AliceLboy

3 hours ago, US2UK said:

It definitely goes California USCIS > NVC > Embassy. We got an email from NVC when it left. Just some info, your case gets a receipt number from USCIS beginning with WAC. Then NVC gives it a new case number... which starts with letters for your embassy. London would start LND2020... you can use the LND number to get status updates on where your case is (at NVC, in transit etc) via the CEAC tracker. First step for you would be to get that LND number. You can call up NVC to find out if your case arrived, and if so what the reference is. Search their number on google and they’re open pretty late, mon thru fri. If you’re not in the US and worried about call costs, download google hangouts ! Free calls to the US 🙂 second step is to type that reference into the CEAC tracker for updates: https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx?eQs=stLgYJNY3SVNSD63kBq4ow==

Also, did you see my comment at the end of page 2 about timelines? 

Ok thank you! I don’t think it’s got to the NVC yet as defs haven’t had that notification... it’s been over a month since I got the NOA2 (9th December) so maybe still in transit... 

I am so grateful for your responses - thank you so much! Even though nothing has changed I feel so much more grounded and happy about the process. 
I saw your note about the timeline - I put my dates in the system and saw that the last few steps were not so stretched out so that is great:

I will keep you updated (slash bug you with questions) as I get more information.

seriously, huge congratulations for getting your approval - I am so happy for you! X

15 minutes ago, US2UK said:

Yup no worries ! It wasn’t long ago that I felt helpless and I only just found this website in November. Everyone here has been so helpful 🙂 so happy to pass on that positive energy!

 

re vaccinations, I believe you only need MMR, TDAP and flu vaccine (if it’s flu season), if you’re between 18 and 65. Also varicella only if you haven’t had chicken pox. At the medical you let them know if you have and they take your word for it. No evidence required. You can get the vaccines at the medical, but if you’re from the UK probably better to get them on NHS as likely to be free. Just make sure you get a letter / proof of the vaccinations for the medical. 
 

Yay thanks - I found my vaccination record book; miracles do happen lol

when you got your NOA to say the petition has been approved, did it say that it was forwarded to the listed consulate? My letter from the California service centre doesn’t mention the NVC. Maybe I need to contact the embassy and don’t need to wait for the NVC?! It’s so confusing!

15 minutes ago, US2UK said:

I think this bit all depends on you!! But make sure you get the paperwork all ready and medical booked in so you can book your interview sooner than later. When I booked in early Jan, there was availability throughout Jan, but I booked it towards the end of Jan so we had time to gather paperwork + schedule medical 

Ah thank you so much. Going to get cracking then. I can't believe it's taken me this long to find this website, I feel like I've been so alone in this process but it's amazing to get advice from people who have just done it. Thank you. 

Going to get my medical records (no way they have immunisation records - I've moved around so much!) and police certificate in order and just cross fingers for the NVC to get process quickly. Thank you so much again for taking the time to message me - it honestly means so much!! x

40 minutes ago, FreyandRyan said:

Next step is the USCIS sends your case to the NVC. Usually takes anywhere from 2-6 weeks (ours took 3 weeks). You can call them and ask for to see if it has arrived and get the case number. Once they assign it a case number it will be shipped off to the embassy shortly after (which is done twice a month).

Thank you Freya and Ryan! Sorry one more question... 

Once it is shipped to the embassy, does it then take about a month more before interviews? 
I am keen to get clear on timings so I can manage my expectations! So hopefully about 2 months from NOA2 to interview? Thank you X

On 1/14/2020 at 4:07 PM, FreyandRyan said:

We got approved! My fiancé said it was very easy and straight forward. She was only at the embassy for an hour total. They asked for tax returns with the I-134 and then simple conversational questions like “when and how did you meet? What does your fiancé do for a living? What do you like about them? What do you do for a living?”

 

so relieved 😅

This brings me so much hope! Huge congratulations!!

my NOA2 (is that the one where the I-797 has been approved? I get confused with the jargon) came through in mid-December. But still not heard anything further... but also spiralling because I’m trying to find out how long it takes for the next step? Thank you so much, looking forward to hearing ❣️