ChisolmTrail

7 minutes ago, GInAustin said:

Would you recommend any nice hotel close by?  My fiancé will be staying there for their medical up through the interview time.  I'm hoping to find a nice place that is close by.  TIA

Really depends on your budget. Most hotels in Malate are about 4000php or 80USD per night. You will find better and cheaper using airbnb. We got a condo 15 minute walk from USEM and SLEC for 2000php or 40USD per night....discounts for weekly and monthly rates. Also depends on how long she intends on staying. 

I moved my fiance to Malate to avoid having to travel back and forth with two kids

4 minutes ago, FindHerKeepHer said:

was visa ready before today? or was it issued today?

Interview 7/25 

K1 visa issued 8/4

K2 visas issued 8/14

Visas at MOA 2go today at 6pm local

Finally K1/K2s visas on hand...being here in Manila only 15 minute walk from embassy really helped push things through

44 minutes ago, Passikintalba Nak said:

Hi all,

Can somebody who has done this already please tell me what is needed for proof of income. Ist tax return documents, bank statement ,paystubs, leter from employer or is it all of them. 

Thank you

yes,  but I provided tax returns and W2 for 2014, 2015, and 2016

1 hour ago, Willy Wilcox said:

Yes!

 

Mine went to Ready in three days

6 minutes ago, RyanAndKim said:

NVC is swamped with calls, I've called every 30 min since I woke up today, trying to get our case number. All I get is an automated response saying they are busy at the moment and to try the website for finding answers to my questions, then the call ends. Damn.

When you get that message, press 1. Even if you are not prompted, just press 1 during that message. I did that and it sent me to the next menu where I pressed 7.

1 hour ago, AnnieBee said:

I called the NVC today, although i knew it was a little too early since my NOA2 has only been out since last Thu. But I've had a whole week of being approved and having no idea about it, during which i've been very stressed and anxious.

 

However it felt good knowing that i'm a bit in control now and i can call a service that won't provide lies and fairy tales about k1 visas still being stuck on December held hostage by an evil witch. So i thought i'd give a "test call" to see what lies ahead.

 

The lady who answered was polite and told me i have to give them 6 weeks before calling the NVC to ask for a case number. I told myself fair enough, i have to give them a little bit more time, one week in is too soon. I'm glad i called, i intend to call a couple of times a week because I don't trust email notifications and letters take too long to get there. Just in my own experience. 

 

I would like to hear your experience regarding the NVC; do you call, how often, how long did it take for your file to get there, when did it leave for the embassy, etc.

NOA2 - 5/24

Petition received at NVC and case assigned - 6/8

NVC status changed from "At NVC" to "In Transit" 6/16

I waited 14 days after my NOA2 date to start calling, I called once per day at 9:30pm EST. After two days I was told petition arrived and they assigned case number. Average hold time on call to NVC 25 minutes.

54 minutes ago, Angel&Eric said:

Neither.  I called to get the case number and then just checked the status multiple times per day.  I wasnt even smart enough to think of the question. 

 

After the status changed the two numbers were at the bottom.

I think an important thing to consider is; the K2s are included in the K1 petition. You do not submit separate I-129f for K1 and K2.  Thus, when the petition is approved, it is approved for the K1 and K2. Likewise, once a case is assigned at NVC, the case is related to the petition which includes both the K1 and K2.

Or, perhaps not....

2 minutes ago, glmg21 said:

NVC stage might be more of a -show than waiting for an NOA-2. We were approved a month ago, and in multiple calls to NVC these past two weeks we've been told a) The case was received by them on June 3rd, b) the case was received June 15th and c) The case hasn't been received at all.

 

I have called a handful of times and never really had the same response, and really don't have any idea what to expect at this point..

Are you checking the CEAC site for updates. This morning it was At NVC, now it says In Transit

I just checked NVC site....finally it said "In Transit"

Petition received at NVC and case number assigned on 6/8.

NVC shows as In Transit 6/16

I wish i had a dollar for every time i checked the status since 6/8.

Just now, Chaud18 said:

I know this has been asked many times before. But is there I can do now to prepare while I'm waiting for NVC ?

I-134, collect your tax transcripts for past three years, W2s, Employment verification letter, perhaps updated chat logs since you submitted I-129. Begin familiarizing yourself with the DS160, and what documents will be needed for medical. Learn about the process to pay for the visas.

1 minute ago, Angel&Eric said:

We are another step closer!!

 

Medical exams completed yesterday, interview scheduled for 6/27.  I am flying out 6/21 so that I can attend the interview.

 

Please keep your fingers crossed for no AP so that I can bring them home with me. 

The finish line is near!

3 minutes ago, LabOz said:

The NVC actually DOES send a letter. It simply advises you that your case was received by USCIS and that NVC will forward it to the prospective US Embassy.

The letter further says it can take several weeks for them to forward it.

our petition was received at NVC and our case number assigned on 6/8.  Online continues to say "At NVC."  I just called them and they told me it is still being administratively processed, but should leave soon. But they could not give me anything more detailed as to when it would leave for USEM.

2 hours ago, JeffreyElla said:

I called the NVC today.  I was on hold for 30 minutes.

 

Our NOA2 date was May 26th and NVC received the case on June 12th!!  After receiving the Immigrant Visa Case Number over the phone, I was able to us the Visa Status Check to see that our status is "At NVC".

 

I am sending positive energy to everyone still waiting on NOA2.  We waited 110 days and that felt like forever.  I can't imagine some of the day counts I am seeing from people still waiting.

Yeah, ours has said "At NVC" for a week. We got our Case number on 6/8. I may call tonight to see when this will depart for USEM

22 minutes ago, WayneAdoresWendy said:

NVC update. If you watch the Processing Times here on VJ, it is showing the NOA2 to NVC Receive Date of May 24. Which is 20 days.

 

I am normally a very passive person. But I just called NVC and our Petition was received yesterday. 

NOA2, May 30

NVC Received June 12

 

14 days. The lady who answered the phone said she expects it to leave NVC by Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you for the update, I received our case number on 6/8, and it is still there, perhaps they send out in batches much the same way the receive them in batches.

30 minutes ago, Christine said:

Just checked my case in CEAC and its says READY.

Friday I got case number and Tuesday its already in my embassy.

Do you know when your case was received at NVC?  Ours was 6/8 (case number assigned same day), but CEAC still indicates "At NVC"

2 hours ago, charlesisjan said:

Today was the worst day at work. I had no motivation at all due to it being the 132nd day. 

After work, I sluggishly came home, checked the mail and lo and behold! We got the NOA2!

 

NOA1 Receive date Feb 1, 2017.
NOA2 Received June 13, 2017, approved June 5, 2017. No updates on the tracker.

What a way to play with my emotions! Thank you all for the support! Hope everyone else who hasn't gotten their NOA2's yet receives theirs soon!

Now on to NVC. I would start calling on June 18th.

2 hours ago, Vince-Rina said:

I have a question for anyone at the NVC/Embassy phase.  Case says ready and she can setup an appointment once she pays.  Thing is I havent' gotten a letter from NVC yet.  She was told she could just capture a pic of the Ready notice from NVC and use that in place of the letter (which I am wondering if it will come).   Anyone have any experience with this?  Thanks in advance. 

My fiancee told me the same thing.  If you are talking about SLEC, then you could try calling and asking them. Another member's fiancee is going to SLEC today and I am awaiting to her about her experience. If you find anything out, direct msg me and I'll do the same for you.

6 minutes ago, JloveN said:

We are on 147 days of waiting now. Receive date on January 17th and still haven't heard anything yet.

Have you tried a congressional inquiry?

4 minutes ago, TriloByte said:

What advantage do you have knowing your case was received by NVC other than just knowing? I thought it was embassy received that opened up the gate for medical, interview, etc.

it varies by country USEM. For Philippines, by having the Case number we can do the following:

- Apply to get Singapore Certificate of Clearance (only needed if your fiancee worked abroad there)

- Register online for medical at St Lukes (SLEC)

- Create an account on Visadocs to begin the paying for visas process

As previously stated, this is what I know for the PI, but it may be different for UK.  Now that you are a NOA2 veteran, you may want to circle back with Dec/Jan UK filers to see about their experience.

Good Luck.

12 minutes ago, cherryblossoms916 said:

Yeah! I saw that on their website. still working on Dec. 2016 

I would simply ignore what you are told when you call. As long as there is one case open in December, they are likely to say that.  Based on my observation, most petitions are adjudicated between 95 and 120 days.  Ours was 96.  There is really no answer as to what process is followed and why some petitions get worked quicker than others, or why some get processed before others.  Online tracking and status is unfortunately worth very little.  I went with the expectation it would like take 4 to 5 months to get my NOA2; any sooner would be a blessing.  To expect sooner is rolling the dice.  

The waiting is definitely stressful, but use this time to gather documents for the next step, think about what can be done to make the transition easier once your fiancee comes to the US. Do anything you can NOT to think about the process each day. I know, easier said than done, but as they say, "it is what it is."  Before you know it you will have your NOA2 and will begin wondering what is taking NVC so long to get you case to the USEM.  

2 minutes ago, EmGosh said:

We finally got our NOA2 today in the mail!!!!!! I have not stopped crying all day I'm so happy and relieved

 

So next step is, I know we wait for the NVC to receive it and call them for our number, but my question is, by getting this new NVC number via phone how does that speed up in the process? Do we use that number for the DS 160? Or is it so I can schedule my medical exam (although I have heard you need the hard copy of the number for that?) Just a bit unsure and I'm eager to get moving with the rest of the process asap!

 

Thank you everyone for all your support and good wishes to one another!!!!! May good luck shine on you, have a great day!

 

NOA1- Feb 14th

NOA2- June 12th

It can differ from country USEM to another. I suggest you look at December and January UK filers who are ahead of you in the process and seek their experience thus far.  That said, see my post early today regarding my NVC calling experience.

1 minute ago, Roger & Grace said:

We have the NOA 2 Approved and we have the NVC Case # and Invoice # 

 

So,  does that mean 

Grace needs to schedule the interview and medical right ASAP?  

i know the NOA2 has an expiration date, our NOA2 was 5/24, expiration in September I think. I hear it can be extended.

As long as you have MNL number you can register medical with SLEC Manila online.  Have you done the DS160?  Once done, you'll need to create account in Visadocs so you can get the receipt that indicates cost for visas, then she pays and gets a receipt back. That will be needed to schedule interview.  This is how I understand. Our attorney is doing all of this on the DS160 and Visadocs site.  The SLEC registration my fiancee is doing herself...and the Singapore COC.

3 minutes ago, Roger & Grace said:

hahaha I wonder what Grace will say too...

 

It seems like this journey has taken a lifetime or two!!!

We met late fall of 2014  visited Feb 2016 filed DEC 2016  Just now NOA 2 approved... Come on man!! 

Next step NVC and case number. Some advice when calling NVC.  I called a total of three times over three days. Always around 9:30 pm EST.  My average wait time was about 20 to 35 minutes. One time I called and got the initial greeting message, but it was different. It stated the call volume was high and to call back later.  Rather than call back, I selected option 1 anyway and I was immediately transferred to the regular prompting where I then selected option 7 like my previous call.  The lesson; just press one no matter what the message. 

The first two times I called they asked for the WAC# or NOA receipt number.  They immediately told me my petition had not been received.  The night I received my Case number was different. After providing the WAC#,  I was asked my name, my fiance's name and her DOB.  At that point I knew something was different.  I was then told the petition had arrived that day, and they asked if I would like the case number.

NOA2 date 5/24 (received in the mail 5/30), NVC received petition an issued case number 6/8.

I started calling 13 days out from NOA2 date