Puzzling DS260 vs DS230

As many of us know, on  Sept 3, DOS has implemented  the online  DS260 for the Application of Immigrant visa instead of the old DS230 form.. All immigrants who were required to submit DS230 form for immigrant visa application are now required to fill the DS260 form online at the CEAC site.

On my brother's case, we submitted the IV documents and DS230 on Aug 8 and was entered into their system on Aug 14. Since they did not find anything wrong on his IV application after Sept 3rd, he was not required to fill the DS260 online.But if we got a checklist for his DS230, then he would be required to fill DS260online. But, since we previously got a checklist for his AOS, I knew they will not send a second checklist. True enough his case was completed on Sept 6, 2013 with just the DS230 on their system.

While other visa applicants who are on the same stage are filling out the DS260 online eventhough there is no email instruction from NVC, we did not do it, because I believed if we filled it out, it could open the case again and will further delay the process. Some say, that the interviewing embassy might require him to fill the DS260 online during the interview. But, I think that is not a problem, he can do it right after the interview. I don't think it will take them another 20business days to review the form and to issue the visa.

F2A Case Completed 9/6/13

Sept. 6, 2013- We normally called NVC at least once or twice a week to follow-up the status of the case. This time my brother called them and told them the case was completed on Sept 6 which is exactly 16 business days from the time the IV documents was entered into their system.

On Sept 13, we got this  email(below) with the subject line of  "Case Status".

Dear Sir or Madam:

The National Visa Center has received all documentation necessary to complete pre-processing
of your case. As soon as an interview date has been scheduled, the applicant, petitioner
and attorney (if applicable) will be notified.

The applicant should NOT make any travel arrangements, sell property, or give up employment
until the US Embassy or Consulate General has issued a visa.

The US Embassy or Consulate General may require additional documentation at the time of
the interview. Additional documentation requirements if applicable can be referenced at
the following URL: http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3742.html

Sincerely,

Director
National Visa Center

IV- Immigrant Visa Application DS230

Aug 8, 2013-  This day, we sent my brother's DS230 Form application and supporting documents. They call it IV packet. It was received by NVC on Aug 10 and was entered to their system on Aug 14 per customer service representative. We were told to wait for 20 business days to finish reviewing the IV packet.

Here are the documents inside the packet IV

*IV Barcoded Cover Sheet showing the case #
*DS230 Form- Part I was signed and dated but not Part II
*2(2x2) id pic with white background
*copy of approval notice that was sent from USCIS
*Photocopy of his(brother) passport's biographic page
*Original & Photocopy of applicant's birth certificate
*Original  & copy of NBI clearance (green color/no record on file)

Update : As of Sept. 3, 2013, the DS230 Form or the Online Immigrant Visa Application has now being replaced by the DS260 online form which can be completed at the Consular Electronic Application (CEAC) website and follow the direction on the website.