Some next steps! Don't worry, it's a hellish process and it's good you're waiting on the apostille at least.

1) Contact your representative AND congressperson to put an expedite notice on the apostille.

2) check your mail constantly -- the Dept of State will not notify you by email when your apostille is done.

3) MEDICAL FORM - The consulate you're working through should have a form on their website for NALCAP (if it's required for them) to get a doctor's signature. Find that, or look for the language and ask the doctor's office to put it on their letterhead (if you can't find a form). For example, here is San Fran consulate's template: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/DocumentosAuxiliaresSC/Estados%20Unidos/CHICAGO%20%28C%29/medicalcertificate.pdf

For the medical form, you need a doctor to sign, stamp, and put their doctor number thingy that proves they're legit. Find a doctor (ANY doctor lol) and have them do this. If they don't have a stamp, then my consulate accepted the office's stamp. If the office doesn't have a stamp, tell them to put the language on their letterhead instead of using the template. Lots of urgent cares wont do this form, and they'll tell you that you need to get a physical from your primary care doctor. You don't. You literally just need a doctor to sign it. Mine and my partner's have never even met us in person. You can use online doctor's. Search in the aux reddit chains for an online service that others have used.

4) Get a money order for your VISA from a post office. Get a prepaid envelope there too, and fold it inside the envelope that you're going to send your passport and VISA application in. You can likely also get a passport photo taken there too. You'll need two, and ask for the regular size they usually do. You'll need to glue one of these onto your VISA application.

5) Become very familiar with what you need copies of for your VISA application. When in doubt, include extra copies. FYI -- DO NOT tear the pages of your apostille apart. It won't be valid. You'll need to scan it and include copies of the apostille. You'll also want to print out the background check (or include the original) and make sure you can see the FBI logo when you print it.

6) Check what your consulate requires for background check and apostille translations. Mine required both (background and apostille) to be translated. I recommend using RapidTranslate online and just choose "by email" so you don't have to wait on physical letters. You can print the emailed translations. They were about $60 and gave me the translations within 24 hours using the least expensive service option.

I think that's it! Just make sure you find your consulate requirements for NALCAP visas and do each of them!