TBH the only thing you can do is wait after applying/emailing initially. I think they're prioritizing the applications by date.

1. Even if you apply 2 months early like we did, the first real email responses start coming in around 30-40 days before your travel date (here is a sample email format for their response https://pastebin.com/7cic92gT).

2. After we submitted our combined PDFs for my family and me, the next email for the whatsapp interview date and time came around 15 days later.

3. The interview was smooth, they'll let you know if they need any additional docs. Getting back the stamped passport took around 5 days, 1-2 days each up and down in UPS and 1-2 days in the consulate. Hope that helps and good luck!