Confusion about when we're allowed/able to schedule interview

[BH&JK 10]

Hey all,

 

My fiancé and I are a bit confused about when exactly we are allowed to schedule the interview for her K-1 visa at the consulate in Frankfurt. We were originally operating under the assumption that she needed to receive P3, send the consulate the requested documents, and then she would be issued/would be able to schedule an interview date after they reviewed the documents. However, I've seen other posts/sources saying that you can go to ustraveldocs and schedule an interview once your CEAC status is "ready" (ours has been since May 27th, it has been updated multiple times since then as well based on the date listed but always shows "ready"). Is this something that is only allowed at other consulates? Is this something only Ukrainians are allowed to do (my fiancé is a German citizen and most of the newer info I see about Frankfurt only pertains to Ukrainian cases)?  

 

I've reached out the the consulate for clarification but thought it would be worth posting on here as well. 

 

Thanks in advance for any help! 

[JeanneAdil 6,191]

your timeline shows the packet is at consulate

has the beneficary filled out the ds 160 to receive the instructions for scheduling medical exam and interview?

[BH&JK 10]

8 minutes ago, JeanneAdil said:

your timeline shows the packet is at consulate

has the beneficary filled out the ds 160 to receive the instructions for scheduling medical exam and interview?

Ah we were unaware that filling out DS-160 was a prerequisite for receiving the instructions, I assumed that the consulate sent us P3 when they received our case from the NVC. She hasn’t filled out the DS-160 yet.

Edited June 7, 2022 by BH&JK

[BH&JK 10]

Thought I'd answer my own question in case others find themselves in the same position:

 

At Frankfurt, you do indeed need to wait for them to received the documents you send that they request with P3, once they receive those you will eventually be notified that you are able to schedule an interview, but you can't schedule it before then. We were however able to get P3 earlier via email when we contacted the consulate, so you don't necessarily need to wait for them to physically mail you P3.