Online vs. Fillable DS-156 Form

[Richard and Inna 3]

Good Morning Everyone !

We have filled out the online DS-156 Form and followed the instructions "to the letter" but it is not printing out after we have done everything instructed. That being said, will the printable version (non-online version) be sufficient? What happens with the DS-156 electronic form? Does it go to the embassy or is only online for ease of use? Thank you !

Richard and Inna

[Athena13 10]

did you press 'submit' at the end of the form? it should take you to the next page, which is a 2 page PDF, second page has a big barcode on it and some other lines of things, it's called an EVAF (electronic visa something). First page is mostly the info you just filled out, with a small barcode on the bottom right (in the form).

[Richard and Inna 3]

did you press 'submit' at the end of the form? it should take you to the next page, which is a 2 page PDF, second page has a big barcode on it and some other lines of things, it's called an EVAF (electronic visa something). First page is mostly the info you just filled out, with a small barcode on the bottom right (in the form).

Thank you, but does this form actually go to the embassy electronically or we just bring it with us to her interview?

[jimnlena 8]

Thank you, but does this form actually go to the embassy electronically or we just bring it with us to her interview?

I would bring a copy anyway. Things Happen!

[realizment 18]

I think you need to bring a copy in duplicate.

[Athena13 10]

you need to send this paper form in packet 3 to your local consulate, 2 of these in packet 3 . but that's my AUSTRALIAN REQUIREMENTS. Im not sure about other country.

[EminTX 131]

This happens to many people. I have two computers with different operating systems in my home and could not print from either one. My fiance also has two computers with different operating systems in his home, same thing. (One uses Firefox the other uses IE for browsing.)

I tried to print it at work, same thing. He went to an internet cafe that used a different version if IE and BINGO! Worked like a charm and took him all of 2 minutes. (I am guessing that every single safety protocol had an override by the kiddos checking out naughty stuff.)

They know this is a problem and because enough people have success they don't care to fix the glitch.

The online form is fillable only and not saved in any way, I believe.

Another option,t(hat I found afterward) is to do an internet search for that form and download it from a different site. There are several lawyer sites that offer forms like this as part of their advertising to attract you to their sites. Get it from one of them and possibly that would work for you.

Good luck.

Edited to add: Each embassy requests things the way they want it. Some want things in duplicate, others don't. Do what YOUR embassy paperwork says to do and don't worry about someone from Mars or Jupiter telling you that it HAS to be done this way because that is what s/he had to do. (Some want copies, some want singles, some want it mailed, some want it in person, sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't...)

Edited March 11, 2012 by EminTX

[Chris and Tatiana 1]

Richard, I had the same problem with printing mine. I was in Kharkiv at the time and went to a internet cafe to print it. I noticed that it took a couple of minutes for it to download and then a pdf copy showed up. There is a barcode attached to the form and you have to have the barcode. The extra page that it prints is for additional information, if needed, for additional visas, visits to usa, or refusals, and a barcode on that page that matches the origanal form. You do need to take a copy of the 156 with you to the interview. The embassy does not get it electronically and we do not send anything in at our consulate. You might want to call the embassy and use up the rest of your minutes you paid for and ask if they have copies to fill out there if it will not print. I just opened it up and it took a minute for it to come up. I saved a blank copy with barcode. Call me if you need.