Forms: DS-156 and DS-156K

[shinytreasure 0]

Hi... I am going through the US Consulate info for Vancouver posted here on visajourney and it states makes reference to these forms, DS-156 and the DS-156K. I am confused... are these forms the same (ie. interchangeable) or different? I am applying for a K-1 visa, which one do I use?

Also posted is a warning to "make sure a barcode is on them," but I don't see any barcode? Am I blind or just looking at an old version of the form? The date in the top right corner suggests that the form I am looking at is current. HELP...

Do I fill this out onine and then print it, or fill it out by hand?

thanks...

[bruno. 4]

Hi... I am going through the US Consulate info for Vancouver posted here on visajourney and it states makes reference to these forms, DS-156 and the DS-156K. I am confused... are these forms the same (ie. interchangeable) or different? I am applying for a K-1 visa, which one do I use?

Also posted is a warning to "make sure a barcode is on them," but I don't see any barcode? Am I blind or just looking at an old version of the form? The date in the top right corner suggests that the form I am looking at is current. HELP...

Do I fill this out onine and then print it, or fill it out by hand?

thanks...

DS-156 and DS156K are 2 different forms. You have to fill DS-156 on line and then print it. You'll see a barcode on the 3rd page.

For the DS-156K, I don't remember any barcode.

[shinytreasure 0]

So.. they are two different forms and I must complete BOTH. The DS-156 I complete online (- can anybody post a link to the most current version?), then print the entire form to bring to the interview, and the DS-156K I print out and complete by hand and take with me.

Thank you so much!

Edited October 27, 2010 by shinytreasure

[bruno. 4]

So.. they are two different forms and I must complete BOTH. The DS-156 I complete online (- can anybody post a link to the most current version?), then print the entire form to bring to the interview, and the DS-156K I print out and complete by hand and take with me.

Thank you so much!

Actually, for the DS-156 it's not a form per se it's a whole website where you fill the boxes and only when you're printing it that it looks like a form. here is the link. Also, it should say when you get your P4 but you'll have to bring 2 copies of it at the interview.

Edited October 27, 2010 by bruno.

[shinytreasure 0]

Thanks, bruno. You link worked and I see what you mean.

I just read another thread about the DS-160 and it sounds like things are changing as MY packet 3 list from VANCOUVER asks for me to complete DS-156K online and then print it to bring. It does not say anything about the DS-156 form, though it is still out there (hence my confusion.) It also tells me to complete the DS-160 ONLINE and bring TWO copies of the confirmation page to the interview. From reading another thread here, it sounds like this DS-160 online form is replacing the DS-156 form you are referring to.

I find keeping track of these forms soo confusing.... Thanks for you input.

[bruno. 4]

Thanks, bruno. You link worked and I see what you mean.

I just read another thread about the DS-160 and it sounds like things are changing as MY packet 3 list from VANCOUVER asks for me to complete DS-156K online and then print it to bring. It does not say anything about the DS-156 form, though it is still out there (hence my confusion.) It also tells me to complete the DS-160 ONLINE and bring TWO copies of the confirmation page to the interview. From reading another thread here, it sounds like this DS-160 online form is replacing the DS-156 form you are referring to.

I find keeping track of these forms soo confusing.... Thanks for you input.

If the embassy specify they want DS-160 then it is DS-160 and NOT DS-156. You're right DS-160 is replacing DS-156 at some embassies. So you can forget my link and find a similar one but for the DS-160 instead.

I understand how confusing it might be since it looks like they are doing lots of changes. I think the problem comes from some embassies are still using the old forms for some reason.

What you need to do is go online, fill the DS-160, print it and bring 2 copies to the interview and go online again, fill the DS-156K, print it and bring 1 copy to the interview (making more copies of both forms for you is also a good idea, just in case)

I hope I didn't confuse you more.

edit : as a general rule you should stick to what the embassy tells you regardless of other peoples experience because it's always possible they change something in the process

Edited October 27, 2010 by bruno.

[shinytreasure 0]

Thanks for your help.

It is easy to get reading posts here and then panicking because you thought you had everything covered when really you did because the embassies DO vary from country to country.

[shinytreasure 0]

OK... I was double checking things yesterday and when I re-read the email from Vancouver in which they assigned me and interview date, they also specified that I must complete DS-156 online and bring the confirmation page HOWEVER... on my checklist it specifically asks for DS-160 to be completed online and confirmation page printed and brought to interview! Do THEY even know what the want?!

I did email them back pointed out that they had asked me specifically for different forms in their email as compared to their checklist so we will see. They were quick to get back to me before so hopefully I will have a CLEAR answer on Monday. I will post their response.

Reminder to all: Packet 3 (checklist) is specific to the embassy so do not assume your requirements will be the same as all other K-1s.

thanks

[CBM 14]

Quick question regarding these forms - I thought they were supposed to be sent back with Packet 3? I should be getting P3 in the next couple of weeks, and it was my understanding all the DS forms had to be sent back with the checklist!

Is that not correct?

[bruno. 4]

Quick question regarding these forms - I thought they were supposed to be sent back with Packet 3? I should be getting P3 in the next couple of weeks, and it was my understanding all the DS forms had to be sent back with the checklist!

Is that not correct?

It might be a little different in your embassy so take what I'm saying with caution (remember, in doubt always follow what the embassy tells you)

The way it happened for me is that I only had to send back, right away after receiving my P3, the DS2001 and the DS230.

For ALL the other forms I just brought them with me the day of the interview.

It should say on your P3 what you need to send them now and what you need only at the interview

Hope that helped

[shinytreasure 0]

OK...Vancouver emailed me back to say that I was to complete the DS-156 online and then print two copies to bring to the interview INSTEAD OF completing DS-160 (the annoying one that requires you to upload a photo). Once again, that was the US Consulate in VANCOUVER. Montreal may be different so get the final word from them (or whatever consulate you will have you interview with).

CBM - I simply had to fax Vancouver the checklist and Part I of DS-260. Part II of DS-260 and DS-256K I complete and print and BRING to the interview along with my 2 copies of DS-156 and the rest of my papers.

I think I am ready but I still feel have waves of panic that I might have missed a form or something that would cause a delay.

Thanks and good luck.

[passionate 0]

ds 156 two copies

do i have to fill two separate forms or hve to fill one and two copies of it with same bar code

[marriedtomrg 141]

Fill up one, then print two copies.

ds 156 two copies

do i have to fill two separate forms or hve to fill one and two copies of it with same bar code

[HeatDeath 430]

When I was going through Vancouver applying for my K-1 I emailed them to confirm whether they wanted a DS-156 or a DS-160, as I had found some conflicting instructions somewhere (I think in my Packet 3 vs. what they had on their website). They confirmed that they were not using the 160 for K visas. That was as of April 2009. It was also confirmed more recently by someone else here.

Montreal, OTOH, might be completely different, as this is exactly the sort of thing that varies a lot from consulate to consulate. So check with the specific consulate. Their opinion is the only one that matters at this stage.

Edited January 3, 2011 by HeatDeath