Ack! DS-156: Question 36!!

[EmilyRugBurn 0]

Me.. again! (Ugh, sorry. I searched and searched and I found different answers.)

So I went through the DS-156 I filled out back in November and I found a speeeling misstake so I thought I'd better fill it out again. Then something struck me.

Question #36 asks: "Has Anyone Ever Filed an immigrant Visa Petition on Your Behalf?" I originally answered "no" because the word "ever" suggested to me that they were asking if someone had filed on my behalf before this current petition. But, after a search, I found that people have suggested otherwise (the ever-knowledgable Yodrak disagrees with a "no" answer here), even thought the sample on this site says to answer "no" to this question.

So, I guess I'm asking other K-3ers; What did you do?

Also, I noticed that there is a space for my photo to be affixed to this form (and since I need 2 copies, I'm assuming I'll need 2 pictures). Do *I* go ahead and glue the pictures to the form or is that something "they" take care of? (Common sense suggests that I refrain from gluing anything to the form, then, if I find I *do* need to attach pictures I can always just do it.)

Sorry for starting all the new topics lately; I really am using the search function but I'm just not finding the (definitive) answers I need.

Thanks again, VJers!

~ Em

[misa 2]

I answered "yes" and answered "husband" since my husband did file a I-130 for me. The DS-156 is used for a variety of different petitions (looks like they use for a B2 as well) so that's probably why they ask.

As for the picture, I'm going to let the consulate affix it for me. I'm pretty sure they handle that.

[EmilyRugBurn 0]

I answered "yes" and answered "husband" since my husband did file a I-130 for me.

Thanks, misa! I put my husband's name instead of just "husband" (I tried to put both "husband" and his name but it wouldn't fit.) Jeez Louise, I just hate it when the wording of (important!) questions is left to an individual's interpretation.

What I might do is bring two DS-156s with me; one where I've answered "no" to question #36 and one where I've answered "yes". Then I can just ask someone at the consulate to clarify the meaning of that question and give s/he the correct form depending on the answer. Since the question is unclear, I'm sure they get both responses (so I'm sure both are acceptable), but it wouldn't hurt to bring both versions, I guess.

[misa 2]

Ha! I just put "husband" because his name by itself wouldn't fit! I will clarify at the consulate with them as well when I submit it.

[EmilyRugBurn 0]

Ha! I just put "husband" because his name by itself wouldn't fit!

Hmm, you make a good point. Perhaps there is only a small amount of space to answer that question because they only want a short answer, like "spouse", "parent", "sibling", etc...?

Ech, who knows?!

[Ron/Sharon 0]

Oh well, I answered no so I should be hearing back from them.

As for the pictures, I called last week and was told that I could do it or they could my choice, so what I did was mail them in a photo folder with the packet.

Remember I was wrong once and regarding the photos maybe twice.

Ron

[EmilyRugBurn 0]

Oh well, I answered no so I should be hearing back from them.

As for the pictures, I called last week and was told that I could do it or they could my choice, so what I did was mail them in a photo folder with the packet.

Ron

Hi Ron,

So you sent your photos and the DS-156 to Montreal (with your checklist and DS-230 Part 1)?

It's my understanding that we are to bring the 2 photos and the DS-156 (and DS-230 Part 2, etc...) with us to the interview in MTL.

Colour me confused!

[mozplay 29]

The rules have changed about sending things in, so I don't know about the pictures, however, as a K1 - I answered 'no' to the questions on the form.

[Ron/Sharon 0]

Straight from the consulate:

The answer to the Question #36 on the DS156 for first time filers is No and in the space available add the petitioners name with a note stating First petition filed.

[Allie 5]

When I sent my packet 3 back to Mtl in Jan I sent the pics attached . On a follow up e-mail I sent to them inquiring if 2 additional pics would be required at the interview I was told there would be no need to take 2 more pics for the interview as I already included them with everything else for packet 3

[EmilyRugBurn 0]

Straight from the consulate:

The answer to the Question #36 on the DS156 for first time filers is No and in the space available add the petitioners name with a note stating First petition filed.

Ah ha! Thanks so much for finding this!

Okay, so it's "no" for first time filers. But there isn't enough space (since these forms are now required to be filled out electronically) to add the petitioners name and a note stating it's the 1st petition filed. Doh!

[misa 2]

Straight from the consulate:

The answer to the Question #36 on the DS156 for first time filers is No and in the space available add the petitioners name with a note stating First petition filed.

Ah ha! Thanks so much for finding this!

Okay, so it's "no" for first time filers. But there isn't enough space (since these forms are now required to be filled out electronically) to add the petitioners name and a note stating it's the 1st petition filed. Doh!

But those who answered "no" were K1 applicants and K1 applicants don't file an "immigrant visa petition" whereas K3s do with the initial I-130. I'm still going to leave in "yes" in mine since there was an I-130 filed on my behalf and I'm taking the question at face value.

Edited March 14, 2007 by misa

[EmilyRugBurn 0]

But those who answered "no" were K1 applicants and K1 applicants don't file an "immigrant visa petition" whereas K3s do with the initial I-130. I'm still going to leave in "yes" in mine since there was an I-130 filed on my behalf and I'm taking the question at face value.

Yes, excellent point. This makes sense for K-3 applicants. I will answer "yes" as well, since, yes, an I-130 has been filed on my behalf. Although, one would have to have been filed in order to even be eligible for a K-3 -- so not only is that question unclear, but it is also redundant.

[misa 2]

There are soooo many things in this process that are redundant!

[EmilyRugBurn 0]

There are soooo many things in this process that are redundant!

Ain't that the truth!!

It's like we're having to answer to the "Department of Redundancy Department", fer heck sakes!