How to submit DS-160 .DAT file for my parents

[mimeport]

Hi, I'm sponsoring my parents B2 visa and I'm planning on saving the DS-160 as a .DAT file and send it over to my parents to submit it from India (as I heard it is the preferable that way). I'm starting with my Dad's DS-160; I have completed it, but the option to enter my mom's DS-160 (family option) only comes AFTER my Dad's form is submitted (by my parents after opening the .DAT file I sent).

So, how do I complete the DS-160 for my mother and send a .DAT file for her to submit? Should I save my Dad's first and then start a NEW DS-160 (without family option) for my mom and save it as .DAT? Then how will my Dad upload my mom's .DAT file? Kinda confusing.

Could anybody shed some light on this for me please? specifically the steps to follow? Will be of great help for me and to others who are in the same boat.

Thanks
Mimeport

[mimeport]

Anybody could help me out in my scenario please

Anybody could help me out in my scenario please? Admin?

[kabkaba]

You can prepare two separate dats and send them. They can submit separately.
Interview can still be together.

[mimeport]

Thank you kabkaba! So for my mom's DS-160, no matter I go with 'family option' or not, it creates a NEW and unique Application Id and Confirmation number after final submit? OR are these numbers SAME for both parents, if we go with family option?

[kabkaba]

Separate barcode numbers are generated irrespective of how you fill the forms. Each applicant must submit separate forms. You should also enter your name as person who helped in preparation of the forms. But your parents should press the final submit button.

[mimeport]

Thank you

Thank you Kabkaba! Very helpful!

[mimeport]

[Update] Instead of sending in .DAT files, I sent them the Application Id and asked them to 'Retrieve Application' and submit it from India. I think this is much simpler than sending .DAT files. .DAT file upload requires them to re-enter certain travel info and language known and security questions.