Packet-4 to US address or... & POE questions

[RK_0629]

Hello folks,

A few questions hope you guys can help:

1) I would like to receive my P-4 in the US instead of receiving at my overseas address: What are the pros/cons ?

2) What is the preferred place (normally) to receive the packet-4 - Is it by default at the local overseas address or the US address ?

3) Researching some of the CP interview experiences I noticed that Consular officer asking when you were leaving back to the US after the CP interview - what is the significance of this question here ? I understand you have 180 days to get back

4) How long does it normally take to receive the immigration packet and passports back from the consulate - Is (max) 4 days a reasonable assumption - this is just for planning the stay

5) Do we have to tell the consular officer about our POE in the US and the date planned ? What if it becomes necessary to change POE and/or date of arrival at POE ?

Thanks in advance for your comments.


RK

 

[kd1403]

1) I would like to receive my P-4 in the US instead of receiving at my overseas address: What are the pros/cons ?
Answer: P4 reaches your home country address faster than an address in usa due to the mailing time. No other pro/ con.

2) What is the preferred place (normally) to receive the packet-4 - Is it by default at the local overseas address or the US address ?
Answer: I have requested my p4 to my usa address but will also have a friend pick up a p4 duplicate from bbay consulate. you can do the same.

3) Researching some of the CP interview experiences I noticed that Consular officer asking when you were leaving back to the US after the CP interview - what is the significance of this question here ? I understand you have 180 days to get back
Answer: Yes there is the 180 day rule and may be thats why the CO may be asking so that CP applicant is aware that he/ she needs to return to usa in less than 180 days. Sooner the better is the rule of thumb.

4) How long does it normally take to receive the immigration packet and passports back from the consulate - Is (max) 4 days a reasonable assumption - this is just for planning the stay
Answer: It is normally the same evening by 4-5pm unless if there were errors with names or if there were other typos. If there is a situation such as typos then one can pick it up next day.

5) Do we have to tell the consular officer about our POE in the US and the date planned ? What if it becomes necessary to change POE and/or date of arrival at POE ?
Answer: If asked then inform the CO about the date and POE. If dates and / or POE needs to change after CP interview it should not be a problem as long as you return within 180 days of the interview. But again...it is recommended to return sooner!

 

[RK_0629]

Thanks kdivekar! this answers my questions.

RK

 

[kd1403]

if you plan to have your friend / family pick up a duplicate p4 ...then provide them with your BMB number as this is required. Also make sure that you / your folks in india wait for 2 weeks after the p4 has been mailed to you in usa before asking for a duplicate p4.

 

[RK_0629]

Having a duplicate copy is definitely good. I would guess all that is needed is an authorization letter addressed to US consulate, authorizing your relatives/friends to pick-up ?? Any experience ?

RK

 

[kd1403]

To the best of knowledge, there is no need for authorization letter. But if you can mail one such letter ahead of time that would be a plus. Just have your folks / friends take a print out of your appointment confirmation number from the consulate website and also carry a form of identity such as drivers license, ration card or passport.

 

[cpDelhi]

Address in India

Originally posted by RK_0629
Having a duplicate copy is definitely good. I would guess all that is needed is an authorization letter addressed to US consulate, authorizing your relatives/friends to pick-up ?? Any experience ?

RK

You may also e-mail your local Indian address to the consulate and the consulate will send a copy of Packet 4 to the local address. In this way, you or your folks don't have to go to the Us embassy with passport/rationcard/driver licence.

Thanks.

 

[singarb]

Where do you specify the address to receive the P4?

Thanks.

 

[kd1403]

Question 11 on DS 230 PArt 1...i think. I am pretty sure it is in Packet 3...not 100% sure answer to which question decides the mailing address for p4.