What are the common experiences and challenges when applying for a DTV visa in the US?

Thanks for update. I’m submitting mine very soon.

I applied with the Washington DC Consulate as well. My experience has been very different from yours.

I applied on October 20 but could not get my payment to process. I tried different cards and different browsers but nothing worked.

I tried calling and emailing them but could not reach anyone. Finally, someone on this page suggested I call my bank. I did that and it was my bank that blocked the payment as being suspicious.

I was finally able to make the payment October 24 but the problem is that is when the clock starts, not October 20 when I started the process, so I lost 4 days right out the gate.

It is currently showing ‘pending document check’, whatever that means. I also learned that the Police background check I got from a local police department is useless, so I will have to get one they will accept.

So far, I understand that communication is not their forte, so I doubt they will tell me how to get the correct background check.

Please let me know how you got your background check and if they asked for additional information at any time.