vikasp

I think you have a rather straight forward case from what you've said. You're not too young to petition (I think that's sub-18?).

Only point of interest from what you've said is your very recent divorce. That might cause issues -- search the forums for threads about this.

Do you need a lawyer? I don't know. I thought I needed one when I filed so I called one. This lawyer happened to be honest ( ) and told me to just follow the instructions and I'll be fine. And I am (so far, crossing fingers!).

Just to help anyone trying to contact Mumbai: email is the best way. Read the auto-reply they send very carefully!

I knew this a while ago

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...p;p=867194&

But good to bring it up again for those who missed it the first time

Packet 3 is an instruction package from the local consulate in the county where the relative you are petitioning lives. It contains information on what documents to gather for the interview and some forms you need to fill out. It's different per consulate/embassy and whether or not you can submit it ahead of time depends on the consulate/embassy. You should call or visit the consulate's website to find out.

Congrats and good luck to you and your husband, adhi!

Raj, my wife sent in P3 as well today -- the race is on! (hehe j/k)

Seriously, detailed questions. How would the consular officer verify accuracy??

K1 and K3 have very similar timelines, except that VSC seems to approve K1 petitions in 30 days.

Congrats have a happy life!

If you can figure out EXACTLY what your Embassy wants, then it may be a safe practice.

In the case of the Mumbai Consulate, yes, you can figure out exactly what they want. Their packet 3 is online and the consulate says it's okay to submit that. You just need the NVC case number (starts with BMB for Mumbai, which was previously known as Bombay)).

I think we're done here

I would think these officers are reasonable people. If you follow the instructions and your case is straight forward, you have no worries. I have no idea what happens if they want something you don't have, but don't stress over it.

And I think this whole process is rather ridiculous Or at least, the delays are.

Way to go, Raj

Jay, P3 is on this site: http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov/ivforms.html

K1, K3 forms are different.

My packet 3 mentions nothing of a "spot check". It does, however, tell me what I need to bring. I will bring her PHOTOCOPY of a birth certificate, but even that is not listed as necessary. What should I believe? The K1 visa 'faq' on here...or my list of instructions? The United States government has gotten everything it needed from her when she filed. My packet mentions only her divorce certificate and the affidavit of support. I'm really getting tired of the contradictory advice/opinions I have been reading.

Packet will not mention a "spot check" but what people here are telling you is that you may be asked for something that is not listed in Packet 3. It happens. Read the forums. The consulate officer has a job to do and may require additional information to finish his/her job in a manner compatible with U.S. national security. Remember, we're in a post-9/11 world.

The K1 FAQ here is based upon past experiences. It's not for nothing. I would think that the majority of the time, you only need what's listed in packet 3/4. However, as people here are saying, don't be surprised if you're asked for more.

I personally think you should be fine with a photocopy of her birth certificate (or US passport) to prove she's able to petition you. HOWEVER, the officer has a right to ask for any originals that you submit as a copy.

i am thinking about telling my wife to go ahead and send in packet 3 papers to mumbai counslate.

1. is it ok to do so without receiving the packet 3? NVC told me that counslate has already received the paper work (don t know exactly when?)

2. for packet 3 we only have to send in DS - 156, DS 230 (with only first part filled out), copy of passport pages, copies of marriage certificate (to show change of names), birth certificates (which is scholl leaving certificate), and lastly 2 passport size photos of her.

do i need to send in any thing else with it?

Raj, wait for Mumbai to tell you they have the package. You have the BMB number right? It's all you need. Packet 3 does not mention marriage certificate or birth certificate -- these are required at interview. Collect them. Have them handy. But don't send them in! The packet 3 instructions say: "DO NOT SEND THE DOCUMENTS TO THIS OFFICE NOW. YOU WILL NEED TO SUBMIT THEM AT YOUR VISA INTERVIEW." Read carefully.

For my packet 3 (k3 visa) I am having my wife send:

1.) Packet 3 instructions with BMB number and other info filled, signed.

2.) DS-156 filled with two photos stapled on top of each other in the bottom right hand corner, signed.

3.) DS-230 Part I, signed

4.) Full copy of her passport.

Vikas

Jay, They OKay'd me sending packet 3 in advance -- no mention of them sending it to my wife.

Raj, you should get a reply soon

From: MUMBAI, I V <MUMBAIIV@state.gov>

On: Wed, Jun 13, 2007 at 3:08 AM

To: "Vikas B. Patel" <xxx@xxx.com>

You may submit the Packet III to our office as we have received your K3

petition.

We hope this information is useful to you. However, please contact us

if you require any clarification.

Sincerely,

Visa Information Unit

U. S. Consulate

Mumbai, India

-----Original Message-----

From: Vikas B. Patel [mailto:xxx@xxx.com]

Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2007 7:33 AM

To: MUMBAI, I V

Subject: Request for Specific Information: BMB2007xxxxxx received?

Hello,

Have you received the approved petition with case number BMB2007xxxxxx

from NVC yet? It is for an I-129F, K-3 visa for spouse of US Citizen.

I would like to submit the packet 3 if this case is at your center.

Thank you,

Vikas B. Patel

Neel, I just have this feeling that your case is approved but the system just isn't showing it. This seems to happen more often than not. Good luck buddy!

Raj, I emailed mumbai last night, got a response that my K3 petition was received. If they're not responding to yours, read the auto-reply they send very carefully -- especially the last paragraph

Vikas:

How did u track your case thru DHL. I was not able to. It has been 11 days since my case left NVC. Chennai still doesn't have the file

Thank u

Adhi, I really don't know 100%. I called NVC and they said my petition was to be shipped on the 8th. I then called DHL and asked to track packages from Portsmouth (?), NH to Mumbai, India with sender as Department of State. The lady then gave me a tracking number and I looked it up online and saw a delivery.

I will try calling the Mumbai consulate tonight to find out for sure. If that doesn't work, I'll call Dept. of State Visa office in D.C. tomorrow.

...If you want further information, you call the DOS (Dept. of State) visa information line at 202.663.1225 then menu selections 1-0-0 and ask them for a current status...

Thanks for the info, pushbrk. I'll give them a call tomorrow for my case. Phones are open 8a-5p est.

They were both approved at the same time? Your I-129F will continue

Neel, also according to VJ timelines, it takes average 83 days from NOA2 for New Delhi.

It takes 111 days for Mumbai :-/ and only 62 in Chennai

Hey soni, how did you end up attaching the two photographs onto the DS 156? Just staple one on top of another?

Also, how did you verify Mumbai received the case? Did you call them? Any tips on getting through?

Congrats!

If only Mumbai moved as fast

When you travel, you just need your passport. I've never been asked for my SS card or number.

Yeah, Mumbai is much slower due to the larger volume there. We're hoping for an late August/early September interview there. I'm going to India on either the first or second Friday of August to be with my wife for her interview and related proceedings. I can't wait!

Are you counting the days like me, citizen? I don't have an int date yet and I'm already counting the days