How much can I get done now?

[lucy884 3]

I'm thinking a few weeks ahead of myself because we're still waiting for the hardcopy of our NOA2, but obviously I want to get through the next stages as fast as possible! I need to wait on my cousin to get together the paperwork for being my co-sponsor, and I don't want to pester him to 'hurry' (even though he went through this journey some years ago so hopefully he won't take very long!) but as it is, I need to wait until I have those forms before I can return the DS forms saying I'm ready, and book the interview date. But do I need to wait before booking a medical too? I think I probably do, but thought I'd ask to see if anyone knows the rules on this?

I guess basically I'm asking how much can I get done before having the co-sponsor paperwork/forms in my hands?

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

I'm thinking a few weeks ahead of myself because we're still waiting for the hardcopy of our NOA2, but obviously I want to get through the next stages as fast as possible! I need to wait on my cousin to get together the paperwork for being my co-sponsor, and I don't want to pester him to 'hurry' (even though he went through this journey some years ago so hopefully he won't take very long!) but as it is, I need to wait until I have those forms before I can return the DS forms saying I'm ready, and book the interview date. But do I need to wait before booking a medical too? I think I probably do, but thought I'd ask to see if anyone knows the rules on this?

I guess basically I'm asking how much can I get done before having the co-sponsor paperwork/forms in my hands?

Did you read the first post in the pinned thread for K1s? There's a lot of info if you will start at the beginning. Start reading then see if you have further questions that weren't explained.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

I should have said pinned thread in the UK forum. This one http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/350185-london-2012-k1s-from-noa2-to-interview-thread/

[lucy884 3]

Ahh you're right, I'm sorry, I should've done more reading before jumping in with a new topic. Thanks for the link, whilst reading it I did realise that I had read it before but it was back before we had even mailed our petition, so didn't mean much at the time!

This was really useful:

Here's the basics of what London needs to get before they assign an interview:

Visa application forms sent in by you to get in the queue. Only forms. No passport photos or documents like birth certificate, police certificate, etc.

Form DS-230 Part I and Part II

Form DS-156 (2 copies)

Form DS-157 (2 copies)

Form DS-156-K (Do not sign it. You will sign at the interview while the officer witnesses. It's an oath)

Medical results. They arrive at the embassy by courier 3-4 days after your medical exam.

Form DS-2001 Readiness for Interview with a cover letter- This is your way of saying you have gathered every document needed for the interview including the I-134 from your fiance. They are in your hands---not on the way.

My only question now is can I send back all the DS forms except DS-2001, go for the medical, and then send that DS-2001 at a later date when I'm ready for an interview date? Or would you recommend I wait until I can send them all at once?

[lucy884 3]

Actually don't worry - I've had a look at some other people's timelines and it looks as though you can send it all back and wait on the readiness form

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Ahh you're right, I'm sorry, I should've done more reading before jumping in with a new topic. Thanks for the link, whilst reading it I did realise that I had read it before but it was back before we had even mailed our petition, so didn't mean much at the time!

This was really useful:

My only question now is can I send back all the DS forms except DS-2001, go for the medical, and then send that DS-2001 at a later date when I'm ready for an interview date? Or would you recommend I wait until I can send them all at once?

You really should wait until London notifies you that they are ready to receive your forms (aka receiving Packet 3), then do as you said. You still have to get in and out of NVC before London even knows about you. But start preparing during this time by doing what is in the list in Post #1 of the pinned thread. NVC will give you a new case number and if you call them, they will tell it to you. Knightsbridge doctors won't give you an appointment until you have that number. You also need the police certificate before the medical appointment, so get your ducks in a row now and be ready when London sends their letter to the beneficiary.

Also note in the quote you did above, the crossed out text didn't come through. It is--

Form DS-230 Part I and Part II to indicate a K1 never does Part II. Throw it in the bin. It's for spouse visas and other immigrant visas.

[lucy884 3]

Honestly thank you so much for all your help. I know I've raced in a bit here so feeling a little silly, but I've spent most of this evening reading many of the threads in more depth and realising with each one that my questions are being answered. Anyway, I know not to send anything off to anyone until the embassy has our file which is likely to take a few weeks and even when I do have all the co-sponsor items and everything else ready, I've read that they're backed up with issuing interview dates at the moment so I'm not holding out much hope for this part to be that much easier than the wait for NOA2.

Time for me to calm down a bit I think...