Welcome Letter/embassy instructions requirement? I-129F

[turonpapi 0]

Hello - I feel like I've seen some mixed experiences on this topic across different countries/visa types - we've yet to receive a Welcome Letter though our Manila Case # for NVC was given in January (K1-FTP) and thus we started gathering documents in preparation for the eventual Visa Interview. I've inquired through the NVC website about the Welcome letter and so has my fiance with the embassy Manila- she recently received a response from them stating "For the applicant to be eligible for a visa interview, we need to receive both the electronic and physical files...It is important to note that we cannot conduct an interview without the physical file"

We are a bit concerned we are just waiting this out without real action from us - DS-160 is filled out, extra documents prepared for 1-134, fees payed, and keeping a close eye on the appointment scheduling site. We're worried it'll be months or longer for them to reach out to us again. Is it absolutely crucial for us to wait on official instructions to come to her after they have the physical file?

[Lemonslice 4,996]

Do you mean the interview letter?  The welcome letter, in my personal experience, was given to me AFTER the interview by the consular officer.  

[Edward and Jaycel 862]

If your case status in CEAC says “Ready”, you do NOT need to wait for a welcome letter to schedule your interview in Manila for a K-1. They are hot or miss in sending them out.