Urgent - Please HELP!!!!! Lost Original H1 Approval Notice..

[sachin2005]

folks,

I got my I-140 approval notice on June 17th... While collecting the documents for consular processing, I found out I couldn't find my Original H1 approval notices (2)...


As this is one of the requirements for consular processing, I am really worried about not having the original documents with me.. I do have the visa stamped on my passport, as well as, a photocopy of the original approval notice. Could you please advice if there is a alternate way of fulfilling the requirement of the consulate? Will a photocopy along with the actual H1 and a filled i-184(request for duplicate copy) suffice the requirements?


As you know, request for a duplicate copy can take a long time...

Please advice!!!

Regards, Sachin

[JoeF]

Re: Urgent - Please HELP!!!!! Lost Original H1 Approval Noti

Why do you think it is a requirement to have the H1 notice? Where is that written? I did not have my H1 approval notices with me when I did CP back in Oct. 2000.

[sachin2005]

Hi Joe

Thanks Joe!

My lawyer told me that I needed all previous notices from INS.. F1, EADs, H1 Bs etc...

Also, it is listed under the before you leave US tab on the consular processing information on this site... " All previous H1s, F1s, EADs, APs, I-485 receipt etc. " www.immihelp.com/gc/consular/before_leave_us.html

I do wonder that why would the consular require the appoval notices.. If it is a question of proving my legal status in US.. I do have my I20 + EAD+ H1B Visas that demonstrate legality of my stay in US for entire period of my stay in US

Please advice!
Best Regards, Sachin

[JoeF]

The H1 stamps, EAD, etc. should be enough. Even if the consulate wants to see the approval notices (which I doubt), copies should be just fine.

[sachin2005]

Thanks Joe!

One more quick question - Is there a place to go and check the current timeline for visa processing for US consulate in New Delhi? My i-140 got approved on June 17th.. Just wondering, how much time will it take to get an appointment @US consulate, New Delhi.

Again, Thanks a lot!!

Sachin

[sachin2005]

Joe,

According to my lawyer, it will take approx. 1 year to get consular processing done.. Her response below:

It is currently taking approximately 2 to 4 months from the National Visa Center to issue the Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fee Bill. From the time the Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fee Bill is received, it can take approximately 8 to 10 months for the US Embassy in New Delhi to issue immigrant visa appointments. Immigrant visa appointments are issued based on availability of the US Consulate. Further, you are not eligible to submit your preference for date and time of appointment. The US Embassy typically gives 8 to 12 weeks notice for appointments. Please keep in mi! nd that all processing times and pr! ocedures are subject to change at the discretion of the USCIS and US Department of State without prior notification.


Please advice!!

[JoeF]

Hmm, I am a bit skeptical about the timeline your lawyer mentioned. NVC is usually faster than CIS. I don't know their current processing times, though.
Once NVC has sent the the file to the consulate, it takes about 2 months for the consulate to get a visa number (the A#).
From what I have heard, the process usually takes about 6 months. It used to be even faster (I got my IV in 2000 ca. 3 months after my I-140 approval) but there were some processing changes at NVC.

[sachin2005]

THANKS!!!