We confirmed the visa application fee is paid at the embassy through an email response from the consulate. A month after filing our DS-160 visa application, we contacted the embassy to check the timeframe since we didn't hear anything. Their response was "we'll contact you ". It's very frustrating however waiting is part of this process--unfortunately. "Be flexible be miserable" is 100% right!!! Our plan is the moment we get the pre-screening appointment email, we'll do the medical exam and have our documents ready for review. Godspeed!!!