Any way at all of extending/postponing a K1's life?

[Big Papa Zone 93]

OK, so I've been approved, have the visa in hand, and am booked on a flight leaving on 31st March next year. Whilst that's great, I'm deeply concerned about my job prospects (or lack thereof) over there due to the current financial crisis. On top of that, my missus works in the manufacturing industry for a light metals company that makes valve covers for engines, and obviously declining car sales are putting her job at risk (if GM goes to the wall, then she's finished there).

It seems to me that BOTH of us being unemployed is simply unworkable, indeed I would then probably HAVE to stay here in my recession proof job, in order to support her and the kids. So is there any way that a K1 can be extended? Any way at all?

[Marmite Lovers! 0]

OK, so I've been approved, have the visa in hand, and am booked on a flight leaving on 31st March next year. Whilst that's great, I'm deeply concerned about my job prospects (or lack thereof) over there due to the current financial crisis. On top of that, my missus works in the manufacturing industry for a light metals company that makes valve covers for engines, and obviously declining car sales are putting her job at risk (if GM goes to the wall, then she's finished there).

It seems to me that BOTH of us being unemployed is simply unworkable, indeed I would then probably HAVE to stay here in my recession proof job, in order to support her and the kids. So is there any way that a K1 can be extended? Any way at all?

OH mate, sorry to hear this.

I'm going to look into it too, however, I think you might be unlucky and have to go if you want to use the K1. It's only good for 6 months...sure you know this.

Edited November 13, 2008 by Marmite Lovers!

[Big Papa Zone 93]

OH mate, sorry to hear this.

I'm going to look into it too, however, I think you might be unlucky and have to go if you want to use the K1. It's only good for 6 months...sure you know this.

I know, that's whaT everyone's always said, but surely there's got to be an exception to the rule? I mean, they can extend an NOA2 by months at at a tiem, why not a K1? Does it really mean having to go through the whole process again?

AAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!!

Edited November 13, 2008 by Damian P

[tallcoolone 102]

Jobs are plentiful and easy to find in USA.

If someone can't find a good paying job in the USA then it's their own fault.

[Chris & Mara 0]

From what I have been reading and seeing, things have gotten pretty much as bad as they will be going. The world market is begining to turn around and things should hopefully begin to look more stable in the 1st or 2nd quarter of next year.

In saying this....

They are predicting that the place that is going to be hurt the worst and crash the furthest is the UK, perhaps some food for thought.

Don't flame me though, I could be wrong, Aus is cut off from alot of the world and we really havent been effected half as badly as some places.

In the end, the likehood is that they won't extend your visa (they seem to only do it for extreme reasons such as illness or death), which means you would have to reapply once it expires and then you would be questioned servely as to why you never used the first one. But this is really a choice you and your fiance need to be able to make, or is what your going to be able to make and save before your orignally planned departure date going to be enough to tie you over for 5 or 6 months?

[Big Papa Zone 93]

Jobs are plentiful and easy to find in USA.

If someone can't find a good paying job in the USA then it's their own fault.

I like the cut of your jib, TCO, and I hope you're right, but if you read this thread, then peeps seem to be saying different: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=160641

[Big Papa Zone 93]

They are predicting that the place that is going to be hurt the worst and crash the furthest is the UK, perhaps some food for thought.

I know that, but like I say, my job is totally recession proof (35 year contract with an NHS trust) so it doesn't matter how hard the UK is hit - it won't affect me here.

or is what your going to be able to make and save before your orignally planned departure date going to be enough to tie you over for 5 or 6 months?

Well it would have been comfortably before the bloody exchange rate nosedived!! I was looking at $12,000, easy, but now that looks more like $8,000 - and falling. Yes, it'll be enough to get by on, but it'd be nice to have a bit left over by the time I start work, ya know?

[Gemmie 142]

I might be reading this wrong and just be being dumb.. but if you're leaving in March, you could still technically stay here until May when your visa expires, no? And that gives you more time to gather more funds..

[Big Papa Zone 93]

I might be reading this wrong and just be being dumb.. but if you're leaving in March, you could still technically stay here until May when your visa expires, no? And that gives you more time to gather more funds..

I leave on March 31st, the visa expires April 19th - I'm not gonna earn a whole lot in 2 weeks........

[brnidokiegurl 0]

life is scary, you just adjust, im sure there would be something both of you could do. Hard to imagine you have the visa and waiting until March most would be running to use it within weeks nevertheless trying to prolong it. Whatever your field have you done some advance looking around the area u will live, write some letters and get a feel, turn in some advance applications etc. Im sure you both would be happier in the search together

[Gemmie 142]

I might be reading this wrong and just be being dumb.. but if you're leaving in March, you could still technically stay here until May when your visa expires, no? And that gives you more time to gather more funds..

I leave on March 31st, the visa expires April 19th - I'm not gonna earn a whole lot in 2 weeks........

I see, should've actually done the maths..

You're in a difficult situation, perhaps you could call the embassy and ask them if there's any way to extend it? I know that everyone says it's available for 6 months only and that might be true, but I think they would know if there *was* a way. Or are you now "out of their system" now that you have your visa?

Is there anyone in the states that could help you out if you were in desperate need and both end up unemployed? You might be able to work with your savings until then, though I am pretty much screaming at the exchange rate myself. Funny how NOW it decides to go to shite..

[pushbrk 13,172]

OK, so I've been approved, have the visa in hand, and am booked on a flight leaving on 31st March next year. Whilst that's great, I'm deeply concerned about my job prospects (or lack thereof) over there due to the current financial crisis. On top of that, my missus works in the manufacturing industry for a light metals company that makes valve covers for engines, and obviously declining car sales are putting her job at risk (if GM goes to the wall, then she's finished there).

It seems to me that BOTH of us being unemployed is simply unworkable, indeed I would then probably HAVE to stay here in my recession proof job, in order to support her and the kids. So is there any way that a K1 can be extended? Any way at all?

K1 is a special purpose visa. While it may be technically possible and I have heard of one re-issued after not being used, it's by no means a sure thing. You could contact the Consulate directy and see what kind of response you get.