Approval Notice Validity date

[nathandace 0]

Hey All,

I was wondering what the validity date means? and what happens when it comes close to or on the date of expiriy? (the I-797) I'm still waiting for my information from the Montreal Consulate, and my I-797 is Valid until November. Realistically November is not that far away. Just curious.

[payxibka 10,045]

In theory it means the petition approval expires. The visa application must be submitted during the validity period or the beneficiary is no longer eligible. Practically speaking, the consulate can extend the validity period (in 4 month blocks) if need be.

Edited September 29, 2008 by payxibka

[nathandace 0]

In theory it means the petition approval expires. The visa application must be submitted during the validity period or the beneficiary is no eligibile. Practically speaking, the consulate can extend the validity period (in 4 month blocks) if need be.

Thanks for that info. Just out of curiousity, when should one contact the consulate to extend the validity period? and the visa application you are referring to is packet 3? or everything including and after packet 3 that the consulate mails? I just dont want to take any chances, and want to be prepaired incase I have to extend, if need be.

[pushbrk 12,898]

In theory it means the petition approval expires. The visa application must be submitted during the validity period or the beneficiary is no eligibile. Practically speaking, the consulate can extend the validity period (in 4 month blocks) if need be.

Thanks for that info. Just out of curiousity, when should one contact the consulate to extend the validity period? and the visa application you are referring to is packet 3? or everything including and after packet 3 that the consulate mails? I just dont want to take any chances, and want to be prepaired incase I have to extend, if need be.

This is a non-issue. They'll just extend it automatically.

[Devkpaik 1]

In theory it means the petition approval expires. The visa application must be submitted during the validity period or the beneficiary is no eligibile. Practically speaking, the consulate can extend the validity period (in 4 month blocks) if need be.

Thanks for that info. Just out of curiousity, when should one contact the consulate to extend the validity period? and the visa application you are referring to is packet 3? or everything including and after packet 3 that the consulate mails? I just dont want to take any chances, and want to be prepaired incase I have to extend, if need be.

You don't need to contact anyone to extend it. The consulate will extend it automatically when they receive your approved petition. Like pushbrk said, this is a non issue.

[nathandace 0]

Thank you both very much, and here I was all worried that since I have not heard anyting yet that I would have to apply for an extension. I just thought since it seems like my process thus far is taking longer than it should(at this point), that I should have heard something from the montreal consulate by now? To my knowledge my lawyers have said that the consulate has received my petition, and is processing it. So I'm waiting on Montreal. Would this change anything?(if the consulate already has it?)or do they issue a new validity date once they send the required information to me?(if the orignal one is close to expiry?)

[NicoNShawn 2]

Our petition initially expired because we didn't return our package 3 in time. I had broken my ankle and was on disability, so we waited until I was better and back at work (for proof of support purposes) before continuing our application. I called the embassy and they said that I needed to send them a letter requesting an extension. They accepted a scanned letter via email and reopened our case.

[pushbrk 12,898]

Thank you both very much, and here I was all worried that since I have not heard anyting yet that I would have to apply for an extension. I just thought since it seems like my process thus far is taking longer than it should(at this point), that I should have heard something from the montreal consulate by now? To my knowledge my lawyers have said that the consulate has received my petition, and is processing it. So I'm waiting on Montreal. Would this change anything?(if the consulate already has it?)or do they issue a new validity date once they send the required information to me?(if the orignal one is close to expiry?)

This is a non-issue.

[Devkpaik 1]

Thank you both very much, and here I was all worried that since I have not heard anyting yet that I would have to apply for an extension. I just thought since it seems like my process thus far is taking longer than it should(at this point), that I should have heard something from the montreal consulate by now? To my knowledge my lawyers have said that the consulate has received my petition, and is processing it. So I'm waiting on Montreal. Would this change anything?(if the consulate already has it?)or do they issue a new validity date once they send the required information to me?(if the orignal one is close to expiry?)

No, they extend it automatically. Like we mentioned, this is a non-issue and there's NOTHING to be worried about, you are fine, and this happens with many petitions.

[nathandace 0]

Thanks for the replies everyone!

[nathandace 0]

how can I find out if my validity date has been extended? I have just received my Package 3 in the mail on Oct 17 and began working on things right away. My lawyers want to review my documents with me before sending them out. I meet with them on nov 06 (next week). I was wondering if this validity date applies to/includes package 3? or if it means I should send package 3 by then?

Previously to receiving my package 3 my lawyers and I have been working real hard to find out as to why I didnt receive it sooner (see my timeline). at this time we have not received any notice if the validity date has been extended. I contacted my lawyers, and they are trying to find out all this information for me. The thing that worries me is that if the validity date hasnt changed that would mean that I have less than one month to get all the documents, and fill in all of the forms, and then mail it back to the consulate... I hate being unsure of things. am I worrying for nothing? or is what I have just mentioned revelant?