leslie12

Ok, but it may only be a few days, and I'd like to know that the form is working.

If it's down nationwide, that is actually a very big issue and I'm wondering why no one else seems concerned?

Sorry for leaving this part out - as per your advice, I put in a request with a local immigration law agency and have also been asking around to see if the organization has connections.

However, we will still need to access this form once we have been given the legal advice, correct?

Thanks for the advice. It's a fairly small program and they are essentially making an exception for my friend and one other person that has applied. I don't think that I nor my organization knew that it would be this complicated 😓

If anyone's still out there, could you do me a favor and let me know if the DS-160 form is working on your computer? The "Start Your Application" button has been grayed out/not working for me all day. I tried posting in a thread someone started about this a while ago, but haven't gotten any replies. I tried clearing my cookies/history and viewing from multiple devices/OS/browsers. Not sure if it's a site overload issue or maintenance. It's just somewhat troublesome for when we have our questions all answered and are fully ready to start the application.

Thank you all so much! I was initially hesitant to post about this, but your responses have been extremely helpful!

I should have been more clear on this point- I actually work for the nonprofit that runs the service corps, but I work for another department (one of the schools that they operate). The service corps program is fairly new, and this is the first year that they have had international applicants. The nonprofit is unexperienced handling visas, so I have been doing the legwork to figure out what needs to be done.

SusieQQQ - My friend has limited access to Internet and electricity, so I am assisting with the application. When we apply, he will be on the phone with me to answer the questions as I deliver them verbally, but this will also help him to fully understand the questions since his English is not perfect. I understand that the only obligation he has is to be the one that clicks the "digital signature" button at the end, so he will finish the application on his end.

Thank you for your feedback!

If it helps, you can check out the service corps description on the website - https://www.hfi-pgh.org/holy-family-service-corps/.

Scroll down to where it says "Nazareth Year".

Hi, all,

A friend of mine who lives in Haiti was just accepted to a 1-year service corps program that is run by a nonprofit in Pittsburgh, PA. However, we are on a time crunch, as the program starts on August 12. 

I have a few questions, and would appreciate any advice you can offer!

1- "Service" technically falls under the "Tourism" visa, however, he will be receiving a stipend and various trainings and job coaching through the program, so I was going to apply as a B1/B2 visa. Is that a good idea?

2 - Since we are on a time crunch, I am going to try to get it expedited with a letter from the organization that outlines the importance of him starting the program on August 12, or as close to that date as possible. They are actually in need of his multi-language skills, so he is offering a valuable asset to their organization.

I am wishing that the timing was better! Any advice is helpful now!

Thanks,

Leslie

I am helping my friend apply for a visa and we are having the same issue. I'm planning on trying again later, but just wanted to know if anyone else is having this issue today. 

Thanks,

Leslie