Apply Now or Wait?

[abaa 21]

My fiancé and I have had our case received by the embassy in Manila and the status is showing “Ready.” My fiancé’s Philippine passport will expire with less than 6 month remaining so we are in the process of renewing the passport. The appointment for passport renewal is on 3/31 and  the given timeframe to receive the new passport is 4-6 weeks. I would like to start the DS-160 application now and provide the embassy an updated passport number if possible so we can secure an appointment. However, if trying to provide a new passport number other than the one provided in the application causes a problem, I think it would be better to wait and start the DS-160 after the passport is received. I’ve reached out to the embassy for guidance, however, my phone calls have been disconnected and the email response I received did not address my question. Does anyone know the best course of action in this situation?

[Chancy 6,243]

30 minutes ago, abaa said:

My fiancé’s Philippine passport will expire with less than 6 month remaining so we are in the process of renewing the passport.

 

Submit the DS-160 using the existing passport number, so your fiance can pay the MRV fee and schedule the K1 interview sooner.  No need to wait for the new passport.  Those Manila K1 interview slots run out fast.  Just make sure to select an interview date after the conservative estimate for passport delivery.

 

After your fiance gets the new passport, register for passport pickup/delivery on the USTravelDocs portal using the new passport number.  Bring both old and new passports to the visa interview.  No problem with presenting a new passport at the interview, as long as it is valid for more than 6 months.

 

[abaa 21]

16 minutes ago, Chancy said:

 

Submit the DS-160 using the existing passport number, so your fiance can pay the MRV fee and schedule the K1 interview sooner.  No need to wait for the new passport.  Those Manila K1 interview slots run out fast.  Just make sure to select an interview date after the conservative estimate for passport delivery.

 

After your fiance gets the new passport, register for passport pickup/delivery on the USTravelDocs portal using the new passport number.  Bring both old and new passports to the visa interview.  No problem with presenting a new passport at the interview, as long as it is valid for more than 6 months.

 

Thank you, I appreciate the information.

[hunny&me 277]

In addition to above, as per current experiences of interview goers (reference FB pages), applicant is sent out to update their form online and return inside.  To avoid this hassle (applicant is not carrying any electronics), once  nearing interview date and got the new passport, request embassy open the form for update (if it is not yet open), and update prior to interview date.

[abaa 21]

8 minutes ago, hunny&me said:

In addition to above, as per current experiences of interview goers (reference FB pages), applicant is sent out to update their form online and return inside.  To avoid this hassle (applicant is not carrying any electronics), once  nearing interview date and got the new passport, request embassy open the form for update (if it is not yet open), and update prior to interview date.

Thank you, I will try to do that so we can secure the interview date now and not have any confusion at the interview.