TiogaTiago

Hello Everyone! 
 
So I have been following several posts/forums from this site (and other similar sites) ever since we filed for my wife's AOS (I-485). I am glad to say our visa journey has come to a successful conclusion! I decided to share our experience in hopes of encouraging folks and give some insight; reminding you all that the process is most certainly a CASE by CASE event! 
 
So here we go:
 
09/22/2017 - AOS Package Sent  09/25/2017 - AOS Package Received  10/06/2017 - Biometrics notification for 10/17/2017 received  10/17/2017 - Biometrics completed  Somewhere between October-November - Received a Request for Initial Evidence (yellow letter) to simply submit a G-325. This form is redundant, in my opinion, given that this biographic info was mostly included in the I-130 & I-485. No biggy! 11/14/2017 - Case updated to Case Is Ready To Be Scheduled For An Interview 01/08/2018 - Received notice (dated 01/03/18) to appear for interview on 02/07/2018! 02/07/2018 - Completed interview. Approved on the spot! Green Card ordered for delivery. 02/12/2018 - Received the official Approval Notice  02/12/2018 - Green Card mailed out to our home 02/14/2018  Celebrating V-Day sharing our joy with you all, as we wait for the Green Card to arrive. Should arrive soon! You may all have many questions which I would gladly answer! Here are some quick facts:
 
Wife and I married on 07/02/2017.
Wife last arrived to U.S. 06/2000.
Wife was a DACA recipient since 2012, so we only filed I-130 & I-485.
We filed in Los Angeles County. Our interview was in Downtown Los Angeles office. Yes, we are amazed on how quick the process was given that the case was processed in Los Angeles, where there are a high number of applicants (we heard it might have taken 6-12 months!).
Wife did not have passport  used when she last entered in 2000; it was lost, but she did have her I-94 which was sufficient. 
 
 
The Interview:
 
We felt pretty confident going in to the interview given that we had sent a whole lot of supporting evidence to validate/support our relationship. Mainly a whole lot of pictures! We had pictures of us when we met about 11 years ago (as teenagers) and all throughout up to our wedding ceremony. Interview was at 9:30 AM and got called in like at 9:35 AM. The gentleman asked us to take an oath and he began check marking most, if not all, pages from the files submitted. I'm guessing this is where the "interview" began because he would ask my wife what my parents' names were; and he would ask me what her parents names were. He asked me where she worked, and vice versa. Again, he would flip pages and asked us to simply confirm the different sections of the files: "so you used to live with your parents in [city] prior to getting married correct?" 
 
We never got separated into different rooms. We were both present in the same room. After check marking much of the files, the immigration officer said "alright, so just briefly tell me about each other. Any of you two can answer, doesn't matter who. Like, where and when did you meet?" So we both complemented the story on how we met. What we did for fun. The church we attend(ed). About our wedding venue. Not kidding, this part of the interview/conversation only lasted about 5 minutes. 
 
He then asked us if there are any other supporting evidence we would like to give him. So we gave him joint bank statements, apartment lease contract, health insurance info., car registration, etc. We had  more pictures for him but he kindly declined them because he said we did a very good job on submitting pictures in the package when we filed back in September. He was happy that we provided a good amount of supporting evidence. So after this step, he just started typing some stuff on his computer. I noticed he printed out a copy of the I-94 (which they have on file), and my wife and I just waited in silence not knowing exactly what came next. It was an awkward 15 minutes of silence and he would say "sorry guys, I am just typing some stuff, bare with me." As he was finalizing his typing, he grimaced and said "alright guys, I have forwarded your case for approval, just printing something [the approval letter] now."
 
At this point, we smiled! He congratulated us, told us the green card should arrive in a week or so, gave us the approval letter, wished us a happy life, and we were out of there in just about an hour!  
 
I hope this was of great help, as many of these posts were of help to me and my wife during our process. We thank God above all! It is all a matter of patience, as every scenario is case by case! The online status-check was delayed a couple days in respect to the letters we would receive in the mail. So do not panic if there is not status update online. If your relationship is genuine, you should have nothing to worry about during the interview. These officers are just folks like you and I who are required to have a convo with you, and can suspect if something does not add up. 
 
Good luck to you all, and congrats to all of you who have been approved up to this point and to those who will be approved! God bless! 
 
 

I thought I would write this up as I was successful in expediting my EAD.
Called USCIS on 1-800-375-5283 on 4 September.
Said 'I would like to expedite my EAD because I have been offered a job and cannot take it up until I have the right to work in the US'
I was given a list of reasons as to why my expedited EAD may be considered. These reasons are:
Severe financial loss to company or individual Extreme emergent situation Humanitarian situation Nonprofit status of requesting organization in furtherance of the cultural and social interests of the United States Department of Defense or National Interest Situation (Note: Request must come from official United States Government entity and state that delay will be detrimental to our Government) USCIS error Compelling interest of USCIS I selected 'severe financial loss'. I said that I had been unable to work due to waiting for the K1 process to finish - I was made redundant. I said that whether this could be consider severe or not was open to opinion.
The person at USCIS then read back to me what she had typed up and told me that someone would be in contact with 5 working days. She gave me a reference number for my request. She said there was no guarantee that my request would be granted.
On 9 September I received a letter from USCIS requesting that I fax them proof of my job offer, together with a reference number and also to fax their letter. I did that the same afternoon and also included the state exam and license I had taken in order to get the job offer. I also included a cover letter.
On 10 September I received an e-mail to tell me that my status had changed to 'card production' for my EAD. My AP was updated about 2 hours later.
I thought I would write this up as I've noticed a couple people saying that they've managed to expedite their EAD because of a job offer but did not explain how they did it.

Hi All
I have started this thread in this specific sub-forum because I will be using Australian colloquialisms (sayings) and spelling. I don't know whether being from Australia will make any difference,.. whether it be my documents don't need to be translated, or if our people fill in stuff differently (like the medical - explained below).
I started the thread itself though, because can't find any one central page that has ALL the documents for AOS, EAD and AP listed. This list relates to me and my case, but it is also the BASIC list because my case is simple, i.e. I don't have any kids or anything else remotely difficult to worry about. I didn't get any RFE's while doing K1 (here's my K1 thread: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=206016 ), and I'm aiming for the same this time around too. I have read and re-read the instructions several times. I read every line, and not just stuff related to me, just in case it's got a little note (this actually happened on one form) that might affect me. This list is IN NO WAY a substitute for you also reading through the forms, but I hope that it helps you get an idea of when you should start sourcing things (like paperwork for the affidavit of support) and making sure you have everything you need before you get to your applying "deadline".
On that note, there is no "deadline" for applying for AOS, as long as you marry within 90 days of arriving on your K1 visa. However it is recommended that you apply before your I-94 expires as some people have experienced issues with ICE (not deportation, just hassles and on 2 occasions I've read about, being locked up until a judge tells the ICE person they were wrong and being forced to pay fees as well as immediate AOS), but just as many (if not more) have had no issues and applied for AOS years after their I-94 expires. My main reasons for applying ASAP is because I want to work and I personally don't like not being "sure" of my status. Also, if there is a period of 180 days between your I-94 and the date your AOS is processed, you MAY encounter a ban on trying to re-enter the US if you leave and try and use the AP document. For that reason, try and apply for AOS well before 180 days after your I-94 expires... just to be safe.
Also, there is currently only one fee payable, being $1,070.00 for the AOS, EAD & AP (updated 23 Nov 2010: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=5be73dc5cb93b210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=8a2f6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD ). In July 2007 the fee for AOS changed and the rules altered so that if you send the EAD and AP at the same time as AOS (or while it's pending) the fee for EAD and AP are waived. Whether you apply for EAD and AP at the same time as AOS the fee remains the same and whether you think you need them or not, as the fee is waived, it's always better to have than not have, "just in case".
So here we go
Definition of terms:
I-94# - Is the admission/departure number on the I-94 card (full image here: http://www.visajourney.com/gallery/albums/...mmigration1.jpg )
A# number - Alien number - can sometimes be found on your visa under "annotation" starting with A0 then 8 digits. Also found on your NOA2 above the beneficiaries name (image here: http://www.visajourney.com/gallery/albums/...F-NOAs/NOA2.jpg )
AOS - Adjustment of Status - Applied for after entering the US on a K1 visa and marrying within 90 days. Changes status to "conditional permanent resident" and you will be sent a green card. This process takes around 90 days however it can take MUCH longer.
AP - Advanced Parole - Allows you to re-enter the USA while your AOS is pending. You are allowed to leave whenever you want, but doing so without the AP document (or green card) means you will not be able to re-enter. Leaving without it also results in your case being considered "abandoned".
CO - Consular Officer - In this thread related to the person actually processing my documents
EAD - Employment Authorisation Document - Allows you to work whilst the AOS is being processed, as long as you have a SSN of course. Once you received your GC your EAD is no longer needed
GC - Green card - short-form for green card so I don't have to keep typing it
IO - Interviewing Officer - The person who will interview me (if needed). Apparently not every case requires an interview. Lets see if I can be one of the few who don't need one
Non-Immigrant Visa Number - This is the RED number found on your visa (image here: http://www.visajourney.com/gallery/albums/...after_entry.jpg )
RFE - Request for further information - Received if something you mailed in is incomplete or missing. It doesn't cancel your case, just slows things down a fair bit, so doing everything to prevent getting one is your aim
First things first. VJ does have guides:
VJ AOS Guide: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;page=k1k3aos
VJ EAD Guide: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;page=k1k3ead
And also example forms:
Example forms: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...p;page=examples
The guides suggest doing a cover letter. Personally I'm doing a cover letter for each separate case (AOS, EAD and AP). I have read that the CO's don't tend to read the cover letters so really why bother, BUT I'm not doing it for them so much as for me. Filing so many documents means a lot of stuff to remember and I also think it looks neater and prettier. Also, while reading through the instructions I go through and fill in the cover letter with the attachments needed so I don't forget anything.
The USCIS has actually put together their OWN page of tips for putting together a package for mailing: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD I haven't decided if I'm going to hole punch yet or just bulldog clip as it seems that while it's appreciated it doesn't change anything so if I have a hole-punch available... maybe.
I ALWAYS go to the USCIS website to obtain forms: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD as this way you always make sure you have the most up-to-date form. Also, remember to check the filing location as it may have changed since the form was made. To do this, always make sure you go to the main form page (not the pdf, the place that links you the .pdf) such as this for AOS: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD and line four says "Where to file". In this case it tells you it depends on the category you are applying under, on other forms it might say "check the form" or "check the instructions".
As stated on each form, originals are only required when it specifically says "original" (like the forms with official signatures) otherwise copies are sufficient.
--AOS--
- G-1145 – Form for E-notification of Application/Petition Acceptance **See Note 1**
- Payment in the amount of $1,010.00 payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- I-485 - Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, signed & dated #####
- Copy of birth certificate
- Copy of K1 visa in passport
- 2 passport photos (US passport size) - name and alien number printed lightly on back in pencil or felt pen
- Copy DS-3025 – Vaccination record (completed), dated ##### **See Note 2**
- G-325A - Biographic Information, including residence and employment attachments (1 copy as of July 2009)
- I-864 - Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act, completed by #####
o Copy Federal income tax return (usually a 1040 or something like that), including W-2, Form 1099s & Schedule for most recent tax year (or IRS tax transcript which I prefer)
o Copy Federal income tax return (usually a 1040 or something like that), including W-2, Form 1099s & Schedule for second most recent tax year (optional)**See Note 3**
o Copy Federal income tax return (usually a 1040 or something like that), including W-2, Form 1099s & Schedule for third most recent tax year (optional)**See Note 3**
o Letter from #####’s employer (optional)
o Pay stub(s) from the most recent six months for ##### (optional)
- Copy of I-797 - Notice of Action, Approval of K1 petition, dated ##### (front & back)
- Copy of Marriage certificate, dated ##### (front & back)
- Copy of I-94 – Arrival/Departure record (front & back)
The two items listed below are on the VJ AOS Guide, however NOWHERE on the forms, or their instructions is it mentioned that these items are required. These items only serve as additional information. You are required to bring your passport to the interview (if you have an interview) so perhaps by mailing this information you might not need to have one. Ultimately more info is better than less info (within reason of course) so it can't hurt. Personally I'll be including them in my parcel (in my attempt to avoid an interview ) but it makes sense that they're not needed as your Alien number is your identifier now (where with the K1 your passport number and then case number were).
- Photocopy of passport biographical details page
- Photocopy of USA entry stamp dated #####
Note 1: This form is now available that requests that you receive and email and text letting you know your application has been received http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD
Note 2: There is a huge point of contention on VJ regarding whether or not to send DS-3025 or if you will require form I-693 (immunisations only). The reason for this is, the paperwork clearly states that if you COMPLETED your immunisations PRIOR to your K1 interview in your home country (and thus your medical information is complete in the paperwork you handed in at POE (and subsequently forwarded on)) then only the copy of the DS-3025 is required. HOWEVER some people who assumed their info was complete and sent in the DS-3025 received an RFE requesting they submit a form I-693. Further information is mentioned on this VJ thread: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=101202 So whether you go to the trouble of obtaining one so you don't risk and RFE and thus a slow-down is up to you. Personally I am in the process of calling Civil Surgeons (CS's) in my area to find our their fee. If the fee is reasonable we might do it just so we don't risk the RFE but at the same time i honestly think my form is fine and I have all immunisations filled in, either with dates or "not age appropriate". I'll let you know what I decide and then what the outcome is. Remember though every case is different, no matter how similar they might be.
Note 3: Tax information is only REQUIRED for the most recent tax year. Question 25 on the I-864 still requires that you indicate your earnings for the most recent tax years, whether you provide evidence of this income or not. There are two tick boxes in that question, where you can indicate whether you are only including the most recent tax year, or the three most recent. I personally prefer to send in IRS transcripts so that you are sure that you have not excluded any tax information and I also prefer to send in all three years of tax information just to "be safe". Information for obtaining the transcripts is located here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/235331-aos-ead-ap-from-k1-the-aussie-way-doc-list-included/page__view__findpost__p__3614293 .
Here is a the Civil Surgeon "phone book" from the USCIS website: https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=of...office_type=CIV
Here is a VJ thread that lists good CS's and their prices: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...231026&st=0
--EAD--
- G-1145 – Form for E-notification of Application/Petition Acceptance
- I-765 - Application for Employment Authorisation **See Note 1**
- 2 passport photos (US passport size) - name and alien number printed lightly on back in pencil or felt pen
- Photocopy of passport biographical details page **See Note 2**
As we're applying together with the AOS then the following isn't REQUIRED, however if you choose to include it, it's up to you, like i said before, more info is better than less info
- Copy of I-94 – Arrival/Departure record (front & back)
- Copy of Marriage certificate (to show name change) **See Note 3**
Note 1: Being adjustment applicant's, we're under category c9. You will see there's also a category for K1 and K3 visas (a6) but this is for when you're not applying at the same time as the AOS.
Note 2: It actually says "If no prior EAD has been issued, you must submit a copy of a Federal Government-issued identity document such as a passport..." as well as some other examples but personally I think the passport is the easiest one.
Note 3: The next issue for me (being female, married and changing my name) is my passport is still in my maiden name. For that reason it seems to make sense to include a copy of my marriage licence. Although these things are included with the AOS application, they can always shred multiple copies
--AP--
- G-1145 – Form for E-notification of Application/Petition Acceptance
- I-131 - Application for Travel Document (Advanced Parole)
- 2 passport photos (US passport size) - name and alien number printed lightly on back in pencil or felt pen
- Copy of K1 visa (to show present status)
- Photocopy of passport biographical details page **See Note 1**
As with the EAD, this isn't REQUIRED but I will probably include it because the AP form doesn't actually have a space for "prior name":
- Copy of Marriage certificate (to show name change)
Note 1: It actually says "copy of an official photo identification document showing your name, photo, and date of birth". Like with the EAD example, passport is easiest I think
General
An important thing to remember is if you change your address at ANY stage while you are an LPR (or their sponsor) you are required to change your address within 30 days of moving. There are penalties for not doing so. The USCIS has an online change of address service but you STILL need to actually post a form to them. Here's the site: https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=coa . The reason for the paper form is so it's changed on the masterbase.
The current postal details for these forms (as of 3 Dec 09 ) is:
File at:
USCIS
P.O. Box 805887
Chicago, IL 60680-4120
For courier/express delivery:
USCIS
Attn: FBAS
131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603-5517
I, like most, will be submitting my forms by express mail so I'll use the bottom address
PAYMENT
It's important when writing the cheque that you write:
"One Thousand Ten and 00/100" or it might be returned.
Here is the USCIS link outlining the cheque writing requirements: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00045f3d6a1RCRD because if you're like me, it doesn't make sense to write it that way and I wouldn't have written it like that but their wish is our command
Hope some of you find this useful If I've forgotten something, or stuff doesn't make sense, please let me know
**Edited to add further definitions - 27 Feb 2010
**Address for filing changed and fixed on here - 10 March 2010
**Edited to add Biometrics review link here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/235331-aos-ead-ap-from-k1-the-aussie-way-doc-list-included/page__view__findpost__p__3909156
**Edited to add - AOS approved 7 July 2010. Without RFE, Without interview. I simply followed the above guide and make sure my documents were completed properly.
**Edited to add - new AOS fees as of 23 Nov 2010: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=5be73dc5cb93b210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=8a2f6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

The vaccinations are *not* required for the K1 (because the K1 is a "non-immigrant" visa), but they are for AOS. The reason people tend to get them at home, particularly if you're somewhere like the UK where you can get them for free from your GP, is because it's a pain-in-the-butt to get them done in the US as you have to find a chartered physician and they're expensive/faff etc. and they may want to do a whole new medical. If you get the vaccinations done during your K1 visa process, they'll supply you with a form that you'll only need to get notarised by the american doctor, instead.
As she's in the UK, she'll be fine at the medical without records. The doctor she'll have to see for the visa medical will be able to offer the vaccines (for a fee) if she doesn't have them and would like them then. I don't have my records at the moment - they're currently lost between two surgeries - but I just got my MMR done (because I knew I hadn't had that one) and if they want me to get the dtap, I'll just have that done at the medical and pay for it. I'm going back to my GP in a couple weeks to see if they've found my records, and if they have and it shows I'm out of date on my dtap, I'll have them do that too.
If she speaks to her GP, she can probably get them done for free. The most they may charge is a prescription for each vaccination (which is like, £7.65 at the moment). I'd really recommend she do them before the medical if it's a money thing, because I'm certain it'll cost you more in the long run if you do them in the US. Take a look at this thread about medicals, btw: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/8321-london-medical-knightsbridge-doctors/
Here's the document about the medical from the London embassy too: http://photos.state.gov/libraries/unitedkingdom/164203/cons-visa/iv018a_medical.pdf
See:
"Special notice for K visa applicants: K visa applicants are not required to meet the
vaccination requirements at the time they apply for a visa. However, they are required to
meet them at the time they apply for an adjustment of status in the United States. If you
take your vaccination records to the medical appointment, it may be possible to use the
results of the medical examination in the United States."

That's FANTASTIC!! Congratulations!

Congratulation to you! I just called and got the case number as well! We finally getting closer and closer! Good job to all of us!
Thank you for giving me the courage, I got it! @TiogaTiago

We had similar problems and frustrations.  Felt like every time we called the NVC we got a different answer, anything from "I can see we have your case, but we don't have a number" to "It doesn't look like we have your case".  We did FINALLY get it pushed through.  After we hit the 30 day mark from receiving the NOA2, I followed the instructions on the NOA2 that say to email the NVC if you don't hear from them. My fiancé also called, and when told that he should wait two weeks after it's received by the NVC, he pointed out it has been more than two weeks (NVC received our case on May 24th). Once he pointed that out, he was routed to a manager, who then told him they found our case and are working on it (or something to that affect). When I called later that evening, the lady first told me she couldn't see my case was received (minor panic attack on my part), and then said, "Oh wait, here it is! Oh yes, looks like it was received May 24th and was last touched at 6:45 pm today". A few days later, I got an email from the NVC with all of our information including the revered RDJ Number. Just today (a week later) we received an email from the embassy with our packet 3 and interview scheduling information. 
 
So...things do move fairly quick once they start moving again, keep courage!
 
I hope this information helps!  I would recommend following the instructions in the NOA2 and emailing the NVC, and also maybe next time you call the NVC kindly point out that it has been over 2 weeks since the NVC received your case, and you were under the impression it should be processed by now.
 
I hope all your cases get processed soon!  I know how frustrating the waiting is!

Hey,
 
I thought I would attach my cover letter for my AOS/EAD/AP application here, for people to be able to use it themselves and also to get some feedback if I am missing anything or have anything that is not needed.
 
 
United States Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

USCIS
PO Box 805887
Chicago, IL 60680-4120

Petitioner (U.S. Citizen): 
Beneficiary (Alien Spouse): 

ORIGINAL SUBMISSION : Concurrent Filing of I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status), I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization), and I-131- Application for Travel Document (Advanced Parole)

Dear Sir/Madam:
Please kindly find enclosed concurrent filing of forms: I-485, I-765, and I-131.
Contents include:

1. Check of $1225 for form I-485 made payable to Department of Homeland Security (including Biometrics fee of $85) 


2. I-485 Application To Adjust Status 
• Check of $1225 made payable to Department of Homeland Security
• Form G-1145 (e-Notification of Application)
• Form I-485 signed by applicant
• DS-3025 Vaccination Record completed fully, (I-693 Medical Exam less than 1 year old turned in at POE)
• Copy of passport's biographical page 
• Copy of passport's American visa page and entry stamp
• Copy of I-94 form 
• Copy of Marriage Certificate 
• Copy of Birth Certificate
• G325A signed by applicant
• Two (2) Passport-style photos from Applicant and Two from petitioner (placed in a small plastic bag, labeled with full name & birth date)
 

3. I-864 - Affidavit of Support from the petitioner US Citizen. 
• Copy of Petitioner’s employments letters showing annual income from June 15th 2017 (not employed yet – was a medical student and starting pediatrics residency on June 15th)

4. I-864 - Affidavit of Support from Co-sponsor US Citizen.
• Copy of Co-sponsor’s W-2 Wage and tax statement for the year 2016
• Copy of Co-sponsor’s letter of employment stating annual income
• Copy of Co-sponsor’s birth certificate


5. I-765 - Application For Employment Document 
• Copy of I-94 form of applicant
• Two (2) Passport-style photos from Applicant
• Photo copy of biographical page and U.S. visa page


6. I-131 - Application for Travel Document (Advanced Parole)
• Copy of I-94 form of applicant
• Copy of passport biographical page and U.S visa page
• Letter explaining reasons to ask for an Advanced Parole
• Two (2) Passport-style photos from Applicant

Copies of documents submitted are exact photocopies of unaltered documents and I agree to submit original documents at a later date if required.


Truly yours,
 
 
Name
Phone number
Signature
 
 


 
 
Thank you very much!

Ahhhh!  That's SO fantastic! Congratulations on finally getting your NOA2! I hope the rest of your journey goes much faster!

The I-797 says to wait 30 days, but when you call the NVC they say it can take up to 6 weeks. Time deadlines/guidelines seems to be a bit vague when it comes to all this, but I think the 30 day/6 week frame is when you should start pushing for more answers.  Hopefully you will get a response well before that time. :-)

No, we didn't get a case number :-( My fiancé was told we should have it by Monday, but I was told they didn't have a timeline of when we should receive it.  Looking at all the posts on here, it's almost funny how inconsistent the NVC answers are. I saw your additional post about the answers you got from the NVC when asking about the electronic process, thank you for sharing! Hopefully we can all cobble together a picture of reality based on our different conversations with the NVC :-)

I want to share my story with you guys because I was in the same boat, until 10 minutes ago . 
 
Nvc created ny case number since 5/22 , I basically called then everyday to see if it was sent to the embassy. I kid you not , every rep that answered had a different answer. Until yesterday one rep said it was sent since end of may 🤔🤔🤔🤔.....
 
how could that be ? I was then given the embassy's number to speak to them , needless they didn't see anything. Then I call nvc once more and this rep said it's still there at the nvc. I finally requested a manger , who finally looked into it and confirmed that it was indeed sent to the embassy, and then apologized for the confusion. 
 
Every rep Does Not know what they are giving us , it's really hit or miss , and you must be persistent! 
 
Hope that sheded a lilttle light to those wondering. 

Okay, I called NVC again, and still negative. So, I mentioned about the e-process that they are doing and have him explain to me of course. What I have learned is all K1 Visa is now under this e-process and if we don't call NVC for case #, you will eventually get the packet 3 from your embassy. The time frame is max 6 weeks from USCIS to NVC, 2 weeks for NVC to process and electronically send to your embassy right after. 
So, we are talking about 2 months here? From approval date - case number issue date? 

My fiancé called the NVC again today and got a an answer other than the "we don't see it, wait 6 weeks".  We were told that they received our case on May 24th, but that they can't access it in their system or something. The lady I talked to said we are one of the "lucky" ones who appear to have been added to their new Consular Electronic Processing system (more information here, but not very helpful: https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/immigrate/immigrant-process/approved/contact/CEAC_electronic_processing.html.html). Basically it sounds like they have it, but they need to scan the paper copy into the new system to make an electronic copy. Once they do that, the process should be faster as they will send the case electronically to the embassy in my fiancé's country rather than mailing it. She said they should communicate to us via snail mail or email once the embassy receives it.  She also said that they should generate and invoice number for us and that we can continue to call to try to get that if we want. 
 
So, maybe try calling the NVC again and ask if they can see if your case has at least been received. For some reason they didn't think it was important to tell us this bit of information before so maybe you need to ask for it specifically?
 
Also, since I hit the 30 day mark, I emailed NVCINQUIRY@state.gov as the I-797 instructed. I don't know if that helped move things along too...
 
I hope this helps you to get more information on your case also! Good luck!

I just had a similar experience! I was told a bit more information: that we are part of the move to a new electronic system, etc. etc...see my post above :-)
 
Based on reading some other experiences with the NVC, seems like they are slowly introducing the new electronic process and some of us are part of it, and some aren't. Just speculation. But at least you know they have it now!
 
Best of luck to you!

I just wanted to let you know that I received the packet from the local US embassy today. I did not receive any letters from the NVC. The packet has the case number, so I'm ready to schedule the medical exam etc... My NOA2 date is May 10th. You might receive the packet without letters from NVC. I encourage everyone to check the mail box if you're waiting for the packet from the embassy. Hope it helps you!

Well very interesting development. I called and was expecting to be disappointed again, I was actually told they received it May 31st...Why have they been telling me every single day that they hadn't received it yet? No number was assigned yet, so I am going to call again tonight just to see how fast they assign numbers. But from this, I think they do not update their system until they are basically ready to assign a number. As the lady said they had it since the 31st, but every time I called they told me they hadn't receive it from USCIS.
 
So to all being told that NVC hasn't receive their petition yet, hang in there, they might actually have it, but not in their system yet...

That's weird, I'd keep calling to get different rep, my Noa2 was 5/8 I got my case number 5/20..... I seriously called 2 a day once in the am and once in the  pm .... some rep have no clue at what they are doing 

Do you feel like it's taking forever for your case file to reach the National Visa Center? Then this thread is for you!
It is not for you if:
You have been waiting less than three to four weeks, or 25 business days, or 30 days or 42 days for your case file to reach NVC (these are the random timelines the NVC reps tell you when you call to check for your case number) You have received your case number and want to tell everyone how happy you are about it You have been waiting however long for your NOA-2 from TSC or your CR-1 approval or whatever; this is for K-1 visa applicants who are waiting a very long time for their NVC case number Several VJers currently are in the 70- to 80-day range, waiting for California Service Center to send their I-129f case files to New Hampshire. We are approaching the expiration dates on the I-797 (the NOA-2). We are helping each other with the process and I figure more of you are out there but lost in the process.
We have been commiserating in this thread; however, this new thread can serve as a central repository for advice, assistance and complaining.
It's OK to complain, by the way. Many people will tell you to have patience or to chill out. Patience and frustration DO NOT HAVE TO BE EXCLUSIVE OF EACH OTHER. The process is frustrating, especially when you hear a different story every time you call USCIS.
Thus far, we have been told our case files were redirected to our local offices (for me, Spokane, WA); they have been misdirected to the National Research Center (where immigration files go to die); NVC is backlogged and CSC is alleviating that workload by holding back files; and, most bizarrely, a courier is on standby waiting for the right size of packet to be sent to NVC.
We watch as others receive their case numbers in nine days, 10 days, and 20 days. If you have been waiting long past a month for your case number, here are the steps you need to take (many thanks to USMSBOW for his legwork):
1. Scan a copy of your NOA-2 and send it as an email attachment to NVCResearch@state.gov. Here is an example of the email you should send:
Hello,
I was instructed this morning to send you a copy of my I-797 notice from USCIS, which I've attached. USCIS approved my K1 petition on (month day, year), but my case has yet to arrive at NVC.
My receipt #: ABC##########
Petitioner: Name and date of birth
Beneficiary: Name and DOB
You can contact me at this e-mail address (frustrateddude@visajourney.com) or at 1-123-123-4567. Please let me know if you have any questions or need any more information.
Thank you,
(Give me my damn case number)
2. Call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 and request to speak to Tier 2 Immigration Officer. A Tier 1 agent is no assistance at this point. You must speak to an IO. If your Tier 1 agent refuses, hang up and keep calling until you find a T-1 who will connect you to a T-2. Do not fall for their 90-day baloney. Your I-797 is approaching its expiration date. This is crazy.
You will receive vague, uninformative information from your service request via snail mail. Do not settle for this. Call for another Tier 2 and request further assistance.
You can open a service request on your own on the USCIS website, after you create an account and login to your case file. I don't know if this works. We have not tried this. We preferred to speak verbally with an IO.
3. Contact your representatives in Congress and/or the Senate. Others have seen their cases sped up by doing this. While our Congresswoman is one of the most powerful women in the G.O.P., we have yet to see resolution in this arena but it's only been two weeks since we contacted her office. Once you contact your representative, you will have to fill out a privacy disclosure form. Only then can your rep take action. Get this done as quickly as you can.
Please note: your government representative cannot intervene for an approval or for expedition. He or she can only assist with locating your file.
You can find your representatives on these websites:
Congress
Senate
4. If you are at your wit's end and nothing thus far has given you satisfaction, file a Case Assistance request with the USCIS Ombudsman. You can email this department at cisombudsman@hq.dhs.gov.
I did this just yesterday and today received a form letter directing me to an online form. I attempted this link from the Ombudsman's web page but was given an Access Denied error page. I am at least able to open the form from within the email.
PLEASE NOTE: None of these steps has resolved our situation at this date. I - and hopefully the others - will continue to provide updates to our cases and let you know where and how we achieved success.
ALSO NOTE: I apologize for the lengthy post. I'm a professional writer with a full bottle of wine that's almost empty. That always spells trouble.
ALSO ALSO NOTE: Said wine is the culprit behind any syntax or grammatical errors you may find. I at least ran everything through spellcheck.
ALSO ALSO ALSO NOTE: Drinking is a good idea through this process. If you haven't started yet, I highly recommend red blends from Washington's Columbia Valley, vodka or craft beer.
Good luck. Please let us know if you have attained any resolution in retrieving your NVC case number after a lengthy wait.

We got our approval on April 4.  The NVC received our case on April 21st.  We called and got our case number from them on April 24.  I (petitioner) received the letter from the NVC yesterday, May 1.  So everything went pretty smoothly on our end and just as everyone had said it would.  I would give it 2 weeks and then start calling the NVC to get your case number.  Call them every other day or so.  Once you get the case number you can start doing the DS-160 and scheduling the medical and all of that.  They will also tell you when they sent your case to the Embassy if you call and ask them.  Good luck to you.  Hope your case moves quickly and smoothly from here and congrats on your approval!   

As a governmental worker myself I must defend them. There are many good hard working people who work at the USCIS. The amount of work that is being put on them, who are highly understaffed due to budget cuts, antiquated software, and the mass retirements that are occurring, takes it toll on the best of them. Burn out is huge. Without them there would be no one to process YOUR application. So please don't lump everyone together in a nice little bundle of "those people".

It asks if you intend to make specific contributions and if you tick yes then state in the bottom on part 7 what contributions you intend to make.
 
If it was me I would have asked the same question but if no one answered I would tick yes to make sure they read part 7 and then I would still write NA K1 visa or whatever it is that people were advising you should write on the previous form. Others may just say no. Because you don't intend to only make specific contributions but support them entirely.
 
That is confusing now isn't it because they used to be lots of answers on what to write but now there isn't. 
hmmmm...
 
Sorry I can't advise you completely but maybe someone else will now come back and say what they would do 
 

To answer the OP:

If you follow VJ's example I-134 form dated 2011 - Question #11 regarding contributions yes/no boxes are left "unchecked" and in the explanation section, you are to write "N/A (K1 Visa Process For Permanent Residence)":
http://www.visajourney.com/examples/Form-I-134.pdf

In the new revised I-134 form dated 2018 - Question #38 now regards contributions.  If we are to follow VJ's example, you would still leave the yes/no boxes "unchecked".  But now, your explanation is submitted in Part 7 on page 8 of the new form.  

You will do this:
3.a. "Page 4"
3.b. "Part Number 3"
3.c. "Item Number 38"
3.d. "N/A (K1 Visa Process For Permanent Residence)"

You're basically giving the same information as in the old I-134 form, but, in a different location:



Hope this helps everyone!

Hey DebbieWen, I just recently got my NOA2 Approval and now in the process of preparing documents for the next step, including the I-134a. It is confusing, but I think I can help with the research I've done and things I've read from the USCIS website. On the USCIS website, you can view the PDF Instruction file for I-134a. I will copy and paste a line from it regarding your question. 
 
"Answer all questions fully and accurately. If a question does not apply to you (for example, if you have never been married and the question asks “Provide the name of your current spouse”), type or print “N/A,” unless otherwise directed. If your answer to a question which requires a numeric response is zero or none (for example, “How many children do you have” or “How many times have you departed the United States”), type or print “None,” unless otherwise directed."
 
This is a bit different from the I-129F, as if you look at the instructions for that form, it says to leave the space blank.
 
Also, if you notice it says, "Answer all questions fully and accurately". BUT, the example they give "Provide the name of your current spouse" type or print N/A. Their example isn't a question! It's a statement. The form contains questions AND statements throughout, but they obviously consider every line a question. Therefore, DebbieWen, I will be either putting "NA" for non-numeric lines and "None" for the questions that require a numeric response.  
 
I have no dependents either, so for me, 10.a through 25 will be "NA" or "None" , 26a-29 will be filled in as it should. And 30.a through 37 will be "NA" or "None" 
 
I hope this helped you! The above Q&A really helped me with that confusing question 38! Good luck!

My fiance does have her travel visa, but we chose to go the route of the fiance visa to make sure we did everything by the book.  We received our NOA1 on 2/13/17, but this is taking much longer than we thought.  I know everyone else is in the same boat.  Does anyone know if it would be a bad idea for her to come visit for a week on her travel visa while her fiance visa application is in process?  Could that damage our chances of having it approved?