Packet 3- Montreal

[SandI2011 0]

Hi Everyone,

I have a few questions. Once I receive packet 3. What exactly do I have to submit via DHL. This is what I plan to send:

For all applicants (including fiancé(e):

DS-230 part I and part II – one copy per each applicant, including children

Checklist of documents to gather for the interview – one copy per family is sufficient.

2 color photographs (Photograph Requirements)

Photocopy of the biographic data page of the applicant’s passport

For fiancé(e) visa applicants only, please complete additional documents as follows:

DS-156 – 2 copies https://evisaforms.state.gov/ds156.asp

DS-156K – 1 copy http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/82063.pdf

Form DS-160 – one copy, available online at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/

But, do I also have to submit my police certificate, birth certificate, support of evidence as per form DS 156K? Can somebody please clarify. There is way too much confusion. Or do I just need to fill out the forms and checklists. And, bring the docs to the interview. Please help!!!

Thanks!

Hi Everyone,

I have a few questions. Once I receive packet 3. What exactly do I have to submit via DHL. This is what I plan to send:

For all applicants (including fiancé(e):

DS-230 part I and part II – one copy per each applicant, including children

Checklist of documents to gather for the interview – one copy per family is sufficient.

2 color photographs (Photograph Requirements)

Photocopy of the biographic data page of the applicant’s passport

For fiancé(e) visa applicants only, please complete additional documents as follows:

DS-156 – 2 copies https://evisaforms.state.gov/ds156.asp

DS-156K – 1 copy http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/82063.pdf

Form DS-160 – one copy, available online at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/

But, do I also have to submit my police certificate, birth certificate, support of evidence as per form DS 156K? Can somebody please clarify. There is way too much confusion. Or do I just need to fill out the forms and checklists. And, bring the docs to the interview. Please help!!!

Thanks!

Do I also need to mail out the 2 passport pics?

[pocheros 101]

You DO NOT need to submit the police certificate, birth certificate etc. They DO NOT want that from packet 3- just the forms that you listed and the checklist. Also, a colour photocopy of the biographic information page on your passport and passport photos. That's it though.

They see the police certificate, birth certificate, etc. at the interview.

[SandI2011 0]

Thanks! At the interview I will have to bring another 2 coloured photos? Making it a total of 4 here and then 3 for medical?

[pocheros 101]

It's odd- some people have had their PKT3s approved without including the photos, but other people have had RFEs for not including them. It doesn't seem to make much sense as I've read that people who submitted photos with their PKT3 were asked for more at the interview. But anyways, long story short, yes you need to bring 2 photos to the interview and 3 for the medical.

Also, I dunno if you've mailed it already, but you don't *have* to use DHL. Many people here used xpresspost (myself included) because it's fast. DHL is just free. Xpresspost was only $15 for me, though, and it got there in two days.

Also, after you've submitted PKT3 you can start calling Department of State (their phone number is listed on their website, press 1 and then 0 to get a visa specialist) for updates. You DO NOT have to wait to receive PKT4 in the mail in order to book an interview- it only has to be "logged," i.e. Montreal is about to mail it to you. Once it's been logged you can register at the CSC website and start viewing interview dates.

Edit: ALSO this is important! If you have not yet received PKT3, call department of State asap and ask if PKT3 has been mailed to you. If it has, then you can mail the forms right away. Many people do not receive PKT3 or PKT4 hardcopies in the mail, this may potentially save you weeks of waiting.

Edited August 3, 2011 by pocheros

[SandI2011 0]

Thanks!! I mailed out Packet 3 yesterday and I tracked it on DHL's website and Montreal received it today. I called DOS today and it's not showing up on their system yet. I asked the rep if I can book my interview once they have mailed out packet 4. He said, "No!" Apparently, Montreal books it for you, which I thought was weird. Maybe he doesn't know too much about the k1 visa?

Anyway, once they receive packet 3. How long does it usually take for them to review it and send out packet 4. I just want to book my interview already.

[SF2007 48]

Thanks!! I mailed out Packet 3 yesterday and I tracked it on DHL's website and Montreal received it today. I called DOS today and it's not showing up on their system yet. I asked the rep if I can book my interview once they have mailed out packet 4. He said, "No!" Apparently, Montreal books it for you, which I thought was weird. Maybe he doesn't know too much about the k1 visa?

Anyway, once they receive packet 3. How long does it usually take for them to review it and send out packet 4. I just want to book my interview already.

DOS can only see in the database what's been updated. And Montreal is slow to update. The consulate books spouse visa applications interviews only. For a K-1, you will have to book it yourself on the CSC website. Instructions will come with your Packet 4. When I was going through this stage back in March/April, it was an average of 4 weeks between sending in Packet 3 and them mailing your Packet 4.

As Pocheros said some people, including myself, never actually received their Packet 4 by mail so be diligent about calling DOS to be updated. When they tell you it's been sent to you, go ahead and book you interview, and then your medical. There's nothing more in the packet itself than what is listed online on Montreal's website : http://montreal.usconsulate.gov/content/content.asp?section=visas&document=visa_pkt4

[SandI2011 0]

Thanks!!