ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionrecieved email from embassy and form
moving to Embassy and Consulate Discussion forum...
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-10-27 09:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionASAP Form ds-156 , ds-156k,ds-157
embassy questions belong in the embassy forum - moving there
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-10-29 08:57:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionFC-029
QUOTE (Hoffy63m @ Oct 30 2009, 09:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Hoffy63m @ Oct 30 2009, 10:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
and also forms DS-157 and DS-158

Okay, ill try again do you need form FC-029 when going to the interview. It basicially states if you have any copies that they are real and offical...

QUOTE (Stephen + Elisha @ Oct 30 2009, 10:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Hoffy63m @ Oct 30 2009, 09:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
and also forms DS-157 and DS-158

Those forms are used at the interview stage. Some consulates require them, others don't. Seoul doesn't.

okay thanks.. just worried she has her interview on monday! Thanks

She needs the forms and documents on the Seoul checklist. Nothing else. http://asktheconsul....heck_fiance.pdf

(moving to Embassy and Consulate Discussion)
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-10-30 08:11:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionFC-029
QUOTE (Hoffy63m @ Oct 30 2009, 09:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
and also forms DS-157 and DS-158

Those forms are used at the interview stage. Some consulates require them, others don't. Seoul doesn't.
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-10-30 08:06:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionFC-029
QUOTE (Hoffy63m @ Oct 30 2009, 09:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Is that needed if u have any copies?FC-029

Um, your question makes no sense. But I'll take a stab at it: No, FC-029 is not required.
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-10-30 08:05:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionds-230?
consulate question, moving to US Embassy and Consulate Discussion
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-10-30 08:54:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS-156 online webpage down?
QUOTE (Maverick64 @ Oct 30 2009, 03:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Nope, no luck. I have tried it from different countries and even the link here. What is wierd is that i was able to obtain it no problem last week. Strange.

Try emptying your browser's cache or using a different browser. If that doesn't work, try accessing it from a different computer. The problem appears to be on your end.
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-10-30 14:54:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS-156 online webpage down?
QUOTE (Maverick64 @ Oct 30 2009, 02:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have been trying all day to access the DS-156 online form web page with no luck. Is this a common issue. I had no problem last week.

It's working as of this moment. http://evisaforms.state.gov

If the issue persists, it may be related to your browser, system configuration, or Internet connection.
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-10-30 14:15:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWhere do I get an *old* version of the I-134
Strangely enough, you can download the old I-134 from the USCIS website.

http://www.uscis.gov.../form/I-134.pdf takes you to the current version - but http://www.uscis.gov.../form/i-134.pdf leads to the old one with the notary certificate.
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-10-30 14:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134
QUOTE (arizreynolds @ Oct 30 2009, 04:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
thanks pushbrk you have answered a lot of my questions and i appreciate it very much. i have one more question about documents that i need do i need to get a letter from my bank stating when i opened account how much i have ect or does my bank statements work or do i need both? again thanks in advance

If your income is sufficient to meet the requirements, you don't need to include any information on bank accounts or any other assets.
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-10-30 15:42:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK-1 Income/Assets Reqmn't
Question pertains to the consular phase of the K-1 process - moving to US Embassy and Consulate Discussion
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-10-29 08:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionpackage 3
moving to:
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion
You are almost there and now you have to deal with the embassy. This is the place to post your experiences or questions related to this last step before moving to the US. Topics relating to I-134's, packets sent from consulate and medical & police certificates should be posted here.
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-10-30 10:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionquestion about visa and interview
We bought our ticket before we had the visa, but I wouldn't advise it. It worked out, but just barely. If the visa is approved, it will be delivered in 3-4 days by the courier service (there are two choices, Ilyang or Hanjin—by the way, Ilyang sucks, tell your fiancee to fill out the Hanjin slip). We interviewed on a Tuesday and the visa was delivered Friday afternoon.

Ditto to what carolyn said. If you can't attend the interview, make sure your fiancee knows why and that she can explain it to the consular officer.

(interview issues, moving to US Embassy and Consulate Discussion)
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-10-30 08:31:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionweb site to check A/P status
moving to Embassy and Consulate Discussion...
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-10-27 11:16:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS-156, Question 38
DS-156 is a Department of State form used at the consulate stage - moving to Embassy and Consulate Discussion...
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-10-28 08:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionproof of relationship
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK BEFORE POSTING.

Also, guides6ly.gif They contain examples of relationship evidence.

(embassy question, moving to US Embassy and Consulate Discussion)
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-10-31 11:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPlease help with DS 156 questions
QUOTE (JimVaPhuong @ Sep 18 2009, 08:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (masteryfic @ Sep 18 2009, 03:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JimVaPhuong @ Sep 16 2009, 09:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Haole @ Sep 16 2009, 11:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yes but no immediate plans for work and school.

DON't leave any blanks. Put NONE or N/A where applicable.


Depends on the consulate. HCM, for example, is very specific - they don't want to you to enter province or country where the passport was issued - only the city. They also don't want you putting "none" or "n/a" in the "Other names used" box. I'm guessing this is because it confuses the software that reads the barcode.

Unfortunately, they don't tell you this stuff until you get the instructions for packet 4.



they dont want you to put NONE on the other names used?
i havent read that yet, is it available online where they say that?


No, it's not in the online instructions, and this is specifically for the consulate in Ho Chi Minh. I don't know if other consulates have similar instructions.

Manila's instruction page for the DS-156 includes similar instructions: http://manila.usemba...v/wwwhevaf.html

QUOTE
I just thought it was worth pointing out that a consulate may have specific instructions for this particular form because it's generated online, and contains a rectangular "2D" barcode that has all of the form information encoded into it. The consulates have a barcode reader that scans the form data into a computer, rather than having to manually enter the information from the form. I'm just guessing, but I think putting "none" in the "Other names used" field makes their computer software think that "none" is an alias you've used, and they might actually try to run a name check on it.

I think DoS wised up to this at some point. When we filled out Elisha's DS-156 online, the 2D barcode page (Page 3) contained the following text:

QUOTE
FILTERED NAMES
When 'None' or 'NA' are entered into any of the following the fields: 'Other Surnames Used', 'Other First
and Middle Names Used', and 'National Identification Number', the text will be removed by the EVAF
software from the data in the 2D barcode. If the applicant's name actually is None or NA the post must
enter the name manually into NIV or RDS. The following fields have been removed:
- 'NONE' was removed from the 2D barcode for Item 8 (Other Surnames Used)
- 'NONE' was removed from the 2D barcode for Item 9 (Other First and Middle Names Used)


QUOTE
As far as the passport issued city, I would imagine there are no two cities in the world with the same name where passports are issued, so they only need the name of the city. Why their software doesn't just ignore the other information is beyond me - perhaps their software can't automatically insert the info if it's already provided on the form.

I suspect the consulate in HCM hired a 6 year old to write their barcode software. blush.gif

I suspect it's some piece of garbage written stateside on a government contract that was delivered late, was obsolete before it ever came online, and cost the taxpayers some obscene amount of money.

QUOTE
I wish USCIS and DoS would be consistent about their electronic forms. Many (most? ) are editable PDF's, but some will let you save data and some won't. On the ones you can't save, I print them to a Microsoft Office Image file so I can at least manually copy-and-paste to a new form if I make a mistake.

In general, you can save data in the USCIS forms, but not in the DoS forms. In response to some of my fellow March VSCers who shared your frustration about the DoS visa forms not allowing entered data to be saved, I used my copy of Acrobat Professional to enable Adobe Reader usage rights and resaved the forms. This allows Adobe Reader users to save the data. The save-enabled forms are available in my signature.

QUOTE
Often times, you can't fit even a relatively short answer in the box provided, especially when they've chosen a huge font and won't let you change the font size. And there's no consistency. For example, on the DS-230 you can only enter one line of text for the father's address, but you can enter two lines of text for the mother's address. The boxes are the same size!

Agreed. This is a problem.

QUOTE
The barcode is a good idea. It reduces the chances of the keyboard monkey at the consulate making a mistake when they copy the data into their computers. Unfortunately, it means you MUST enter the info into the electronic form, and not manually write it in after printing, or it won't be included in the barcode. You also can't save the data in a format that's easy to resubmit. If you make a mistake, you have to enter everything into a new form.

good.gif
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-09-18 08:28:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionFiance Letter of Intent
QUOTE (payxibka @ Nov 1 2009, 09:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
address it accordingly, to the place you are submitting it to

good.gif

Meaning that for the interview, the letter is addressed to the consulate.

(moving to US Embassy and Consulate Discussion)
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-01 09:59:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMedical Exam, in Paris France
QUOTE (Francksgirl @ Oct 30 2009, 01:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Did you (or fiancé) have to see 1 of their doctors? Is your medical done yet??? Where do you have to go for the exam in Paris?

Thanks for any info!

Yes, you have to see "1 of their doctors," i.e., one of the panel physicians approved by the consulate and listed on the instructions. See Paris Heart's post above for a recommendation.
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-10-30 09:49:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDoes Bogota accept co-sponsors for Affidavit of Support?
QUOTE (Anh map @ Nov 1 2009, 11:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You ought to post your question in the Latin America regional forum to get specific feedback from folks going through Bogata.

good.gif

Also, as this is an embassy-specific question, moving to the US Embassy and Consulate Discussion...
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-01 16:31:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionExtending approval notice for London embassy
http://www.visajourn...h...t&p=3451255
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-01 16:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionmedical exam
Medical exam is part of the consulate stage of the K-1 process (and consulate-specific to a great extent) - moving to US Embassy and Consulate Discussion
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-02 09:04:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionpolice certificate
QUOTE (Scott and Mhay @ Nov 2 2009, 07:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
But you can get one by going to the korean embassy in manila?? this is confusing...i was reading another thread and they said they just went to the embassy and they were able to get it this way.

There is a procedure for obtaining a Korean police certificate through a Korean consulate. But it appears that this certificate is not sufficient for immigration purposes, else the DOS website would list this procedure. Instead, it says "unavailable" for applicants outside of Korea.

As the earlier poster said, if the DOS reciprocity table says "Unavailable," then that's what the consulate will go by. They will not demand a document that DOS says is unavailable.
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-02 09:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionpolice certificate
QUOTE (YuAndDan @ Oct 1 2008, 11:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
IF DOS Indicates that reports are UNAVAILABLE on the reciprocity table, then don't bother trying to get them, the consulate doing the interview is aware that you CANNOT get them and won't require them.

good.gif This is good advice. The website of the Korean Embassy to the US provides information on obtaining a Korean police certificate from outside of Korea, but I presume that this type of certificate is not acceptable for US immigration purposes. If it were, the DOS reciprocity table would list this information, not "unavailable."
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-02 09:45:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDocuments to be sent to my fiancee
no waiver/AP issues, question is about pre-interview steps - moving to US Embassy and Consulate Discussion
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-02 09:51:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionConfusion on St Luke's and $213.35 US
moving to:
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion
You are almost there and now you have to deal with the embassy. This is the place to post your experiences or questions related to this last step before moving to the US. Topics relating to I-134's, packets sent from consulate and medical & police certificates should be posted here.
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-02 12:57:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPolice Certificates ARGENTINA
QUOTE (HONHON @ Nov 2 2009, 03:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hola, yo necesito el certificado de la policia de USA porque vivi alli muchos anios y ahora en la embajada argentina me piden el certificado de la policia de todos los lugares que eh vivido por mas de 6 meses desde que cumpli los 16 anios .. no se donde puedo pedirlo o si tengo que hacerlo.

You do not need police certificates for time spent in the USA. Your name was checked against the FBI database at the USCIS and NVC stages of the visa process, and your fingerprints will be run through the FBI computer at the time of your interview at the embassy.

Posts in the regional subforums may be in other languages, but please post in English in the "top-level" forums. Thanks! smile.gif
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-02 15:32:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 - sponsor???
QUOTE (fattylittleslug @ Nov 2 2009, 01:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Guys, I have a similar question. My USC just got out off school (so he only has received few months paychecks). His current job pays above 60k annually before tax. We have not much savings, nor other assets. Do we need a co-sponsor? What evidence should we obtain?
Thanks!

Your fiance qualifies comfortably on salary alone.

My salary is similar, and I likewise just started my job in March 2009. I listed no asset information on the I-134, and just provided last year's tax info along with my last six pay stubs (I'm paid monthly) and a letter from my employer stating that I am employed full-time, my job title, and salary. My fiancee's K1 was approved without a hitch.
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-02 15:03:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHELP!!!!! TUBERCULOSIS QUESTION!!!
You may want to post about this in the Latin America subforum as well: http://www.visajourn...hp?showforum=96

Other Peruvian VJers may be more likely to see and respond there.
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-02 15:23:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS-156 form needed
DS-156 is used at the embassy/consulate when applying for a visa - moving to US Embassy and Consulate Discussion
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-03 09:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHow should I answer "How long do you intend to stay in US?" if we need to return to Brazil periodically?
DS-156 is used at the consulate when applying for visa issuance - moving to US Embassy and Consulate Discussion


Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-03 09:27:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionSponsers
I-134 affidavit of support for the K-1 visa is part of the consulate stage - moving to US Embassy and Consulate Discussion
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-03 09:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI've had a high-paying job for 4 months, but my total income for the year is below 125% poverty. Problem at Rio consulate?
QUOTE (anitacastillo @ Nov 3 2009, 10:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
What if you delay your interview a mth or two until you have passed the poverty level. After 5 mths you have earned $20833 gross. Don't know your family size - but I think that is enough for a family of 2.

And/or start looking for a co-sponsor.

Not necessary. The I-134 asks for, and the consular officers consider, current income. Not YTD income.
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-03 10:09:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI've had a high-paying job for 4 months, but my total income for the year is below 125% poverty. Problem at Rio consulate?
Current income is most important - your pay stubs and employer letter will establish this. They're looking at current income, not YTD income. Don't sweat this.

That said, if your previous year's tax returns show income lower than the poverty level, you may want to address this. If providing additional history (3 years' returns rather than just one) would be to your advantage, you may want to consider going that route. Or provide an explanatory letter.

(K-1 support issues are considered at the consulate stage - moving to US Embassy and Consulate Discussion)
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-03 09:33:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCan petitioner attend the beneficiary's interview?
QUOTE (Gary and Alla @ Nov 3 2009, 07:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
No one from a difficult consulate has answered this thread. (actually Manila, yoru consulate would be the only one considered difficult and you say it is no beig deal) Kiev, Seoul and Amsterdam hardly rank as difficult, in fact all the difficulties combined wouldn't make a difficult consulate.

My advice, having gone through a very easy consulate where many get passed without a question asked, is be there. If you can't afford it...get another job and save the money. I truly believe that any scared and nervous fiancee would much prefer her future husband to be with her (or future wife, whatever) to be there at a very important time in their life, even if the worry is unwarranted.

good.gif

Elisha said she couldn't adequately describe how important it was to her that I was there with her for the interview. Even though it was a breeze, she had a very negative impression of the US Embassy from her previous interview there (for a B1/B2 a few years ago, before South Korea was added to the VWP) and was VERY nervous.

This is scary... I've agreed with you twice in one thread, Gary! laughing.gif
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-03 10:15:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCan petitioner attend the beneficiary's interview?
QUOTE (Gary and Alla @ Nov 2 2009, 07:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Smizzy @ Nov 1 2009, 11:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello All,

We've just sent off our packet 3 and will be awaiting the interview date. Since I'll be traveling down to see my fiancee in a couple weeks, it is highly likely that I will there when the interview is scheduled. Does anyone know if I can go into the consulate with her on the date of the interview? Do they allow entry to the petitioners as well?



Many, maybe even most, do allow this. Check the consulate reviews section. I strongly recommend going even if you cannot go in the building, be there for your fiancee, not the interview.

good.gif

In addition, if the consulate does not allow the USC to accompany your fiance to the interview, you can give her your passport to take inside to show to the consular officer. Pretty much irrefutable proof that you're waiting outside for her, and as an earlier poster mentioned, this is great bonafide relationship evidence.
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-02 09:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionwhat to bring on my interview
interview question - moving to Embassy and Consulate Discussion
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-03 10:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHelp with the AFFIDAVIT
K-1 affidavit of support is considered at the consulate stage - moving to US Embassy and Consulate Discussion
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-03 09:54:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 Questions
I-134 is used at the consulate interview stage of the K1 process - moving to Embassy and Consulate Discussion
Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-02 09:09:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 Affidavit of support !!!
QUOTE (BellaChele68 @ Nov 3 2009, 09:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Inky @ Nov 3 2009, 10:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Pay stubs ( we sent 6 pay stubs inlc most recent ) - good

Letter from employer - good if you can get it, but not required

Taxes from the most recent year, w-2 from the most recent year, tax transcripts. ( we did for the last 3 years the transcripts and the actual tax forms for the most recent year. ) - unless the specific consulate has its own requirements, usually only the most recent year's tax information is required. Three years is overkill unless the most recent year's income is unusually low and three years provides a better picture.


We included the following:

Two original letters from each of the banking institutions you will be including in your banking totals - bank information is only necessary if you can't qualify on income. If your income puts you comfortably over the poverty figures, don't bother with bank account or other asset information. KISS.
Two original letters from employer - employer letters are good
Three years tax returns and w2 information - as stated above, three years is overkill unless the embassy tells you different
If you list a property: Appraisal AND mortgage or land contract
Bank Statements for a couple of months
Pay stubs for a couple of months - three to six months is better than "a couple"
Car titles if you include vehicles as an asset - basically useless unless you can demonstrate that it's not your primary vehicle and you can thus afford to part with it. Also remember that it will only be counted at 1/3 of its depreciated value.
Proof of any other assets you claim
If child support is included in your income, certified history of child support received
If there is a name difference due to a past divorce in the last three years, copies of divorce decrees to show legal proof of name difference

The more you send them, the less likely it is to be rejected

Good luck...double check and make sure you don't need an I-864...these are now the most commonly used AOS...we sent in BOTH just in case. I always like to err on the side of providing too much information.... I-134 is used at the time of interview for the K-1 process. I-864 is not used until adjustment of status in the US. Sending extraneous forms is not "erring on the side of providing too much information," it's demonstrating a lack of comprehension of instructions.

To the OP: timeline.gif http://www.visajourn...eline/intro.php

Edited by Stephen + Elisha, 04 November 2009 - 10:21 AM.

Stephen + ElishaMaleSouth Korea2009-11-04 10:17:00