Filling out Form DS-230 requires attention to detail and accuracy. Even a small mistake in providing accurate and relevant information can cause problems with the visa application process. Since this form is a major component in the visa process, spending time to ensure that it is correctly filled out is very important. If a person has lived in multiple locations over the last six months how is the information to be provided for the section of Form DS-230 that asks for placed lived in for at least the last 6 months? When the applicant has lived at various places during the relevant period, the information can be provided in an affidavit attached to the form. The locations can also be listed in the form itself in the best possible manner. USCIS normally accepts such forms as long as the information corresponds to the applicant’s records and there is a valid reason for the changes of location. If a visa applicant is engaged to be married to a U.S. citizen, what information is to be provided about the spouse in Form DS-230? Since no wedding has taken place the response to requests for information about the spouse or marriage can be answered with “Not Applicable.” If a mother’s DS-230 application is under process, is clearance for a minor child a separate issue or can it be combined with the mother’s? Is police clearance also required for the child? Each applicant needs to fill out their own DS-230 forms. Except for the U.S. police clearance is mandatory for any country where the applicant has lived after reaching the age of 16. The matter of U.S. clearance is handled by the National Visa Center. Can forms DS-3032 and 230 be signed by a minor? These forms are similar to legally binding contracts and as such cannot be signed by a minor. If signed by a minor it is unlikely that the forms will be accepted by the consulate. A parent or guardian should sing on behalf of the minor. If the names are misspelled in the supporting documents to be submitted along with Form Ds-230 will the application be rejected? There will be a concern that the different spellings could mean that the supporting documents refer to a person other than the applicant. It is safer to have the mistakes corrected. This is normally done by requesting the authority that issued the documents with the misspelled names to issue an addendum that corrects the error. What is the normal time between submitting Form DS-230 and being called for the interview? The interview/appointment is scheduled once the completed form along with supporting documentation has been submitted. This typically takes 3 to 4 weeks but the time frame may vary. In case the applicant receives no information about the interview within 4 weeks of the form being submitted, he or she can make an enquiry about the status of the case. What should a visa applicant do if he/she has no information about the parents as asked for in Form DS-230? Will a lack of information affect the application for a visa? Applicants not having information about their parents is not uncommon. In such cases “Unknown” is normally an acceptable response if the applicant is genuinely ignorant about the parental information asked for. When submitting Form DS-230 what civil documents are to be attached. And what size photos are to be used? The primary civil documents that need to be attached to the form are birth, marriage and (if applicable) adoption certificates. The photographs should be 2x2 passport size. Visa application forms must be filled out very carefully as the information provided will form the basis of the interview questions. Being sure of the meaning of the questions and the appropriate response will go a long way in making the processing of the application a simpler procedure. The best way to ensure that the form is completed correctly is to ask an immigration lawyer for advice and guidance.
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