I-130

[luckyme 0]

Hi, All –

I am trying to figure out when I should begin the I-130 immigration process for my wife. My wife is a Pakistani Citizen.

I called the USCIS and they told me that I-130 process takes 6-8 months and can be longer depending on the case. After the I-130 approval, they interview the spouse and a visa is granted. The visa has an expiration date of 6 month and there are no extensions.

My question is that if for some reason my wife is not able to move to the United States within six months and the visa expires (my wife is a student and she needs to finish her education before moving here) do we have to start over again and apply the I-130 again, or do we just need to reapply for the visa?

If we just need to reapply the visa, then what is the process? Do we contact the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan or do I have to start some process here with the USCIS in the United States.

I will greatly appreciate your input. Thanks in advance!

[Honored 0]

I am not sure on the visa, but 6 months is a long window. So plan properly. I would suggest you move your interview date, when you get one, so she can get here after her studies.