DS-261 Not Required?

[shumway1756 304]

Hi everyone,

 

So I just received my NVC case number, and the e-mail I received instructs me to immediately pay the required fees (AOS & IV). There is no DS-261 option anywhere, nor do they mention it in the instructions that they sent me.

 

The e-mail simply states:

 

 

Quote

 

To begin processing your immigrant visa application, please take the following steps:

1. Pay the Immigrant Visa Application fee and Affidavit of Support fee through CEAC
2. Submit your visa application form through CEAC

 

 

 

However, the State Dept. website says the first step is to submit DS-261 and allow up to 3 weeks before continuing. I also see here on VJ that everyone keeps mentioning the DS-261.

 

So, does anyone know why this step is missing for me and why NVC instructed me to go straight to paying? The CEAC also has absolutely no options for DS-261. I just want to know if this is normal or if I'm overlooking something here.

 

Case info:

Type: CR1/IR1

Embassy: Bucharest (BCH)

 

I do not have any lawyer or representative, we've done it ourselves from the beginning.

 

Thanks!

Edited June 5, 2018 by shumway88

[Bethany123 56]

There is no DS-261 when you file on CEAC. I have no idea why, but that's what it was for me and others who sent their documents on CEAC. 

[NikLR 13,227]

Maybe they've realized the form is redundant. 

Edited June 6, 2018 by NikLR

[maryLu 58]

On 6/5/2018 at 12:54 PM, shumway88 said:

Hi everyone,

 

So I just received my NVC case number, and the e-mail I received instructs me to immediately pay the required fees (AOS & IV). There is no DS-261 option anywhere, nor do they mention it in the instructions that they sent me.

 

The e-mail simply states:

 

 

 

 

However, the State Dept. website says the first step is to submit DS-261 and allow up to 3 weeks before continuing. I also see here on VJ that everyone keeps mentioning the DS-261.

 

So, does anyone know why this step is missing for me and why NVC instructed me to go straight to paying? The CEAC also has absolutely no options for DS-261. I just want to know if this is normal or if I'm overlooking something here.

 

Case info:

Type: CR1/IR1

Embassy: Bucharest (BCH)

 

I do not have any lawyer or representative, we've done it ourselves from the beginning.

 

Thanks!

After you pay the visa fee it takes  a few business day for the payment to be processed, once processed you can fill out the immigrant visa application, DS 260.

[dilawar 0]

In some case petitioner doesn't need to ds-261. 

and petitioner can sign in DS-260 as applicant / beneficiary.