ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2014 Interviews

My interview date will be on april 4. How about you?


Mine is April 3. Are you done with your medical too?

enzo0601Not TellingPhilippines2014-03-21 01:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2014 Interviews

Yay, visa status is now "ready" on ceac website and medical is finished yesterday(thank God,we did it in just 1 day). So now we'll just wait for the interview...and  so the countdown begins now hehehe... 15 days to go til the interview. Husband and I are now excited and nervous. 


enzo0601Not TellingPhilippines2014-03-19 03:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2014 Interviews

 
We also received ours yesterday for the same date!


Cool, are you done with your medical? By the way, my husband is the beneficiary but I'm the one busy posting here in VJ since he's busy with his work most of the time hahaha. Soon as we found out yesterday bout the interview, he started getting all the last minute documents that he'll need to bring to his interview. He went to get his "CEMAR" and passport photos for the medical and interview. He also did the online registration for medical at st. lukes. He will do his medical on Monday.

enzo0601Not TellingPhilippines2014-03-14 10:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2014 Interviews

Will I receive another email from NVC? Like, will they notify us if they already ship our case to USEm Manila?

 

I think the P4 is the last email that we'll receive from NVC. Although I think we can track when NVC send the case to the Embassy. Congrats to us by the way and good luck at the interview. My husband's interview is also on April 3. 


enzo0601Not TellingPhilippines2014-03-13 23:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2014 Interviews

Hi dwheels76. I have good news. I just received the P4 email or the interview appointment letter today.Yay! My husband and I are so happy. Thanks to God. He answered our prayer. What is more surprising though is the interview date that gave us. Our schedule is next month April 3, 2014,well if you actually count the days,its not even a month. Oh my, we didn't expect its gonna be this soon. I was at least expecting and praying for a "May" interview.


enzo0601Not TellingPhilippines2014-03-13 16:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2014 Interviews

Did you expedite? I haven't receive any emails from NVC, as well.


Expect an email from NVC 1 week after your case complete. So because your case complete is March 6, I think you might get the email on march 13(Thursday). It's not about your interview yet but it's just to tell you they received all documentation necessary to complete pre-processing of your case. Then it will tell you you'll be notified once an interview is available.

enzo0601Not TellingPhilippines2014-03-12 03:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2014 Interviews

Hi. I received P4 (appointment letter) 5 days after my case was completed. try to send them an email or keep calling. My interview will be on April 4. smile.png

Thanks. I hope so but based on timelines with Manila embassy just like you, received your p4 last week of feb. I think that's what dwheels is talking bout regarding the embassy schedule interviews on the last week of the month. I think it just coincidence that you got your case completed late of feb also so the gap from your case complete to p4 is very short. Unlike me I received the case complete March 3, so if they only schedule on the last week of this month then that means I actually have to wait 3 wks before the p4. But part of me still hoping for a miracle and hopefully I'll receive the p4 sometime this week.

Edited by enzo0601, 12 March 2014 - 03:08 AM.

enzo0601Not TellingPhilippines2014-03-12 03:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2014 Interviews

 
This is one of those situations for embassies that aren't that busy usually and don't usually fill slots up. Some busy embassies have a set time and days and they will shut it down whether they fill dates all or not. Others keep it open to NVC to fill until the next cycle.

I understand this now.. Its a little bit frustrating that our embassy(Manila) is one of those busy embassy so I think I'll have to wait longer for an interview letter and even though I had a case complete 1st week of this month,it looks like people that will have their case complete on the 3rd or last week will eventually catch up and we may get our interview letters at the same time. Oh well, there's really nothing We ca do so we'll just have to be patient I guess. :(

Edited by enzo0601, 11 March 2014 - 12:33 PM.

enzo0601Not TellingPhilippines2014-03-11 12:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2014 Interviews
I received the case complete email yesterday (March 10), exactly 1 week after my case complete. I also called NVC about the interview but no good news at this time. At least the guy that I spoke too was very nice and said he hope he have better news for me next time and although he can't say exactly when they will have new schedules,he told me I'm next in line to get an interview date.
enzo0601Not TellingPhilippines2014-03-11 11:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2014 Interviews

 
The case complete email will come 7 days from your case complete. You can call NVc anytime to ask are they finished with April scheduling. Cuz if there was a slot and you were next you would get it. The P4 (interview email) usually comes within 24 hrs.


Oh ok. I guess I'm just too excited to received my case complete email haha. Ok I'll give them a call and find out, hopefully there's still a slot available. Thanks again dwheels76. :)

enzo0601Not TellingPhilippines2014-03-07 10:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2014 Interviews

Thank you dwheels76! For letting me in! Finally! After case complete what to expect next? Thank youuuu

 

Congrats Jayr&Kirstine!Wow our dates are so close. We might just have the same interview date too, Haha! Good luck to us! :) 


enzo0601Not TellingPhilippines2014-03-07 04:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2014 Interviews

 

No your docs aren't going anywhere. They will stay at NVC until you get your interview date. Then they get shipped to embassy.

 

I would think with all the expedites they are filling fast.  You ask how long it takes? It takes as long as it takes. It's all about where you are in the queue. Like I said they just finished April. May will start last week of this month. Probably about the 28th.

 

Depending where you are in the queue you will get a slot or have to wait no one knows. Now you just wait.

 

 

Thank you dwheels76 for explaining that. That is exactly what I wanted to know too. So when do you think is the best time to call NVC to ask if they already have a schedule for us?Since my case complete was Monday, I think I'll give them a call next Monday to check, or do you think its too soon since you said,they might only start giving out schedules last  week of this month. One more question, aren't we supposed to receive an email from NVC that says our case is completed and to wait for the schedule of the interview? Because I didn't received one yet.


enzo0601Not TellingPhilippines2014-03-07 04:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2014 Interviews

Thank you for adding me dwheels 76. I'm so glad to be finally part of the interview thread. :)


enzo0601Not TellingPhilippines2014-03-05 04:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2014 Interviews

 
just wanna ask again, so your husband didn't even ask for you 2013 tax transcript or W2 or even the tax return form??? its just the updated I-864???


Well the updated I-864 and 2013 tax income form or tax transcript comes as a whole package.so when they asked him for the 2013 tax, he handed the updated I-864 form that I made plus my 2013 tax transcript. They were even surprised that my husband had it. The lady couldn't believe it I guess, that she had to confirm to my husband if it's the year 2013 and she even look at my transcript to double check the year.

enzo0601Not TellingPhilippines2014-04-18 11:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2014 Interviews

 
so if ever I'll tell the truth that he haven't filed any forms with regards with the 2013 tax return and will surely file it once I get there and having W2 and paystubs on my hand they'll still going to ask for it and have the visa issuance delay?

Since your husband didn't file his tax,at least bring an extension form to show at your interview. But it's not a guarantee that you will not get a 221-g.. This is the reason why we advised everyone to have their taxes done because it may result to visa delay which is the 221-g.My husband was interviewed last April 3, and it's not even the deadline yet and they asked him.

Edited by enzo0601, 18 April 2014 - 11:21 AM.

enzo0601Not TellingPhilippines2014-04-18 11:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2014 Interviews

 

 came across your message when I was wondering/searching the meaning of that (24june2013) in our P4 email. felt relieved too that its like they attached that date in all the P4 emails for every one. anyways I saw that we had the same wedding anniversary date (june 1) :) already got my interview May 14, but we don't know when or how many days they'll issue the visa after the interview. seems like we cant expect to be together on june 1  :( my husband already want to book a flight but its like we're worrying (even though we don't have to) bout a denial or a delay. can I ask you when did your husband receive his visa? and how did his interview went?

 

Hi M&M01! Wow Its nice to know someone with the same anniversary date. Good luck with your interview. I think its normal to feel nervous about interview.  I know exactly what you are feeling right now.But don't worry too much, its still possible for you to be together on June 1. They issue the visa the next day,and so people usually received their visa in like 3-4 days. But my husband received his visa 7 days after interview because his interview happened to be on a Thursday. So it took longer for him, and then April 9 was also a holiday. Just hope and pray that you passed the interview and dont get a delay on your case. Be sure to bring all the documents that was asked from you. Also, just be prepared and bring an updated I-864(affidavit of support form) with 2013 tax transcript or tax return form + w2. Bring also a CEMAR certificate just in case they ask. 

 

In regards to my husband's interview, they only asked for my updated I-864. Also there is no fee to pay during interview. Its after your received your visa then you'll find instruction about a fee for your green card.


enzo0601Not TellingPhilippines2014-04-17 04:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2014 Interviews

 
thank you for the infos. I know we will get as much $$$ if we file MFJ but I guess we don't have a choice but to go with MFS. what's the difference between the 2 in terms of money thing??? anyways thank you again and you're a big help. God bless :)


Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I think you will only get more money if you file MFJ. MFS is the same as filing single in terms of money. Your husband can correct it by amending his tax when you get to U.S and have a ssn and then get more money.

enzo0601Not TellingPhilippines2014-04-07 09:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2014 Interviews

 
got interested with your infos about this tax filing. just knew that my husband can file tax married separately and just put NRA, coz we're about to call the ssa to ask them if im eligible for a ss# or the itin#. right now we're just waiting for our case complete and we don't know if his transcript will be ready for the interview since we think this tax filing will take long because he really doesn't want to file single and pay more for his taxes instead of getting some money. my question is, would the embassy/consulate accept W2 together with the request for an extension letter for his 2013 tax return?
hoping for your response, thanks a lot. :)


Yes you may bring the extension letter to the embassy during your interview or just like what TYorke1 said,just file your tax married filing separately and put NRA on the ssn box.

enzo0601Not TellingPhilippines2014-04-07 09:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2014 Interviews

Thanks for your answers. I'll just send in what's already filed as single if the amended tax transcripts aren't ready by then and pray it goes as smoothly for us too. My tax preparer insisted the exact same thing.

What did you have to update on your I-864? I got a checklist for one simple simple mistake so I'm scared of the I-864 lol

 

First , I didn't received a cheklist from NVC. For my AOS package, I used tax year 2012, 2011, and 2010. But since I figured, they might ask for my 2013 tax at interview so I ordered my tax transcript for 2013 and just  fill up a new I-864 and updated only the tax years income so I used 2013,2012 and 2011 instead for the 3 years tax, the rest were the same.
i


enzo0601Not TellingPhilippines2014-04-03 12:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2014 Interviews

By the way, for my 2013 tax return, I did file as single and not married even though I got married last June 2013. I know there's an issue about filing married either jointly(w/ ITIN) or separately(and put NRA on ss no box) and that were not supposed to file single. Trust me, I told my tax preparer about it.But she insist no, I should just file single now and then amend my tax soon as my husband get here and get his ss and were not gonna have a problem at the interview. And yes, she is right, during the interview, they didnt say anything bout my filing status. I guess they only look for my income and thats it. My husband's visa was approved. So I plan to amend my tax soon as my husband get here and when he received his ss.


enzo0601Not TellingPhilippines2014-04-03 12:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2014 Interviews

Congrats to everyone on getting interview dates....My husband's is May 19th. I have a question....Does anyone know if they 2013 taxes are required at the interview at that point? I'm in the process of getting my taxes amended to married being that my husband has an ITIN but I'm afraid it will not be ready in time for his interview. Will this pose an issue?

 

 

Yes they now require 2013 tax. My husband had his interview yesterday and they asked for the 2013 tax and updated  I-864.
 do


enzo0601Not TellingPhilippines2014-04-03 11:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2014 Interviews

Received Packet 4 interview appointment email! The attachment to the email is titled case#-std p4 app (24 jun 2013).
I guess the date refers to I130 NOA1 date but they seem to have messed up the month. It should have been 24 May 2013. Did it cause the interview to be scheduled later?

I also wonder what the date (24 jun 2013) means. I know for sure that its not the I-130 NOA1 because my noa1 is aug 2013. So I think all the P4 email that NVC send have that date. Its funny coz when I receive'd my P4 just 3 wks ago, I was a bit dissapointed because I thought its the date of my husband's schedule for the interview. I didn't even pay attention to the year 2013. I just noticed the 24 june, so I felt sad thinking that my husband and I have no chance to be together on our 1st wedding anniversary on June 1 hahaha. But I was so happy when I read the letter and found out the interview is April 3 instead. 


enzo0601Not TellingPhilippines2014-04-03 10:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - March 2014

I called today, didn't note who I was speaking with because I was so surprised I got to an actual person!  I have been calling but endlessly on hold or busy.  Was told my case was received a month ago, but has no visa number yet and to call back mid-April :(


ThyriMaleAustralia2014-03-26 19:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - April 2014

 

yes you don't have to send in the paperwork right away but as it takes up to 30 business days to review each section separetly, it's beneficial to send in the paperwork asap.

 

However if you look at my timeline, you'll see the AOS paperwork (email in my case) wasn't sent until WAY after the invoice was paid and after I had submitted the DS-260 and IV package. 

 

Thank you for that information!  Can I pay the AOS without paying the IV fees?  The IV isn't available yet.  I just don't want to mess it up like if for some reason it wants both at the same time.  It sounds like a dumb question, but I'm so afraid of slowing something down.


ThyriMaleAustralia2014-04-04 17:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - April 2014

I'm sorry if this has been covered, but this process just has me so anxious and flustered.  Can I pay my AOS and IV fees before I send in the support paperwork?

 

Also, only the AOS fee of $88 is available to pay, can I pay that and pay the IV fee when it becomes available or should I just wait for both to be available and pay at once?

 

Thanks in advance for the help, I hope that this process can be reaching the finish line soon, I miss my husband :(


ThyriMaleAustralia2014-04-04 17:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - April 2014

Received an email today from NVC with our case number and instructions on filling out DS-261.  Is it normal for the petitioner (myself) to be the agent who receives all the correspondence?  That is what I designated, I can't pay yet though :(


ThyriMaleAustralia2014-04-01 16:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

Thank you for the warm congratulations all :)  Now to begin the next stages of waiting and familiarize myself with the process.  So much more to learn!


ThyriMaleAustralia2014-02-15 03:33:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

WOW, CONGRATS !

 

What service center were you approved from? And when was your transfer date?

 

Thanks everyone :)

 

Tbh I'm not sure what my transfer date was, it was to the NSC though.  I have it on that spreadsheet that was posted here a while back but am not sure of the link.


ThyriMaleAustralia2014-02-14 16:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

I was thinking, wouldn't it be a wonderful Valentine's Day gift if we got our approval, and when I checked today, it was approved~!!!!  Good luck to everyone else still waiting, I hope that today is a great day for all!  :)


ThyriMaleAustralia2014-02-14 15:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

Anyone who has gotten an RFE before, how long after that were you approved/denied?  And is there another outcome, like has anyone gotten a second RFE?  Just curious while I wait for the immigration gods to decide our fate :)


ThyriMaleAustralia2014-02-13 02:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

Sucks to be in Hawaii. Minus the warm weather! Everybody sleeping on the mainland!

 

I'm in Hawaii too, nice to see other people from the islands.  Sucks that its under these circumstances though!  Hope your process goes quickly :)


ThyriMaleAustralia2014-02-05 03:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

they will refuse it, take your copy and have it citified don't just send copy.

 

Oh I wasn't clear in my original post, I meant I originally sent in a temporary copy but now have a certified one.  The certified one has the signature on the back so I made a copy of both sides to send in.  So I hope that is okay with them!


ThyriMaleAustralia2014-01-31 12:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

My RFE came the mail and it was for an original copy of our marriage certificate, we only had the temporary one available at the time.  I made a photocopy, but does anyone know if its okay if the registrar's signature was on the back?  I made a copy of both sides.  I just don't want to have problems because they didn't stamp the front :(


ThyriMaleAustralia2014-01-31 02:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

 

Sorry about the RFE... However wish it's something that you can instantly provide.... On a positive note your RFE proves that finally NSC has reached the end of April filers because we had another April 29th approval today from Nebraska... I am an April 30 filer.... Praying that I hear something from then soon.......

 

Thank you for the well wishing :)  I hope it is something easy too.  And I'm glad that they have finally gotten to us!  I just hope that having an RFE doesn't push me to the back again :(


ThyriMaleAustralia2014-01-28 02:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

At NSC, got an RFE today :(  I guess at least someone touched the file.  Not sure what its about, hopefully something that is easily obtained.  I'm thinking it might be for the original marriage certificate, at the time we filed we only had a temporary copy.  I have the certificate now though, so it would be an easy fix.  *prays*


ThyriMaleAustralia2014-01-28 02:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril 2013 I-130 Filers

I've been lurking this thread forever and been hoping and praying for some movement.  Prayers were finally answered tonight, our case was transferred!

 

On December 3, 2013, we transferred this case I130 IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR RELATIVE, FIANCE(E), OR ORPHAN to another office for processing and sent you a notice explaining this action. Please follow any instructions provided on the notice. We will notify you by mail when a decision is made. If you move while this case is pending, please use our Change of Address online tool to update your case with your new address or call our customer service center at 1-800-375-5283.

 

Not sure if this actually means anything but it was nice to see something aside from the usual initial review message.  I would update my timeline to say transferred but I don't yet know which center it was transferred to.  Hoping for more info soon!  :)


ThyriMaleAustralia2013-12-03 21:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - January 2014

Upon suggestion of a VJ member (thanks foobaz123), I have created a FAQ of the most common questions I see here on VJ concerning the NVC process. If you know of a common question that isn't mentioned here, please inform me through a reply in this thread or PM me. I'd be more than happy to include it here.

 

 

FAQ

 

How long does it take to get a case number assigned after NOA2?

As of recently, it's been taking around a month.

When (and how often) should I start calling NVC about the case number?

Wait at least a week from your NOA2 date, then start calling. Call about 1-3 times a week for now. Once NVC has received the case, then start calling every single day afterwards (or as often as you want) until you get it.

What happens if my case doesn't arrive in a timely manner? (Timely manner being the current wait time)

VJ member tokinaija suggests: "Call USCIS, and specifically request to be connected to a Tier 2 supervisor (bypassing the contract customer reps). When connected to a Tier 2 representative, request that you want confirmation that your approved case has been physically shipped to NVC. In amenable words, request for the specific date that the package was shipped. If you are lucky, you will get someone who would take the time to confirm this for you."

Will I receive XXXX (initial information package, invoices, instructions, interview letter, etc) by email or snail mail?

As long as you give over the email addresses of both the petitioner and beneficiary (once you have a case number), ALL correspondence from NVC will be sent through email. This does not necessarily mean that YOU can send THEM information by email though. Only those eligible for EP (electronic processing) can email the AOS and IV packages. 













 

What's the difference between EP and online forms?

 

Online forms are just that, online forms. The DS-261 and DS-260 are NOT part of electronic processing. Electronic processing (EP) is emailing in documents. Not everyone can do this yet. You still have to be eligible for EP before emailing in packages. The link to see who's eligible is in the first post. Everyone though is required to fill out the online forms (DS-261 and DS-260).

 

What's the DS-261?

 

The DS-261 replaces the old DS-3032. So, instead of sending the DS-3032 once a case number is assigned, you'll have to wait for the DS-261 to become available on the online forms portal (link in the first post). Once it's available, fill it out. It's exactly like the DS-3032, except online. If you wish to see screenshots of the DS-261, you can do so here: Saylin's DS-261 screenshots (these are screenshots I uploaded back in 2011, but should still be the same, or at least similar). To go through all the screenshots, click on the 'next' button (there are 6 images in total). Once you've submitted the DS-261, print out the confirmation page at the end. This is for your own records.

 

What's the DS-260?

 

The DS-260 replaces the old DS-230. As before, you will still submit the IV package, just without the DS-230. The DS-260 will be done online. For me, it was only available once the IV appeared as PAID in the payment portal. Not sure if it's changed or not at all since then. But, at the most, it'll be a few days after you pay the IV bill. Like the DS-261, it'll be on the online forms portal (link in first post). You can do the DS-260 before or after you send the IV package, it doesn't matter. As long as it gets done, NVC doesn't care.

 

Please note: depending on how prepared you are, the DS-260 can take a few hours. You can always save and return, if you wish; it doesn't need to be all done in one sitting. But, it'll take an hour at the least (30 minutes maybe if you're really fast). My suggestion is to have a DS-230 pre-filled out and that way you can just copy over the answers. This will shave off quite some time if you prepare ahead. But be warned, there are some differences between the DS-230 and DS-260 where the DS-260 asks for more information. You can view screenshots (and thus the differences) here from when it was first released back in 2010: http://www.docstoc.c...60-screen-shots There have been changes since this original DS-260 was released, but it's quite similar still. As with the DS-261, print out the confirmation page at the end. Make sure to bring this to the interview, just in case. It took Montreal quite a few months to get used to the online forms, so they were still requesting DS-230s at the interview. So, it might not be a bad idea if everyone going through NVC now brought a completed DS-230 to their interview, in case it's requested. Having a DS-230 already completed will shave off much time if you had to suddenly fill out the form at the embassy/consulate.

What do I do after my case number is assigned?

Get the IIN from an operator (ask for the 'Invoice Identification Number', not IIN). Give over the email addresses of the beneficiary and petitioner. If you are doing EP (and are eligible for it), then send the optin email. Once possible, send the DS-261 online (may take a day or two before you can sign onto the online forms portal).

After the case number is assigned, how long does it take for the AOS bill to be invoiced?

Recently, it's been taking a week or less.







 

How much are the two bills? And how do I pay them?

The AOS costs $88 (per case) and the IV is $230 (per person). They have to be paid with a US banking account on the payment portal (site linked in first post). See information here: http://travel.state..../info_3906.html If you can't or don't want to pay online, here's a link to how to pay through the mail: http://travel.state..../info_3905.html .

Help! I can't sign into the payment portal. Why?

If you're getting an error message ("Please be advised that the case that you have attempted to access is not eligible for further processing by the National Visa Center at this time?" or "This case is in the process of termination. Fee payments and online forms can no longer be accepted?" or "You cannot make online payments for your case at this time. Please contact the NVC if you have questions or need further information."), do NOT panic. This is actually good news! If you just got your case number, then this message means NVC is inputting your case in their system. If you get this message a few days after case number generation, then it's a good possibility that NVC is invoicing your AOS bill. And if this message appears a few days after DS-3032 acceptance, then there's a good chance the IV bill is being invoiced.

What is needed in the AOS package?

Generally, the following is needed:

With no joint sponsors:

- Bar-coded cover sheet from payment portal
- Cover letter (optional)
- Completed, signed, and dated I-864 form by petitioner
- Tax information* of petitioner (either just the last year OR the last 3 years)
- Employment letter of petitioner (optional, but good proof of CURRENT income)
- Pay stub(s) of petitioner (optional, but good proof of CURRENT income)

With joint sponsors:

- All of the above of the petitioner
- Completed, signed, and dated I-864 of joint sponsor
- Tax information* of joint sponsor (either just the last year OR the last 3 years)
- Proof of US citizenship/residency of joint sponsor (ex: copy of US passport, US birth certificate, US naturalization certificate, or front & back of green card)
- Employment letter of joint sponsor (optional, but good proof of CURRENT income)
- Pay stub(s) of joint sponsor (optional, but good proof of CURRENT income)

If the joint sponsor is a household/family member, also include proof of that relationship (example: if a parent is a joint sponsor, include the petitioner's birth certificate with parents' name on it to show link).

*You have two choices here of what to send in:

- Tax return transcripts ordered from IRS (preferred by NVC and of most consulates/embassies) RECOMMENDED
OR
- Tax returns (1040) and W2s and any other schedules (if applicable)

What if I (the petitioner) live with my spouse in their foreign country? Do I need to include anything in either package?

You'll need to provide proof of US domicile with the AOS package, as well as bring it with you to the interview. Please read the I-864 instructions (pages 3 and 4) for information about it. This is NOT needed if the petitioner is living in the US. Here is a sample cover letter to include in the package (it lists MANY possible documents, some may not be applicable of course, to prove that you have, or will re-establish, domicile in the US):

NAME
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER
FORM I-1864
No. 15 Country of Domicile

I, XXXX, am currently residing in FOREIGN COUNTRY with my spouse, SPOUSE'S NAME. Below you will find a list of attached documents to show that my principle residence is in the US and the steps that I have taken to return to the US with my family.

Steps I have taken to maintain US Domicile:
? Maintained my XXXX voter registration
? Maintained my XXXX credit card registered in the US with a US PO box
? Maintained my bank account at the XXXX Credit Union
? Maintained my bank account at XXXX Bank
? Maintained my XXXX drivers license
? Maintained my US retirement fund through XXXX
? Maintained my US investment account with XXXX
? Maintained my US PO box
? Maintained licensure by the XXXX
? Maintained membership in the XXXX
? Maintained my automobile in care of my parents

Supporting Documents for the above steps I have taken:
? Voter registration card showing permanent US address
? XXXX credit card statement showing US billing address
? XXXX Credit Union statement showing permanent US address
? XXXX Bank statement showing permanent US address
? XXXX drivers license showing permanent US address
? Retirement fund statement showing permanent US address
? Mutual fund statement showing permanent US address
? XXXX license currently up to date
? Renewal of XXXX membership
? County tax bill showing I still own a vehicle

Steps I have taken to return to the US to take up residence:
? Made arrangements for us to have a house to live in
? Contacted schools for requirements of things to bring to register my children in school
? Contacted my auto insurance company to find out about re-instating my insurance on my car
? Contacted shipping company for estimate of costs to ship belongings

Supporting documents for the above steps I have taken:
? Lease agreement for our house
? Email from schools regarding registration requirements
? Email from my former auto insurance company regarding my inquiry
? Email from XXXX with estimate and correspondence regarding shipping our belongings

I declare that I intend in good faith to re-establish my domicile in the United States no later than the date of spouse's admission into the US.

I certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States that the statements in this letter and all accompanying evidence are true and correct.

Signature: ____________________________________________________ Date: ______________________
NAME

Thanks to VJ member lemayz for this suggestion!

I sent the AOS package but got a checklist for the IV package (which I either have sent or not sent yet) [or vice versa]. What's going on?

If you sent the packages separately, then get a checklist for the other one, just ignore it; it's a false checklist. The same applies if you sent just one of the packages and get a checklist for the other. Please understand that as soon as NVC reviews a package, they very frequently generate a checklist for the other package, without even checking if they have it in the building first. If you do get a checklist for one of the packages, you do NOT have to use that bar-coded cover sheet; you can still use the one from the payment portal.

The only time a checklist is real (and not false) is if it asks for something very specific missing in a package (like a police certificate, for example). If it asks for something general, like the entire package, then you can assume it's false. Call up an operator at NVC to confirm.

Thanks to VJ member sulhaq for this suggestion!

When does the IV bill get invoiced?








































































































About a week or two after you complete the DS-261, NVC will accept and add it to your case file. A few days after that, the IV bill will be invoiced. You won't get an email of acceptance, so you need to call to find out when it's been accepted and added to the case file.

 

What is needed in the IV package?

Generally, the following is needed:

- Bar-coded cover sheet from payment portal
- Two passport-style photographs (2" x 2") of beneficiary (on the back, write: beneficiary's full name, date of birth, and case number)
- Copy of bio-data page of beneficiary's unexpired passport
- Original or Certified Copy of beneficiary's birth certificate, PLUS A PHOTOCOPY
- Original or Certified Copy of marriage certificate, PLUS A PHOTOCOPY
- Original police certificate(s)

Please read: http://travel.state..../info_3195.html for additional documents if applicable (such as petitioner documents in IR-5 cases or divorce/military records or proof of permanent residency, etc).

Also read the country-specific documents linked in the first post. There may be additional documents needed not listed above.












 

Who fills out which forms?

 

AOS package - petitioner

IV package - beneficiary

 

Can the petitioner fill out the DS-261 and/or DS-260?

 

Yes. It's very common for the petitioner to file the DS-261 and/or DS-260 on behalf of the beneficiary (typically due to the language barrier and/or no/low internet connection). This is perfectly fine.

If my documents are not in English, do they need to be translated?

NVC's website states:

"All documents not written in English, or in the official language of the country in which application for a visa is being made, must be accompanied by certified translations and submitted to the NVC. The translation must include a statement signed by the translator stating that the:

-Translation is accurate, and

-Translator is competent to translate."

Despite this, I have seen cases of people getting checklists for not having translations of non-English documents. I'd suggest you get everything translated anyways to be on the safe side. It's not needed, but highly recommended. 











 

Additionally, embassies/consulates in some countries require translations of documents into English even though they are written in the official language of the country, so it's best to check with the embassy/consulate to see what document translation requirements are. [Thanks to Ryan H for his suggestion on this last statement!]

How long does it take for a bill to appear as PAID in the payment portal after paying it?

Usually just a day or two, but can take longer.

Do I have to wait for NVC to email me instructions before mailing packages?

NO. If you wait on NVC for this, it can take WEEKS to get anything from them. As long as the respective bill has been paid in the payment portal, you can send in your package.







 

Members have had luck sending the packages as soon as they pay the bills (since the bar-coded cover sheet becomes available after paying). If you're not going to wait for it to appear as PAID in the portal, at least wait until the money has cleared the bank account.

What address do I send the AOS and IV packages?

You will find their addresses on their respective bar-coded cover sheets, which are printed off the payment portal.

Can the packages be sent from abroad or does it have to be from within the US?

Doesn't matter where the package is sent from; NVC just needs to receive it.

Do the packages have to be sent separately or can they be sent together?

Either one or the other works. Again, as long as NVC receives both needed packages, they don't really care. Each way has their pros and cons.

Help! I called NVC and they said they haven't received my package(s) yet, but the tracking says it was delivered!

Don't worry. Unfortunately, the package won't show up in the operator's system until the package has begun to be reviewed. At that point, it's entered in the system. So, don't fret. If your tracking says it arrived, it arrived.

After sending in the packages, how long does it take for them to get reviewed?

NVC operators are stating 30 business days now. In most cases though, it's faster than that.



















 

Do I get an email if my packages have been accepted?

No, not that I have seen. You have to call NVC every day and ask for updates on your case to find out if a package has been reviewed and accepted.

Note: If you're in the EP program, lately people have been getting acceptance emails, but don't ever rely on receiving emails from NVC. Call, call, call.

Do I get an email when my case is completed?

Generally, no. Only those doing EP (electronic processing) get the case complete emails. There are some non-EP folk that get case complete emails. It used to be rare, but it's becoming more common. Although they're delayed by almost a week or more, so do not rely on them. Again, to find out if your case is complete (the fastest way), call an operator at NVC and ask.

After the case is completed, what happens?

In most cases: the case is put in a queue to get an interview date scheduled. Once an interview date is scheduled, the case is shipped out to the consulate/embassy.

Who should I be calling to find out my interview date?

You could call NVC and/or DOS. Both have access to your case information. Their numbers are linked above.

How long does it take to get an interview date after a case complete?

This varies by country and consulate/embassy. Some people find out within a day or two, others a few weeks, then the few unfortunate that wait a few months (ex: Ghana). To get the best estimate for YOUR country is to search, using the timeline feature, when others got case completes and when they got their interview dates scheduled.

When do interview dates get scheduled?

If you talk to operators at NVC, they'll always tell you they ONLY schedule during the second week of each month. This is a LIE. They schedule interviews ALL month long. Many people (like myself) have gotten scheduled during the last week of the month. I repeat, they schedule ALL month long.

How long does it take for NVC to mail my case out after getting an interview date scheduled?

Usually it's the next day, but it can take up to a week or more in rare cases.

Is it possible to get a tracking number for my green card after POE?

Yes it is! Follow VJ member Darnell's advice:

"Call USCIS, get a human, ask for the TRACKING NUMBER on the green card.
Yes, such a thing exists, and they will give it to you when asked.

Then call USPS and inquire for status.
In the end, if USPS sent it back to USCIS, you'll need to call USCIS again, talk with an ISO about 'returned mail pieces', go over your address again on the telephone, and ask to have all returned mail pieces sent back to you."

-------------------------------------------------------

Please note: the above time frames are just estimates. Do NOT freak out if your case takes a little bit longer. The time frames are constantly changing. They also depend on NVC's work load for that day/week.

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Summary of NVC process:

- get case number and IIN, give email addresses over
- complete the online DS-261
- pay the AOS bill, once it's invoiced
- once the bill appears as PAID, send the AOS package
- pay the IV bill, once it's invoiced
- once the bill appears as PAID, send the IV package




















































- complete the online DS-260
- respond to any checklists, if applicable
- get case complete
- get interview date scheduled
- case is sent to embassy/consulate



Thank you for this!!! you are Godsent! helped me a lot just reading this...NVC is so confusing! thank you again!


newlywed13Not TellingPhilippines2014-01-22 18:23:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - January 2014

Hi Saylin,

 

My husband's 3 years'  income is as folow:

 

2013 - 125% above proverty

2012 - slightly below 125%

2011 - below 125%

 

Can we use the 864 EZ form?  I am the only beneficiary and canadian citizen.

 

Thankyou

 

Jeannie

Hi again Saylin

yes my husband's 2010's income is below 125%.  His income in 2013 is above 24,000.  He has savings.  can we send them bank statements?


jg&pcNot TellingCanada2014-01-20 22:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - January 2014

Hi Saylin,

 

My husband's 3 years'  income is as folow:

 

2013 - 125% above proverty

2012 - slightly below 125%

2011 - below 125%

 

Can we use the 864 EZ form?  I am the only beneficiary and canadian citizen.

 

Thankyou

 

Jeannie


jg&pcNot TellingCanada2014-01-20 01:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNVC Filers - January 2014

How about calling from US to Philippines ? Using mobile to landline?


We use viber most of the time.haha

enzo0601Not TellingPhilippines2014-01-17 23:36:00