Cannot get a VAC appointment before Embassy appointment - Greencard Parents

[Ani_FL2021]

Morning folks,

So I got an email from NVC for my parents on 12/21/2021 stating that a US Embassy interview has been scheduled for them on 01/05/2022. Which is like really short notice. We rushed to get the medical exam scheduled and also the VAC. Medical exam seems will be done prior to the appointment but the VAC Biometric appointment was only available to be done on 01/10/2022, which is 5 days after the VISA interview appointment. Tried other cities too but no luck.

Sent an email to the customer service and got a generic response saying, we can't guarantee a specific date for a reschedule. Which I guess I understand.

However, they didn't shed any light on the current interview appointment that has been scheduled for the 5th of Jan 2022.

So questions:

1. Can my parents still make the interview appointment without the biometric and potentially explain their situation?
2. Can we walk-in at the biometric location and request do get it done that way.
3. If we are out of luck for the first two options will the missed appointment on the 5th of Jan 2022 be considered a No-Show? and if yes, are there any adverse actions for the a no show eg. reject the application and so on...or will they just give us a new appointment whenever they have slots open (which could potentially be months).
4. If the interview get pushed forward, will my parents have to perform the medial again? and if so, how long is the medical valid?

Thank you in advance.

Appreciate it.
Ani

[sp2021]

Ani,

My parents are in the same situation. Interview is on Jan 6th, medical on Jan 3rd. Biometric is end of Jan. Have you been able to gather information on what they should do?

Thanks.

[khanmurtuza]

I am in the similar situation and did not get any get good response when I called them or emailed. Wondering if you were able to resolve this issue.

[sp2021]

Please check the scheduling website again. Several slots opened up for January (Mumbai). I was able to reschedule for Jan 4th.

[Ani_FL2021]

So I kept checking the website for open slots and was able to move the appointment to the 5th @ 11:00 am which is the same day as the VISA appointment but after the the interview time (07:30am), which technically does not help. But whatever!! I was atleast able to move it the same day. But now, we have a totally different problem. we initiated the PCC but unlike the last time, they said the PCC will come in by mail in 3 weeks....F%#king Awesome!!!

Anybody has experience with a No-show? how does it work.

Also, how long is the medical and PCC valid for according to NVC rules.

Thank you for your responses.

This has been not easy!!!

Ani

[rahultcs]

Ani_FL2021 Same issue with PCC for my father a well. He went for PCC ( Delhi) but it will take time. Have the one from Feb 2020. No clue how they treat it. Accept, 221G - mail PCC later with passport, No show. Any information, keep on posting. NVC site says PCC valid for 2 year. Mumbai site says 1 year. No option but to attend and see.

[Ani_FL2021]

rahultcs , so we were literally on the VAC website as if it was Kanye West's yeezy drop and we wanted to buy it as quick as possible....!!! Finally were able to get an appointment for the 2nd of Jan. PCC is still a "uncertain factor" but my parents will be going to the VISA on the scheduled date and showing the one from Feb 2020. If questioned than I am also having them take a print out of the State Departments website stating that PCC is valid for 2 years, if that doesn't work, lets just hope they do as you mentioned here...issue a 221G and do it on the back end of it....fingers crossed...

In the mean time I have asked my mother to go to the passport office and do that "Indian *****" to see if they can expedite it...she has like a whole 2 days from the VAC appointment till the VISA appointment to make something work. Hopefully she makes it happen.....!!!

[rahultcs]

Ani_FL2021
thanks. Same here VAC in Delhi on 2’nd. Mumbai appointment on 5’th. PCC not in hand as yet. Will also try the NVC site 2 years and passport seva online status printout if it does not come until 3’rd . Keeping fingers crossed.

[sp2021]

Ani_FL2021 and rahultcs your parent's interviews are on the 5th. Can you please share their interview experience? My parent's interview is on the 6th. My parents have a PCC that is more than one year old too. We tried to get a new one, but it will not come before their interview.

[rahultcs]

My dad just finished interview. Got approved. 8:30 interview, got done by 11. No unusual question. Just who is sponsoring, what does he do? Smooth process. We did get PCC the day before interview ( he had left for Mumbai) printed a copy, it was accepted.

[sp2021]

Congratulations!

Thank you for posting the update. We are still waiting for PCC.

[Ani_FL2021]

sp2021 . Congrats Rahultcs. Same with my parents. They went in for theirs this morning at Mumbai consulate and got approved. took a little while with documents and all that, but they got approved. YAY!!!! PCC never came, we went with the old one, but it didn't matter it seems. See below itinerary for their visit:

step1: wait outside and check appointment letter/email
step2: go inside get a token number
step3: go to document window to get your documents accessed and ready for the VISA officer (This step is done by a desi lady/guy)
step4: Wait to get called for the actual interview - (they waited for 1.5 - 2 hours before they were called)
step5: Interview (Had opted for Marathi translator, but my mom is comfortably fluent so they didn't use the translator even if there was one at their disposal)
Interview Details: - a. Starts with greeting of the day (happy New year...all that....) and the Oath!!! with their hand up.
b. Where does your son work and live ? A: He works for .............and lives in FL
c. When was the last time you spoke to your son? A: We speak everyday on facetime
d. How long has been in florida? A: he has been in forida for.....
step6: The translator said, "congratulations your VISA is approved"
step7: They get two sheets with instructions on paying the immigrant fees to USCIS. No more physical packets to carry during travel. Its all electronic. Passport will come to your home if you opted for premium service.
step8: Step out of the consulate

Tip: Have someone drive them and wait for them so that they can keep their Phones (if they don't they will have an opportunity to do so once inside, so don't worry) and food and water back in the car with them. Try to eat some stuffy snack before you go in. It might take a minute and you don't want to get hungry and not thinking straight.

This should be easy!! good luck... let us know how it goes...

[sp2021]

Congratulations Ani_FL2021 to you and your parents as well. Thank you for posting their experience.

Our RPO sent us electronic copies of their PCCs earlier this morning! I am glad it was not an issue for your parents.

[rahultcs]

Ani_FL2021 Congratulations. Glad that it worked out well for you.

[sp2021]

My parent's was approved too!!

They accepted the old PCC. They did not want the new one.