IR-1 Process at the Frankfurt Consulate

[hhN400 3]

I had posted a similar question on the CR/IR-1 Forum (see here), but got no definite answer so I'm trying here in this forum, hoping that you will be able to help.

Here's my question: I had thought that the Form DS-2001 (Notification of Applicant Readiness) is sent by the consulate to the applicant and then returned signed by the applicant to the consulate indicating his/her readiness for the interview. In other words that this happens after the case had been transferred from the NVC to the consulate. However, in the information found at the website of the US Consulate in Frankfurt (see http://germany.usembassy.gov/visa/visaprocessing_nvc.html) it says that the form DS-2001 is sent by the NVC to the agent and that the completetd and signed form has to be returned to the NVC. Can somebody please corroborate that: Is this indeed the procedure they follow in Frankfurt? (This seems to be different from how other consulates handle this particular form.)

Thank you.

--hh

[hhN400 3]

Okay, since nobody seems to have an answer to my question so far, I called the NVC hotline today and asked. The lady said they only send the DS230(1) package, but no DS-2001. And she had no idea why the Frankfurt consulate's webpage said differently. So that's good. However, how reliable do you think this information is [i.e., following James's shortcuts, can I send in the DS230(1) as soon as I know they've mailed the package to me, without waiting for the package to actually arrive]?

By the way, I also found out that the AOS package and the IV fee bill is already on its way to me. How does one pay the latter? Check, credit card, or money order?

Thanks.

--hh