Some Questions about Packet 3 and onward!

[Larysa 0]

Okay so I have been looking at some timelines and most people have quite some time between getting Packet 3 and sending it back. Do you have to wait to do your medical before you send it back? And another question, can you set up an appointment if you know what hospitals you can go to ahead of time before you get the Packet 3?

Also is the contents of Packet 3 the same for every consulate or do they differ? And if they don't can anyone tell me for sure what comes in Packet 3, mostly what forms can be filled out now and not have to wait for it to actually arrive? If it helps my fiance is going to the Dublin consulate if P3 is different for each one!

We really want to be as ahead on things as we can so seeing anyway we can cut out time! Thanks so much for any answers. Really appreciate it:)

[HappyRs 8]

Okay so I have been looking at some timelines and most people have quite some time between getting Packet 3 and sending it back. Do you have to wait to do your medical before you send it back? And another question, can you set up an appointment if you know what hospitals you can go to ahead of time before you get the Packet 3?

Also is the contents of Packet 3 the same for every consulate or do they differ? And if they don't can anyone tell me for sure what comes in Packet 3, mostly what forms can be filled out now and not have to wait for it to actually arrive? If it helps my fiance is going to the Dublin consulate if P3 is different for each one!

We really want to be as ahead on things as we can so seeing anyway we can cut out time! Thanks so much for any answers. Really appreciate it:)

hello! You might find this link helpful, so check it out:

http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/index.php?ctry=Ireland&cty=Dublin

It doesn't say anything about DS-156k, but I think you should fill that out too (it takes 5 minutes)

I heard that some doctors ask for a letter from the Consulate and don't make appointments without it...I am curious about that too, cause I would like to have my medical now too if possible...

Hope others can help with more info on that. good luck!

[hxxrmonkey 0]

Above poster is right, Fill out most recent version of DS156k, regardless of what they send him in the post. You can find it online. They sent us an outdated version and he had to leave the embassy and get a new one and go back. For the Dr. in Cork my husband did not need any kind of letter to make the appt. He should try to find his old medical records though, to avoid having to get extra shots and bloodwork. Make sure he gets the DS3025 after the dr. appt, he'll need it once he's here to submit the AOS. Some doctors (like the one in Cork) might not remember to give it to you, but it will save you a LOT of headaches. The forms my husband was sent or required to obtain match those listed here: http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/ivpacket309k1.html except for the applicant's statement at the bottom.

Anyway, the things he should get done before packet 3 arrives to save the most time are just the medical and the police certificate and the new passport photos. The paperwork is really no big deal.

Also it helped us to read the embassy reviews and my review is there too. http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/index.php?cnty=Ireland&cty=&dfilter=5

[hxxrmonkey 0]

Also, even if the doctor requires a letter to make the appt it doesn't hurt to call them anyway and ask!

[Larysa 0]

Thanks so much. WOW Hxxr, you really helped us out A LOT! We realllllly appreciate it. I have been trying to get a straight answer about forms and other misc. stuff he needs. I'm assuming it says New Delhi India because they are the ones that post what is actually in Packet 3. Any other insight to the interview process you could give or anything that comes to mind we would very much me appreciative. If I remember correctly the updated fee is $350 usd? Again....THANKS xx

[hxxrmonkey 0]

That's the India Consulate website, it's just the first one that came up, but all the info was the same so that's the link I sent. The Dublin Consulate are the people that posts the packets to Ireland, but they send and require the same items listed on the India website.

Tips for the interview process in Dublin:

1. They are only worried first and foremost about your finances. They'll ask him some basic questions about you, your family, where you live, the weather there, etc. Nothing major. They'll keep the I-134 you fill out and give your packet back to you (make sure he takes a full copy of your entire K-1 petition, just in case). As long as he can have an engaging conversation about you and your relationship with another human, and your I-134 is filled out accurately with supporting documents and you make above poverty level or you have a co-sponsor, you won't have any problem. There are no weird specific questions about toothbrush color or which side of the bed you sleep on. Do not use "the proposal" as a reference

2. Take a 12x14 envelope with 8eu of stamps. Make sure it's the right size.

3. I'm not sure about the fee, my husband paid 131eu but that was in 2009 so I'm not sure what it would be now. Best to read the packet for that amount.

4. Don't take any bags or cell phone or electronics. Just passport, another form of ID, and your paperwork. If he needs to take his phone he can check it in with security though.

5. Make sure his name matches on his passport, forms, and birth certificate. This was a major problem for us. I've posted about that elsewhere on VJ.

6. Once he receives the piece of paper with the approval note on it check the data to make sure name, date of birth, etc are correct.

7. Eat lunch before he goes. He'll have a long wait.

8. The interviewer made a comment that they appreciated how organized our packet was, so make sure you use a binder, with tabs, etc. It helps things go more smoothly. Clearly indicate where the I-134 is especially.

That's it. It's REALLY not a big deal. The likelihood of being denied at this point is pretty darn slim. So just sit back, relax, and wait for the appt. phone call.

[hxxrmonkey 0]

Hey Larysa, is that photo on your wedding website at the Torc waterfall?

[Larysa 0]

That's the India Consulate website, it's just the first one that came up, but all the info was the same so that's the link I sent. The Dublin Consulate are the people that posts the packets to Ireland, but they send and require the same items listed on the India website.

Tips for the interview process in Dublin:

1. They are only worried first and foremost about your finances. They'll ask him some basic questions about you, your family, where you live, the weather there, etc. Nothing major. They'll keep the I-134 you fill out and give your packet back to you (make sure he takes a full copy of your entire K-1 petition, just in case). As long as he can have an engaging conversation about you and your relationship with another human, and your I-134 is filled out accurately with supporting documents and you make above poverty level or you have a co-sponsor, you won't have any problem. There are no weird specific questions about toothbrush color or which side of the bed you sleep on. Do not use "the proposal" as a reference

2. Take a 12x14 envelope with 8eu of stamps. Make sure it's the right size.

3. I'm not sure about the fee, my husband paid 131eu but that was in 2009 so I'm not sure what it would be now. Best to read the packet for that amount.

4. Don't take any bags or cell phone or electronics. Just passport, another form of ID, and your paperwork. If he needs to take his phone he can check it in with security though.

5. Make sure his name matches on his passport, forms, and birth certificate. This was a major problem for us. I've posted about that elsewhere on VJ.

6. Once he receives the piece of paper with the approval note on it check the data to make sure name, date of birth, etc are correct.

7. Eat lunch before he goes. He'll have a long wait.

8. The interviewer made a comment that they appreciated how organized our packet was, so make sure you use a binder, with tabs, etc. It helps things go more smoothly. Clearly indicate where the I-134 is especially.

That's it. It's REALLY not a big deal. The likelihood of being denied at this point is pretty darn slim. So just sit back, relax, and wait for the appt. phone call.

OMG right now you are my favorite person! lol This is so helpful you have no idea. The only worry we would have is on the petition I put dEn for his middle name and it's dAn...:/ I have a question, the DS-157...is that form required?

And Indeed, it is a Torc Waterfall. Simon proposed at the top of the first set of stairs from the waterfall

[hxxrmonkey 0]

Woops, nope, you don't need to fill out DS-157. Also I've just been reading online that the online form DS-160 is replacing all the 156/156k forms and Ireland is on the list to currently use it. I didn't know about it because we had to do the paper forms last year. Good catch. I would suggest you ask Simon to focus on getting the police cert and the medical (they really can take weeks) and wait for the packet 3 for absolute clarity. Things have probably changed since last year.

Re: his middle name, you need to watch out for that, it very well could be an issue, but if he fills out the new forms properly it's entirely possible they will only use those forms for his info and skip over the K-1 stuff. If it does come up I think it's a simple fix since it's a typo rather than an actual discrepancy. It may mean more than one visit to the embassy though.

How funny, I thought I recognized that waterfall, that was the very first place I ever went in Ireland (beyond where I was staying). I have some really great photos from there, and OH MAN those stairs SUCKED.

I know how it is trying to get the Irish male motivated to work on paperwork. It took a little nagging, but it eventually got done. They're just not planners like us American chicks. They like to go with the flow

[Larysa 0]

Woops, nope, you don't need to fill out DS-157. Also I've just been reading online that the online form DS-160 is replacing all the 156/156k forms and Ireland is on the list to currently use it. I didn't know about it because we had to do the paper forms last year. Good catch. I would suggest you ask Simon to focus on getting the police cert and the medical (they really can take weeks) and wait for the packet 3 for absolute clarity. Things have probably changed since last year.

Re: his middle name, you need to watch out for that, it very well could be an issue, but if he fills out the new forms properly it's entirely possible they will only use those forms for his info and skip over the K-1 stuff. If it does come up I think it's a simple fix since it's a typo rather than an actual discrepancy. It may mean more than one visit to the embassy though.

How funny, I thought I recognized that waterfall, that was the very first place I ever went in Ireland (beyond where I was staying). I have some really great photos from there, and OH MAN those stairs SUCKED.

I know how it is trying to get the Irish male motivated to work on paperwork. It took a little nagging, but it eventually got done. They're just not planners like us American chicks. They like to go with the flow

Okay good to know. Well those forms for P3 don't seem too difficult so may leave those till he actually gets it! Only problem is I'm not sure if we can get the medical done before he actually gets the P3....? But indeed, Simon is nothing like I am. I am the one on top of stuff and yes most of the times I have to put my nagging skills to work as well:P He filled out two forms and thought that was hard, told him he should be kissing the ground I walk on because the petition on my end was much more detailed! lol

It was an amazing place to see and be proposed to at and yes those stairs were killer, especially since I don't like heights and well it was high ( for me at least!) lol Gotta give him props for trying something though <3

Found this on the DOS:

13. When I apply for a nonimmigrant visa using the online DS-160, are additional forms required?

No, with two exceptions. When applying at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate that is using the new DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, you will use only one (1) form. For Embassies and Consulates that have converted to this new process, the DS-160 has replaced all of the following forms: DS-156, DS-157, DS-158, and DS-3032, which are no longer necessary.

NOTE: The exceptions are Fiancé(e) Visas (K-1/2) which still require use of the forms DS-156 and DS-156K, and the Treaty Trader/Treaty Investor visa application, which is explained in #14 below.

Edited July 28, 2010 by Larysa

[hxxrmonkey 0]

Yes, you can get the medical before you get P3, as long as the doctor doesn't mind (ours didn't, the one in cork).

Same sentiment here, mine had NO clue how involved the K-1 was, but I give him props, he did really well with the AOS and P3. Simon will pick things up when P3 arrives I bet

[hxxrmonkey 0]

Yes, you can get the medical before you get P3, as long as the doctor doesn't mind (ours didn't, the one in cork).

Same sentiment here, mine had NO clue how involved the K-1 was, but I give him props, he did really well with the AOS and P3. Simon will pick things up when P3 arrives I bet

*Given that you're paying the doctor a hefty sum, I assume most of them won't mind

[hxxrmonkey 0]

Found this on the DOS:

13. When I apply for a nonimmigrant visa using the online DS-160, are additional forms required?

No, with two exceptions. When applying at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate that is using the new DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, you will use only one (1) form. For Embassies and Consulates that have converted to this new process, the DS-160 has replaced all of the following forms: DS-156, DS-157, DS-158, and DS-3032, which are no longer necessary.

NOTE: The exceptions are Fiancé(e) Visas (K-1/2) which still require use of the forms DS-156 and DS-156K, and the Treaty Trader/Treaty Investor visa application, which is explained in #14 below.

Ahhh very good, so I-160 and DS-156/k. Much easier than when we did it! It was partially online but you still had to print it out and send it.

[slangofoil 50]

Yes, you can get the medical before you get P3, as long as the doctor doesn't mind (ours didn't, the one in cork).

Same sentiment here, mine had NO clue how involved the K-1 was, but I give him props, he did really well with the AOS and P3. Simon will pick things up when P3 arrives I bet

My fiance John was also very out-of-the-loop regarding paperwork and the whole process. But we went over P3 together when he came to visit earlier this month, so that was good. I'm a control freak and it's killing me to leave important things in his hands at this stage, lol. I clipped the different documents together and labeled everything for him according to whether it was originals or copies, and whether the embassy is allowed to keep it or not. Hopefully it all gets sorted out

John's in Cork so he's going to the same doctor I assume your husband went to. He's been a real pain thus far, but the medical is tomorrow FINALLY. You'd think he'd be a bit more accommodating considering the exorbitant fee he's getting from us.

I'm wondering if John should fill out the online DS-160 before or after sending back the notice of readiness? Or whether they'll mention it in the P4...

Oh yeah, and the police cert took 6 weeks to get, and required a TD's intercession in the end.

[hxxrmonkey 0]

My fiance John was also very out-of-the-loop regarding paperwork and the whole process. But we went over P3 together when he came to visit earlier this month, so that was good. I'm a control freak and it's killing me to leave important things in his hands at this stage, lol. I clipped the different documents together and labeled everything for him according to whether it was originals or copies, and whether the embassy is allowed to keep it or not. Hopefully it all gets sorted out

John's in Cork so he's going to the same doctor I assume your husband went to. He's been a real pain thus far, but the medical is tomorrow FINALLY. You'd think he'd be a bit more accommodating considering the exorbitant fee he's getting from us.

I'm wondering if John should fill out the online DS-160 before or after sending back the notice of readiness? Or whether they'll mention it in the P4...

Oh yeah, and the police cert took 6 weeks to get, and required a TD's intercession in the end.

Make sure John gets the DS-2032 from the Dr. after the medical. He didn't give it to my husband. It is VERY important for AOS!!!! Did the P3 not mention the DS-160? If it did, it should say when to do it, but I'm guessing that he should do it the day he posts the letter of readiness. If it didn't mention it I'd do the hard copy paperwork AND the DS-160. Better safe than sorry!

My husband's police cert was a pain in the butt too. They had no idea what he was talking about and eventually he had to talk to the District Superintendent. Took maybe 3-4 weeks.