Yumburger

Hi all! We were approved on 09/17 and today my husband received the letter in the mail.
No emails or update on egov/case tracker.
We did not file for a k3 or expedite.
So happy 🎈🎈🎈 the waiting continues...

I have fantastic news. I JUST GOT APPROVED!!!!! YAY

Hi everyone,
 
How accurate is VJ estimate timeline?
 
mine says between June 7-22
 
I-130 NOA1:  2019-3-12

No, it won't affect your visa.

Hi, I'm from Peru and I need help, a have a big debt with the bank , people are saying that I can get the visa denied, please does anyone knows if this can affect my k1 visa.

This thread was created for those who are waiting from their NOA2 K-1 to the case assignment from NVC.
 
These are items that everyone asks for, so I thought I just post them here for you to refer to when it's necessary.
 
1. How do I update my email address with NVC Once you receive your NOA2 approval then contact NVC via https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/ask-nvc.html to update your email address as well as your beneficiary's email address. This will give you an email alert when your file arrives at NVC, your case is assigned and when the file leaves for your Embassy. Enter the petitioner's information as well as the beneficiary's in the "box". Full name, Date of Birth, NOA2 receipt number and WAC number. We have found in some cases that email's are never sent and in other cases this works well. So, your mileage may vary.
 
2. Checking on your embassy case number from NVC:
It will take 7 - 10 business days for NVC to receive your file from USCIS after you receive the NOA2, then another 2 - 5 business days for NVC to get your file in their system and produce your case number. Call 7:00 am eastern time for shorter wait times.
1-603-334-0700 or 603-334-0888. Operator assistance is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM (Eastern Time) 1 for English, then 7 (or 5, but I would go 7 as they would tell you if you should call 5 instead after they receive your case.)
 
Best time to call:
Right after they open which is around 7:00am US Eastern Time, Mon-Fri. Most have had luck getting the phone answered after the first ring if they called right at 7am.
 
3. How long to assign a Case # from NOA2
It's been taking about 2-3 weeks for NVC to assign the case number. Then it's taking another 2-4 weeks depending on the Embassy to receive your case. Your mileage may vary!
 
4. Follow Similar VJ members timelines. Use the tools here in VJ to answer "when I am going to get etc. etc." question. Near your picture there is a link for your timeline. Select it and once you're on the next page near your picture you will see "follow similar timelines" and it will populate 12 other couples who are near your dates. Scroll down and you will see a "spreadsheet" style page showing all the variables for measurement for when others from your Embassy are getting the same notice of approval or action. Try it. It really works!
 
5. Follow similar VJ members timelines from other countries. And if you want to follow those from other countries that have similar timelines as yours there are several tools available to you. Go up to Immigration Timelines on the blue ribbon above and select it. Once you are on the next page looked to your left and you will see a box that states, "find similar timelines" and select it. A list will populate with those who are processing close to your timeline. When they start to change you will soon be behind them.
I followed those that were in my group to give me an idea where they were in processing, so I could judge if I was ahead or behind. It's accurate, maybe within a day or so.
If you choose to follow those twelve members then you will get an email every time their status updates.
 
6. Be sure your profile is complete so that we can determine your Embassy. Many of our answers are predicated on the information you supply in your profile. When we look at the left column and can't determine your timeline OR your Embassy it's hard for us to give you a factual answer. If you look at the profile of others here, they have a flag for their country, so it makes it easy for us to reply as we can quickly determine your Embassy. Our answers will sometimes be tailored to a specific Embassy hence the reason for you to complete your profile.
 
So, if you could help yourself out and complete your profile that sure would help us out when we want to reply to your question with factual information.
 
Go to the top right of this page select your name (it's on the upper right-hand corner)>my profile>[below your picture on the right column] edit my profile. Scroll to the bottom and fill in "Immigration Info". There now we can better serve you.
Thanks
 
7. Timelines. Complete your timeline. In your profile to the left of the page you will see the word "timeline" toward the bottom. Select it and it will take you to the page that has the link for you to complete your timeline. This to can help us to answer some of your questions.
 
8. Tracking your case. As a K1, when checking your case online at CEAC.state.gov you have to select "immigrant visa" as it is treated as such even though it is a "non-immigrant visa".  Technically the K-1 is a non-immigrant visa with intent to immigrate, but it is treated like an immigrant visa because of the AOS. It is kind of a ba$tard. Non-immigrant case treated like an immigrant case. The K-1 on its own is a single entry, with a short time limited visa that expires within 90 days after POE. That is why it is a non-immigrant visa treated like an immigrant visa.
 
USICS states If you have a pending I-129f, I-90, I-485, I-751 or N-400, we’ve recently changed the way we’re displaying processing times online to give you a more realistic date range. To check these times, visit https://t.co/ho3dfC5KCA
 
9. Tracking your case file that's in transit to your Embassy. Go to www.dhl.com click Express then Tracking, then Track by Shipper's Reference, and on this page you add your search information. You change the day and month to what you think your package might have left NVC or call NVC to get the date your package had left NVC in route to your Embassy then go to the DHL website and enter the following information:
 
NOTE: It will take 24 hours before the shipment will show any results using this hack. DHL and NVC will need time to update their systems.
 
EXAMPLE:
* Shipper´s Reference : EXP 24 MAR 2011A　 (This is the date you think it left NVC, just substitute the date and　leave everything else as is)
* Date range for shipment - From: 23 - 03 - 2011
* Date range for shipment - To: 26 - 03 - 2011
Account Number - Leave this blank
Shipment Destination: Philippines (Works for any country Just replace your country where the Embassy is located using the drop down box).
I hope these tips help you along your Journey. So, let’s share our experiences, our tips and ask questions.
 

 
10.  Track your case with USCIS:
 
Old site (also the data source for all 'USCIS case tracker' apps): https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do
New : https://myaccount.uscis.dhs.gov/ (you have to create an account and add your case # to it)
Neither is more reliable (and it's very possible you won't see anything on either, and will have to just wait for the physical mail). For a while it looked like they were phasing out the "old" site, but that trend seems to have reversed itself and there are still lots of cases that show up on only one (or much earlier on one than the other).
 
11. How long will it take to NOA2. Once your case has been received from NVC by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that will process it, the length of time varies from case to case according to its circumstances. Some cases are delayed because applicants do not follow instructions carefully or supply incomplete information. (It is important to give us correct postal addresses and telephone numbers.) Some visa applications require further administrative processing, which takes additional time after the visa applicant's interview by a Consular Officer.
 
12. USPS Informed Delivery Service. There is a service provided by the USPS (US Postal Service) whereby each morning USPS will scan your incoming mail (just the address side of the envelope) and email you an update. It's very convenient these days to have advance notice that an important piece of mail is being delivered.
 
The service is available to most communities but some are still being rolling out so not all areas are available. Check the website with your zip code to verify your location is available for the service. A person in the USA can sign up for this free service here: https://informeddelivery.usps.com/box/pages/intro/start.action
 
13. Calling USCIS - You'll need your receipt number, DOB for both of you and full names. Beneficiary or the petitioner can call.
 
1 (800) 375-5283 8:00 am
 
Option 1:
Call USCIS. Do not press anything. Do not choose a language. If someone who picked up the phone cannot answer your question, ask them to transfer you to TIER 2.
 
Option 2:
Dial 1-866-953-7684
 
Option 3:
Call 1-800-375-5283
Press 1 to continue to English
Press 2 for case status
Press 1 if you know your receipt number
Press your receipt number 922(followed by your WAC#).
They will tell you to visit the website for the answer but press 3 or wait and you will be connected to a live agent.
 
Option 4:
Dial 1-800-375-5283 then press 1,2,2,4,2,1 then enter receipt number then press 1.
 
14. Get to know your sub-forum. Each country is divided to sub-forums here on VJ. This is where you go during your wait at this stage to get familiar with those who have gone before you and those who are currently processing. There is a wealth of information there in those threads. It's a better place to ask then someone in this thread from Germany, Spain or Norway who may not know the "steps" that must be taken for approval in your Country's Embassy.
 
To get there go  up to the blue ribbon at the top of the page, select "forums" and scroll down about 3/4 of the page for the link to your region/embassy.

My husband kept his RBC account open for paying off things and for taxes and then closed it out when everything was paid off. Most things are done online, it shouldn't matter where you are.

He didn't move ALL of his money over though, what he did send over he sent to me through Paypal or brought in cash with him, But there is a limit to how much you can bring over before you need to pay taxes on it and fill out a form.

Yup its in the NOA1. Not in the text message but in the mailed paper. Its in the bottom. I got an IOE receipt Texas Service Center. From what I "heard", approval time is faster. Hope thats true for all of us.

Hello Babito!
 
I guess you were wondering about my signature  (I just copied that from someone, its maybe not updated XD)
 
To answer some of your questions.
1&2:
When your I-130 petition is finally approved, the service center that processed your petition, will send you another Notice of Action letter indicating your approval, and the forwarding of your approved petition to the National Visa Center (NVC) in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, along with a phone number to contact the NVC with. Your case will now only be dealt with by the NVC. The service center that you filed with, will have no more knowledge on the status of your petition or case.
 
A few weeks after you have received your last Notice of Action indicating the approval and forwarding of your I-130 application to the NVC, the NVC will send your relative a packet of forms that you and your relative must fill out before your relative can be given an interview date with a consulate abroad. The packet will likely contain instructions to fill out the DS-261 and DS-260 online forms, by the intending immigrant. An I-864 form is also included that must be filled out by the petitioner (living in the US). The I-864 is the Affidavit of Support form that requires copies of the petitioners past 3 U.S tax returns (or tax transcripts which are free from the IRS) as well as any bank or financial records available (see the I-864 for exact requirements based on your case). The petitioner must make at least 125% above the U.S federal poverty to indicate to the U.S government that the intending immigrant will not become a federal charge to the government when he/she arrives in the U.S.. If the petitioner cannot meet these requirements, then he/she must still file an I-864, and find a joint sponsor who can meet the requirements on his/her own. When a joint sponsor is needed ,proof of their U.S citizenship or permanent residency is required. (i.e. copy of birth certificate, immigration status etc). The joint sponsor must be residing in the U.S, and he/she must also submit his/her past 3 years U.S tax returns along with bank or any other financial records available. The joint sponsor must submit his/her own I-864 form to accompany the petitioner's I-864 form.
 
3: Can't find AOS exact fee but found the IV fee for I-130 is $325
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html
 
 
And maybe this link can be useful for other questions. The fee is not updated though. I myself what to know the exact amount for 2019.
https://www.immigrationequality.org/get-legal-help/our-legal-resources/couples-families-2/consular-processing-procedural-steps/#.XSU_4PZFyzk

Im not sure. I just saw someone filed in March that got approved so fast. And its in Texas Service Center.
I also saw in previous years they were not IOE but took only 3 months to get NOA2 in Nebraska.

Oh haha I thought that the (approval) in parantheses meant that you had gotten your NOA2, but now I see that there is no date beside it. SORRY!!! It seems like we'll continue with the wait. Best of luck!

Thank you for confirming that!! Waiting eagerly for the paper copy now and keeping fingers crossed for Texas or Potomac too 

@Yumburger congrats on becoming a US citizen and for your quick I-130 approval. How was is it that you got approve so fast? I mean I too have a IOE receipt number and I filed in March and my case was sent to the Texas Service Center. I know it hasn't even been 4 months, but when I saw your timeline, I was like WAO I need to know if they expedited the process or how was it that it got approve so fast?

Me to I got IOE receipt number but in the noa1 it's Texas 

You have a long way to go, meet first , maybe a few visits and see how it goes.

If you can get by with only spending $3k, it will be a miracle.  Many here have spent ~$10k or more, all told.

Our timeline:
 
CR1 Visa
June 10: Sent I-130 to Chicago Lockbox
June 13: USCIS received I-30 via dhl
June 18: NOA1 via text message
June 23: NOA1 via mailbox 
Service Center: Potomac
 
We sent form G-1145 (2 forms for me - beneficiary and for my hubby - USC petitioner) but we didn’t receive email from them. 
 
Waiting for NOA2.. fingered crossed.
 
Goodluck everyone!

This means you benefit from an Electronic processing at Uscis. For what I learned it's way to faster. 
We didn't expedite. 
Now we are waiting to receive a Case number at NVC. 
They say they are getting used to process this type of petition so for now it's all I know. 
 
Good Luck 😊

Thanks for the reply, it's certainly helpful. Now we can all build up the info for all to know what to expect.

Hi !
There is nothing strange in what happened. We only decided not to listen people explaining K3 path is useless et went for it!
Our case got approved in 85 days in Nebraska center. We filed I129F on top of I130 as explained in our posts and on our timeline. 
We weren't the first case who used this path - it worked for others too. 
Only difference, in order to avoid this kind of comments, people don't openely talk about it. 
I wish you a good luck in your journey. 

Hello Babito!
 
I guess you were wondering about my signature  (I just copied that from someone, its maybe not updated XD)
 
To answer some of your questions.
1&2:
When your I-130 petition is finally approved, the service center that processed your petition, will send you another Notice of Action letter indicating your approval, and the forwarding of your approved petition to the National Visa Center (NVC) in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, along with a phone number to contact the NVC with. Your case will now only be dealt with by the NVC. The service center that you filed with, will have no more knowledge on the status of your petition or case.
 
A few weeks after you have received your last Notice of Action indicating the approval and forwarding of your I-130 application to the NVC, the NVC will send your relative a packet of forms that you and your relative must fill out before your relative can be given an interview date with a consulate abroad. The packet will likely contain instructions to fill out the DS-261 and DS-260 online forms, by the intending immigrant. An I-864 form is also included that must be filled out by the petitioner (living in the US). The I-864 is the Affidavit of Support form that requires copies of the petitioners past 3 U.S tax returns (or tax transcripts which are free from the IRS) as well as any bank or financial records available (see the I-864 for exact requirements based on your case). The petitioner must make at least 125% above the U.S federal poverty to indicate to the U.S government that the intending immigrant will not become a federal charge to the government when he/she arrives in the U.S.. If the petitioner cannot meet these requirements, then he/she must still file an I-864, and find a joint sponsor who can meet the requirements on his/her own. When a joint sponsor is needed ,proof of their U.S citizenship or permanent residency is required. (i.e. copy of birth certificate, immigration status etc). The joint sponsor must be residing in the U.S, and he/she must also submit his/her past 3 years U.S tax returns along with bank or any other financial records available. The joint sponsor must submit his/her own I-864 form to accompany the petitioner's I-864 form.
 
3: Can't find AOS exact fee but found the IV fee for I-130 is $325
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html
 
 
And maybe this link can be useful for other questions. The fee is not updated though. I myself what to know the exact amount for 2019.
https://www.immigrationequality.org/get-legal-help/our-legal-resources/couples-families-2/consular-processing-procedural-steps/#.XSU_4PZFyzk

Ok I'm from Cali and mines sent to Texas Service Center. Priority Date 06/28/2019.

Let's hope so ... Please let us know 😊

Thank you !
I got the IOE one. Ok I'll make an account then. So now that were all in the same page, Anything else I need to prepare like documents?

Congratulations! With the first 3 letters you can know where your case is  and if you would like you can create an account to get updates I get mine on text!