I'm going to send them:

Completed Checklist
2 copies of online form DS-156 with barcode
DS-230
DS-156K

Is that right?

I didn't send DS-156K; hopefully I didn't have to... I thought that one was for the actual interview! I did send the other stuff though...

Don't know if Montreal is different, but Vancouver only asked to have the checklist and the DS-230 faxed back to them... Hmmm..
Can anyone clarify?

The DS-156 K is taken on the interview day. They want the DS-156 duplicates and barcoded sheet (pg3) along with the DS-230and your checklist sent back I also attached my pics to the DS-156 forms

I did the same... I kept the DS-156K because what I understood was that they hadn't asked for it to be returned in Packet 3, AND how are you supposed to attach all of those documents required to it? Much easier and makes more sense just to bring them all to the interview...

You do *not* send the DS-156K back with the checklist. As was discussed in an older thread, the wording on Montreal's checklist in regards to the DS-156 and DS-156K is extremely easy to misunderstand.

"STEP ONE. Please complete and return immediately to this office the enclosed From DS-230 Part 1, Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration and the Form DS-156 in duplicate. All forms DS-156 are required to be completed in an electronically-completed format, available through the Internet. Hand written DS-156s will NOT be accepted. You can complete your forms DS-156 on line at http://evisaforms.state.gov in either French or English. Please print out two copies of the entire form, including barcode on page 3, and send them in to this office. This new electronic format does not apply to Form DS-230. Complete the single copy of the Form DS-156K, Nonimmigrant Fiance(e) Visa Application."

You will note, from the bolded sections, that it does NOT instruct you to SEND the DS-156K but only to COMPLETE it. Montreal seems to enjoy making this process more complicated than necessary with poorly worded statements like the above.

Now, if you have already sent in the DS-156K, I wouldn't be too worried. Perhaps just bring another copy of it along with you to the interview. I doubt it will cause too much trouble and I'm sure it happens all the time.

Hi,
I believe the two copies of the DS-156 and the one copy of the DS-156K are to be brought the interview date (along with the checklist documents).
The DS-230 you have to send immediately, and then the checklist (when you gathered all docs).

Thanks guys - I ended up just sending:

Completed Checklist
2 copies of DS-156
DS-230

thats what I sent out too.

Oh sweeeet lorrrrrrrd!

I am going nuts!

Just when I thought I was ready to mail my packet 3 to Montreal, I notice on the DS-156K in the middle section that all certificates must be attached, and now I am printing copies and PDFs to send along.

Then I do some more research and find this thread.

Hey, so the work is done.
I may just send it all...that way they can be pre-prepared.

I really just want to to (lovingly) drown them in paperwork...being that I am allergic to it all and have had to swallow it!

It is I who is drowwwwwwwwwwnnnnnnnnnnninnnnnnnng....

I hope I am not adding to the confusion here... but I did send my DS-156k back with my packet 3, and when I got to my interview, they had it in front of them, ready to be signed. I did bring a duplicate copy with me, though, just in case. Because like everyone else, the wording on the packet 3 was very confusing.

Same with me. I sent them the DS-156K back. I saw it sitting there during my interview, but I still had to say something to them about it lol.

Mary

AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

Thank you both so much.

I am losing my already fragile mind.



I'm off to the post office.
Yippeeeeeeee!!

This must leave my hands now so I can work.

LOL it just gets better. If it wasn't for all the amazing people here on VJ, I doubt I would have been approved at my interview. You gain so much from everyone here. It helps ease some of the tension that builds up, along with the stress.

Mary

Mission accomplished.

I can now breathe for the first time today.
sigh...

(yes, yes, I will update my our timeline...)

Hi,

I'm about to send back my checklist and forms for Packet 3. Wanted to confirm a couple of things:

- Given how long the wait is for an interview, I'm assuming you can send back the checklist before you have everything (ie. I still need to get pictures taken, go to medical, and Mike needs to do the affidavit of support, which we will do at Christmas. ). Does anybody see a reason why we wouldn't do this?

- Just noticed it said I need to submit a "marriage certificate" from a previous marriage. I have my divorce certificate, but they took my marriage certificate when they gave me the divorce certificate. For anyone who was previously married, did you submit your marriage certificate as well?


On a completely separate note, we don't want an interview before May 1. Is it worth saying anything at this point? Or should I just leave it and play it as it lays?

Thanks,

Karen

Someone following the Montreal timelines might be better able to help you, but I'm going to say that if you want an interview around or after May 1st, I'd let them know at this point. Might be harder to change if you get one sooner.

When you have everything together that was instructed in Package 3, get it back to them!!! They won't put you in the que for an interview until they have it back. Since you're wanting an interview in May or later, I'd leave the medical until earlier in the new year, since you want your medical good for 1 year after it's completed.

In Vancouver, it stated right on the instructions, as well as on my AOS application that I had to include my previous marriage certificate. This question has been asked on this board many times, and everyone has had different experiences. My advise is always that "if they ask for it, give it to them!". You never know when they're going to be sticklers for something, and they can always fall back on..."well, we asked for it in the instructions we sent to you...". So, if they DO want it, and you didn't send it in, then you're looking at a delay in getting your visa. On the other side, there are people that didn't include it and they weren't asked for it but why take the chance?

Hope this helps,

Carla