I140 Approval does not say "Forwarded to NVC"

[XJOE]

My I140 was approved, but in the cover sheet of the application my lawyer specified AOS, whereas the actual form had US consulate to be processed as Chennai.

When I got the approval, it says that the petition is kept in the local office, and that I need to use I-824 to opt for CP.

I-824 takes a year to process? Has anyone contacted the Service center directly, and request them to send it to NVC?

[abu lafya]

NOT legal advise:
My I-824 took about 2.5 months (CSC) + 48 days to reach NVC. I heard some people had that done much faster, especially CSC -> NVC is more likely to be 2-3 weeks.
If your consulate does AC I-140 then file I-824 just before you become current and use the receipt to do AC I-140, it is faster than NVC.

[XJOE]

Thanks Abu. I heard that we can call up the Immigration Officer and request him to redirect the application to NVC, since consular processing was mentioned in the application. Is it true or should I still apply for I-824?

[Ace]

I think that they need the I-824 filed. This shows that you are abandoning your AOS intent and opting for CP instead. Moreover, if you are going in for AC-140, I-824 receipt notice is absolutely required.