper-trail is a bureaucrat's friend. You want the consulate to have every shred of evidence when it considers your request.
- If you are granted an expedite, you now enter a grey area (for NVC as well sometimes) and there is no wiki! Pay attention to what your response letter/email states you need to do next. Don't hesitate to call NVC to get direction (though each rep may have a different story). It was only once I read my expedite email word for word to the rep that she put my case up for a supervisor review. Remember: polite and persistent!!
- Please, if you get an expedite, don't brag here. So many deserving people have been waiting and suffering for ages at NVC. On the flip-side, please don't pester someone as to why they got an expedite, or begrudge them if they get one. It can be incredibly personal.
I know this is a long-winded post, but I hope my experience and advice can help some of you now being ground up by the slow gears of NVC. Eventually we will all be spit out. I hope everyone has a smooth exit.

Thank you. Still waiting. But it looks like somebody finished it up today.... Should be here early next week (and I can start the drive).

That is a baldfaced lie.
They do NOT work weekends.

I was thinking you should call them tomorrow (Loomis, that is) as well, and find out where it's at....

Take a breath....
Ok, I would guess that they have put in for a supervisor's review as your case was obviously overlooked. They will not tell you anything different than the '42 day' thing now, not even a supervisor will say anything different until they locate and review your files. But you can bet your booty they are reviewing it. I would even hazard a guess that it will be a priority. Give them 3 to 5 working days then call back to follow up and see if they have made progress. It won't take 42 days (I will wager on it). This doesn't mean you won't get a checklist either, but I am sure they are moving you to the head of the queue. It took them 2 days just to find my DS260 which is filed in their system!! There are 10s of thousands of files to sift through.
Of course this doesn't make it less aweful that it happened to you. Try to remain polite as they may be more inclined to go the extra distance for you.
Keep us posted.

I want to share some experience with everyone going through the grinder at NVC which might help some,
As background, I was granted an expedite (through NVC) by my consulate which required only that I pay my fees and submit the DS260. Things bogged down. I was told 60 days... blah, blah, blah. My case went to a supervisors review. They did finally find the missing form, and as a result I was calling back to thank my supervisor (and the rep) for her hard work and we chatted for 20 min or so (it was an enlightening conversation). It was eye-opening to connect with someone on the other side and it prompted me to share.
Here are my two cents worth of advice and observation:
NVC processing:
- To begin with, for crying out loud, read and reread Saylin's wiki on the process. She is the patron saint of the NVC process and continues to help us out of the goodness of her heart. She is up to date and often chimes in on this forum. She is a goddess.
- Once you understand the process and are complying, you will have to wait. Yes, sixty days... It stinks, I understand. But calling again and again hoping for some other information will do you little good. The reps and the supervisors will NOT tell you anything else, even when they are attempting to look into or fix your issue. They simply aren't allowed. For instance, the supervisor would still only give me the '60 days' spiel, even though she was able to get back to me an hour later with a case complete.
- If you are following the wiki, you will know when something doesn't seem right and it is time to call and verify. If a deadline has passed, call.... If they tell you documents are missing that you KNOW were included, call....
- NVC presently appears to be a little short of qualified supervisors, and the caseload on them is tremendous. But if something is amiss in your case. Ask for a supervisor's review if you can't speak directly to one. It will take a few days, and they don't always contact you. Follow up with a call to see if the review was completed.
- I cannot stress this enough: I know how strung out we all are during this and how rude some of the reps are, but stay calm and polite (and persistent). They are human too and are actually more sympathetic than it appears on our end. But, they are overwhelmed and hamstrung by a broken immigration system, consulate bullying and a plethora of rules and regulations. Nevertheless, don't let a rep bully you. Call back for a different rep if you are being handled rudely.
A word on 'expediting'
- If you feel your situation qualifies for an expedite (and not just because you are you and a wonderful human being, which you are of course ). I suggest you take your time composing your request. You should briefly, yet factually, lay out your case without embellishing it with too much emotional overtone. I cannot stress how important it is to then back the request up with paperwork (in PDF format). A good paper-trail is a bureaucrat's friend. You want the consulate to have every shred of evidence when it considers your request.
- If you are granted an expedite, you now enter a grey area (for NVC as well sometimes) and there is no wiki! Pay attention to what your response letter/email states you need to do next. Don't hesitate to call NVC to get direction (though each rep may have a different story). It was only once I read my expedite email word for word to the rep that she put my case up for a supervisor review. Remember: polite and persistent!!
- Please, if you get an expedite, don't brag here. So many deserving people have been waiting and suffering for ages at NVC. On the flip-side, please don't pester someone as to why they got an expedite, or begrudge them if they get one. It can be incredibly personal.
I know this is a long-winded post, but I hope my experience and advice can help some of you now being ground up by the slow gears of NVC. Eventually we will all be spit out. I hope everyone has a smooth exit.

Take a breath....
Ok, I would guess that they have put in for a supervisor's review as your case was obviously overlooked. They will not tell you anything different than the '42 day' thing now, not even a supervisor will say anything different until they locate and review your files. But you can bet your booty they are reviewing it. I would even hazard a guess that it will be a priority. Give them 3 to 5 working days then call back to follow up and see if they have made progress. It won't take 42 days (I will wager on it). This doesn't mean you won't get a checklist either, but I am sure they are moving you to the head of the queue. It took them 2 days just to find my DS260 which is filed in their system!! There are 10s of thousands of files to sift through.
Of course this doesn't make it less aweful that it happened to you. Try to remain polite as they may be more inclined to go the extra distance for you.
Keep us posted.

I want to share some experience with everyone going through the grinder at NVC which might help some,
As background, I was granted an expedite (through NVC) by my consulate which required only that I pay my fees and submit the DS260. Things bogged down. I was told 60 days... blah, blah, blah. My case went to a supervisors review. They did finally find the missing form, and as a result I was calling back to thank my supervisor (and the rep) for her hard work and we chatted for 20 min or so (it was an enlightening conversation). It was eye-opening to connect with someone on the other side and it prompted me to share.
Here are my two cents worth of advice and observation:
NVC processing:
- To begin with, for crying out loud, read and reread Saylin's wiki on the process. She is the patron saint of the NVC process and continues to help us out of the goodness of her heart. She is up to date and often chimes in on this forum. She is a goddess.
- Once you understand the process and are complying, you will have to wait. Yes, sixty days... It stinks, I understand. But calling again and again hoping for some other information will do you little good. The reps and the supervisors will NOT tell you anything else, even when they are attempting to look into or fix your issue. They simply aren't allowed. For instance, the supervisor would still only give me the '60 days' spiel, even though she was able to get back to me an hour later with a case complete.
- If you are following the wiki, you will know when something doesn't seem right and it is time to call and verify. If a deadline has passed, call.... If they tell you documents are missing that you KNOW were included, call....
- NVC presently appears to be a little short of qualified supervisors, and the caseload on them is tremendous. But if something is amiss in your case. Ask for a supervisor's review if you can't speak directly to one. It will take a few days, and they don't always contact you. Follow up with a call to see if the review was completed.
- I cannot stress this enough: I know how strung out we all are during this and how rude some of the reps are, but stay calm and polite (and persistent). They are human too and are actually more sympathetic than it appears on our end. But, they are overwhelmed and hamstrung by a broken immigration system, consulate bullying and a plethora of rules and regulations. Nevertheless, don't let a rep bully you. Call back for a different rep if you are being handled rudely.
A word on 'expediting'
- If you feel your situation qualifies for an expedite (and not just because you are you and a wonderful human being, which you are of course ). I suggest you take your time composing your request. You should briefly, yet factually, lay out your case without embellishing it with too much emotional overtone. I cannot stress how important it is to then back the request up with paperwork (in PDF format). A good paper-trail is a bureaucrat's friend. You want the consulate to have every shred of evidence when it considers your request.
- If you are granted an expedite, you now enter a grey area (for NVC as well sometimes) and there is no wiki! Pay attention to what your response letter/email states you need to do next. Don't hesitate to call NVC to get direction (though each rep may have a different story). It was only once I read my expedite email word for word to the rep that she put my case up for a supervisor review. Remember: polite and persistent!!
- Please, if you get an expedite, don't brag here. So many deserving people have been waiting and suffering for ages at NVC. On the flip-side, please don't pester someone as to why they got an expedite, or begrudge them if they get one. It can be incredibly personal.
I know this is a long-winded post, but I hope my experience and advice can help some of you now being ground up by the slow gears of NVC. Eventually we will all be spit out. I hope everyone has a smooth exit.

Beautifully said.

I want to share some experience with everyone going through the grinder at NVC which might help some,
As background, I was granted an expedite (through NVC) by my consulate which required only that I pay my fees and submit the DS260. Things bogged down. I was told 60 days... blah, blah, blah. My case went to a supervisors review. They did finally find the missing form, and as a result I was calling back to thank my supervisor (and the rep) for her hard work and we chatted for 20 min or so (it was an enlightening conversation). It was eye-opening to connect with someone on the other side and it prompted me to share.
Here are my two cents worth of advice and observation:
NVC processing:
- To begin with, for crying out loud, read and reread Saylin's wiki on the process. She is the patron saint of the NVC process and continues to help us out of the goodness of her heart. She is up to date and often chimes in on this forum. She is a goddess.
- Once you understand the process and are complying, you will have to wait. Yes, sixty days... It stinks, I understand. But calling again and again hoping for some other information will do you little good. The reps and the supervisors will NOT tell you anything else, even when they are attempting to look into or fix your issue. They simply aren't allowed. For instance, the supervisor would still only give me the '60 days' spiel, even though she was able to get back to me an hour later with a case complete.
- If you are following the wiki, you will know when something doesn't seem right and it is time to call and verify. If a deadline has passed, call.... If they tell you documents are missing that you KNOW were included, call....
- NVC presently appears to be a little short of qualified supervisors, and the caseload on them is tremendous. But if something is amiss in your case. Ask for a supervisor's review if you can't speak directly to one. It will take a few days, and they don't always contact you. Follow up with a call to see if the review was completed.
- I cannot stress this enough: I know how strung out we all are during this and how rude some of the reps are, but stay calm and polite (and persistent). They are human too and are actually more sympathetic than it appears on our end. But, they are overwhelmed and hamstrung by a broken immigration system, consulate bullying and a plethora of rules and regulations. Nevertheless, don't let a rep bully you. Call back for a different rep if you are being handled rudely.
A word on 'expediting'
- If you feel your situation qualifies for an expedite (and not just because you are you and a wonderful human being, which you are of course ). I suggest you take your time composing your request. You should briefly, yet factually, lay out your case without embellishing it with too much emotional overtone. I cannot stress how important it is to then back the request up with paperwork (in PDF format). A good paper-trail is a bureaucrat's friend. You want the consulate to have every shred of evidence when it considers your request.
- If you are granted an expedite, you now enter a grey area (for NVC as well sometimes) and there is no wiki! Pay attention to what your response letter/email states you need to do next. Don't hesitate to call NVC to get direction (though each rep may have a different story). It was only once I read my expedite email word for word to the rep that she put my case up for a supervisor review. Remember: polite and persistent!!
- Please, if you get an expedite, don't brag here. So many deserving people have been waiting and suffering for ages at NVC. On the flip-side, please don't pester someone as to why they got an expedite, or begrudge them if they get one. It can be incredibly personal.
I know this is a long-winded post, but I hope my experience and advice can help some of you now being ground up by the slow gears of NVC. Eventually we will all be spit out. I hope everyone has a smooth exit.

I want to share some experience with everyone going through the grinder at NVC which might help some,
As background, I was granted an expedite (through NVC) by my consulate which required only that I pay my fees and submit the DS260. Things bogged down. I was told 60 days... blah, blah, blah. My case went to a supervisors review. They did finally find the missing form, and as a result I was calling back to thank my supervisor (and the rep) for her hard work and we chatted for 20 min or so (it was an enlightening conversation). It was eye-opening to connect with someone on the other side and it prompted me to share.
Here are my two cents worth of advice and observation:
NVC processing:
- To begin with, for crying out loud, read and reread Saylin's wiki on the process. She is the patron saint of the NVC process and continues to help us out of the goodness of her heart. She is up to date and often chimes in on this forum. She is a goddess.
- Once you understand the process and are complying, you will have to wait. Yes, sixty days... It stinks, I understand. But calling again and again hoping for some other information will do you little good. The reps and the supervisors will NOT tell you anything else, even when they are attempting to look into or fix your issue. They simply aren't allowed. For instance, the supervisor would still only give me the '60 days' spiel, even though she was able to get back to me an hour later with a case complete.
- If you are following the wiki, you will know when something doesn't seem right and it is time to call and verify. If a deadline has passed, call.... If they tell you documents are missing that you KNOW were included, call....
- NVC presently appears to be a little short of qualified supervisors, and the caseload on them is tremendous. But if something is amiss in your case. Ask for a supervisor's review if you can't speak directly to one. It will take a few days, and they don't always contact you. Follow up with a call to see if the review was completed.
- I cannot stress this enough: I know how strung out we all are during this and how rude some of the reps are, but stay calm and polite (and persistent). They are human too and are actually more sympathetic than it appears on our end. But, they are overwhelmed and hamstrung by a broken immigration system, consulate bullying and a plethora of rules and regulations. Nevertheless, don't let a rep bully you. Call back for a different rep if you are being handled rudely.
A word on 'expediting'
- If you feel your situation qualifies for an expedite (and not just because you are you and a wonderful human being, which you are of course ). I suggest you take your time composing your request. You should briefly, yet factually, lay out your case without embellishing it with too much emotional overtone. I cannot stress how important it is to then back the request up with paperwork (in PDF format). A good paper-trail is a bureaucrat's friend. You want the consulate to have every shred of evidence when it considers your request.
- If you are granted an expedite, you now enter a grey area (for NVC as well sometimes) and there is no wiki! Pay attention to what your response letter/email states you need to do next. Don't hesitate to call NVC to get direction (though each rep may have a different story). It was only once I read my expedite email word for word to the rep that she put my case up for a supervisor review. Remember: polite and persistent!!
- Please, if you get an expedite, don't brag here. So many deserving people have been waiting and suffering for ages at NVC. On the flip-side, please don't pester someone as to why they got an expedite, or begrudge them if they get one. It can be incredibly personal.
I know this is a long-winded post, but I hope my experience and advice can help some of you now being ground up by the slow gears of NVC. Eventually we will all be spit out. I hope everyone has a smooth exit.

I want to share some experience with everyone going through the grinder at NVC which might help some,
As background, I was granted an expedite (through NVC) by my consulate which required only that I pay my fees and submit the DS260. Things bogged down. I was told 60 days... blah, blah, blah. My case went to a supervisors review. They did finally find the missing form, and as a result I was calling back to thank my supervisor (and the rep) for her hard work and we chatted for 20 min or so (it was an enlightening conversation). It was eye-opening to connect with someone on the other side and it prompted me to share.
Here are my two cents worth of advice and observation:
NVC processing:
- To begin with, for crying out loud, read and reread Saylin's wiki on the process. She is the patron saint of the NVC process and continues to help us out of the goodness of her heart. She is up to date and often chimes in on this forum. She is a goddess.
- Once you understand the process and are complying, you will have to wait. Yes, sixty days... It stinks, I understand. But calling again and again hoping for some other information will do you little good. The reps and the supervisors will NOT tell you anything else, even when they are attempting to look into or fix your issue. They simply aren't allowed. For instance, the supervisor would still only give me the '60 days' spiel, even though she was able to get back to me an hour later with a case complete.
- If you are following the wiki, you will know when something doesn't seem right and it is time to call and verify. If a deadline has passed, call.... If they tell you documents are missing that you KNOW were included, call....
- NVC presently appears to be a little short of qualified supervisors, and the caseload on them is tremendous. But if something is amiss in your case. Ask for a supervisor's review if you can't speak directly to one. It will take a few days, and they don't always contact you. Follow up with a call to see if the review was completed.
- I cannot stress this enough: I know how strung out we all are during this and how rude some of the reps are, but stay calm and polite (and persistent). They are human too and are actually more sympathetic than it appears on our end. But, they are overwhelmed and hamstrung by a broken immigration system, consulate bullying and a plethora of rules and regulations. Nevertheless, don't let a rep bully you. Call back for a different rep if you are being handled rudely.
A word on 'expediting'
- If you feel your situation qualifies for an expedite (and not just because you are you and a wonderful human being, which you are of course ). I suggest you take your time composing your request. You should briefly, yet factually, lay out your case without embellishing it with too much emotional overtone. I cannot stress how important it is to then back the request up with paperwork (in PDF format). A good paper-trail is a bureaucrat's friend. You want the consulate to have every shred of evidence when it considers your request.
- If you are granted an expedite, you now enter a grey area (for NVC as well sometimes) and there is no wiki! Pay attention to what your response letter/email states you need to do next. Don't hesitate to call NVC to get direction (though each rep may have a different story). It was only once I read my expedite email word for word to the rep that she put my case up for a supervisor review. Remember: polite and persistent!!
- Please, if you get an expedite, don't brag here. So many deserving people have been waiting and suffering for ages at NVC. On the flip-side, please don't pester someone as to why they got an expedite, or begrudge them if they get one. It can be incredibly personal.
I know this is a long-winded post, but I hope my experience and advice can help some of you now being ground up by the slow gears of NVC. Eventually we will all be spit out. I hope everyone has a smooth exit.

I want to share some experience with everyone going through the grinder at NVC which might help some,
As background, I was granted an expedite (through NVC) by my consulate which required only that I pay my fees and submit the DS260. Things bogged down. I was told 60 days... blah, blah, blah. My case went to a supervisors review. They did finally find the missing form, and as a result I was calling back to thank my supervisor (and the rep) for her hard work and we chatted for 20 min or so (it was an enlightening conversation). It was eye-opening to connect with someone on the other side and it prompted me to share.
Here are my two cents worth of advice and observation:
NVC processing:
- To begin with, for crying out loud, read and reread Saylin's wiki on the process. She is the patron saint of the NVC process and continues to help us out of the goodness of her heart. She is up to date and often chimes in on this forum. She is a goddess.
- Once you understand the process and are complying, you will have to wait. Yes, sixty days... It stinks, I understand. But calling again and again hoping for some other information will do you little good. The reps and the supervisors will NOT tell you anything else, even when they are attempting to look into or fix your issue. They simply aren't allowed. For instance, the supervisor would still only give me the '60 days' spiel, even though she was able to get back to me an hour later with a case complete.
- If you are following the wiki, you will know when something doesn't seem right and it is time to call and verify. If a deadline has passed, call.... If they tell you documents are missing that you KNOW were included, call....
- NVC presently appears to be a little short of qualified supervisors, and the caseload on them is tremendous. But if something is amiss in your case. Ask for a supervisor's review if you can't speak directly to one. It will take a few days, and they don't always contact you. Follow up with a call to see if the review was completed.
- I cannot stress this enough: I know how strung out we all are during this and how rude some of the reps are, but stay calm and polite (and persistent). They are human too and are actually more sympathetic than it appears on our end. But, they are overwhelmed and hamstrung by a broken immigration system, consulate bullying and a plethora of rules and regulations. Nevertheless, don't let a rep bully you. Call back for a different rep if you are being handled rudely.
A word on 'expediting'
- If you feel your situation qualifies for an expedite (and not just because you are you and a wonderful human being, which you are of course ). I suggest you take your time composing your request. You should briefly, yet factually, lay out your case without embellishing it with too much emotional overtone. I cannot stress how important it is to then back the request up with paperwork (in PDF format). A good paper-trail is a bureaucrat's friend. You want the consulate to have every shred of evidence when it considers your request.
- If you are granted an expedite, you now enter a grey area (for NVC as well sometimes) and there is no wiki! Pay attention to what your response letter/email states you need to do next. Don't hesitate to call NVC to get direction (though each rep may have a different story). It was only once I read my expedite email word for word to the rep that she put my case up for a supervisor review. Remember: polite and persistent!!
- Please, if you get an expedite, don't brag here. So many deserving people have been waiting and suffering for ages at NVC. On the flip-side, please don't pester someone as to why they got an expedite, or begrudge them if they get one. It can be incredibly personal.
I know this is a long-winded post, but I hope my experience and advice can help some of you now being ground up by the slow gears of NVC. Eventually we will all be spit out. I hope everyone has a smooth exit.

I want to share some experience with everyone going through the grinder at NVC which might help some,
As background, I was granted an expedite (through NVC) by my consulate which required only that I pay my fees and submit the DS260. Things bogged down. I was told 60 days... blah, blah, blah. My case went to a supervisors review. They did finally find the missing form, and as a result I was calling back to thank my supervisor (and the rep) for her hard work and we chatted for 20 min or so (it was an enlightening conversation). It was eye-opening to connect with someone on the other side and it prompted me to share.
Here are my two cents worth of advice and observation:
NVC processing:
- To begin with, for crying out loud, read and reread Saylin's wiki on the process. She is the patron saint of the NVC process and continues to help us out of the goodness of her heart. She is up to date and often chimes in on this forum. She is a goddess.
- Once you understand the process and are complying, you will have to wait. Yes, sixty days... It stinks, I understand. But calling again and again hoping for some other information will do you little good. The reps and the supervisors will NOT tell you anything else, even when they are attempting to look into or fix your issue. They simply aren't allowed. For instance, the supervisor would still only give me the '60 days' spiel, even though she was able to get back to me an hour later with a case complete.
- If you are following the wiki, you will know when something doesn't seem right and it is time to call and verify. If a deadline has passed, call.... If they tell you documents are missing that you KNOW were included, call....
- NVC presently appears to be a little short of qualified supervisors, and the caseload on them is tremendous. But if something is amiss in your case. Ask for a supervisor's review if you can't speak directly to one. It will take a few days, and they don't always contact you. Follow up with a call to see if the review was completed.
- I cannot stress this enough: I know how strung out we all are during this and how rude some of the reps are, but stay calm and polite (and persistent). They are human too and are actually more sympathetic than it appears on our end. But, they are overwhelmed and hamstrung by a broken immigration system, consulate bullying and a plethora of rules and regulations. Nevertheless, don't let a rep bully you. Call back for a different rep if you are being handled rudely.
A word on 'expediting'
- If you feel your situation qualifies for an expedite (and not just because you are you and a wonderful human being, which you are of course ). I suggest you take your time composing your request. You should briefly, yet factually, lay out your case without embellishing it with too much emotional overtone. I cannot stress how important it is to then back the request up with paperwork (in PDF format). A good paper-trail is a bureaucrat's friend. You want the consulate to have every shred of evidence when it considers your request.
- If you are granted an expedite, you now enter a grey area (for NVC as well sometimes) and there is no wiki! Pay attention to what your response letter/email states you need to do next. Don't hesitate to call NVC to get direction (though each rep may have a different story). It was only once I read my expedite email word for word to the rep that she put my case up for a supervisor review. Remember: polite and persistent!!
- Please, if you get an expedite, don't brag here. So many deserving people have been waiting and suffering for ages at NVC. On the flip-side, please don't pester someone as to why they got an expedite, or begrudge them if they get one. It can be incredibly personal.
I know this is a long-winded post, but I hope my experience and advice can help some of you now being ground up by the slow gears of NVC. Eventually we will all be spit out. I hope everyone has a smooth exit.

I want to share some experience with everyone going through the grinder at NVC which might help some,
As background, I was granted an expedite (through NVC) by my consulate which required only that I pay my fees and submit the DS260. Things bogged down. I was told 60 days... blah, blah, blah. My case went to a supervisors review. They did finally find the missing form, and as a result I was calling back to thank my supervisor (and the rep) for her hard work and we chatted for 20 min or so (it was an enlightening conversation). It was eye-opening to connect with someone on the other side and it prompted me to share.
Here are my two cents worth of advice and observation:
NVC processing:
- To begin with, for crying out loud, read and reread Saylin's wiki on the process. She is the patron saint of the NVC process and continues to help us out of the goodness of her heart. She is up to date and often chimes in on this forum. She is a goddess.
- Once you understand the process and are complying, you will have to wait. Yes, sixty days... It stinks, I understand. But calling again and again hoping for some other information will do you little good. The reps and the supervisors will NOT tell you anything else, even when they are attempting to look into or fix your issue. They simply aren't allowed. For instance, the supervisor would still only give me the '60 days' spiel, even though she was able to get back to me an hour later with a case complete.
- If you are following the wiki, you will know when something doesn't seem right and it is time to call and verify. If a deadline has passed, call.... If they tell you documents are missing that you KNOW were included, call....
- NVC presently appears to be a little short of qualified supervisors, and the caseload on them is tremendous. But if something is amiss in your case. Ask for a supervisor's review if you can't speak directly to one. It will take a few days, and they don't always contact you. Follow up with a call to see if the review was completed.
- I cannot stress this enough: I know how strung out we all are during this and how rude some of the reps are, but stay calm and polite (and persistent). They are human too and are actually more sympathetic than it appears on our end. But, they are overwhelmed and hamstrung by a broken immigration system, consulate bullying and a plethora of rules and regulations. Nevertheless, don't let a rep bully you. Call back for a different rep if you are being handled rudely.
A word on 'expediting'
- If you feel your situation qualifies for an expedite (and not just because you are you and a wonderful human being, which you are of course ). I suggest you take your time composing your request. You should briefly, yet factually, lay out your case without embellishing it with too much emotional overtone. I cannot stress how important it is to then back the request up with paperwork (in PDF format). A good paper-trail is a bureaucrat's friend. You want the consulate to have every shred of evidence when it considers your request.
- If you are granted an expedite, you now enter a grey area (for NVC as well sometimes) and there is no wiki! Pay attention to what your response letter/email states you need to do next. Don't hesitate to call NVC to get direction (though each rep may have a different story). It was only once I read my expedite email word for word to the rep that she put my case up for a supervisor review. Remember: polite and persistent!!
- Please, if you get an expedite, don't brag here. So many deserving people have been waiting and suffering for ages at NVC. On the flip-side, please don't pester someone as to why they got an expedite, or begrudge them if they get one. It can be incredibly personal.
I know this is a long-winded post, but I hope my experience and advice can help some of you now being ground up by the slow gears of NVC. Eventually we will all be spit out. I hope everyone has a smooth exit.