DS-160: When to Fill Out?

[Howy 3]

Hi, Filipino fiancé here. Our embassy location is at Manila.

 

My American fiancé received an email this February 27 stating the NVC is forwarding the petition to the US Embassy in Manila. We are under the impression this isn’t the “welcome letter” we are supposed to receive that gives us the green light on filling out DS-160.

 

We haven’t received any other letters or emails as of now, but I checked our case status on CEAC and it says “case ready.”

 

Is it advisable to wait for the welcome letter before submitting DS-160? Or is our case status being ready already good enough for us to submit the DS-160?

[wildbug100420 115]

7 minutes ago, Howard L said:

Hi, Filipino fiancé here. Our embassy location is at Manila.

 

My American fiancé received an email this February 27 stating the NVC is forwarding the petition to the US Embassy in Manila. We are under the impression this isn’t the “welcome letter” we are supposed to receive that gives us the green light on filling out DS-160.

 

We haven’t received any other letters or emails as of now, but I checked our case status on CEAC and it says “case ready.”

 

Is it advisable to wait for the welcome letter before submitting DS-160? Or is our case status being ready already good enough for us to submit the DS-160?

If you have case number start filling out. No need to wait for a welcome email or letter that will never come 

[J.M. 237]

For Manila, once you have your MNL case number, you are in the driver's seat.  Everything from that point is up to you to do.  With a "ready" case status, you should complete the DS-160 and pay the MRV fee so you can schedule your interview.  Once you schedule your interview, book your medical appointment.  As was mentioned already, the welcome letter may never even arrive.  We did eventually get one (6 weeks after "ready" status), but you don't need it and should not wait for it.