Credits: This was posted in April thread on VisaJourney by nshakable Faith : Shared on May thread by LabOZ - and Posted on this page by Shoegum

Here is what I did. Please feel free to absorb and apply as you see fit.

Step 1: Obtaining Your Case Number

The average number of days it takes for a file to arrive at NVC after NOA2 used to be around 3 to 5 business days however currently it is taking around 50-60 days. Click the following link to check update to date NOA2 to NVC timings and other users who are waiting, enter your data there aswell. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1k57PdywNRpUqytomJxMzz6_7DsMqpi52DgnaYt9FyC8/edit?usp=sharing

Begin calling after 2 weeks.

The best time to get through is after 6pm (EST) on weeknights. They remain staffed until 10pm (EST). The number is (603)-334-0700.

If the first thing you hear is a voice, it will be a recording with a message that says there's a large call volume and then (eventually) hangs up. Continue to hang up and call again until the first thing you hear is a ring.

After this, you'll need to press two buttons:

1 for English or 2 for Spanish... and then 7 to ask a question.

Special Note: When you first get into the loop, you can hit 1 (wait 1 second) and then 7 or 5 or - 2 no need to listen to the spiel in between numbers unless you have a burning desire to.

You could be on hold anywhere from a minute to an hour. Hopefully the hour would be absolute worst case scenario- just don't plan to do this when you only have 5 minutes of time to spare!

When a CSR is ready to speak, you will hear their phone ring. They will ask you for your case number. The number to give them is the USCIS number that you have been monitoring for the past few months, it should begin with WAC2017...

When you tell them your number they will put it into their system query. Likely, on your first call, they will say that your file is not there yet, and then tell you that it can take many weeks to arrive. If your file isn't there, thank them and tell them cheerfully that you will call again tomorrow.

The mail only runs once per day, so multiple calls in a single day will only irritate them. Call after 6pm. If your file has arrived at NVC that day, it will be there. If not, then call the next day after 6pm.

When you give them your case file and they ask you for additional information, it means that your file has arrived!!! You must then tell them the petitioner's full name (that's yours) and birthdate, and the beneficiary's full name and birthdate. This is their security check, so know this information before you call.

They will then tell you your Case File Number if it has been assigned. Sometimes it takes several days to have a case file assigned- sometimes it is assigned the same day.

Your case number will have a 3-letter Prefix relative to your Beneficiary's Embassy City, followed by 2017, and then two 3-digit numbers.

(Fun fact: The last three numbers are what order the cases were assigned that day. For example, if your last three digits are 029, you were the 29th case assigned that day.)

This number will stay with your file for the rest of this journey. Write it down!

Step 2: Checking your CEAC Status

After many calls to NVC and short eternities of horrible on-hold music (haha), you finally have your case file. Enjoy the stroll from here on out, it can go by very quickly!!

You can now check your case status at: https://ceac.state.gov/ceacstattracker/status.aspx

Under Visa Application Type- Select Immigrant Visa

Under Immigrant Visa Case Number- type in you newly minted Case File Number.

Step 3: The Last Steps

Now, you will have one of a few answers to you query. At NVC, In Transit, Arrived, or Ready. "Ready" is the magic word. That means that not only is your case at the Embassy, but it is already entered into the system. After paying your visa fee, you can submit your DS-160 and schedule your interview!!!

On many Embassy websites, you can download your packet 3 instructions and help your fiance prepare what is needed before the interview. These are country-specific instructions. For my fiance's country (Nigeria), the packet was on their website. They also eventually emailed it to me, but I didn't wait for their email since I obtained it from their website. This packet will give you instructions about the medical exam and the police report that is needed before the interview

Some of you may want to be present for your fiance(e)'s interview. Some countries do not allow the petitioner to enter into the embassy for the interview with the beneficiary. Nigeria is one of those countries that do not allow it, but I was present on the property for the interview and he took my passport inside with him to show that I was there!

It is suggested that you take additional evidence to the interview. The embassy will have the copy of your petition and any documents that you sent along with it. My suggestion is that you take proof of your relationship from the time you submitted your petition until now. We took copies of call logs, excerpts of WhatsApp chat logs and additional pictures. Also, don't forget the updated Intent To Marry documents as well as the Affidavit of Support (I-134).

Personally speaking, in preparation for our interview, I read all of the consulate reviews for Nigeria. That was possibly a little overboard but Nigeria is a high fraud country so any preparation is beneficial. I wrote down all of the questions that were asked to the beneficiaries and my fiance and I practiced them thoroughly many times- there were about 100 different questions between all of the reviews. We had a lot of fun preparing and it was a good opportunity to hear some of the answers that he would give if he was asked certain questions! This will help to build their confidence and to iron out any details in answers that they may not know.

This can be a very exciting time but can also be very stressful on both parties. Be understanding, be loving, and be supportive! Remember that your loved one is facing, in most cases, leaving everything and everyone they've ever known to travel to a country that they may not have ever been to.

I pray that each one of you have a safe journey for the rest of this time and that the Lord's will be done for you, your fiance(e), and your marriage. Blessings to each of you!

Have something useful to add to this information or any other comments please leave a comment below.