"At NVC" Can We Still Schedule Interview?

[Mines 5]

Hello All, Yesterday I received my MNL number, but it was entered into the system that day so as of today it is still "At NVC" status. With the MNL number in hand, can my fiancee go to BPI, pay the visa fee, and schedule the interview even with the "At NVC" status? I'm sure by the time her medical comes up we will have the NVC letter and I will forward it to her since she most likely won't receive anything.

 

Also we will be working on the DS-160 together this coming weekend and I read somewhere that the DS-160 needs to be completed first before an interview can be scheduled. True?

 

Thanks for the help

[geowrian 22,335]

Yes, the DS-160 needs to be completed before you can schedule. Whether or not you can technically schedule the interview is dependent on the CEAC status. If it shows as READY and you meet the requirements, then you can.

 

However, I would say it is premature to do so and would not recommend it. It's not common, but the petition could be at NVC for several weeks or longer. There's another case here who recently did what you are suggesting and may now have to reschedule his appointment because the file has not physically arrived at the embassy yet.

 

 

Edited May 18, 2017 by geowrian

[Mines 5]

9 minutes ago, geowrian said:

Yes, the DS-160 needs to be completed before you can schedule. Whether or not you can technically schedule the interview is dependent on the CEAC status. If it shows as READY and you meet the requirements, then you can.

 

However, I would say it is premature to do so and would not recommend it. It's not common, but the petition could be at NVC for several weeks or longer. There's another case here who recently did what you are suggesting and may now have to reschedule his appointment because the file has not physically arrived at the embassy yet.

 

 

Thanks for the reply. Would it be fine to work on and submit the DS-160 now or should that wait till the application gets to the Embassy? 

[geowrian 22,335]

Just now, Mines said:

Thanks for the reply. Would it be fine to work on and submit the DS-160 now or should that wait till the application gets to the Embassy? 

You can fill it in and save it beforehand. Technically it should be fine to submit it earlier since the only real issue is the interview timing, but I'd personally wait to submit it until it's actually at the embassy. It only takes a matter of minutes to submit it (once filled) and there's no real gain in doing so early.

[Greenbaum 12,258]

As long as you have the MNL #, (1) you can pay your fee, (2) schedule your appointment (schedule at least 30 days out to be safe), (3) complete your DS-160 (in that order) and (4) schedule your medical. You can also(5) complete CFO but you will have to return with your passport to get the sticker placed within the passport. You don't have to wait.

 

Get the Embassy letter here and follow it for all things needed: https://ph.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/82/2016/08/K1-and-K2-Applicant-Interview-Preparation-Instructions-08112016-English-336KB.pdf

 

Also for the medical appointment, you are required to have scheduled a visa appointment with USEM. You will be required to present your appointment letter sent by the National Visa Center or an e-mail confirmation from the Visa Information and Appointment Service or you may print off a copy of your appointment confirmation page after you have scheduled your appointment online to begin your medical exam.  Most will print the appointment conf pg from a screen shot when completing the appt scheduling but you can use anyone of the three listed here. If speeding up the process is important to you then print the conf pg and bring it to your medical appointment.

 

If you have questions stay here and ask away. There are many of us that have gone before you, helped others or just here to learn. Whichever is the case you will get help.

 

Here is where you will find information as to the what, when, where and why for the DS-160:  https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/forms/ds-160--online-nonimmigrant-visa-application/frequently-asked-questions.html

Edited May 18, 2017 by Greenbaum

[Greenbaum 12,258]

29 minutes ago, geowrian said:

Yes, the DS-160 needs to be completed before you can schedule. Whether or not you can technically schedule the interview is dependent on the CEAC status. If it shows as READY and you meet the requirements, then you can.

 

However, I would say it is premature to do so and would not recommend it. It's not common, but the petition could be at NVC for several weeks or longer. There's another case here who recently did what you are suggesting and may now have to reschedule his appointment because the file has not physically arrived at the embassy yet.

DS-160 can be done at anytime just as long as it is completed before the interview.  Even as late as the day before the interview. 

 

 

[geowrian 22,335]

Just now, Greenbaum said:

DS-160 can be done at anytime just as long as it is completed before the interview.  Even as late as the day before the interview. 

Gotcha. Thanks.

[Redheadguy03 505]

You can yes, you need to complete the Ds160 before you go to the medical as well. They ask for it on day 2. 

 

I scheduled my fiances at the at NVC stage and rescheduled later for a closer date.

However, I was lucky and had no problems with the medical or anything else. It changed to ready very fast, but I've heard stories on here where it takes weeks. 

[Greenbaum 12,258]

Redheadguy03 is right about having the DS-160 for the medical so it has to be completed at least before the medical.  My bad.   Thanks for that important reminder RHG03 

[Mines 5]

Thanks all for the replies, time to get started on the DS-160. 

[Redheadguy03 505]

26 minutes ago, Greenbaum said:

Redheadguy03 is right about having the DS-160 for the medical so it has to be completed at least before the medical.  My bad.   Thanks for that important reminder RHG03 

No problem! She just did the medical last week, so it's fresh in my mind lol. 

[Sagot 1,548]

4 hours ago, Mines said:

Hello All, Yesterday I received my MNL number, but it was entered into the system that day so as of today it is still "At NVC" status. With the MNL number in hand, can my fiancee go to BPI, pay the visa fee, and schedule the interview even with the "At NVC" status? I'm sure by the time her medical comes up we will have the NVC letter and I will forward it to her since she most likely won't receive anything.

 

Also we will be working on the DS-160 together this coming weekend and I read somewhere that the DS-160 needs to be completed first before an interview can be scheduled. True?

 

Thanks for the help

Yes you can.   It is ROCK n ROLL time!!!   Schedule the interview far enough out to allow for the case file to arrive at USEM

 

There was a change to visa scheduling and the embassy does want the DS-160 completed before scheduling the interview.

 

"Each applicant - including children - must have their own Form DS-160 visa application. The Form DS-160 must be completed and submitted online prior to your interview at the Embassy or Consulate. The barcode number on the Form DS-160 confirmation page is required in order to book your interview. The Form DS-160 must be submitted online and the printed confirmation page must be brought to the interview. The Embassy or Consulate will not accept handwritten or typed applications and you will not be permitted to attend your interview without a Form DS-160 confirmation page."

 

http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-ds160complete.asp

[Sagot 1,548]

3 hours ago, Greenbaum said:

DS-160 can be done at anytime just as long as it is completed before the interview.  Even as late as the day before the interview.   

According to this information the DS-160 MUST be completed before scheduling.     True you can complete another later if there is an    

 

http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-ds160complete.asp

 

Each applicant - including children - must have their own Form DS-160 visa application. The Form DS-160 must be completed and submitted online prior to your interview at the Embassy or Consulate. The barcode number on the Form DS-160 confirmation page is required in order to book your interview. The Form DS-160 must be submitted online and the printed confirmation page must be brought to the interview. The Embassy or Consulate will not accept handwritten or typed applications and you will not be permitted to attend your interview without a Form DS-160 confirmation page.

[Sagot 1,548]

3 hours ago, Redheadguy03 said:

You can yes, you need to complete the Ds160 before you go to the medical as well. They ask for it on day 2. 

 

I scheduled my fiances at the at NVC stage and rescheduled later for a closer date.

However, I was lucky and had no problems with the medical or anything else. It changed to ready very fast, but I've heard stories on here where it takes weeks. 

Yes SLEC will ask for a copy of the confirmation page of the DS-160 the 2nd day for K-1.    

 

... and with immigrant visas SLEC wants the confirmation page for the DS-260 on day 2.

Edited May 18, 2017 by Sagot

[Greenbaum 12,258]

24 minutes ago, Sagot said:

According to this information the DS-160 MUST be completed before scheduling.     True you can complete another later if there is an    

 

http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-ds160complete.asp

 

Each applicant - including children - must have their own Form DS-160 visa application. The Form DS-160 must be completed and submitted online prior to your interview at the Embassy or Consulate. The barcode number on the Form DS-160 confirmation page is required in order to book your interview. The Form DS-160 must be submitted online and the printed confirmation page must be brought to the interview. The Embassy or Consulate will not accept handwritten or typed applications and you will not be permitted to attend your interview without a Form DS-160 confirmation page.

 This is what is confusing. I read the "Overview" before replying to the OP and others. BUT the "Overview" contradicts the "Guidelines for Completing the DS-160 Form". When we went through this, and we were some of the very first to use this form, we could do the form at anytime. And I thought, before answering, I'd read up to be sure my answer was factual. My apologies to geowrian as you were right.

 

Overview

Each applicant - including children - must have their own Form DS-160 visa application. The Form DS-160 must be completed and submitted online prior to your interview at the Embassy or Consulate. The barcode number on the Form DS-160 confirmation page is required in order to book your interview. The Form DS-160 must be submitted online and the printed confirmation page must be brought to the interview. The Embassy or Consulate will not accept handwritten or typed applications and you will not be permitted to attend your interview without a Form DS-160 confirmation page.

When you sign your DS-160 electronically, you are certifying that all the information contained in it is true and correct. Misrepresenting any facts could render you ineligible to enter the United States. Please double-check that all your answers are accurate and that every question is answered completely.

Note: Any inquiries on completing the DS-160 will be addressed on the following website: http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/forms/ds-160--online-nonimmigrant-visa-application/frequently-asked-questions.html. We are unable to answer any questions or provide guidance on this process.

Guidelines for Completing the DS-160 Form

Complete and submit your DS-160 after reviewing the nonimmigrant visa application process. You must submit your DS-160 application online prior to making an appointment for an interview at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate.