CEAC says "Ready", advice on when to submit DS-160 and schedule Interview? (UK)

[smilingstone 167]

Just checked the CEAC tracker and my case number now says "Ready"! 

 

From what I understand, I'm now able to complete/submit my DS-160 but I am aware that on this form I will need to provide travel history. My issue here is that I'm due to take a trip to see my fiancé in a little over 2 weeks, and know that I can't provide dates of trips waiting to happen. Would you advise I hang fire on the DS-160 til I return, or complete it now and bring up the more recent trip at interview?

 

Am I correct in thinking that I can't schedule a medical/interview before submitting the DS-160? Or can I now start to explore possible dates in advance of that?

 

Additionally, can anyone tell me how long the DS-160 is valid for after submission? If I submit it in October, will it still be valid til Nov/Dec/beyond?

 

FYI, I am still yet to receive any direct contact from London (in case this factors into things).

 

Wow, it feels like everything I've been reading for 6+ months immediately left my head now that it's crunch time!

 

Thank you!  

[ScarletWitch6x 62]

On 9/30/2024 at 9:14 AM, smilingstone said:

Am I correct in thinking that I can't schedule a medical/interview before submitting the DS-160? Or can I now start to explore possible dates in advance of that?

Correct - you need the confirmation # to access the scheduling site. 

 

On 9/30/2024 at 9:14 AM, smilingstone said:

Additionally, can anyone tell me how long the DS-160 is valid for after submission?

I believe one year. 

 

On 9/30/2024 at 9:14 AM, smilingstone said:

FYI, I am still yet to receive any direct contact from London (in case this factors into things)

We scheduled his medical and interview before the embassy reached out. Once it says ready I would recommend getting your ducks in a row. We got lucky and stumbled across an appointment that opened up in the month we wanted...had we not it would have meant waiting until they opened the next month's up.

 

On 9/30/2024 at 9:14 AM, smilingstone said:

My issue here is that I'm due to take a trip to see my fiancé in a little over 2 weeks, and know that I can't provide dates of trips waiting to happen. Would you advise I hang fire on the DS-160 til I return, or complete it now and bring up the more recent trip at interview?

The DS160 is what they look at before your interview to determine questions, eligibility, and concerns. You can always mention you had another visit in the interview.

[smilingstone 167]

@ScarletWitch6xthankyou! So does London only release slots during the current month? 

 

I did seemingly half register by providing the DS-160 number despite not submitting it. I got to the point it asks for payment but could see the soonest available date, no sort of calendar view. 

 

I'm hoping to schedule Nov/Dec so am wondering if it's worth just waiting until I return from my trip on early Nov to do the next steps. Do you think that's sensible? 

[ScarletWitch6x 62]

On 10/5/2024 at 7:17 AM, smilingstone said:

'm hoping to schedule Nov/Dec so am wondering if it's worth just waiting until I return from my trip on early Nov to do the next steps. Do you think that's sensible? 

I would set up as much as you can now...they may start opening November appointments mid to late October. Better to have it all set up and to be prepared than not. I'm not sure exactly when they release appointments...we did our paperwork in July and got an end-of-August appointment. 

[smilingstone 167]

12 hours ago, ScarletWitch6x said:

I would set up as much as you can now...they may start opening November appointments mid to late October. Better to have it all set up and to be prepared than not. I'm not sure exactly when they release appointments...we did our paperwork in July and got an end-of-August appointment. 

 

You're right. Me and my fiancé discussed it and the reasons I was holding off weren't really reasons at all. I've submitted my DS-160 and paid the fee. I'll just have to let them know I travelled since submitting (but isn't an issue from what I read).

 

The date booker is showing slots up to 14th Nov, which is unfortunately a little too soon for me due to work implications. I'll be keeping an eye on it and hoping they start releasing for the back-end of Nov soon.

 

Thank you again!

Edited October 8 by smilingstone