Packet 3/4 question

[classicrock68 0]

Is there anyone that submitted packet 3 to New Delhi without waiting for it to arrive in the mail? How did you handle the checklist since there are no boxes to check on the form online?

Karri - when I called DOS, I was told they received my file electronically on Jan 8 and that is when Pkt 3 was mailed, but my fiancee has not seen it yet. I have decided to mail it on Monday anyways, given it is at the embassy.

we printed the checklist as it is not a write-able pdf on the Mumbai website. On Delhi Consulate's website, I believe is a page not a separate document that can be printed.

I do have a Question. Are you checking ALL items. Specifically, what about

1. MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE: Applicant, my fiancee, has never been married before. I was, but it refers to the applicant. Should she still check that ?

2. TERMINATION of PREVIOUS MARRIAGE: Again refers to the applicant. She has never been married. I was and have a divorce decree (which she has and I had submitted on my K1 petition with the USCIS) ?

Should she check that as well. I have read that you should check everything or they make you. The checklist is just an acknowledgement that I am aware you ask for all these documents (which would apply to me needless to say) to be brought to the interview

By the way, has anyone seen the Notification of Applicant Readiness form, DS 2001. I have not seen anybody mention that as part of packet 3 or 4. Does that need to be sent in with packet 3 ? Does it hurt if we do ?

Parul/Dilbert/others.. your thoughts/input ?

Thx

Dilbert - sorry for the confusion. All I was referring to was that you can call DOS and get the information that you can get from the Consulate (except that it may be next to impossible to get anything from the consulate). For instance, they can tell you if packet 3 has been mailed to you, whether it has been received if you have mailed it back, etc. etc.

Parul/Karri/Dilbert/CJVasani/Siyaram/others - I was looking at DS 156 and had the following questions. Hoping you guys can shed some light..

Here goes

Q14. National Identification Number --- My fiancee has an Election Commission of India ID Card and also, something called the PAN card (Permanent Account Number). What did you put there ?

Q22. When Do You Intend to Arrive in the US ?

I am assuming you don't know as it depends on the outcome of the interview. So, leave it BLANK ?

Q28. Who Will Pay for your Trip ?

I plan to go down and bring her here and pay for both of us. Should she say Herself or Myself and Fiance. If my fiancee says, she will pay... will they ask for proof ? Again,she will not have bought the ticket at this point.

Q32 Do you intend to work in the US ? Do you say Yes or No ? Example form on VJ says Yes and with work authorization, employer unknown.

I am trying to tie this question to #22 on DS 230, which says to list your employment history and then at the bottom asks In what occupation do you intend to work in the US ( I put N/A there).

Last but not the least,

Q34. Names and Relationships of Persons Traveling with you ? Example form says NONE. But I plan to go down after her interview to bring her back here. Should she then say, my name/fiance, right ?

Sorry, for the long list of questions. Appreciate any help/input you can provide.

Thanks

Sorry I haven't gotten to that form yet, Currently working on packet 3 requirements and trying to figure out what I need to bring over his family for the wedding, I'm buried alive in paperwork!

[dilbert30 0]

Parul - Thanks. I will ask her to call the consulate in the enxt week or so.

Karri - Thanks. I will get ready the check list, the sworn statement at the bottom as well as DS 230 Part1 in the next few days. I am going to follow your foot steps in this process. You are a little ahead of me. Drag me along as you find anything. Are you planning on traveling to India? Take care. Thanks a lot.

Any confirmation of the links - Karri/ classic regarding the forms. Specifically DS 156?

[dilbert30 0]

Sworn statement from sponsor

APPLICANT’S STATEMENT

I have in my possession and am prepared to present all documents listed above which apply to my case. I fully realize that no advance assurance can be given when or whether a visa will actually be issued to me/us. I also understand that I should NOT give up my job, dispose of property, or make any final travel arrangements until a visa is actually issued to me. At such time as it is possible for me to receive an app ointment to make formal visa application, I intend to apply (check appropriate boxes):

Alone

Together with my following minor children ______________________________________________________________

(Print complete names of each child who will accompany you)

Date: (mm-dd-yyyy)________________ NWD case number_____________________

Signature:____________________________ Print Name:______________________

If you would prefer that we communicate with you by e-mail, please write your e-mail address below. Please use block letters and put one character in each box:

Please do not make any travel plan before issuance of visa.

Any false statement or concealment of a material fact may result in your permanent exclusion from the United States. Please do not make any travel plans until the visa is issued to you.

Enclosure:

1) Affidavit of support (For I-134)

2) DS 230 part I

3) Photo Instructions

Here is what I have from the Delhi US consulate website. It says applicant. Isn't the applicant the beneficiary from now on once you have I129F approved? Please advice.

[classicrock68 0]

You are cutting it too close right now. The possibility of her getting an interview date by mid feb is slim and if she did, what are the chances she will get the visa in hand in time. Tell her to call the Consulate, they will tell her if her case is there or not. The Consulate receives the case electronically before they get the DHL package so she probably will be able to collect pkt 3.

Still don't count on her travelling to the US with you coz its too close. Not discouraging you but you don't want to end up buying tickets etc and wasting all the money and also being disappointed. All the best.

Dilbert - I agree with Parul. I would not send it till you have confirmation that they have received it. You don't lose anything really except that it may be lost in the 'abyss' there and not find home. You can always resend. But they do receive it electronically. In my case, it left NVC on Jan 6 (it arrived at the consulate on jan 10 I think ..dhl tracking info). NVC's letter to me was dated Jan 7. I am guessing, they sent the case electronically on Jan 8 (that would be instantaneous) as I was told by the DOS that the Mumbai consulate received it electronically on Jan 8 and mailed packet 3 that day itself. My fiancee has not seen the likes of it yet. As I told Karri, based on what I know, I have decided to mail my packet 3 on Monday. Keeping my fingers crossed. Wish me luck.

My NOA2 was Dec 28 that should give you some idea about timelines. My suggestion would be to call DOS Jan 22/23 and find out if Consulate has received it and whether pkt 3 was mailed. Good luck

Boy, I am tapped out. I am going to shut down and go do my quick 5K at the gym and pump some iron. I know I need to get away from my computer

[Karri 0]

I do have a Question. Are you checking ALL items. Specifically, what about

1. MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE: Applicant, my fiancee, has never been married before. I was, but it refers to the applicant. Should she still check that ?

2. TERMINATION of PREVIOUS MARRIAGE: Again refers to the applicant. She has never been married. I was and have a divorce decree (which she has and I had submitted on my K1 petition with the USCIS) ?

Should she check that as well. I have read that you should check everything or they make you. The checklist is just an acknowledgement that I am aware you ask for all these documents (which would apply to me needless to say) to be brought to the interview

Interesting question. Obviously every item on the checklist isn't applicable to every person so I would probably put N/A next to the check box. But go with your intuition.

[Karri 0]

Karri - Thanks. I will get ready the check list, the sworn statement at the bottom as well as DS 230 Part1 in the next few days. I am going to follow your foot steps in this process. You are a little ahead of me. Drag me along as you find anything. Are you planning on traveling to India? Take care. Thanks a lot.

Any confirmation of the links - Karri/ classic regarding the forms. Specifically DS 156?

The date at the top right of every form has an expiration date, use that as a guide if the form is still valid or not. The two places to get the most up to date forms are here:

USCIS

DOS

I personally don't like the DS 156 electronic form. But it states in the instructions that at the end of it it will convert the data into a pdf file with a barcode that contains the information you entered for faster processing, so I guess there is no way around that. And all forms are savable if you have the right software. ex. DS-230 part I.

[Karri 0]

Ok I started to look at packet 4 to see what's going on with that. I'm now familiar with form DS-156 and DS156K (Did anyone else laugh when they saw how short this was? Not that I'm complaining!) I must say, the example form on this website for DS-156 helped me answer the questions that I was stuck on. Thank you VJ Gods.

[dilbert30 0]

Parul - This clarifies. I was just hopeful.

Here's what I am thinking. WHY SHould she go and collect Packet 3 at Delhi consulate?

Can't she print it out from this website http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/ivpacket309k1.html ?

and submit DS 230 Part 1 along with the sworn statement at the bottom of this website and just mail it to the :Immigrant visa section at the American Embassy the enclosed Form (Applicant Statement) and form DS-230 Part 1.

Please advise. Since she is traveling, I just want to make sure that there are other alternatives rather than going to Delhi at this time...

[DanielParul 50]

Parul - This clarifies. I was just hopeful.

Here's what I am thinking. WHY SHould she go and collect Packet 3 at Delhi consulate?

You hit the nail on the head. She can go submit the DS230 part 1 and thats pkt 3 taken care of. The Consulate does not care if they send it to you or you receive it anymore because the purpose of sending it to the beneficiary has been taken care of.

Can't she print it out from this website http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/ivpacket309k1.html ?

and submit DS 230 Part 1 along with the sworn statement at the bottom of this website and just mail it to the :Immigrant visa section at the American Embassy the enclosed Form (Applicant Statement) and form DS-230 Part 1.

Please advise. Since she is traveling, I just want to make sure that there are other alternatives rather than going to Delhi at this time...

She does not have to personally travel to Delhi Consulate. She can send it too, just send it registered.

Here is what I did when NVC forwarded my case to the Consulate -

Case forwarded - 01/26/2008

Called Consulate to confirm and submitted DS230 part 1 - 01/31/2008

Called DOS for interview date - 02/06/2008 (Date given 03/04/2008)

Went to Consulate to collect pkt 4 - 02/07/2008

Called to mk appt for medical - 02/10/2008

Medical done - 02/13/2008

Collected Medical Report - 02/15/2008

Documents submitted at VFS - 02/19/2008

And then I just relaxed (tried to!) and waited for Daniel who came to Delhi on 03/02/2008, interview on 03/04/2008, got visa 03/06/2008 and flew to the US together on 03/12/08.

It did help to get everything taken care of before panic started. Your fiancee in India will need to get proactive and take care of things if she wants to be as stress free as possible before the interview.

All the best

[dilbert30 0]

Guys, Gals - I am not sure if I need to start a separate thread. At kleast I will start from here and then post it in the main forums.

My fiancee grew up in Delhi for the most part and for the last 3-4 years has been in Bombay for work. She has gotten after much difficulty (6 weeks) PCC from Delhi as well as from Bombay.

Now she is in a precarious situation with regard to collecting PCC from the passport office. When her parents went to the Delhi passport office, they told them that my fiancee needs to collect the passport office PCC from Bby as that is her place of residence currently.

Last week, she went to the Bby PPO (passport office) and they requested her to get several docs - employment letter, lease, affidavit of apartment lease from owner, utility bill etc etc...

She took that yesterday and they collected the passport after much haggling and told her that she will get the passport by mail and that she needs to get "outward number" from the local police station as well as from the district police station in Bombay.

Now, she has to again go thro' the same circus that she went thro' to collect local PCCs.

1. Has any one gone thro' this and is there a better way?

2. Do you know of any travel agents or any one who might be able to help and expedite. She is going to be traveling end of next week and all her plans have to be canceled

3. Since her passport was issued out of Delhi, the Bby PPO guys told her that they will mail her passport and she cannot come and collect it. It has been a nightmare for her so far. Has anyone received their PPO back by mail. Is it safe? She has submitted it in the Bby PPO.

Please help. I need some guidance. We are quite close and don't want to get stuck in a rut now. Thanks.

Edited January 19, 2009 by dilbert30

[dilbert30 0]

Guys, Gals - I am not sure if I need to start a separate thread. At kleast I will start from here and then post it in the main forums.

My fiancee grew up in Delhi for the most part and for the last 3-4 years has been in Bombay for work. She has gotten after much difficulty (6 weeks) PCC from Delhi as well as from Bombay.

Now she is in a precarious situation with regard to collecting PCC from the passport office. When her parents went to the Delhi passport office, they told them that my fiancee needs to collect the passport office PCC from Bby as that is her place of residence currently.

Last week, she went to the Bby PPO (passport office) and they requested her to get several docs - employment letter, lease, affidavit of apartment lease from owner, utility bill etc etc...

She took that yesterday and they collected the passport after much haggling and told her that she will get the passport by mail and that she needs to get "outward number" from the local police station as well as from the district police station in Bombay.

Now, she has to again go thro' the same circus that she went thro' to collect local PCCs.

1. Has any one gone thro' this and is there a better way to get it sooner - like within a week.

2. Do you know of any travel agents or any one who might have connections be able to help and expedite and get this within a week.

She has made travel plans to meet me and all that has to be canceled if she doesn't get her passport as she wants to wait in Bombay to collect the passport.

3. Since her passport was issued out of Delhi, the Bby PPO guys told her that they will mail her passport and she cannot come and collect it. Where will they mail t- to her Delhi address or Bby address?

It has been a nightmare for her so far. Has anyone received their PPO back by mail. Is it safe? She has submitted it in the Bby PPO.

Please help. I need some guidance. We are quite close and don't want to get stuck in a rut now. Thanks.

[classicrock68 0]

Dilbert - Sorry to hear about your experience. My fiancee got the PCC from the regional PPO. It took about a week. I believe they kept her PP and mailed it to her. She did use an agent. However, for the PCC from the District PS, she had to go in person (did not need to drop off her passport for this). I am still waiting for that. The Local PS guys came in for verification and said everything was fine and that she would need to go after a week to the District PS to collect her PCC. However, she got a call from the District PS now and they said that they also need to come to her house for the verification. That happened today. They said that the Main PS that has control over all the District PS's needs to do its verfication also. So, I am not sure what the process is at this point.

In your case, I would think you would need the District PS clearance from B'bay and Delhi (since your fiancee has lived in each of those places) and as for the PCC from the Regional Passport Office. I would guess that would be Delhi, since they issued her PP. Again, I don't know for sure, I am only trying to rationalize here. Don't know if you can find someone on VJ, where the applicant has lived in two different cities in India.

Karri/Parul/Dilbert - My packet 3 update. I went ahead and mailed my packet 3 today. It should be there Tuesday. I should be able to track it. Decided I wasn't gonna hold my breath and turn blue waiting for it come from the Consulate. I plan to call DOS end of this week or early next to confirm if they received it and if they have mailed my packet 4.

[dilbert30 0]

1) NVC phone number=603-334-0700

I called the # above and pressed option 5 to talk to an operator. I think that is the procedure right? They told me that my case is not yet at NVC and that it comes by mail.

I guess is there any other way to check the case status?

Thanks,

[DanielParul 50]

Karri/Parul/Dilbert - My packet 3 update. I went ahead and mailed my packet 3 today. It should be there Tuesday. I should be able to track it. Decided I wasn't gonna hold my breath and turn blue waiting for it come from the Consulate. I plan to call DOS end of this week or early next to confirm if they received it and if they have mailed my packet 4.

Can't wait to know what interview date you get!

[Karri 0]

I found out today that my case left the NVC on the 20th. I'm not sure how accurate that is but I'm currently tracking a package on dhl, hasn't arrived yet.