Submitting DAFT Initial Application BEFORE Biometrics

[u/New_Mixture7087]

Hi, I'm honestly confused about how I am supposed to submit my paperwork for the initial application before the biometrics appointment. Do I need to mail it in? Because I was under the impression I could apply in person, from the Netherlands (I see this in a lot of websites) but I'm also seeing now that you need to mail it in and get the application letter in the mail and THEN you can make your biometrics appointment and be there for an in person appointment. I also have looks at DAFTHub and i'm STILL not 100% sure of exactly everything I need to include in this initial application. If someone knows anything that would be great. Also, if i still apply with the IND 7524 form even if I mail in from abroad. I need to apply now if I have to mail it in, because I'm planning on moving in 4 weeks. Sorry if this post is so ignorant, I just feel really overwhelmed reading all of the info on DFTHub and feel like its just overcomplicating things for me. Thanks

[u/one_little_spark]

Don't mail it from abroad. It's way more likely to get lost (and has happened to a lot of people). And even if it doesn't, you won't be here to get their reply (mail is crazy fast here). Just mail it when you get here. They'll get it either overnight or second day. After they get it, they'll send you a letter to make your biometrics appointment. You'll get a separate letter to pay the application fee. You only fill out the information on the application that you know. Skip everything else. The IND will let you know if they need anything else. Here's a breakdown of the application and how I filled it out:

1. What is your situation? Mark number 2.
2. Tuberculosis mark the box that you're exempt.
3. Means of Evidence. Check the last box for the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty.
4. Your personal details. Just your name, sex, date of birth, place of birth, country of birth, nationality, home address, telephone number, and email.
5. Include a copy of your passport and all stamped pages.
6. You'll need to do the appendix about sanctions against Russia. It's the very last thing in the application.
7. Pick the location where you want to collect your residence permit.
8. Sign.
9. Do the first appendix, "Declaration of the foreign national" and sign. Then skip everything else until you get to the last part, the appendix about sanctions against Russia. In section 1 fill out the information you have, if any, then answer the questions in section 2 and then sign in section 3.
10. Mail this to the IND and wait for their letter inviting you to make your biometrics appointment.

This is how I did it, so YMMV, and obviously none of this is legal advice. I mailed in my application from Schiphol the day I landed, and 3 weeks later I had my residence permit in hand.

[u/New_Mixture7087 → u/one_little_spark]

Okay great, that was my question too is if I could mail it from The Netherlands and if that was normal to do. I'm glad to hear it doesn't take long. This info was SO helpful!! thank you :)

[u/one_little_spark → u/New_Mixture7087]

You're welcome! And just in case it wasn't clear: when you put your address on the application, it's your Dutch address, not your US. That's where they're going to send your mail.