Preparing for the US Embassy on Jamaica... can you help?

[OK&MK 17]

I have a few questions about US embassy in Kingston:

1. How quick are they processing Visas after the interview? How quickly are people receiving their visas in hand? Are those who are picking up their visas in Montego bay experiencing a longer wait than those picking them up in Kingston?

2. For anyone who has scheduled an interview recently, do you think it possible to get an interview in early September still? I just received my NOA2 so I know this may be ambitious but I still wanted to ask.

3. Has anyone experienced issues because of medical reports not getting there in time for your interview?

4. Did anyone actually obtain the Non-Impediment to Marriage Certificate for their interview? Did the IO even ask for it?

5. How is the new online process for completing the DS-156/156k, paying fees, etc?

Thanks in advance fir the help!!!!!!

[Pinkrlion 2,720]

To address your questions, the process for JA has changed since March 2013, so things are extremely different than before in receiving your visa.

1. JA is extremely slow in processing the visa after the interview. Expect a wait of at least 6-8 weeks for visa to be issued. Everyone goes through AP at our embassy, but it is not extensive like other embassies. If you pick up visa at Kingston or Montego Bay, it is still the same process. You go to DHL stand and pick it up.

2. Interviews are scheduled randomly depending upon the class of the petition. Once you submit your DS-230 part I, then you will be scheduled for the interview. It is not a guarantee that you will have a September interview.

3. You pick up your own medical report, and the pick up is usually within two days of your interview.

4. It is required for the interview, if you do not submit it, you will be denied. You do not have proof that you are free and legally able to marry. Yes, they do check your documents. that is why you have a two hour wait before the interview. they are reviewing the documents that you brought with you to the interview.

5. IDK, I am from the process previous to March.

I would suggest looking at the Consulate review section for JA, and the Consulate information for JA. Also, more information on the next step is at http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_2994.html

Good Luck!!!!

[OK&MK 17]

To address your questions, the process for JA has changed since March 2013, so things are extremely different than before in receiving your visa.

1. JA is extremely slow in processing the visa after the interview. Expect a wait of at least 6-8 weeks for visa to be issued. Everyone goes through AP at our embassy, but it is not extensive like other embassies. If you pick up visa at Kingston or Montego Bay, it is still the same process. You go to DHL stand and pick it up.

2. Interviews are scheduled randomly depending upon the class of the petition. Once you submit your DS-230 part I, then you will be scheduled for the interview. It is not a guarantee that you will have a September interview.

3. You pick up your own medical report, and the pick up is usually within two days of your interview.

4. It is required for the interview, if you do not submit it, you will be denied. You do not have proof that you are free and legally able to marry. Yes, they do check your documents. that is why you have a two hour wait before the interview. they are reviewing the documents that you brought with you to the interview.

5. IDK, I am from the process previous to March.

I would suggest looking at the Consulate review section for JA, and the Consulate information for JA. Also, more information on the next step is at http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_2994.html

Good Luck!!!!

Thank you PinkrLion, very helpful.

I was afraid that it was taking a month+ to receive approved visa/passport back/final packet. Oye :-(. Well, at least we can prepare ourselves mentally for that.

I didn't realize you picked up your medical exam and take it with you, I thought I had been scouring VJ thoroughly but I suppose not. And the non-impediment to marriage certificate, I just hadn't seen much talk about this document so I just wanted to double check.

Thanks again!!!

[Pinkrlion 2,720]

Consulate Information: http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/index.php?ctry=Jamaica&cty=Kingstone

Consulate Reviews: http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/index.php?cnty=Jamaica

[nadi2444 2]

To answer question about non impedement form yes it is required and mandatory you can obtain it from the same place that issues the birth certificates in that area.

The online process for the forms are perfect! Although with the 157 you have to bring in a paper copy as well to the interview. The DS-230 fill that out ASAP! I had my fiancé sighn it and return it to me as soon as I new I was approved. This way I could email it to them the moment I got my KNG number from DOS. The sooner you email the DS-230 the sooner your interview is scheduled usually 5 weeks from the date they receive your emailed DS-230

[OK&MK 17]

To answer question about non impedement form yes it is required and mandatory you can obtain it from the same place that issues the birth certificates in that area.

The online process for the forms are perfect! Although with the 157 you have to bring in a paper copy as well to the interview. The DS-230 fill that out ASAP! I had my fiancé sighn it and return it to me as soon as I new I was approved. This way I could email it to them the moment I got my KNG number from DOS. The sooner you email the DS-230 the sooner your interview is scheduled usually 5 weeks from the date they receive your emailed DS-230

You are a Gem! Thanks so much for this info! Fiancée has DS230 already so I'll make sure we have that ready to email once we get our KNG#. Awesome! Thanks sooo much Nadi2444!

Just to confirm, I can't do anything on the online system until I have my case number from NVC/DOS or is it until I have my KNG#?

Have a blessed one!

[nadi2444 2]

YOur welcome. Your KNG is yOur case number. And no you cant do anything without it. As when you send them items via email the case number has to appear in the subject line

[wanderingspell 7]

I got my passport back from dhl with my visa in it a week after my interview.

[OK&MK 17]

I got my passport back from dhl with my visa in it a week after my interview.

Where did you have your visa sent, Kingston or Mo Bay?

When did you interview, was it recently?

Did you do anything extra to ensure you go your visa so quickly? Any tips?