I need to send some documents by email. What should I actually write there? Just include the application number and attach the files? Has anyone done this — is there some kind of template?
When I sent the documents, in the subject line I just put the application number and that these were additional materials. In the body a couple of lines saying I’m attaching documents for application so-and-so, and that’s it. It went through fine without any templates. Just keep in mind that requirements are changing — I heard that before some people could get by just replying to a pre-refusal (предотказ) with attachments; now the consulate has started to specify more precisely what exactly needs to be submitted.
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Got it, thanks. And in what form does the consulate currently specify what to provide — do they list it directly in the letter about a potential refusal?
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If they said they’d send a list of what’s needed, it’s better to reply to that email rather than start a new one. In the subject line, include the case number and surname and given name. In the body: Dear…, a couple of polite lines, then say that you’re attaching the documents per their request and list exactly what you’ve enclosed. When they sent it to me, it was literally a list of what USCIS needed, very specific.
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They wrote on a little slip at the consulate which documents I needed to send — and that same day I received a letter with the address to send them to and Form DD-5535. So they should send concrete instructions; no need to guess. I would also send the whole case file just in case — it happened to me that they simply didn’t have all my documents.
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NVC also has an online CEAC system where you can upload documents directly to your account — you don’t have to do everything by email. If you do go via email, attach a Cover sheet with the translation to the documents; they require that. And keep all your scans ready — they asked for the same documents from me several times, so I had to resend them.
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If you filed the case with USCIS on paper, the civil documents must also be sent to the NVC in an envelope, not through CEAC. The first letter from the NVC should include a paper with a barcode — you should put it in the envelope and mark on it exactly what you are enclosing.
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In the NVC welcome letter the first paragraph literally explains how to submit—there are step-by-step instructions, so no need to guess. For EB-1: since autumn, for most people who got approval the NVC letter said you can upload documents online through CEAC. If you have a paper case—then yes, print the scans and mail them as indicated in that same letter.
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For EB-1 we gathered everything into a single package — a separate cover sheet for each document, then the document itself, and an explanatory note at the end. Everything for the beneficiary goes first, followed by family members; each section is clearly labeled by full name. One envelope for everyone — and only by physical mail; that’s exactly what was written in the letter from the NVC after approval.
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I sent all the civil documents to the NVC without the cover sheet — two days later I got a reply listing exactly what was needed and with the cover sheet attached. I had to resend the entire packet with it. Then it was quiet for a long time — no confirmation that they’d received anything. I sent an inquiry, and they just replied, “wait for the interview.” Turns out this happens — they don’t always send a separate acknowledgement of receipt; they just stay silent and move things along.
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In CEAC I also didn’t have the Civil Documents window after filling out the DS-260. I submitted a request via the form on the website — they replied that the section opens only after the NVC moves the case to the required status. So if the window isn’t there, just wait for a letter from them; it will contain specific instructions.
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I had the same with EB-1A — the Documents tab in CEAC was missing for several weeks after the petition was approved. I wrote to the NVC; they replied that the section will open when they move the case to the proper status. So if the tab isn’t there, it doesn’t mean something’s wrong — you’re just waiting for them to switch it on their end.
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