Packet 3

[Stef & Andrew 9]

I was wondering, how long it usually takes for the beneficiary to receive the packet 3 information? And is it really necessary?

My fiancé already had his medical, completed the DS-160, and has sent in the notification of readiness form. Are we missing anything?

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

I was wondering, how long it usually takes for the beneficiary to receive the packet 3 information? And is it really necessary?

My fiancé already had his medical, completed the DS-160, and has sent in the notification of readiness form. Are we missing anything?

There is no "packet" really. It has a link to the website instructions, which it seems like you have found. It also reminds you that you have a petition expiration date and you will need a notarized letter of intent from the petitioner if that date passes before your visa approval.

[landr 126]

There is no "packet" really. It has a link to the website instructions, which it seems like you have found. It also reminds you that you have a petition expiration date and you will need a notarized letter of intent from the petitioner if that date passes before your visa approval.

Just for reference, the "packet 3" letter no longer asks that the updated letter of intent be notarized. My "packet 3" letter is dated 26 Feb 2014 and it says:

The K1/3/4 petition is valid for four months from the priority date (listed at the bottom of this letter). If your interview will occur after your priority date, your fiance(e) must submit a statement of intent to marry within 90 days of your arrival in the U.S., in order to revalidate the petition. Photocopies will not be accepted. Please submit on the day of your interview.

I looked up previous examples of the "Packet 3" letter as I'd read advice on here that the updated letter of intent had to be notarized. Those letters are worded differently to mine (see above). I don't know when the change occurred, but it must be fairly recent. My interview is in a couple of weeks' time and I'm taking an updated letter of intent (not notarized), since I've passed my priority date. If they say that it should have been notarized, I'll point out that their "Packet 3" letter does not specifically request that and I'll have the "Packet 3" letter with me to show them. If they delay the visa because of it, then I'll report back.

If one wants to go for a "belt and braces" approach, then by all means, I don't think it would do any harm to have the updated letter of intent notarized. Just be aware that London no longer requests this.

Perhaps others can take a look at their recent "Packet 3" letters to verify that this is a widespread change.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Thanks for that update. They used to never require a letter at all. Then the notorized thing started. Now another slight change dropping the notary part. Good to have the latest info. +1 for being the first (I've seen) to post that.

[Beestonia 4]

I feel a bit of a mong for asking this, where do you pay the DS-160 fee?

[Beestonia 4]

Nevermind, finally found it. Guessing it's the MRV fee($240/£150)?

[Stef & Andrew 9]

Nevermind, finally found it. Guessing it's the MRV fee($240/£150)?

The MRV fee is not for the DS-160, that's the fee you pay once you have your interview date, it's the fee for the visa itself.

[Beestonia 4]

So do you pay that aswell as the DS-160 or just that?

[Stef & Andrew 9]

So do you pay that aswell as the DS-160 or just that?

I'm almost certain there is no fee for the DS-160, I haven't seen that anywhere and my fiancé didn't have to pay any fee. So just the MRV fee!

[Beestonia 4]

Oh! I must of got mixed up and confused myself, which isn't particularly hard.. ha