ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDo I need an updated employment letter from employer?

I got my employment letter date 02-17-2011 just after I got my NOA2. We sent packet 3 and was received by the embassy on 04-04-2011 which contained my employment letter. Her interview is not until 06-08-2011. Will I need a new employment letter for the interview? If I get a new letter would it be ok if I just scan it as an attachment and have her print it there? I plan on keep sending a copy of every new pay stub I get for her so she can take to the interview. Thanks everybody.



Andy,
I am not sure, but in our case, my employment letter was dated 5 march, 2011 and our interview was 20 April, 2011, we had no problem. A month and half apart.
Juan & NanMaleThailand2011-04-25 02:19:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS-156 expires 5/31/2011

The form says it expires 5/31/2011. Pui has already sent in her DS-156 to the embassy and her interview date is 06/08/2011 will that be a problem? Thanks everyone.



Andy,

Sorry I don't know the right answer to your question. We (Nan and I) just wanted to wish you and Pui good luck during her interview. Almost over.

Edited by Juan & Nan, 25 May 2011 - 09:29 AM.

Juan & NanMaleThailand2011-05-25 09:28:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionVISA! VISA!
congrats!

patience is a virtue... good.gif

good luck!!! smile.gif
catedelacruzFemalePhilippines2008-08-09 02:18:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS-156 x2 or............ DS-156 + photocopy of DS-156?
OK, I'll fill it only 1 time and print a copy. I'm glad it's not extra money spent for that one.


Thank you Bernie C
bruno.MaleFrance2010-05-12 12:00:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS-156 x2 or............ DS-156 + photocopy of DS-156?


Hello everybody,

I'm in the process for a K-1 visa and I'm currently waiting for NOA2. I was looking ahead for the next step and trying to figure out the budget for the interview + medical part.

So I found out that, among other things, I needed to bring 2 forms DS-156. I saw that this form is to be filled on-line and it has a fee of $131.

My question is: do I need to fill the form twice on-line (paying 2x$131) or do I fill it only once and then print it twice?

Safe journey to everyone.
bruno.MaleFrance2010-05-11 12:40:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionlondon embassy interview
Hi,

We were planning on doing the same thing. I personnally don't think it matters as long as you have other proof that your relationship is bona fide. if they ask me at the embassy I'll explain to them we want a nice ceremony so we need to save some money first. In addition, some people might not want a ceremony and just do the official papers and I don't see what would be wrong with that.
That being said I'd still like to have the input of peoplefor whom it was a problem for their interview.
bruno.MaleFrance2010-07-04 05:52:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAfter Embassy in Paris received notice of readiness

So Bruno: Ready for the wedding?


if you mean logistically, there are still a lot to be done. we didn't set a date yet. We plan to do just the courthouse first and the ceremony after a few months when all the papers are done.
if you mean emotionally, i'm completely ready.
bruno.MaleFrance2010-08-04 15:13:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAfter Embassy in Paris received notice of readiness

Hi Again!
Thank you to all of you but the links are providing time for non immigrant visas and K1 visa is being processed differently, following what is said on the US department of state, "Nonimmigrant Visa wait time DOES NOT include K or V visa applications, which are processed similar to immigrant visas.".....

The K1 processing time is giving the time that is necessary for the whole process at the embassy to occur....

But NOT the time necessary once the Notice of readiness has been received by the Embassy to get the appointment date.


I don't know if you got more news since that post but if it can help you I sent my P3 package on july 15th and i received p4 stating my interview date is going to be august 18th.
bruno.MaleFrance2010-08-03 03:42:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionTiming before interview, PARIS, FRANCE
Hi,

see my signature for the dates i had
bruno.MaleFrance2010-08-04 09:09:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMedical Question - Depression

I have a brief question.

I was treated for post partum depression in 2003/4 and for a circumstantial depression in 2008/9. I am not being treated for one right now because I'm not depressed now! Anyway, my doctor wrote a brief letter stating that those events occurred, and that I am not under medical treatment for depression currently. Is that sufficient for depression?


You should be fine as depression is a very common medical condition. What they look for at the medical is mainly very contagious diseases. At the interview they would also consider a condition that needs heavy treatment and make sure you have the means to deal with it and not become a public charge.

you can see this section : http://www.visajourn...content/medical for more detailed info

good luck on your journey
bruno.MaleFrance2010-08-26 13:13:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionParis Embassy - Chronopost

Help, I need to buy this tomorrow and now I'm confused. Do they want the soft envelope or the box? :help: Pretty please?


It's a soft envelope.
bruno.MaleFrance2010-08-29 16:16:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionParis Embassy - Chronopost

Thanks a lot. I'm seeing him too and I got the same impression of the phone. I have to say, an xray costs more than just EUR 20 but hey :whistle:
Had you had your vaccination done? I got ROR, chicken pox and DTPolio. Will that be enough?


The X-ray was free for me coz taken in charge by "la sécu" and my "mutuelle".

for the vaccine I had the ROR (MMR) the DTPolio and Hepatitis B. I got Varicella when i was a kid so the doctor put naturally immune.

For the Hepatitis B, I think they did vaccinations for kids my age in the past but not anymore I believe so I don't think it's mandatory.

He put my vaccination as complete.
bruno.MaleFrance2010-08-25 13:55:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionParis Embassy - Chronopost

Merci Bruno! I'll get the 1kg one some time the day prior to the interview.
Can I ask you what doctor you saw for the interview?


I saw Dr Leparc. I didn't have a choise as the other ones were on vacation at the time. He was a little "cold" on the phone and when I first saw him but then it was ok during the exam. He was very professional and didn't forget to give me the DS-3025 or whatever is the number of the vaccination form that you need later on for AOS.

He doesn't have an X-ray machine so he asks to get it done prior to the exam but asks for 150€ instead of 170€ as stated on the P4 letter.
bruno.MaleFrance2010-08-25 13:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionParis Embassy - Chronopost

Hello everybody :)
Does anybody know if I need to bring a 1kg or 2kg envelope for a k-1 visa?
Thank you always...Only 5 days to go now, kind of stressing as if I was going to school :wacko:


either is fine. I believe th 1kg is cheaper. It is what i got and it was fine. The envelope thay send back and the passport is way less than 1kg anyway.

In case you still worry they have a CHRONOPOST envelope vending machine in the waiting room of the embassy.

Whatever you get, remember to note the number to track it.

good luck for your interview
bruno.MaleFrance2010-08-25 13:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterview in 4 days!
Wow! 4 days is very short. I hope you started to get some papers done in advance. As for the doctor, I had my appointment 2 days before but I read that 1 day is usually enough. They should ask during the exam when is the interview and do everything they can to get the blood result on time. FYI, I had my medical at 3pm and the doctor got the blood results the same day at 6pm.
bruno.MaleFrance2010-09-17 09:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionYOUR STATUS

Hello
I would like to know if one of you called your own embassy to know where was your case by waiting the packet 3 ?
I'm from France and I was approuved in Aug. 25th 2010 and it's like more than 5 weeks i'm waiting for my P3, I hesitate to call my embassy to know WHAT ARE THEY DOING ???Did it happened to you this situation ?
How long time did you wait approximatively ?
Thank you
Séverine


I waited exactly 1 month but there are variations from case to case. You can have look at the timeline for France and look at the dates there to have an estimates. 5 weeks doesn't seem outrageously long to me.
Did you call NVC to see if/when they forwarded your case to the embassy. If you have your case number (it starts with PRS.....) you can try to call the embassy to see where your case is at.
bruno.MaleFrance2010-09-27 06:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 Affidavit of Support

Ok, so i don't know what i have to check...


If it can help, my fiancée check the "intend" box and then put room and board. We have a co-sponsor who didn't check any box and didn't write anything.
At the embassy in Paris, no one said anything about those forms and I received my visa with no problem.
So I guess they don't care that much about this part and you can write whatever you feel.
Anyway, those are temp form since you have to submit the I-864 to AOS.
I don't think this part is a big deal.
bruno.MaleFrance2010-10-09 06:38:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionGod is so good. Thank you Lord!!! Visa Approved!!!
Let me be the first to tell you : congratulations!!
bruno.MaleFrance2010-10-27 09:00:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionBarcelona, Spain Consulate

Has anyone been interviewed at the Barcelona, Spain consulate for a K-1 Visa? Just curios because I only see things about the Madrid Consulate in Spain. Thanks!!



I found this page on the Barcelona consulate. It says that the fiancé visas are processed in Madrid. That why you don't see anyone with interview in Barcelona ; it's because there aren't any.
bruno.MaleFrance2010-10-31 09:25:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionbetween the interview and the VISA in the mail

Ok, thanks...
But what about the form I-134? For you, they don't look at all the stuff between the interview and the Visa in the mail.
So when are they looking at all the forms? :thumbs:


my guess is you waited between the time when you gave your documents to the 2nd window and your interview with the consul at the 3rd window. They look at your file before calling you for the interview with the consul.

Edited by bruno., 01 November 2010 - 01:46 PM.

bruno.MaleFrance2010-11-01 13:45:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionbetween the interview and the VISA in the mail
it seems in Paris they always say the same. I think it's a good sign if they said you'll get your visa in 7 to 10 days, I'd say it means you got approved.
I had ly interview a Wednesday too and my visa arrived the next Saturday. My guess for the time delay, it has to do with whether or not they have time to process it by the end of the week or maybe, they pick random cases to do a re-check that slows the delivery of the visa.

Edited by bruno., 30 October 2010 - 12:14 PM.

bruno.MaleFrance2010-10-30 12:10:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionForms: DS-156 and DS-156K

Quick question regarding these forms - I thought they were supposed to be sent back with Packet 3? I should be getting P3 in the next couple of weeks, and it was my understanding all the DS forms had to be sent back with the checklist!
Is that not correct?


It might be a little different in your embassy so take what I'm saying with caution (remember, in doubt always follow what the embassy tells you)

The way it happened for me is that I only had to send back, right away after receiving my P3, the DS2001 and the DS230.
For ALL the other forms I just brought them with me the day of the interview.

It should say on your P3 what you need to send them now and what you need only at the interview

Hope that helped
bruno.MaleFrance2010-10-31 13:20:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionForms: DS-156 and DS-156K

Thanks, bruno. You link worked and I see what you mean.


I just read another thread about the DS-160 and it sounds like things are changing as MY packet 3 list from VANCOUVER asks for me to complete DS-156K online and then print it to bring. It does not say anything about the DS-156 form, though it is still out there (hence my confusion.) It also tells me to complete the DS-160 ONLINE and bring TWO copies of the confirmation page to the interview. From reading another thread here, it sounds like this DS-160 online form is replacing the DS-156 form you are referring to.

I find keeping track of these forms soo confusing.... Thanks for you input.


If the embassy specify they want DS-160 then it is DS-160 and NOT DS-156. You're right DS-160 is replacing DS-156 at some embassies. So you can forget my link and find a similar one but for the DS-160 instead.
I understand how confusing it might be since it looks like they are doing lots of changes. I think the problem comes from some embassies are still using the old forms for some reason.

What you need to do is go online, fill the DS-160, print it and bring 2 copies to the interview and go online again, fill the DS-156K, print it and bring 1 copy to the interview (making more copies of both forms for you is also a good idea, just in case)

I hope I didn't confuse you more.

edit : as a general rule you should stick to what the embassy tells you regardless of other peoples experience because it's always possible they change something in the process

Edited by bruno., 27 October 2010 - 04:30 PM.

bruno.MaleFrance2010-10-27 16:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionForms: DS-156 and DS-156K

So.. they are two different forms and I must complete BOTH. The DS-156 I complete online (- can anybody post a link to the most current version?), then print the entire form to bring to the interview, and the DS-156K I print out and complete by hand and take with me.

Thank you so much!


Actually, for the DS-156 it's not a form per se it's a whole website where you fill the boxes and only when you're printing it that it looks like a form. here is the link. Also, it should say when you get your P4 but you'll have to bring 2 copies of it at the interview.

Edited by bruno., 27 October 2010 - 01:34 PM.

bruno.MaleFrance2010-10-27 13:34:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionForms: DS-156 and DS-156K

Hi... I am going through the US Consulate info for Vancouver posted here on visajourney and it states makes reference to these forms, DS-156 and the DS-156K. I am confused... are these forms the same (ie. interchangeable) or different? I am applying for a K-1 visa, which one do I use?

Also posted is a warning to "make sure a barcode is on them," but I don't see any barcode? Am I blind or just looking at an old version of the form? The date in the top right corner suggests that the form I am looking at is current. HELP...

Do I fill this out onine and then print it, or fill it out by hand?

thanks...


DS-156 and DS156K are 2 different forms. You have to fill DS-156 on line and then print it. You'll see a barcode on the 3rd page.
For the DS-156K, I don't remember any barcode.
bruno.MaleFrance2010-10-27 03:14:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionengagement ring at the interview?

thanks for your quick replies.
We meet all the requirement except the fact that we are not actually engaged yet.
I will probably wear a cheap ring then, and truly do it later as we first planned.
We just liked the idea of a proposal out of the blues, and not just before to send out the K1 application (that sounds less romantic to us :) )


Hi,

Me and my wife weren't officially engaged either when we started the process. If you are going to have your fiancé visa interview in Paris, they don't really care about that. They just make sure you met and the relationship is genuine.
I think you won't have a problem at all.
We planned the same way for the wedding. We had the official courthouse wedding to get the paperwork going and we will plan a ceremony with our families later.
bruno.MaleFrance2011-01-15 13:12:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPost-interview fears (Paris) [edited title]
Don't torture yourself while over-thinking what happened at the embassy.

I had a look back at the forms and only the DS-156 and DS-156k need to be signed not the DS-157 so I think you're fine.

Just go out, spend some time away from any immigration topic and relax. If you have a hobby, spend time doing that and you'll forget about this and you'll feel better.
bruno.MaleFrance2011-05-08 11:33:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPost-interview fears (Paris) [edited title]
Yeah I think you're fine.

From what I read they never say the words "you are approved". For me they said "if everything goes well you'll should get your visa in 7 to 10 days"

The consul didn't want to see any of my nice pictures and other documents either. That's just how the French embassy is ; it's not a high fraud country so they don't ask a lot of proof / documents.

So again you have nothing to worry about.
bruno.MaleFrance2011-05-07 19:48:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK-1 Visa in hand, about to leave, what to expect at POE ?
You don't need to hand the X-ray at the POE because the CBP officers aren't doctor so it's no use for them.

The brown envelope is sealed not to prevent you from seeing what's inside but to prevent you from tempering with the documents in it (for instance putting false document that would make your entry easier).

You can keep the other documents they returned and bring them with you in case. The same for the documents you brought to the embassy, you should bring them to the US, it will make things easier later because they ask for some documents that you already submitted.

Yes they will escort you to a room to open the envelope and process your file. They can and probably will ask you question(s). In my case they only asked me if I came before in the US.

Finally, yes you should make sure you have the I-94 returned to you and your visa/passport stamped ; that will save you some trouble. The I-94 could be stapled or not (mine wasn't stapled and I didn't have any trouble).

Bon voyage
bruno.MaleFrance2011-05-13 17:28:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionNOA2 received. Problm:NO W-2!plz help
but y do i hear some ppl are getting ARs for now having their w-2s. if u read samby n tintin's interview post the people ahead of them where getting ARs for not having W-2s!!!
jhilly143FemalePhilippines2008-04-06 20:44:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionNOA2 received. Problm:NO W-2!plz help
QUOTE (mox @ Apr 5 2008, 10:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (jhilly143 @ Apr 5 2008, 09:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hey guys..
well great news. our case was approved on the 2nd after a RFE last month!! no more calling USCIS, time to memorize the number for the National visa center hehe..ill be making some phone calls next week...

i have one slight problem. I don't have any of the W-2 form to show as evidence for my affidavit of support. even if i had those i made less than the poverty line because i was a full time student and was only working part time. my current job now allows me to be way above the poverty line. what should i do about the W-2 form that i dont have. im so afraid that we'll get an AR because of missing W-2!!!

You don't need your previous W-2's. The letter from your current employer plus about 3-6 months of pay stubs will be fine.

Congrats and best of luck to you!


3-6 months???!!! oh no! i jus started working here 2 weeks ago!!!
jhilly143FemalePhilippines2008-04-06 01:51:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionNOA2 received. Problm:NO W-2!plz help
hey guys..
well great news. our case was approved on the 2nd after a RFE last month!! no more calling USCIS, time to memorize the number for the National visa center hehe..ill be making some phone calls next week...

i have one slight problem. I don't have any of the W-2 form to show as evidence for my affidavit of support. even if i had those i made less than the poverty line because i was a full time student and was only working part time. my current job now allows me to be way above the poverty line. what should i do about the W-2 form that i dont have. im so afraid that we'll get an AR because of missing W-2!!!
jhilly143FemalePhilippines2008-04-05 23:40:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionBest Contact Number to call US Embassy, Manila
Hello po ate, u can call 02-301-2000 ext 5184 or 5185.U can call this # between 2-4pm phil time to inquire about your case. U can also 02-902-8930 to set an appointment for interview.good luck! :)
jhilly143FemalePhilippines2011-01-04 20:44:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila interview date w/o file
hi guys, keep us updated. i am also waiting for the interview date. our case is a CR1. we were expedited through NVC and they stated that our case was being sent to the consulate on dec.17. im not sure how long it will take for the consulate to receive it or even when they put it in the system. an email i received from NVC said that any question about my case i will need to contact the consulate instead since i am done with the NVC stage. Does manila still send the packet 3 or 4? I tried to call the embassy and emailed a few addresses too but no luck there.
jhilly143FemalePhilippines2010-12-21 20:43:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAffidavit and supporting documents
THANKS SO MUCH!! Very helpful information!

good.gif
katej0203FemaleEngland2008-05-28 19:39:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAffidavit and supporting documents
Hi....

I am the beneficiary, and my finance (petitioner) and I are still waiting for our NOA2 from the CSC. I am from England, and will be having my interview (I presume) at the embassy in London.

As we wait, we are preparing all the forms and documents we will be needing for the affidavit... I have a few questions and concerns...

My fiance does not have a bank account, and therefor will not be able to show a letter or balance. (He is not able to open one just yet, due to bad history). He cashes all his work checks at money tree, would these receipts be ok? Everything else is fine, such as income and employer letter.

As we are worried about the bank account issue, we are using his dad as a co-sponsor. There are no problems there, except that we feel he may have done everything too early..... is there a certain amount of time that the affidavit is valid for? I read somewhere that they wont accept one that is more than 3 months old.

Will it be ok that he does not have a bank account, when we have a suitable co sponsor?

Thanks for your help!

Edited by katej0203, 28 May 2008 - 06:33 PM.

katej0203FemaleEngland2008-05-28 18:31:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPolice and Medical Checks before Embassy Gets documents?
Sorry, not a letter from you to your fiance about your desire to marry, but a confirmation letter from you to the embassy.
katej0203FemaleEngland2008-07-22 11:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPolice and Medical Checks before Embassy Gets documents?
I am not sure how it is in Japan, but I am sure it is not too different to the UK... although it is a long way off yet, I too am trying to get everything together for the interview. You cant have a medical until right before, but you can definately get together the following:

- Copy of the entire I129F package you originally sent to the CSC
- Your affidavit of support (134) and related documents
- Birth certificate (Japanese fiance)
- Police certificate
- Immunization records for the medical check
- Letter from you to your fiance, confirming you still desire to get married
- Proof of still ongoing relationship (eg. emails, tickets, photos and phone bulls since you petitioned)
- Copy of NOA1 and NOA2

I think that might be everything, but if anyone knows of anything else, please let us know! THANKS!

smile.gif
katej0203FemaleEngland2008-07-22 11:34:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionApproved!!
Wow, congratulations thats great!

I was reading your signature, and have a question for you though... what is a court disposition? Is it something we will need to get too? Trying to avoid any dealys

thanks, and again congrats!
katej0203FemaleEngland2008-07-27 21:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWhy is the K1 Referred to as an Immigrant Visa at Some Embassies?
I actually think it makes more sense to call it an immigrant visa... although you are entering the country as a "foreigner" and have to change that status once married, you obviously have no intension of leaving. I guess there are always those that change their minds before the wedding! lol

Edited by katej0203, 01 August 2008 - 06:27 PM.

katej0203FemaleEngland2008-08-01 18:25:00