Binna

I suggest you and your wife both do some reading to become familiar with the process.  

Welcome to another monthly thread for those going through NVC
 
Please read everything below and refer to it throughout your NVC journey, whether this is your first month at NVC or your third. 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Before posting questions, please read the wiki Saylin wrote on the NVC process here. Once you're done, read it one or two more times to really understand it ;)Don't forget to also read the official form instructions as well as USCIS and NVC's websites!
If you want to see a visual of the NVC process, please view Saylin's flowchart here.
Yes this thread was created by our great Queen Saylin and the knowledge is still going forward. This thread I pray stays alive and well as many who have gone through the process or still going can chime in and help and assist.
If you're wondering about time frames, look at the fellow members right here in this thread! Study their signatures/timelines and make notes. VJ also has this awesome page. Use it! I sure did during my process  That means if you are on this thread WE expect you to have an up to date timeline.
 
And once you've got a case complete, please join the case complete/interview thread started by me, Dwheels76 on (currently January 2018 thread),
 
http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/655098-case-complete-to-interview-january-2018/
 

1. If you are referring to passport size photographs, I will say yes include 2 passport size photos (just in case). No harm in doing it even if it is not stated in your document cover sheet.

2. The certified copy thing is for most cases is not a requirement, it is simply a choice. Meaning if you are able to obtain certified copies of each of your civil documents then do so and use them.
 
A certified copy is a copy (often a photocopy) of the original document, that has on it an endorsement or certificate or seal by the appropriate authority (usually the authority that issued the original) stating that it is a true copy of the original document.
 
NVC simply wants you to gather the documents that apply to you using the information below:
- Send a photocopy of all required civil documents to NVC.
- Bring the original documents (or certified copies) plus a photocopy to your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
 
However, there are country-specific guidelines on how to obtain acceptable documents as it relates to your country. Use the Document Finder above tool from NVC website - https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/fees/reciprocity-by-country.html 
It will help you with understanding some specifics requirement for civil documents for your country.
 
Additional see extract from the NVC website (Step 5: Collect Supporting Documents) - https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/immigrate/immigrant-process/documents/Supporting_documents.html
 
"All documents not written in English, or in the official language of the country in which you are applying for a visa, must be accompanied by certified translations. The translation must include a statement signed by the translator stating that:
The translation is accurate, and
The translator is competent to translate."
 
Hope this helps.

Your friend is really a hard knock lol... He should let his lawyer know the truth about the 2009 trip to Cost Rica and illegally crossing the border into the US again, a good immigration lawyer would know how to manage such situation. It is always very important to be very honest with your lawyer from day one.

1. If you are referring to passport size photographs, I will say yes include 2 passport size photos (just in case). No harm in doing it even if it is not stated in your document cover sheet.

2. The certified copy thing is for most cases is not a requirement, it is simply a choice. Meaning if you are able to obtain certified copies of each of your civil documents then do so and use them.
 
A certified copy is a copy (often a photocopy) of the original document, that has on it an endorsement or certificate or seal by the appropriate authority (usually the authority that issued the original) stating that it is a true copy of the original document.
 
NVC simply wants you to gather the documents that apply to you using the information below:
- Send a photocopy of all required civil documents to NVC.
- Bring the original documents (or certified copies) plus a photocopy to your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
 
However, there are country-specific guidelines on how to obtain acceptable documents as it relates to your country. Use the Document Finder above tool from NVC website - https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/fees/reciprocity-by-country.html 
It will help you with understanding some specifics requirement for civil documents for your country.
 
Additional see extract from the NVC website (Step 5: Collect Supporting Documents) - https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/immigrate/immigrant-process/documents/Supporting_documents.html
 
"All documents not written in English, or in the official language of the country in which you are applying for a visa, must be accompanied by certified translations. The translation must include a statement signed by the translator stating that:
The translation is accurate, and
The translator is competent to translate."
 
Hope this helps.

@mrahman14 Please could you confirm on the last 3 years tax transcript from IRS, where did you see that information on number of years? I am looking at the immigrant visa process on https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/immigrate/immigrant-process/documents/Step_4_Collect_Financial_Documents.html - Step 4: Collect Financial Documents: If you completed Form I-864, I-864A, or I-864EZ submit an IRS tax transcript from the most recent tax year. 
 
Is this just per your personal opinion or it is actually official that you must get last 3 years tax transcript? I am just seeking for knowledge here please don't take it the wrong way, thank you.

Hi!
Yes, it showed as PAID today and i already completed and submitted DS-260, and i'm going to send the package tomorrow.
I i did called earlier today when it was still PAY NOW and they said same, bug in the system and to cal back on Friday..
I really hope your problem will be fixed ASAP !

Welcome to the Case Complete to Interview Monthly thread.
 
 
You can view my spreadsheet Case Complete to Interview Spreadsheet
 
To update your interview date go here. Case Complete to Interview Form
 
For New people to the thread please go Case Complete to Interview Form and input your information in the form and it will be added to the form.
 
Everyone should be clicking on the Portal tab to visit the information for their country. If nothing is there or information needs updating. Update or add.
Its up to all of us to keep this information current, relevant and helpful to others.

Special Note: Different consulates or embassies have strict guidelines as to what type of bags/purses/cellphones etc can be carried in. And whether they provide any lockers (or not) for temp storage. As many travel from far away (by air/train/cars, one needs to specially know what they will not be able to take inside the consulate and where to store their personal belongings.
 
 
 
Here are some FAQ and other tidbits that may be useful to you. Be sure to visit your countries portal and click on the Consular Information and also Consular reviews.
 
FAQ

I just called and got Case Complete how long does it take to get the email as confirmation?
Well it has been taking 5 to 7 days to get case complete email from the date they Case Complete.

How long after Case Complete will I get an interview?
Okay this is the BIG mystery of NVC. How it usually goes is end of the month and first week of month they start scheduling for interviews for the that upcoming month. Since January they have been pretty consistent starting about the last 2 days of the month and finishing that following first week of next month

Do I have to call for my interview date?
NVC has improved greatly since March. The interview letter now comes day of schedule. So call if you want its up to you.

I know someone who got interview in the middle of the month. How is that possible?
Usually when you see someone pop up with an interview outside the bunch its usually the result of a cancellation or the embassy opening up a slot. Just because scheduling stops doesn't mean they filled up all slots. They may have more slots than appointments which is good. So someone gets case complete and immediately they get an interview. It happens.

Remember every embassy has its own slots and schedule. Some like El Salvador are very busy with a long waiting list. Some like Yemen, well it may be a few months to get in. Iceland you get interview immediately scheduled after case Complete.

I need to change our interview date what do I do?
Once you receive your interview date track your casefile. Call NVC ask when your casefile left than you can follow the DHL instructions to embassy. The contact your embassy (email is best) and ask to be rescheduled later, earlier just ask. 

What do I need to bring to interview?
When you receive your P4 Letter (Interview letter) it will have your personalized checklist of things to bring or not. It has been suggested because things have been lost between NVC and embassy to bring everything (Originals) to the interview so if they don't have at embassy you aren't delayed.It's up to you. It doesn't happen much but it does happen.
 
How to expedite at NVC?
Go to this link has good information how to go about it.
http://boureypeatnut...m/expedite.html
Just to remind everyone to revisit the NVC Process Wiki, NVC Process Wiki
*******************************
 
Thanks to Fabian&Ross for spelling this all out. Once you get the interview letter reference this.
 
 
You must bring the following items to the visa interview:
Any original documents the NVC requested that you did not submit (refer to the document list below) If the physician gives you your medical exam results, bring them to your interview in the envelope sealed by the medical office. Two passport photographs measuring 2 inches by 2 inches (5 cm by 5 cm) with a white background A valid unexpired passport Photocopies of all civil documents A new police certificate from your current country of residence, if you obtained the police certificate more than one year ago. Any additional documents listed in the U.S. Embassy or Consulate specific interview guidelines  
The following table lists the documents requested by the NVC and whether or not you submitted them to the
NVC. Please note that even though you may have provided the NVC with a copy of a document, you are
still required to bring the original document to the visa interview.
 
Refer to the Document Status Code Definitions (see key below) to determine the meaning of the document status codes. Thank you Dragi
 
Document Status Code Definitions:
2 - The NVC did not receive this document. Go to http://nvc.state.gov/documents for a list of required documents. You must present the original document at the time of your interview. A - Obtain the original or a certified copy of this document and present it at your interview C - You must bring this entire interview letter to your interview D - The NVC sent this form or document to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate F - The NVC did not request this form or document G - You withdrew your I-601A, Application for Provisional Unlawful Presence Waiver, with USCIS H - You must obtain two passport photographs of yourself and present them at your interview I - This form is incomplete. You must present a completed form at your interview. J - The NVC only received a photocopy of the document. You must present the original document at the time of your interview. O - The NVC sent this form or document to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate P - You must request this police certificate from the issuing authority. After you submit your request, the issuing authority will send the certificate directly to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for your interview. Q - View this website: http://www.uscis.gov...ce-field-office R - You submitted the Immigrant Visa Application online S - The NVC only received a scanned document. You must present the original document at the time of your interview. T - You must present an English translation of this document at the time of your interview U - You indicated this document was unavailable. The consular officer will decide whether to waive the requirement for this document at your interview. V - View the website at http://havana.usint.gov/cfrp.html for English or http://spanish.havan...t.gov/cfrp.html for Spanish and follow the instructions. X - This document is unobtainable Y - The NVC sent this form or document to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate $ - Payment received + - The NVC returned this document to you per your request. Present this document at your interview.  
********************************************************
For those who want to request an earlier interview date here is a template written up by our own TeaCup.
Thank you TeaCup for the Template on how to notify the embassy
********************************************************
Petitioners Name
Petitioners Date of birth
Beneficiary's Name
Beneficiary's Date of birth

NVC Case #

To whom it may concern,

My name is *********
I am writing to you in order to request an earlier interview. I have originally been scheduled for an Immigrant interview at (name of embassy and give date)
I have completed the required medical exam and I have all the necessary documents necessary for the interview and I am ready.
If it is at all possible for an earlier interview date to be scheduled for me it would be much appreciated.
Thank you for your time

Sincerely.
****************

Address & Phone Number
 
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************
CEAC.state.gov Check My Visa Application Status: Status Wiki Thank you, SoerenHelmer,
 
https://docs.google....Min35W08WU/edit
 
***************************************************************************************************************************************************************
 
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
 
How to pay the Green Card Production fee of $165 on the Elis system.
NO NEED FOR ACCESS CODE, that is for other procedures like getting a copy of a green card, etc.
1. Create the ELIS account here: https://myaccount.uscis.dhs.gov/
2. Go here to pay fee: https://www.uscis.go...g-online-filing
3. Click to pay the USCIS immigrant fee icon.
4.Click "continue" at the bottom.
5.Enter the Alien Number and the NVC or DOS case. Use the same email you used on the ELIS account.
This is critical to enable your created ELIS account to receive your payment information.
6. You will get an email confirming your payment.
7. When you log again on the ELIS account, you will see your case number. (It is added automatically).
8. Login into your ELIS account to track or check the status of your Green Card.
Note: Green Card process starts when immigrant enters USA and is processed at POE.
********************************Tips about your getting your SSN********************************************** If you don't have your SSN card within 21 days of your POE, go IN PERSON to your local SSA office and see if your application was forwarded by the Immigration officer. It only works about 50% of the time when you tick the box on the DS-260. As soon as you have your SSN you may work. Your passport visa and the immigration stamp is the equivalent of your green card. Thank you Sukie in NY

Please share the information in the forum rather than individual's inbox, that way you are contributing to helping others learn and avoid such mistakes, this is how VJ works.

Hi All,
 
Friendly  advise.
 
If any one of you has received a RFE for whatever reason either before NOA2 or CC please do share in this group what it was for. You might very well be helping out someone else.
 
If it's something that can/will compromise someone's legal status/safety please by all means keep that a secret, but in general we're all in the same boat so sharing would absolutely be caring.
 
Thank you.

The NVC provided cover sheet is all that is required, but if you think providing additional information or a summary of what is enclosed in any package, you are free to do so.  
 
@Binna, advising people to contact members for immigration advice via private message is NOT how VJ works.  When people do contact me with their individual questions, I rarely answer differently than, "Please post your question in the applicable public forum so others can benefit from the discussion.  That's how VJ works."

never write always call, you can call them for free using the Google app for phone calls from anywhere in the world. If you write you'll get a standard response, try calling them this Friday for a casenumber either early in the morning when the office opens are around 7 or 8 pm, their local time.

Just an update:
 
My wife got home from work this evening and found in the mail the letter from USCIS - I-797 | Notice of Action with Notice Date - Oct 5, 2017 (NOA2).
 
So I have updated my timeline and again I wish all my fellow VJ members waiting for NOA2 a very fast soon come approvals in the next few days.

it refers to 18(b) on I-864. Although it is optional but it is good to submit those. I know, in several occasion, visa office looked into last 3 years tax transcript during interview. It is better to be safe than sorry since it is easy to download those from IRS website

I am happy to announce that I just received an email from USCIS-CaseStatus@uscis.dhs.gov and a text (SMS) on my cell for my I-130 petition for USC spouse that there has been recent processing action on my case and that my case status is now "Post Decision Activity"
 
I immediately login into my 'Check USCIS Case Status' on USCIS official website and behold, my case has been APPROVED and the status is "Case Was Sent To The Department of State". The the page also states Next Steps - "We will mail our decision to you. The notice will explain any action you need to take"
 
See my journey stats in my signature below, I have not received any mail with the notice yet. the two apps I've been using to track cases also have the same status as above.
 
From the Case Tracker App (iOS), I am tracking most Nebraska Jan 17 to 24 cases and there are quite a lot of cases with same status as mine (like really a lot) updated today - Oct 12. So everyone still waiting for approval, this means there is a lot of movements and you will be up next for approval soon. 
 
I am really glad I am through with this phase and onto the next phase. I wish you all faster approvals and I will see you soon on NVC phase.

 

I am happy to announce that I just received an email from USCIS-CaseStatus@uscis.dhs.gov and a text (SMS) on my cell for my I-130 petition for USC spouse that there has been recent processing action on my case and that my case status is now "Post Decision Activity"
 
I immediately login into my 'Check USCIS Case Status' on USCIS official website and behold, my case has been APPROVED and the status is "Case Was Sent To The Department of State". The the page also states Next Steps - "We will mail our decision to you. The notice will explain any action you need to take"
 
See my journey stats in my signature below, I have not received any mail with the notice yet. the two apps I've been using to track cases also have the same status as above.
 
From the Case Tracker App (iOS), I am tracking most Nebraska Jan 17 to 24 cases and there are quite a lot of cases with same status as mine (like really a lot) updated today - Oct 12. So everyone still waiting for approval, this means there is a lot of movements and you will be up next for approval soon. 
 
I am really glad I am through with this phase and onto the next phase. I wish you all faster approvals and I will see you soon on NVC phase.

 

I am happy to announce that I just received an email from USCIS-CaseStatus@uscis.dhs.gov and a text (SMS) on my cell for my I-130 petition for USC spouse that there has been recent processing action on my case and that my case status is now "Post Decision Activity"
 
I immediately login into my 'Check USCIS Case Status' on USCIS official website and behold, my case has been APPROVED and the status is "Case Was Sent To The Department of State". The the page also states Next Steps - "We will mail our decision to you. The notice will explain any action you need to take"
 
See my journey stats in my signature below, I have not received any mail with the notice yet. the two apps I've been using to track cases also have the same status as above.
 
From the Case Tracker App (iOS), I am tracking most Nebraska Jan 17 to 24 cases and there are quite a lot of cases with same status as mine (like really a lot) updated today - Oct 12. So everyone still waiting for approval, this means there is a lot of movements and you will be up next for approval soon. 
 
I am really glad I am through with this phase and onto the next phase. I wish you all faster approvals and I will see you soon on NVC phase.

 

I am happy to announce that I just received an email from USCIS-CaseStatus@uscis.dhs.gov and a text (SMS) on my cell for my I-130 petition for USC spouse that there has been recent processing action on my case and that my case status is now "Post Decision Activity"
 
I immediately login into my 'Check USCIS Case Status' on USCIS official website and behold, my case has been APPROVED and the status is "Case Was Sent To The Department of State". The the page also states Next Steps - "We will mail our decision to you. The notice will explain any action you need to take"
 
See my journey stats in my signature below, I have not received any mail with the notice yet. the two apps I've been using to track cases also have the same status as above.
 
From the Case Tracker App (iOS), I am tracking most Nebraska Jan 17 to 24 cases and there are quite a lot of cases with same status as mine (like really a lot) updated today - Oct 12. So everyone in January still waiting for approval, this means there is a lot of movement and you will be next for approval soon. 
 
I am really glad I am through with this phase and onto the next phase. I wish you all faster approvals and I will see you soon on NVC phase.

Even more hope for me since my date is a day before yours. Hopefully, I and others still waiting (especially folks with Nov and Dec NOA1) hear something soon as well. 
 
All the best ahead and please keep us informed and update your timeline as you progress. I will follow your timeline, thanks.

JAN NSC FILER I130 W
 
I got approved on Oct 2. I just had recieved in mail that is approved . Online shows still N0A1 that we recieved your petition but i have recived N0A2 in mail saying its approved on Oct 2 ( Arrvied in mail today Oct 5)
 
Priorty Date Jan 20 2017  NOA1
APPROVAL DATE OCT 2 2017 NOA1 
 
USA CITIZEN. 
 
WIFE IS IN INDIA.

i got approved on Oct 2. I just had recieved in mail that is approved . Online shows still N0A1 that we recieved your petition but i have recived N0A2 in mail saying its approved on Oct 2 ( Arrvied in mail today Oct 5)
 
Priorty Date Jan 20 2017  NOA1
APPROVAL DATE OCT 2 2017 NOA1 
 
USA CITIZEN. 
 
WIFE IS IN INDIA.
 

All i can say is hold the faith. I am 253 thought by now i would be looking at an interview and would eventually leave in January 2018 because i want to spend Christmas in Jamaica. I guess that will happen. 
 
Just hold on the end is almost here i can feel it i can almost taste it. It is coming to a close and we all shall breathe a sigh of relief once we get NOA2 because then we can start to plan.
 
I keep preaching to get the NVC docs together while we wait. That way the process will move a lot quicker. Downloaf sample ds260 form and fill it out so that way you can complete actual form quickly. Ensure your spouse locates last 3 years 1040 forms your guys will need the info from those. Just tips to being prepared. 
 
I pray for strength to see you through.

Cover Sheet from Welcome Letter
IV Documents (Everything are from Beneficiary)
Bar-coded document cover from payment portal
photocopy of bio data page of beneficiary's passport
Photocopy of beneficiary's birth certificate
Photocopy of marriage certificate
Photocopy of beneficiary's Police Clearance certificate
Affidavit of Support Documents (everything are from Petitioner)
 Bar-coded document cover from payment portal
Original completed, signed and dated I-864 form by petitioner
Last three years tax transcript from IRS
Latest W2
Employment letter (Good proof of current income)
Pay stubs(s) of Petitioner (Good Proof of current income)
 
 
You can send everything in one big envelop and make sure to write case number (Top right) on all documents. Make to sure to send those document to the right address
 
 

Hi Nebraskans,
 
I just received an email that a Request for Evidence was sent to me today. My PD date is Jan 11 so I guess if your PD is in January, the good news is they are working on it. I am anxious to get it and see what they need and how much longer this will delay the whole process. I'm in Australia so the letter will probably take a while getting here as well. I thought I was pretty thorough and my husband and I have been married for 5 years and together for 12+ years maybe even longer. Just wanted to let everyone know. I'll keep you posted on what kind of things they ask for when I receive it. Sigh 😔

Just wanted to say AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! What the #### is up with Nebraska? Are those corn-fed arseholes not able to think clearly due to all the high fructose corn syrup pumping through their veins? I've seen Potomac applicants being approved from April. This is absolutely insane.
 
That's all for now. Much love to you people. We're going to have to move to a weed-friendly state upon arrival just to cope with the post-traumatic stress of dealing with Nebraskans.
 
NOA1 25th January (US Citizen/Irish Spouse/Daughter with dual-US/EIRE citizenship)