HELP! Do photos need to be sent back with Packet 3?

[no name 1]

http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/...processing.html

Seems rather clear.

Actually, it's not. At least, not about the OP's question. Nor about other questions. There are statements in there that contradict VJer experience and the forms and the checklist that gets mailed out (esp re the medical exam, for example).

The DS-230-I should be completed and returned immediately to the Immigrant Visa Unit at 5 Upper Grosvenor Street, London, W1A 2JB, in order for the Embassy to begin the administrative processing of the application. Failure to return the DS-230-I promptly will delay the processing of the application. At the same time, please complete and return the form DS-156 and DS-156K and DS-157 if applicable.

On the form, it says there is a space for a photo, so, while returning DS-156 (along with the DS-230, DS-156K/DS-157), I would include photos required. Seems clear to me.

[TimsDaisy 0]

http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/...processing.html

Seems rather clear.

Actually, it's not. At least, not about the OP's question. Nor about other questions. There are statements in there that contradict VJer experience and the forms and the checklist that gets mailed out (esp re the medical exam, for example).

The DS-230-I should be completed and returned immediately to the Immigrant Visa Unit at 5 Upper Grosvenor Street, London, W1A 2JB, in order for the Embassy to begin the administrative processing of the application. Failure to return the DS-230-I promptly will delay the processing of the application. At the same time, please complete and return the form DS-156 and DS-156K and DS-157 if applicable.

On the form, it says there is a space for a photo, so, while returning DS-156 (along with the DS-230, DS-156K/DS-157), I would include photos required. Seems clear to me.

it's clear to you based on the presumptions that YOU make based on YOUR reading of those instructions. But since the language you quote does not so much as mention photos themselves, the language is not a clear answer of anything. and others have asked similar questions in the past, implying that it is common area of confusion for filers. Part of those forms don't even get completed (signed) until the interview anyway.

Want to move this thread back to the UK forum now?

[no name 1]

The DS-230-I should be completed and returned immediately to the Immigrant Visa Unit at 5 Upper Grosvenor Street, London, W1A 2JB, in order for the Embassy to begin the administrative processing of the application. Failure to return the DS-230-I promptly will delay the processing of the application. At the same time, please complete and return the form DS-156 and DS-156K and DS-157 if applicable.

On the form, it says there is a space for a photo, so, while returning DS-156 (along with the DS-230, DS-156K/DS-157), I would include photos required. Seems clear to me.

it's clear to you based on the presumptions that YOU make based on YOUR reading of those instructions. But since the language you quote does not so much as mention photos themselves, the language is not a clear answer of anything. and others have asked similar questions in the past, implying that it is common area of confusion for filers. Part of those forms don't even get completed (signed) until the interview anyway.

Want to move this thread back to the UK forum now?

Not sure why you want oto fight every thing I write but hey, your call.

I read instructions on forms & I would like to think VJers do as well. So yes, I would include a 2" x 2" photo, as noted on page 1 of P3. (http://www.visajourney.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=13&pos=0)

Part of the embassy's instructions were omitted, forgive me.

What do I do first?

The biographic data form DS-23O-I should be completed for each person applying for a visa, regardless of age. The form may be photocopied if insufficient copies are received for each family member. The DS-230-I should be completed and returned immediately to the Immigrant Visa Unit at 5 Upper Grosvenor Street, London, W1A 2JB, in order for the Embassy to begin the administrative processing of the application. Failure to return the DS-230-I promptly will delay the processing of the application. At the same time, please complete and return the form DS-156 and DS-156K and DS-157 if applicable. Note: Please do not sign the the DS-156 or DS-156K. The forms must be signed before a consular officer on the day of the visa interview.

What is the second step?

Assemble all of the relevant documents required in support of your application and forward the document checklist, IV-15, to the Immigrant Visa Unit. These documents must not be mailed to the Embassy. You will be required to furnish the original of all documents and one copy on the day of the formal visa interview and medical examination.

Edited May 23, 2007 by devilette

[phila 0]

Yes there are spaces on the forms requiring photos, but I can see how you would be unclear. Each embassy offers a different set of directions, I can only speak for the Ankara Embassy. They clearly explain that photos must be submitted with the application, and even list the approved places to get the photo taken properly.

That being said, we are erring on the side of caution. We make two of everything- one set to send in and one set to bring to the interview.

It's not that much extra work- and brings enormous piece of mind!

Good Luck

[psho 0]

http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/...processing.html

Seems rather clear.

Actually, it's not. At least, not about the OP's question. Nor about other questions. There are statements in there that contradict VJer experience and the forms and the checklist that gets mailed out (esp re the medical exam, for example).

The DS-230-I should be completed and returned immediately to the Immigrant Visa Unit at 5 Upper Grosvenor Street, London, W1A 2JB, in order for the Embassy to begin the administrative processing of the application. Failure to return the DS-230-I promptly will delay the processing of the application. At the same time, please complete and return the form DS-156 and DS-156K and DS-157 if applicable.

On the form, it says there is a space for a photo, so, while returning DS-156 (along with the DS-230, DS-156K/DS-157), I would include photos required. Seems clear to me.

Going by the recent experience of JamalnTam (from the Consulate review section):

He asked for my birth cert, divorce cert, police cert, 2 passport photos and the I-134, which I handed to him.

and featherB:

She took my passport photos and stuck them onto the DS-156s, and asked for my birth certificate (and copy), police certificate (and copy), and the affidavit of support.

It appears that the passport-style photos are not required untl the interview (which was my original question) -- at least for London.

Thanks to everyone who weighed in on this!