I have a few questions as my fiancee and I get ready to send in Packet 3 to Mumbai embassy.

1. Can we drop off packet 3 at Mumbai Embassy or the VFS office or does it have to be mailed? If we can drop it off, does my fiancee have to drop it off in person or can a member of the family do it on her behalf?

2. Form 156 - Question 31 - Have You Ever Been Refused a U.S. Visa?
My fiancee was once turned down a student visa at the Mumbai Embasy. Not sure if it was a reject or request for more information. However, she was issued the student visa on her second interview soon after. Should we answer yes or no for this question?

3. Form 156 - Question 28 - Who Will Pay For Your Trip?
Does it matter if you answer fiancee or self here?

As always, thank you very much for your input.

Not sure about your question # 1. I'll answer 2 and 3.

<b>Have You Ever Been Refused a U.S. Visa? >> </b> If she was denied visa she would have a small stamp on the last page of the passport (they do this in Chennai, I know from people who were refused, not sure about Mumbai). However to be clear, talk to VFS folks or better attach a letter with it and explain. In such circumstances, it's better to be straightforward than to answer sketically. If she answer's NO and should they find out they she was denied once, it's considered "providing false information".


<b>Form 156 - Question 28 - Who Will Pay For Your Trip? >> </b> If the applicant answer's "Fiance", then it is fine, I don;t see any problems. If the applicant answer's "Self", then does your fiance have the funds in the US for self-support ? If the applicant has the funds in India, how do you explain transfer of funds ?

To be safe you as a petitioner is the best sponsor, as long as you meet the income needs and have all the supporting documents with I-134. I hope you are aware that you need to submit a notarized I-134 and supporting docs. (bank letter, employer letter, etc...)

Thank you. One more question. This is o form 156:
Qt 36: Has anyone ever filed an immigrant visa petition on your behalf?

The sample form on this website says we should check NO, is that because the K1 visa is considered non-immigrant? Just thought I would check. Becasue for 26 and 27 we do show our intent to live permanently and get married as reasons to move to the US.

That's correct, K-1 is technically a non-immgrant visa. You should fill it as NO, Unless the applicant was petitioned for an immigrant visa thru a relative or someone else.