NVC Filers - September 2013

[Lowetide1 1]

Anyone here just recently or going to complete DS 260 please take note if there is a place to enter beneficiary ID number. I didn't see a place to put it only a spot for the invoice number at the beginning and end. I saw that it was said that you also needed the beneficiary number for the DS 261 but a post earlier said they did not have to enter it.

[lierre 224]

I just filled it in last night. No Beneficiary ID Number, only the Invoice ID Number was asked at the beginning.

Thank you very very much, Saylin, for posting what you posted. Perhaps add it to the first post of this thread, too?

I was so scared I was doing the wrong thing. But a ton of googling and reading later, I finally figured out I needed to fill online DS 260, mail by snail mail my documents and then start the waiting game again.

For those who are confused whether they need to fill in DS 260 and/or DS 261, go to the ceac.state.gov page and type in the numbers needed (who you are, case number, IIN) and then the website will instruct you from there. If there isn't a DS 261 available for you to complete, you don't need to complete it.

[jayjayj 571]

The confusion continues. I just logged into the ceac.state.gov page and there is a new section below my receipts, showing IV AND ALIEN REGISTRATION (DS-260). This section is showing:

Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration: Not Started Start Number of Applications:1 Completed:0 Incomplete:0 Not Started:1

Follow To Join:0

So now what? The previously submitted and received DS-230 (received at NVC on 16 August) is no longer applicable? We haven't received anything from the NVC saying we need to disregard the DS-230 and file a DS-260 but now this shows up on the website.

[GabbyBird 53]

The confusion continues. I just logged into the ceac.state.gov page and there is a new section below my receipts, showing IV AND ALIEN REGISTRATION (DS-260). This section is showing:

Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration: Not Started StartNumber of Applications:1 Completed:0 Incomplete:0 Not Started:1

Follow To Join:0

So now what? The previously submitted and received DS-230 (received at NVC on 16 August) is no longer applicable? We haven't received anything from the NVC saying we need to disregard the DS-230 and file a DS-260 but now this shows up on the website.

Nobody is sure yet. I am in the same boat (My DS-230 packet is on day 18/20 today) and I have not heard besides the call I made to a supervisor. She stated the would accept the DS-230 as long as it was correct. But I honestly don't trust anyone at NVC anymore.

[jayjayj 571]

Nobody is sure yet. I am in the same boat (My DS-230 packet is on day 18/20 today) and I have not heard besides the call I made to a supervisor. She stated the would accept the DS-230 as long as it was correct. But I honestly don't trust anyone at NVC anymore.

Can you log into the CEAC website and see if you see the same thing in your account?

[GabbyBird 53]

Can you log into the CEAC website and see if you see the same thing in your account?

Yes, I have the same thing in my account.

I don't think anyone truly knows what to tell you. If you have the DS-230 already mailed to them, we chose the path of waiting for them to tell us to fill out the DS-260.. Worst case all your supporting docs are already there. Problem is, it could take a month to even hear. I should hear about my submission by the end of next week assuming they don't "move the goal post" when I pass the 20-days.

[lierre 224]

Ha! This is pretty confusing. I got this from this link: http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_5164.html

Next Steps Access the Consular Electronic Application Center

To determine if your petition began processing in time to join the program and to access Form DS-260, Online Immigrant Visa Application, and Form DS-261, Choice of Address and Agent, click Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website. After logging in, follow the directions displayed noting the following:

If CEAC provides you with the option of completing a DS-260 (note it may be grayed-out because you have not paid your Immigrant Visa Fee), you are required to complete the DS-260.

If CEAC provides you with online payment information only, you are NOT required to complete the DS-260.

I think there is no harm in completing a DS 260. But it is a pretty long set of questions. There are actually a lot of new questions, questions that are not that hard to answer anyway. If you wish to call NVC and find out if you need to fill it in, do so. I just wish they put up a really comprehensive guidance on this new roll out soon!!!

[jayjayj 571]

Ha! This is pretty confusing. I got this from this link: http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_5164.html

Next Steps Access the Consular Electronic Application Center

To determine if your petition began processing in time to join the program and to access Form DS-260, Online Immigrant Visa Application, and Form DS-261, Choice of Address and Agent, click Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website. After logging in, follow the directions displayed noting the following:

If CEAC provides you with the option of completing a DS-260 (note it may be grayed-out because you have not paid your Immigrant Visa Fee), you are required to complete the DS-260.

If CEAC provides you with online payment information only, you are NOT required to complete the DS-260.

I think there is no harm in completing a DS 260. But it is a pretty long set of questions. There are actually a lot of new questions, questions that are not that hard to answer anyway. If you wish to call NVC and find out if you need to fill it in, do so. I just wish they put up a really comprehensive guidance on this new roll out soon!!!

So, it sounds like anyone who logs into the CEAC website and sees the option to fill out the DS-260 online, is required to fill it out. Unbelievable!

[Ryan H 3,790]

In light of online forms now being universally required, I've made some edits to the first post. Feel free to point out any more that may need to be made.

[lierre 224]

Okay, that was pretty strange. The link I had on there now contains a different page. Say what? Hmmm... That's pretty strange. Maybe they are working on their website?

Ryan H, good call on the change!

I now have another question that may seem incredibly stupid. I've been searching here for an answer and I've found differenf posts saying conflicting things. I have sent my IV package. No email yet as to whether it has been accepted. But, can I now schedule for the medical and an interview with my assigned consulate?

Edited September 6, 2013 by ivyanddan

[Saylin 1,605]

The confusion continues. I just logged into the ceac.state.gov page and there is a new section below my receipts, showing IV AND ALIEN REGISTRATION (DS-260). This section is showing:

Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration: Not Started StartNumber of Applications:1 Completed:0 Incomplete:0 Not Started:1

Follow To Join:0

So now what? The previously submitted and received DS-230 (received at NVC on 16 August) is no longer applicable? We haven't received anything from the NVC saying we need to disregard the DS-230 and file a DS-260 but now this shows up on the website.

I'm assuming they just added the DS-260 to everyone's case, whether they have your IV package or not. You can complete the DS-260 if you wish, but you may want to see if NVC will review and accept the DS-230 they already have.

[Lowetide1 1]

Anyone know where on the DS 260 you are supposed to enter Beneficiary ID as I did not see it anywhere when I filled it out.

[Saylin 1,605]

Anyone know where on the DS 260 you are supposed to enter Beneficiary ID as I did not see it anywhere when I filled it out.

It would either be at the very beginning or at the very end (or not at all if NVC changed the form).

Edited September 6, 2013 by Saylin

[EAA 6]

Very similar (in substance and how it actually looks) - but no BIN required. After you sign in (with the NVC Case Number and IID) they ask for the following (copied and pasted from the form I filled in (they let you download and save the form once it is completed)):

Applicant Name:

Email Address:

Have you already legally immigrated to the

U.S. and no longer need to apply for an

immigrant visa?

Do you wish to appoint an agent or attorney to

receive mail about your visa application?

Correspondence from the U.S. Department of State regarding your visa application will be sent to:

Agent Name:

Agent Street Address:

City:

State/Province:

Postal Zone/ZIP Code:

Country/Region:

Agent Home Phone Number:

Agent Work Phone Number:

Email Address of Agent:

Preparer of Application:

Did anyone assist you in filling out this

application? (I said No.. so I'm not sure if saying "yes" triggers any more questions).

If someone else that hasn't done the DS 261 as yet can remember to take a few screen shots before they complete it and upload it here - it'd be very helpful for others! Wish I had thought of it. I will try to do so on the DS 260.

Here are screenshots of newest DS-261, created by me

http://imageshack.us/f/838/83yx.png/

[EAA 6]

I had edited DS-261 online form twice after completed it, is there any problem for that?