The USCIS --> NVC --> Embassy part of the process currently seems to be taking much longer than it did previously. Last year, one could call NVC to get their case #. I am not sure if this still works. It was always better to try to get through at the start of their workday, or at the very end.
The petition expiration date can generally be extended by the embassy, and frequently is, for various reasons.
Claudina got a reaction from Greenbaum in NOA2, NVC can't find case emailed NVC Research
Claudina reacted to SalishSea in NOA2, NVC can't find case emailed NVC Research