quick question on the I-864, also Electronic processing.

[tatelee 2]

Hey guys!

I just sent in my I-130 package and it should be arriving at the USCIS today! very nervous!

Anyway, I am not wanting to get everything ready to go for the I-864. I noticed on the USCIS website, it says that it should be filled out in capital letters. I looked at an example form here on VJ, and it wasn't in capitals. Just wanted to know if it mattered if it was in capitals or not?

Also - I know I am not at this stage yet, but want to know anyway - I will be doing my interview with the consulate in Montreal. So, I have read that I would have the option to opt in for EP. Just wanted to know if this was recommended? Does it make the process go faster, or is it just as quick to send all the info to NVC by overnight mail? I was reading about EP, and it kind of seems like it would be more confusing than just regular mail.

Thanks everyone!

[JohnR! 5,495]

Hey guys!

I just sent in my I-130 package and it should be arriving at the USCIS today! very nervous!

Anyway, I am not wanting to get everything ready to go for the I-864. I noticed on the USCIS website, it says that it should be filled out in capital letters. I looked at an example form here on VJ, and it wasn't in capitals. Just wanted to know if it mattered if it was in capitals or not?

I can answer 1/2 of your question... LOL.

Yes, use capital letters as instructed by the USCIS and fill it out electronically for clarity.

Here is the link to the document and its instructions: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=b70f8875d714d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=7d316c0b4c3bf110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

Good luck!

[NikLR 13,227]

The way I read this is that you have to do the EP if you're filing with Montreal? But it does seem nice that you can send emails vs physical mail and bring your originals to the interview vs sending them in the mail and being concerned about someone else losing them.

http://travel.state..../info_5164.html

Do Online Forms Apply to My Immigrant Visa?

You MUST use Form DS-260, Online Immigrant Visa Application, and Form DS-261, Choice of Address and Agent if:

• The petition was approved in the U.S.; and
• The application is being processed by the National Visa Center (NVC); and
• The application is:
  • Family based (Form I-130 petition); or
  • Employment based (Form I-140 petition); or
  • For certain special immigrants (Form I-360 petition); or
  • For an immigrant entrepreneur (Form I-526 petition).

Limited to the following U.S. Embassies and Consulates:

• Visa Applicants will be interviewed at:
  • Any U.S. Embassy/Consulate in Mexico; or

  [*]The NVC requested fees and/or documents in October 2010 or later; and[*]Visa applicants will be interviewed at any U.S. Embassy/Consulate listed below:

  • Afghanistan - Kabul
  • Canada - Montreal
  • Greece - Athens
  • Iraq - Baghdad
  • Jordan - Amman
  • Peru - Lima
  • Syria - Damascus

Edited September 17, 2012 by NikiR

[tatelee 2]

I can answer 1/2 of your question... LOL.

Yes, use capital letters as instructed by the USCIS and fill it out electronically for clarity.

Here is the link to the document and its instructions: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=b70f8875d714d010VgnVCM10000048f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextchannel=7d316c0b4c3bf110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

Good luck!

Thanks! What if I can't fit some things by using capitals, but can if I use lower case...then what do I do??

The way I read this is that you have to do the EP if you're filing with Montreal? But it does seem nice that you can send emails vs physical mail and bring your originals to the interview vs sending them in the mail and being concerned about someone else losing them.

http://travel.state..../info_5164.html

Yes, I have to do the EP for a few forms, but I don't think it is required for all of them. I guess I will have to look into it. But, you are right, does seem like it may be nice. Thanks for the input!

[Saylin 1,605]

Hey guys!

I just sent in my I-130 package and it should be arriving at the USCIS today! very nervous!

Anyway, I am not wanting to get everything ready to go for the I-864. I noticed on the USCIS website, it says that it should be filled out in capital letters. I looked at an example form here on VJ, and it wasn't in capitals. Just wanted to know if it mattered if it was in capitals or not?

Also - I know I am not at this stage yet, but want to know anyway - I will be doing my interview with the consulate in Montreal. So, I have read that I would have the option to opt in for EP. Just wanted to know if this was recommended? Does it make the process go faster, or is it just as quick to send all the info to NVC by overnight mail? I was reading about EP, and it kind of seems like it would be more confusing than just regular mail.

Thanks everyone!

Although it states to use all capitals, I personally didn't on any of the forms. And I had no problems whatsoever.

As for EP, yes, it's still optional for Montreal. What's NOT optional though is the online forms. The DS-261 and DS-260 are REQUIRED for those going though Montreal.

I would suggest EP, not because it goes any faster for those in Montreal, but just because it's nicer. You don't need to worry about mailing (save money on postage!) and you don't need to worry about sending your originals/certified copies of documents. Plus, you'll get an email when your case is complete; only those in EP get this.

I suggest you read the wiki I linked in my signature below. It explains EP and online forms for Canadians.

[Saylin 1,605]

The way I read this is that you have to do the EP if you're filing with Montreal? But it does seem nice that you can send emails vs physical mail and bring your originals to the interview vs sending them in the mail and being concerned about someone else losing them.

http://travel.state..../info_5164.html

There is a HUGE difference between EP and online forms. For Montreal, online forms are REQUIRED, electronic processing is OPTIONAL.

EP = sending packages by email

Online forms = filling out forms online

[NikLR 13,227]

Ah makes perfect sense now, thanks!

[tatelee 2]

Although it states to use all capitals, I personally didn't on any of the forms. And I had no problems whatsoever.

As for EP, yes, it's still optional for Montreal. What's NOT optional though is the online forms. The DS-261 and DS-260 are REQUIRED for those going though Montreal.

I would suggest EP, not because it goes any faster for those in Montreal, but just because it's nicer. You don't need to worry about mailing (save money on postage!) and you don't need to worry about sending your originals/certified copies of documents. Plus, you'll get an email when your case is complete; only those in EP get this.

I suggest you read the wiki I linked in my signature below. It explains EP and online forms for Canadians.

I have already been ALL over your wiki...That is how I found out about EP. Thanks so much for all the info! Ok, well it sounds like EP is the way to go. I just read this other wiki and it started talking about having to change all kinds of file types and sizes on your passport photos before they were scan-able and stuff. I thought it sounded super high-tech and confusing. Can we just take our passport photos and simply scan them as is? Im assuming that is ok for the regular, paper documents and forms as well.

Also, sorry to ask a million questions, but I have you right here. If we chose to opt in for EP, do we still need to send the DS-3032? That part really confused me!

[Saylin 1,605]

Ah makes perfect sense now, thanks!

You're welcome Just wanted to clear that up

[Saylin 1,605]

I have already been ALL over your wiki...That is how I found out about EP. Thanks so much for all the info! Ok, well it sounds like EP is the way to go. I just read this other wiki and it started talking about having to change all kinds of file types and sizes on your passport photos before they were scan-able and stuff. I thought it sounded super high-tech and confusing. Can we just take our passport photos and simply scan them as is? Im assuming that is ok for the regular, paper documents and forms as well.

Also, sorry to ask a million questions, but I have you right here. If we chose to opt in for EP, do we still need to send the DS-3032? That part really confused me!

Are you referring to the Chinese-specific EP wiki? Things are a little different for them. But no, just scan the two photos, no changing sizes. I didn't need to for mine.

No, the DS-3032 isn't included in the optin email. That's for those in China. For Montreal, there's actually an online form for the DS-3032 called the DS-261.

And don't be sorry about asking a bunch of questions! It's how you learn Ask away!

[tatelee 2]

Are you referring to the Chinese-specific EP wiki? Things are a little different for them. But no, just scan the two photos, no changing sizes. I didn't need to for mine.

No, the DS-3032 isn't included in the optin email. That's for those in China. For Montreal, there's actually an online form for the DS-3032 called the DS-261.

And don't be sorry about asking a bunch of questions! It's how you learn Ask away!

Thank you for being so willing to help I guess I must have been reading the Chinese wiki, good to know I can simply just scan and go.

So, let me just make sure I have the steps in the right order for NVC and electronic processing

1)get the NOA2 2)harass NVC for case number 3)give them your email address and get IIN and beneficiary ID 4)send opt in email 5)fill out DS-261 (no need to ever use a DS-3032 for montreal EP correct? or does it need to be sent in before opting in for EP?)6)keep checking for bills to become available 7)Pay AOS fee 8)scan and email AOS packagee 8)Pay IV bill 9)fill out and send DS-260 9)scan and send IV package 10)wait for case complete

is that all correct sounding?

Edited September 17, 2012 by tatelee

[Saylin 1,605]

Thank you for being so willing to help I guess I must have been reading the Chinese wiki, good to know I can simply just scan and go.

So, let me just make sure I have the steps in the right order for NVC and electronic processing

1)get the NOA2 2)harass NVC for case number 3)give them your email address and get IIN and beneficiary ID 4)send opt in email 5)fill out DS-261 (no need to ever use a DS-3032 for montreal EP correct? or does it need to be sent in before opting in for EP?)6)keep checking for bills to become available 7)Pay AOS fee 8)scan and email AOS packagee 8)Pay IV bill 9)fill out and send DS-260 9)scan and send IV package 10)wait for case complete

is that all correct sounding?

Yup, those are the exact steps!

Since you'll be filling out the DS-261 online, no, there's no reason to ever do the DS-3032 as the DS-261 is the EXACT same thing, just online.

It'll probably be a few days after getting your case number before you can log into the forms portal, so you'll be sending the optin before you can fill out the DS-261.

[tatelee 2]

Yup, those are the exact steps!

Since you'll be filling out the DS-261 online, no, there's no reason to ever do the DS-3032 as the DS-261 is the EXACT same thing, just online.

It'll probably be a few days after getting your case number before you can log into the forms portal, so you'll be sending the optin before you can fill out the DS-261.

Thank you so much! This actually all seems way easier and less impossible after getting all of that cleared up

one more super quick, and probably way too nit-picky of a question (It just seems like this whole visa process is very nit-picky.): Is it ok to use abbreviations on forms to fit everything in? Ex: CAN instead of CANADA, Dr. instead of Drive (for an address) etc?

[Saylin 1,605]

Thank you so much! This actually all seems way easier and less impossible after getting all of that cleared up

one more super quick, and probably way too nit-picky of a question (It just seems like this whole visa process is very nit-picky.): Is it ok to use abbreviations on forms to fit everything in? Ex: CAN instead of CANADA, Dr. instead of Drive (for an address) etc?

Once you start talking out the process, it gets a lot easier (in my opinion). Also, writing out the steps helps a lot.

If it's possible, write the entire word out. It may cause confusion otherwise and I would hate to see you (or anyone else) get an RFE/checklist for something so silly.

[tatelee 2]

Once you start talking out the process, it gets a lot easier (in my opinion). Also, writing out the steps helps a lot.

If it's possible, write the entire word out. It may cause confusion otherwise and I would hate to see you (or anyone else) get an RFE/checklist for something so silly.

Oh No...I put some abbreviations on some of my I-130 forms...I hope I dont get an RFE

But I guess nothing I can do now. Thanks!