Sorry for asking an old question...

[criticalchris 13]

Which documents do I need to send to the embassy? I know this is probably asked all the time, and in fact I thought I already knew from reading so many reports, but the instructions here (http://london.usembassy.gov/iv_15.html) are VERY unclear, and that was the link I was provided with packet 3!

It almost makes it sound like you send off your originals (obviously I know that is wrong) and one of the links explaining what documents to take is actually broken. Pretty shoddy for a government website that is supposed to be the final word on how to prepare!

From what I can understand, I need to complete these forms:

Form DS-230-Part 1

Form DS-156

Form DS-157

DS-2001

And send them as one package to the embassy.

And then what forms do I need for the interview?

Form DS-230-Part 2?

I know the affdavit of support one.

And DS-156K, right?

Anything I missed? Am I wrong about anything?

Thanks!

[catie-b 2]

Which documents do I need to send to the embassy? I know this is probably asked all the time, and in fact I thought I already knew from reading so many reports, but the instructions here (http://london.usembassy.gov/iv_15.html) are VERY unclear, and that was the link I was provided with packet 3!

It almost makes it sound like you send off your originals (obviously I know that is wrong) and one of the links explaining what documents to take is actually broken. Pretty shoddy for a government website that is supposed to be the final word on how to prepare!

From what I can understand, I need to complete these forms:

Form DS-230-Part 1

Form DS-156

Form DS-157

DS-2001

And send them as one package to the embassy.

And then what forms do I need for the interview?

Form DS-230-Part 2?

I know the affdavit of support one.

And DS-156K, right?

Anything I missed? Am I wrong about anything?

Thanks!

You send DS156, DS156K, DS157 DS230 part 1 and DS2001 to the embassy. Don't forget the duplicates! I sent duplicates of all except the readiness one. Oh and your cover letter

You'll take your other docs - police and birth certificates, etc. and the I-134 with evidence - to the interview

Good luck

Edited August 11, 2013 by catie-b

[Pitaya 2,577]

~~Moved from K-1 Process to UK Regional Forum~~

~Inquiry is London-specific~

[Azsara 110]

Yea a good way Nich-nick put it before which made me remember it clearly was "London dont want you to send them any of your improtant docs through the post" so that means your birth cert, affadavit passport pics, passport etc. all go with you to the interview the only thing you send through the mail are the DS forms

FORGET DS-230 PART 2, YOU WILL NEVER NEED IT! (you could keep it in the loo for spare loo roll if u want it will prob be more useful)

and the ds-156k will also need to go off with the other forms. And a cover letter too dont forget x

and liek catie said dont forget the duplicates

[QueenOfBlades 224]

Complete them exactly as stated on the website, which is;

DS-156 x 2

DS-157 x 2

DS-156K x 1

DS-230 pt. 1 X 1

When you're ready for interview, also send off a cover letter and form DS-2001 and include what is asked for on the site - " containing your email address, if applicable, date of your wedding and date of the medical examination." If you're ready now, include it with your forms and send it off now.

[Ozz777 23]

Which documents do I need to send to the embassy? I know this is probably asked all the time, and in fact I thought I already knew from reading so many reports, but the instructions here (http://london.usembassy.gov/iv_15.html) are VERY unclear, and that was the link I was provided with packet 3!

It almost makes it sound like you send off your originals (obviously I know that is wrong) and one of the links explaining what documents to take is actually broken. Pretty shoddy for a government website that is supposed to be the final word on how to prepare!

From what I can understand, I need to complete these forms:

Form DS-230-Part 1

Form DS-156

Form DS-157

DS-2001

And send them as one package to the embassy.

And then what forms do I need for the interview?

Form DS-230-Part 2?

I know the affdavit of support one.

And DS-156K, right?

Anything I missed? Am I wrong about anything?

Thanks!

Document checklist from the london embassy website;

http://london.usembassy.gov/application_documents.html

[criticalchris 13]

Complete them exactly as stated on the website, which is;

DS-156 x 2

DS-157 x 2

DS-156K x 1

DS-230 pt. 1 X 1

When you're ready for interview, also send off a cover letter and form DS-2001 and include what is asked for on the site - " containing your email address, if applicable, date of your wedding and date of the medical examination." If you're ready now, include it with your forms and send it off now.

Ah okay, I thought maybe you didn't send the DS-156K in because it says on the sheet you need to present it with your original documents... I guess that means when they get united on the day of the interview?

When you said 'x2' by those two, does that mean photocopy/print two copies? Somebody else on this thread said they sent in two copies of everything? is that unnecessary?

EDIT: What should the cover letter be like? Just explaining and listing the contents? Do I need to restate my intent to marry or is that assumed?

I take it from what people have been saying that I can send the DS-2001 (readiness letter) separately?

Edited August 11, 2013 by criticalchris

[QueenOfBlades 224]

Ah okay, I thought maybe you didn't send the DS-156K in because it says on the sheet you need to present it with your original documents... I guess that means when they get united on the day of the interview?

When you said 'x2' by those two, does that mean photocopy/print two copies? Somebody else on this thread said they sent in two copies of everything? is that unnecessary?

EDIT: What should the cover letter be like? Just explaining and listing the contents? Do I need to restate my intent to marry or is that assumed?

I take it from what people have been saying that I can send the DS-2001 (readiness letter) separately?

You don't send it in with your original documents. It also says on a separate part "Do not under any circumstances send any documentation unless specifically asked to do so". It says send DS-156K in the instructions, so you must send it.

Do not photocopy anything. They must all be originals. It is unnecessary to send two copies of everything, but London states they must have forms DS-156 and DS-157 in duplicate. You don't photocopy them, you fill them out, sign and date them twice.

Your cover letter, as I stated in my previous post, does not need to be an essay. Just put what London asks for along with anything else you might want to add. Your medical date, wedding date (if applicable), and your e-mail address. You do not need to re-state your intention to marry. Only do what London asks for.

Pretty much all of your questions are answered just by reading the instructions in the link you first posted.

You send your DS-2001 when you're ready and have all of the documents required for your interview. You can send it off with your other forms, or you can send it separately afterwards. It doesn't matter.

Edited August 11, 2013 by QueenOfBlades

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

The best practice is to read what London tells you to do.

STEP ONE on the instruction page

"Complete the Form DS-230-Part 1, Form DS-156 and DS-157 for each family member applying for a visa. In addition, the principal applicant is also required to complete form DS-156K. Note: Forms DS-156 and DS-157 must be completed in duplicate. "

So that is the four forms they say to send. Two of them are in duplicate which means two copies (print twice). Send now. It says the failure to return promptly will delay you.

Read your cover letter again. They say do not send documents in.

Forms= DS-xxxx

Documents= birth certificate, police certificate, military records, passport, etc.

STEP TWO on the instruction page

"Assemble all of the documents required in support of your application. When you have obtained all of the required documents and are prepared for the visa interview, you are required to complete the Notification of Applicant(s) Readiness, Form 2001 and mail it to the Immigrant Visa Unit together with a covering letter containing your email address, if applicable, date of your wedding and date of the medical examination"

So you have already mailed those application forms they want in Step One. They figure you need time to track down documents and get your affidavit of support from the US. When you are ready, then you notify them. You could be ready in a day, a week, or a month. Mail it when ready. Don't hold up Step One while you get ready. They want to process those application forms and get the data in the system.

Your cover letter for the DS-2001 only needs 3 pieces of information (bolded above). It is used for scheduling. A September wedding will get an interview earlier than a December wedding.

Edited August 11, 2013 by Nich-Nick

[criticalchris 13]

The best practice is to read what London tells you to do.

STEP ONE on the instruction page

"Complete the Form DS-230-Part 1, Form DS-156 and DS-157 for each family member applying for a visa. In addition, the principal applicant is also required to complete form DS-156K. Note: Forms DS-156 and DS-157 must be completed in duplicate. "

So that is the four forms they say to send. Two of them are in duplicate which means two copies (print twice). Send now. It says the failure to return promptly will delay you.

Read your cover letter again. They say do not send documents in.

Forms= DS-xxxx

Documents= birth certificate, police certificate, military records, passport, etc.

STEP TWO on the instruction page

"Assemble all of the documents required in support of your application. When you have obtained all of the required documents and are prepared for the visa interview, you are required to complete the Notification of Applicant(s) Readiness, Form 2001 and mail it to the Immigrant Visa Unit together with a covering letter containing your email address, if applicable, date of your wedding and date of the medical examination"

So you have already mailed those application forms they want in Step One. They figure you need time to track down documents and get your affidavit of support from the US. When you are ready, then you notify them. You could be ready in a day, a week, or a month. Mail it when ready. Don't hold up Step One while you get ready. They want to process those application forms and get the data in the system.

Your cover letter for the DS-2001 only needs 3 pieces of information (bolded above). It is used for scheduling. A September wedding will get an interview earlier than a December wedding.

Thanks for your post! I know it must be exasperating for me to ask all these seemingly obvious questions but I just want to hear these answers from experienced and knowledgable users like yourself.

Last question:

Is the affidavit of support the only 'form' I take to the interview? As far as I can make out this should be my checklist:

Affidavit of support (and a copy right?)

Birth certificate (and photocopy)

Passport (I believe I don't need a copy of this)

2x us ID photo

... and that's it?

I've heard you don't need to bring a copy of your i129f like some sites say, or proof of relationship. I think I will bring proof of relationship though just in case. It can't hurt.

Edited August 11, 2013 by criticalchris

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

I don't mind helping nice people. And yeah, I thought you were snarky when I replied in the K1 forum that there might be things to do before you leave the UK in 3 days.

Documents are listed by London. The link is broken in Step two, but they made major changes last week and are messing with the website. If you will look at the left column of topics, on your instruction page --> http://london.usembassy.gov/iv_15.html, you will see "Documents Required for Interview". That link works. Scroll down a bit and there is a list below the heading "Document Checklist". Bring everything that applies to you. Maybe you were in the military and need those docs. I can't make your list because I don't know if you ever changed you name, were divorced, etc. Read it and make your own list. I see something obvious you left off. And if it has a link for more information, then read that too. This is a DIY site and you need to read the instructions and you will do a better job. (Sorry, I was a teacher and I want you to do your homework )

If your fiancé keeps a copy of the I-134 saved on her computer, then you don't need an extra one. The purpose of photocopies is so they can give back your originals. You don't need the I-134 back. There is a copy on her computer. If you need it back (example birth certificate) then provide a photocopy. They don't actually need two of every document in the file. If it's something you don't need back, then give them one, not two. (talking about documents on interview day, not the DS- duplicates). All the financial evidence (tax return, pay stubs) can be photocopies at the interview, so your fiancé can keep her originals in the US.

No photocopy of passport.

[criticalchris 13]

I don't mind helping nice people. And yeah, I thought you were snarky when I replied in the K1 forum that there might be things to do before you leave the UK in 3 days.

Documents are listed by London. The link is broken in Step two, but they made major changes last week and are messing with the website. If you will look at the left column of topics, on your instruction page --> http://london.usembassy.gov/iv_15.html, you will see "Documents Required for Interview". That link works. Scroll down a bit and there is a list below the heading "Document Checklist". Bring everything that applies to you. Maybe you were in the military and need those docs. I can't make your list because I don't know if you ever changed you name, were divorced, etc. Read it and make your own list. I see something obvious you left off. And if it has a link for more information, then read that too. This is a DIY site and you need to read the instructions and you will do a better job. (Sorry, I was a teacher and I want you to do your homework )

If your fiancé keeps a copy of the I-134 saved on her computer, then you don't need an extra one. The purpose of photocopies is so they can give back your originals. You don't need the I-134 back. There is a copy on her computer. If you need it back (example birth certificate) then provide a photocopy. They don't actually need two of every document in the file. If it's something you don't need back, then give them one, not two. (talking about documents on interview day, not the DS- duplicates). All the financial evidence (tax return, pay stubs) can be photocopies at the interview, so your fiancé can keep her originals in the US.

No photocopy of passport.

Whoops, didn't list the police certificate... I wouldn't have forgotten it though, no worries

I have never previously been married, adopted, changed my name or any of the other 'ifs' listed on that page so I think I'm good to go!

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Whoops, didn't list the police certificate... I wouldn't have forgotten it though, no worries

I have never previously been married, adopted, changed my name or any of the other 'ifs' listed on that page so I think I'm good to go!

Well done. A+