MasterOfPuppets & Baba66:
Consider the following timeline (currently in effect for Montreal CP):
- INS notifies you (or lawyer) and NVC that the immigration petition (I-140) has been approved.
- NVC receives I-140 approval and creates an IV case
- NVC determines what documents are required and sends a Packet 3 to the attorney on file
- You (and / or attorney) gather all the required documents and send them with application fees to St. Louis
- St. Louis completes fees processing and sends Packet 3 to NVC
- NVC reviews Packet 3 (may issue "RFE" if documents are not in order) and submits your case for a visa number
- NVC obtains a visa number from DC, sets an interview date and sends Packet 4, along with instructions for medical
- You complete your medicals in the country where you plan to consular process
- You appear for the interview where a consular officer decides your case
- You make your entry into the US and live happily ever after!
Baba66: As you can see from the timeline, sending your own Packet 3 will not significantly reduce the processing time.
MasterOfPuppets: Yes, it is true that under the above process, nearly all the work will be done at NVC. However, the ultimate decision to admit a person as an immigrant will still be made by the consular officer. Unlike Adjustment of Status, you may be coming to the US for the first time via consular processing. The purpose of the interview is to validate the person(s) included in the application. Regardless of how trivial the interview is, it does provide an opportunity to the officer to examine you in person. (This is the reason why many consulates require first-timers for non-immigrant visas to appear in person, while applicants who wish to renew / extend their NIVs can use a drop box facility.) Also, the consular officer typically administers you an oath. Lying to a federal officer under oath is a felony.
Finally, NVC’s review of your application does not preclude a consular officer from scrutinizing your case. A Montreal candidate was put through the wringer even when all his documents were in order. Look up:
http://www.immigrationportal.com/WebX?128@@.efc2bec