Do Not Use downloaded computer forms

[Mengxin]

I recieved the bill for $335 (DS230) a few days ago and mailed it back off to them the next day. I was really hoping I would get the 864 though.

 

Note: At the top of the bill it says... "When we recieve your fee you'll receive the DS230. Return only the original application that we send you. Do not use any downloaded computer forms." That's fine with the 230, but if they say the same about the 864 that stinks. Amy and I both went down to the ASC in Beijing to get the 864 notarized while we were together. Even if they say the same thing about not turning in the downloaded 864. They must look at the seal from the embassy in Beijing and know it's for real. right? I would hate to submit the paperwork with the embassy's seal on it and have them turn around and toss it away because it was a "downloaded duplicate."

 

Puuuhlleeeaassse tell me my notarized 864 is still acceptable even though it's a downloaded duplicate.

 

http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/i-864pkg.htm

...couldn't find the 230 download on the USICS website. (good thing)

[tywy_99]

It seems that you would've received the $65 I-864 fee bill before receiving the $335 immigration bill.

 

The P3 that NVC will send you includes the DS-230. It will also include a barcode sheet to send back to NVC.

 

Call NVC and find out about your situation.

The I-864 should still be good. After paying the $65 fee bill, NVC will send the I-864 form along with yet another barcode sheet and instructions.

 

 

DOS forms

http://foia.state.gov/FORMS/visa.asp

[Mengxin]

Thanks again, I did recieve the $65 bill and mailed it back at the begining of the month and the $335 bill at the end of the month. The address was wrong on the 3032 to my wife, thanks to my &%@#$% Laywer again. The only correct page on my G325 was the 1st one. Pgs, 2, 3 and 4 don't go to the department that mails your spouse the 3032, I can tell you that.

It makes no sense to me why they would post the 230 on thier website (fillable even), and then turn around and tell you not to use it. I'll check with them to be sure.

 

...but then again I still don't know how we can use the words Navel and Intellegence in the same sentence either.

[tywy_99]

The DS-230 I received from NVC is no different than the one that can be printed off DOS website, meaning that there is no barcode or GUZ number on the DS-230 sent by NVC. I didn't see anywhere in the instructions about not using a downloadable form. The P3 from NVC does have a barcode sheet that needs to be returned to NVC along with the DS-230 and supporting documents.

 

Things seem to be always changing.......hmmmmm. Maybe that is their way of keeping us off balance......

[tywy_99]

I made a mistake saying "supporting documents" needing to be sent to NVC. All supporting documents, such as, birth c. marriage c., etc. will be needed at time of interview.

 

Unless NVC specifically request certain documents, the only thing to return to NVC will be the completed DS-230, the barcode sheet, and the GIV Packet 3 supplemental information sheet.

 

~sorry.........

[Guest blsqueaky]

Doug, you got my email from NVC, use it, and if you want, copy and place here for other to see

[kfman]

After I received my DS230, I called NVC, and specifically asked that question. Because I had to send the 230 to Shenzhen, she had to sign, and send back.. So they said.. no, I could not use a downloaded form. That is the only time I have seen that statement, and the NVC specifically said, to me anyway, that no download forms are acceptable. So I think you should just have her sign the one they send you, because included with the 230 will be another sheet in chinese for her to fill out, with some questions on it. So instead of trying to jump the gun... save yourself the hassle.. thats what I did.

 

Anyway, thats my thought... have a great day!

[kfman]

I meant no downloaded 230 forms.. sorry.

[Chinese Wife!!!]

Several threads can be found on Visajourney about the DS-230

 

EDIT: I revisited some rather lenghty (AND NEWER COMMENTS) on VJ concerning the DS-230 and there is no clear cut answer. Some people report a bar code on the cover sheet and others say the newer versions is similar or the same as the Rev. that expired earlier this year. I'm anxious to see mine now.

[lassetter]

I am confused, as usual. When I an confused I get uneasy!

I may have fouled-up.

 

If I remember correctly my DS-230 (package 3) that came from Guangzhou (last week) did not have a

barcode.

 

The "downloaded" DS-230 was identical to the one we were sent by Guangzhou. I used it thinking that it looked professional. I thought that the DOS wouldn't create a form that they don't approve.

 

Oddly enough the DS-157 and DS-156 forms they sent us were the "out of date" ones!! I used the forms they sent me.

 

However, the NVC documents I received last week did have a barcode. I am referring to DS-3032 and the form the Affidavit of Support Fee form.

 

Is it possible that Guangzhou is not using the same DS-230 form as NVC.

 

Rupert. (Notice that I am still on Nanning time! I am writing this at 5:00 a.m.)

[Mengxin]

If the original 230 form really needs to be notarized. That adds at least an extra month to the process. It clearly says on the 230 visa bill not to use the downloaded form, but says nothing about it on the website with the fillable form. I would like to play stupid and just say oh I didn't see it, but I'm always the one that gets burnt, so I'll play by the rules. Lao Po isn't going to happy about this.

 

Thanks for your reply Bahan.

 

Maybe they should tell the embassy in Beijing about the "new rule". They were the one's nice enough to notorize my downloaded 230 for me.

[tywy_99]

If the original 230 form  really needs to be notarized. That adds at least an extra month to the process. It clearly says on the 230 visa bill not to use the downloaded form, but says nothing about it on the website with the fillable form. I would like to play stupid and just say oh I didn't see it, but I'm always the one that gets burnt, so I'll play by the rules. Lao Po isn't going to happy about this.

 

Thanks for your reply Bahan.

 

Maybe they should tell the embassy in Beijing about the "new rule". They were the one's nice enough to notorize my downloaded 230 for me.

Now I'm confused!................

 

The DS-230 doesn't get notarized. You must be speaking of the I-864.

 

The DS-230 is only an 'application for an immigration visa' form. What difference does it matter if you burn a copy off the DOS website or any other legitmate site? It is still a DS-230! and really, it's techically your wife's application to fill out.

Unless the DS-230 you received from NVC has your wife's name, barcode, and/or GUZ number already typed in, then it shouldn't matter where you get a copy of the DS-230 from, just as long as it is up-to-date and legitimate.

After paying the $335 immigration fee bill, NVC will mail the P3(DS-230) to you.

 

Your I-864 you had notarized in Beijing should be good enough. You said that you have already paid the $65 AOS fee. When NVC sends the I-864 form/package to you, then use your I-864 you already completed. If your're not happy with that, then just fill out the I-864 that NVC sends to you. You can easily have it notarized anywhere! Just send it back to NVC, in their furnished envelope, along with the 3 years of tax returns, letter of employment and the barcode sheet. No problem! Follow NVC's instructions. They also want the GUZ number written in the upper right-hand corner of every document submitted. That includes both the I-864 and the DS-230 package.

 

%%-good luck!

[lassetter]

I went on the Guangzhou Consulate Website and went through their various (State Department) recommended sites and located the fillable DS-230 form. The form is valid 'till 2007! No Barcode could be seen by me. Are we all talking (writing) at cross-purposes?

 

Rupert

[Mengxin]

If the original 230 form  really needs to be notarized. That adds at least an extra month to the process. It clearly says on the 230 visa bill not to use the downloaded form, but says nothing about it on the website with the fillable form. I would like to play stupid and just say oh I didn't see it, but I'm always the one that gets burnt, so I'll play by the rules. Lao Po isn't going to happy about this.

 

Thanks for your reply Bahan.

 

Maybe they should tell the embassy in Beijing about the "new rule". They were the one's nice enough to notorize my downloaded 230 for me.

Now I'm confused!................

 

The DS-230 doesn't get notarized. You must be speaking of the I-864.

 

The DS-230 is only an 'application for an immigration visa' form. What difference does it matter if you burn a copy off the DOS website or any other legitmate site? It is still a DS-230! and really, it's techically your wife's application to fill out.

Unless the DS-230 you received from NVC has your wife's name, barcode, and/or GUZ number already typed in, then it shouldn't matter where you get a copy of the DS-230 from, just as long as it is up-to-date and legitimate.

After paying the $335 immigration fee bill, NVC will mail the P3(DS-230) to you.

 

Your I-864 you had notarized in Beijing should be good enough. You said that you have already paid the $65 AOS fee. When NVC sends the I-864 form/package to you, then use your I-864 you already completed. If your're not happy with that, then just fill out the I-864 that NVC sends to you. You can easily have it notarized anywhere! Just send it back to NVC, in their furnished envelope, along with the 3 years of tax returns, letter of employment and the barcode sheet. No problem! Follow NVC's instructions. They also want the GUZ number written in the upper right-hand corner of every document submitted. That includes both the I-864 and the DS-230 package.

 

%%-good luck!

Your right. I got confused for a minute. I was talking about the 864. They didn't say that needed to be the original. Only the DS230 does. The "original DS230" still needs to be filled out and signed by the wife, so I still lose. Notary or not

 

The 864 requires Notary signatures by the wife and myself.

[kfman]

Well, there was a barcoded sheet with mine, and again, I stress the NVC stated I could not use a downloaded form. My only thought on all of that, is if you do use the downloaded form and send it in.. they might reject it, which will add even longer to your already delayed journey.

 

The question you should ask yourself is... take a chance or just send your SO the original and even though it might be a few week delay, wouldnt that be better then potentially a month or two??

 

But then, I seem to feel my case is a bit different, because my P3 came from NVC, at least thats what the paperwork said, and I am filing a CR-1.

 

Best of luck on your decision...