"not applicable" or N/A

[N&S 32]

A fair amount of rummaging through old posts didn't bring up anything on that particular conundrum so I hope it's okay to again ask for help.

For the form s for Packet 3 and 4 the instructions on the form (if any) specify that if a question is not applicable it should be answered with N/A which works fine BUT on instruction letter linked to from the VJ London consulate Information:

http://photos.state.gov/libraries/unitedkingdom/164203/cons-visa/iv_018.pdf

it says with regards to form 230 part 2 and I quote: "Every numbered section must be completed. If any section does not apply in your case, write in “not applicable.” Do NOT use dashes or the letters “n.a.” or other abbreviations."

On the other hand in the instructions for the fiance visa interview:

http://photos.state.gov/libraries/unitedkingdom/164203/cons-visa/iv_019.pdf

there is no such note (and form 230 part 2 isn't mentioned - presumably because you send that in with the packet 3 information?)

Both of those letters are dated June 2010, so relatively recent (I guess - not sure how often they update things)

Does anyone know if I should be using N/A as per the form instructions on 230 or should I put "not applicable"? And what about all the other forms I need to submit.

My apologies if I'm missing something really obvious here!

Thanks in advance - I couldn't get through this without VJ!

[jennie ann 15]

Hmm, those conflicting instructions are kind of strange, but we have "N/A" or "(None)" all over our DS-230 and made it just fine through the NVC (who review and process immigrant visa applications before forwarding on to the consulate). Maybe they just don't want you to use N.A. or other abbreviations because they could possibly be construed as a name or abbreviation for a name. But honestly, I think N/A should be fine because I don't think slashes are ever parts of names in any culture. This is just my own opinion and experience though – maybe someone else can offer something more definitive.

[ZedbraGuy 6]

You don't need DS-230 part 2 for a K1 anyway

I believe I used a combination of N/A and None depending on the question

[kikip 12]

i used n/a or none all over the place and it went through fine

[Chris921 13]

I also used N/A, I was told this was OK when I called the US Embassy.

[N&S 32]

Thank you guys! I would hate to slow things down because of such a little thing

[Chris921 13]

yeah i used N/A as the people on the phone at the embassy told me that was acceptable