is true that as soon as you received the NOA2 approval...

[Brian121957 43]

OP, I've said already that you can go ahead and get your ducks lined up with the NVC number, so you are organized for when the embassy gets your paper file. I've said already that you need to be aware of some of the things that can delay you. As long as you realize it is all well and good to be proactive, be aware also that no one here can predict how your case will go.

I can't speak for other countries and don't pretend to. But you do not have to wait until the Embassy in the Manila confirms that they have file if you don't want to. If you wait for that positive confirmation that they have your file it will add as much as 2 months to your time line.

Do they have to have your file in Manila before your interview at the Embassy? Yes. I did not say they don't need the file. It is recommended that you take your own copy of everything just in case something got misplaced in your file.

How long after the file is ready in the USA does it take to get to Manila? 1 to 2 weeks.

Do you need any documents from the Manila Embassy before your interview? No. All the documents are on-line. Any body can get them. No case number or password required.

Is there a risk of something going wrong and having significant delays? Yes, But weather you wait for the Embassy letter or not delays can still happen.

Medical exam can still reveal a problem. Some people have waited 3 months for the letter before doing the medical just to find they fail the TB test and get stuck with 6 more months medical treatment that they could have stated a week after getting the MNL. Interviews can still go badly and you get additional processing delays. Typhoons can still happen and you to mis your flight.

What do I risk by scheduling the interview before the medical is done? Nothing. The best I can tell if you find a problem with your medical or you get delayed due to personal health issue you just go back on-line and reschedule the interview.

What do I risk by booking the flight early? Maybe a lot. Maybe a little. In my case I used frequent flier airline miles which basically made the ticket fully refundable. But Just getting your money back is only part of the total cost. You still have to then buy a new ticket. By booking early and TAKING A RISK, I got the ticket for 1/2 the number of required miles. If nothing went wrong but I waited until the visa was in hand I was guaranteed to 2x the cost maybe even 3x because the airline limits the number of those cheep tickets. If something had gone wrong and I had to rebook the only additional for booking early would have been the extra processing fee of about $80. I booked in September 2011 for a November 15 flight , If I had waited it would have put us right in the Christmas time. There would be no flights I could use my same airline points on until February or even March. I cant say it made a difference in the interview, ours went so quick, but they do have a place on the DS-157,#18(travel plans) ours was all filled in with flights dates and times. There must be some people who book early.

You have to decide how much risk you can afford $$$. I don't know of any reason that doing any of this early will cause your visa to be denied. It just cost you money because you waist a trip to Manila or you have to change a flight or a hotel reservation.

[KayDeeCee 4,900]

For Juarez you do not need to wait until you receive the invitation from the consulate in order to start filling out the forms, paying the visa fee and scheduling your bio and interview appointments. You just need to call the NVC to get the CDJ case number and beneficiary ID # first. This is just a way to get a jump start on things without having to wait for the mail from the consulate. This means it has already been approved by NVC, AND this is not the same as simply using your NOA2. I do not know about other countries, but CDJ doesn't even ask for a copy of it. The NOA2 by itself does nothing. Put it in a safe place, as you will need a copy of it when you file for AOS.