ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Could the NVC information be true?

My 130 arrived at NVC on Jan 22 and I don't have a case number yet. I have been told each time that they have not entered the information yet. I have gotten lot of questions answered on my 1 minute calls :) I asked about stapling or paper clipping and two people have told me that Brazil is a paper consulate so none of my documents will be scanned in so stapling is fine. All of the pertinent information will be entered by hand. I have also asked about translating documents and they said that Portuguese is not a problem language for them and that they will just check off that they have the correct documents to be further inspected by the consulate. I am not sure if these guys are just CSRs or are actually working on cases and what their knowledge level of the process is, but so far they seem pretty good on sharing info....not sure what a problem language is haha.

Hey, I'm glad you have a lot of questions answered. Every time they asked me what else, I clammed up since I didn't know what to ask. You can instruct me what questions to ask. I'm gonna do EP.
I think the ladies on phone are just contractor agents, answering phones, not the government employee working on the cases.
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-01-25 17:55:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Could the NVC information be true?

You'd be unusually lucky to have it before February to be honest.

I kinda agree. So far I've called three times and everytime I have to hold on for 15-20 min, then talk 1 min. :P
I'm using my cell phone to call NVC. My cell phone is not unlimited. I got to watch not to exceed too much.
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-01-25 15:47:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Could the NVC information be true?
I called again today. The lady said it arrived on Jan 21, not in the system. I even didn't ask when should I call back, since I've decided to call every day :)
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-01-25 13:48:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Could the NVC information be true?

I suggest you call into NVC exactly 23 days after NOA-2 date.

I got NOA2 by email on Jan 15th. So that would be Feb 6 or Feb 7. See if your prediction works, however I'll try to call everyday. :lol:
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-01-24 14:11:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Could the NVC information be true?
Thank you all, my dear friends! The I-130 form doesn't have an email address field, so I don't think NVC will know my email unless I tell them. I wonder if I can send them an email telling my email address with my CIS number. Will they update it in the system with my case? I did send an email on Jan 18, but haven't heard any response except an auto reply.
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-01-24 09:56:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Could the NVC information be true?

Its that smooth. They will always say 20 business day. Call back tomorrow, it should be in there system then. The latest Friday.

Thank you srey. Your reply makes me feel much better. :thumbs: Once they assigned a number will they send it to me ASAP, do they have a hold time?
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-01-23 20:01:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Could the NVC information be true?
Hi all,

Today I finally got a chance to talked to an agent at NVC asking if they have received my case (My NOA2 date was 1/15/2013). On hearing my CIS number, the lady said yes, but not in system yet. I was surprised that it took her no time to look up my package before she answered me. Could what she said be true? Then she said it will take 10-20 business days to assign a number. Then I asked if they will notify me as soon as they assign the number. The lady says yes. Everything seemed too smooth and I even couldn't come up with what to ask further. I wonder if I need to keep calling and follow it up. Could I count on the NVC info given by the agent? Anyone has some experience or thoughts? :help: Thanks!

Edited by Grace2013, 23 January 2013 - 05:23 PM.

Grace2013FemaleChina2013-01-23 17:18:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)January i-130 Approvals Waiting for NVC.

I just called the NVC and I have been waiting since Dec 20th for a case number and they still do not have one assigned to me. They said they received it on Jan 15th and to give them 15 to 20 business days to assign the case number. This is taking way too long!!! :(

It's too bad that you got approved in Dec, but it took almost 1 month to reach NVC. Mine arrived NVC on Jan 21th(approved Jan 15th). They told me 10-20 business days. I wish they had a toll free number :(
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-01-28 19:44:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)January i-130 Approvals Waiting for NVC.

Probably not as it's currently taking 3-4 weeks to get a case number assigned.

Looking at my spreadsheet, the most recent approval to get a case number assigned (on 1/24) was a NOA2 date of 12/19.

Oh, seems they received a lot of cases in recently. I may wait another week before call again. I hate to hold for 20 min everytime I call. Thanks for the update.
PS: I've studied the steps a few times. But feel can't study thoroughly before get the case number and received a government instruction for what's next.
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-01-28 15:43:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)January i-130 Approvals Waiting for NVC.
Anyone approved in Jan got his case# so far? :unsure:
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-01-28 14:52:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)January i-130 Approvals Waiting for NVC.

You should join the January NVC thread here: http://www.visajourn...s-january-2013/ ;)

In this thread most are Dec approval, already received case # and working on files for NVC. I think the new tread is for us waiting for a case number. :)
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-01-28 14:46:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)I'm so mad at NVC,please help!!

WOW...2 months!!! I don't mean to make matters worse for you but I received my hardcopy with my MNL number on it today. Well yesterday considering the time. I received the NOA2 ON Jan 3 via email and hardcopy of that on JAN 8. Then again my MNL number just yesterday. God is good. Not sure if you can do this but you should try to email them and request it. Whomever is state side should email NVCInquiry.state.gov and simply state that you cannot proceed without a hardcopy of your MNL number. Hey it worked for me. I'm actually pleased at the turnaround time. My fiance couldn't be more happy too. Good luck and God Bless us All!!

Andy

Hey Rena, how long it took NVC to reply your emial? (I sent one last Friday) Have you ever called to ask for a case number? Thx!
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-01-21 17:25:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)I'm so mad at NVC,please help!!
Dear all, I've received NOA2 hard copy on Jan 17th, waiting for the NVC. I wonder how people know when their cases arrives NVC. Will NVC send out a mail to state that once they've received a case? And hopefully they will assign a case number soon afterwards. :)
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-01-21 17:02:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)NVC
Mine took me 11 days (including weekends) to get a number.
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-02-05 20:16:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)NVC
Oh, I need to correct what I said earlier today. I've got my case number later today and it took me 11 non-business days.
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-02-05 20:18:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)NVC
At least one month. Got to call them to find out your case #. Now seems realy slow :(
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-02-05 17:44:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)When will I get my email from NVC after getting case #
Ok, I'll take a safe step. I figured out that trusting people who have real experience and studied thoroughly here is better than trusting an agent at NVC 'cause they don't really care and aware.
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-02-06 17:37:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)When will I get my email from NVC after getting case #

put on the big girl pants - this timidity is gonna waste yer time.

You should be asking them 'Please send out my AOS fee bill via email now' .

Good Luck !

Oh, Darnell, I wasn't timid, I was just too nervous/excited and forgot to ask. I just called and amazingly I didn't wait, a nice lady just picked up my phone. She told me hopefully this Friday I'll get my email and she suggests me to OPT IN now. But from the old threads, seems there would be some trouble for GUZ cases to OPT IN before invoicing AOS bill. :wacko:
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-02-06 15:06:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)When will I get my email from NVC after getting case #
I told NVC my emails but didn't ask them to send out the email containing DS form and AOS bill, will they by default do that? :wacko: Seems I'm too cautious at every step :blush:
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-02-06 12:35:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)When will I get my email from NVC after getting case #

It's about 3 days, O Grace !

Yer holding off, waiting to pull the trigger to OPT IN for EP for Guangzhou, right?

----
keywords: Guangzhou GZO OPT IN Electronic Processing EP

O, Darnell. I feel guilty for not paying you attorney fee :D
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-02-05 21:30:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)When will I get my email from NVC after getting case #
Dear friends,

I wonder when I'll get the DS-3032 email from NVC after getting my case number? Today I called and got my case # and IIN. I also gave them my emails but haven't received an email from them. Don't they send out immediately after talking to me? :unsure:
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-02-05 20:15:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Can I OPT IN at this point?
After many search and study, I found Saylin has a blog somewhere, stated clearly, which I believe is the right way:

For electronic processing, when one sends the opt-in email, you also have to include the pdf version of the DS-3032 (signed, scanned, and then uploaded as an attachment). In the body of the email, include information such as the beneficiary and petitioner's names, dates of birth, and email addresses.

I'll wait and see the response from NVC to my emails with and w/o DS-3032 attachment.
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-02-07 23:26:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Can I OPT IN at this point?

you should keep doing what the NVC agent tells you.

Good Luck !

I ended up by sending out four OPTIN emails, with and w/o DS-3032 form, from both accounts. :blush: :P
I kinda don't trust NVC agents. I hope my email combinations wouldn't choke my Electronic processing, haha :P ?
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-02-07 17:54:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Can I OPT IN at this point?

oh my.


second - when OPTING IN - the DS-3032 form (filled out, signed and scanned in again as PDF) is attached as a file attachment in the email.

I called NVC. The agent said either side (petitioner or beneficiary) can send the OPTIN email. Then I asked if I could attach the DS-3032 from with the OPTIN email, he said NOT. :wacko: He said send DS-3032 to NVCInquery@state.gov (not NVCELectronic@state.gov), at the same time I OPT IN....
So at last I sent OPTIN email from both accounts, without attaching DS-3032. Now wonder what to do next :wacko: Maybe I should wait till receive a successful OPTIN meail from NVC, then send DS-3032 to NVCELectronic@state.gov. :bonk:

Edited by Grace2013, 07 February 2013 - 01:58 PM.

Grace2013FemaleChina2013-02-07 13:57:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Can I OPT IN at this point?

oh my.

first - congrats on getting the AOS FEE BILL. Now you can OPT IN.

second - when OPTING IN - the DS-3032 form (filled out, signed and scanned in again as PDF) is attached as a file attachment in the email.

there is no concept of 'ds-3032 email' if you are opting in, as the DS-3032 form itself, is included in the OPT IN email.

Please, how to help you not be confused?

Thanks a lot! Things are more clear to me now. :dance: I just wonder can I OPTIN (attach signed DS-3032) through petitioner's account? Becuase beneficiary hasn't received his email from NVC, I don't know why. And does it matter beneficiary has an IP address in US? :wacko:
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-02-07 12:02:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Can I OPT IN at this point?

Just a note, do NOT confuse two different processes. There's a huge difference between EP (electronic processing) and online forms.

EP = email packages (AOS and IV) to NVC
Online forms = submit DS-261 (aka DS-3032) and DS-260 (aka DS-230) online

Just because one may be eligible for one, does not mean you may be eligible for the other. For Jordan, both are required. For China, online forms are NOT an option. For China, only EP is available (and it's still optional at this point).

Please refer to the table at the bottom of this page: http://travel.state..../info_5165.html


I've just got my email from NVC and have paid my AOS fee online this morning. Is it time for me to OPT IN now? Should I send my DS-3032 email first or OPT IN first? Thanks ahead of time!
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-02-07 10:56:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Can I OPT IN at this point?
Thanks Darnell and mimolicious. I'll wait. It doesn't hurt to wait for a week. And I'll study the links, material thoroughly. :thumbs:
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-02-06 17:39:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Can I OPT IN at this point?
Hi experts and friends, I have a question. I just got my case number and the NVC representative told me that once I have a case #, I can OPT IN. But from some old threads I saw that OPT IN before AOS bill invoked would cause severe delay for the GUZ China cases. I expressed my concern and the nice lady said it shouldn't be a problem. What should I do? Should I wait? (The lady said the earliest time I'll get my email from them might be this Friday.) And I wonder before I successfully OPT IN, should I send the DS-3032 form via NVCINQUIRY@state.gov or NVCELECTRONIC@state.gov ? :wacko:
Thanks for your help!!!
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-02-06 15:03:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)ds-230 form

Yes, it's anything from high school and onward.

Does middle school count? :P Anyway I don't think it hurts to put on, right?

GandA5510, Did you call NVC today? Our cases arrived the same day to NVC. Mine was assigned last Friday, Feb 1st. You should have got yours.
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-02-05 21:48:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)NVC closed today

With EP we don't send DS-3032. We send DS-261 form which is available to fill out online through the online forms portal. It is my understanding that a lot of the agents don't understand the EP requirements. Have you read the guides here on VisaJourney for EP?

We don't have DS-261, but DS-3032, that's the country difference. I've read wiki for Ep many times and thanks to the experts. :thumbs:
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-02-08 18:13:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)NVC closed today

There's definitely a lot of heavily automated tasks going on. All of my emails have come through in the middle of the night. I'm in the same timezone. I don't think anyone is actually there sending me emails at 1:48am But maybe! Who knows!?!

I was on the phone with DOS this morning and they let me know NVC was closed as well.

I saw your timeline and you're way ahead of me! You also OPTIN, I wonder how you sent your DS-3032. The NVC guy told me do not attach DS-3032 when I sent the OPTIN email. But I saw people here all did attach that form. And in other forum people did the same thing. And the NVC agent also told me to send DS-3032 to NVCInquery@state.gov, I don't know why not to NVCElectronic@state.gov. NVC had no explanation on that, and I kinda feel hard to trust these agents. I ended up with sending four OPTIN emails, with and w/o DS-3032 attached, from both petitioner and beneficiary's account. Hope will OPTIN successfully and the DS-3032 will be accepted. There's no clear instruction from the official site or from the NVC emails. sigh~
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-02-08 14:34:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)NVC closed today
I paid my AOS bill online yesterday and early this morning it showed IN PROGRESS status online. Then I saw your post, thought they're closed, not gonna do anything. But later this noon, it showed status PAID. I'm glad. Seems although NVC is closed, collecting money will never stop, hehe :lol:

Or maybe it's closed, no employee there, but the machine is still operating automatically there. :innocent:
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-02-08 13:56:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)NVC closed today
Hope they'll re-open next Monday :innocent:
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-02-08 11:39:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)YAY WE HAVE A CASE NUMBER!
Cong! They say NVC is payment driven. So pay online AOS bill ASAP.
Pay Online AOS bill

Edited by Grace2013, 08 February 2013 - 02:39 PM.

Grace2013FemaleChina2013-02-08 14:38:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Cover sheet with old case number question

ya, i've had another interpretation of 'She stole my boyfriend ! '

No that translation is not accurate! Now you see, Chinese is not something easy to learn :lol:
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-02-13 17:09:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Cover sheet with old case number question

D is on top of all of this stuff.

Yes, bd! But it took me 5 second to realize who's D. :D

yes, I do know what they mean ;) do you ? I think it's cute la.

The words mean "Heng, dare to dump my younger sister?! :bonk: :D
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-02-13 12:54:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Cover sheet with old case number question

ya, that's covered under the speedbumps section in my wiki page about NVC EP.

Haha, why I didn't see the already be there answers again? :blush:
Do you know what these Chinese characters mean in your image picture? :ot:
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-02-12 19:42:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Cover sheet with old case number question
I've figured out. Request it again and it's sent with new case number. :star:
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-02-11 23:00:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Cover sheet with old case number question
Experts, please help me this out. I paid AOS fee and it generated a cover sheet. But now I've enrolled in EP, the case number is changed. I wonder if it matters the cover sheet with old case number. :wacko: If not, what should I do? :help:
Many thanks in advance!
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-02-11 17:51:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)can't get through to NVC?
If they're too busy and even can't get your call in the queue, they'll simply disconnect your call.
Grace2013FemaleChina2013-02-13 17:14:00