Approval period and Visa validity period

[UnIqUe 4]

Is there any difference between approval period and visa validity period?

If I got K-1 visa, that visa validity can beyond approval period? What I mean is that even approval period is expired, if visa is still valid, I can enter to USA?

Thanks

Edited November 9, 2009 by Unique

[Otto 83]

Is there any difference between approval period and visa validity period?

I could be mistaken, but it sounds like perhaps you are 'mixing' terminology. It sounds like you are talking about the petition's approval period and then about the visa expiration date.

Is there a specific reason you're asking?

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

Is there any difference between approval period and visa validity period?

If I got K-1 visa, that visa validity can beyond approval period? What I mean is that even approval period is expired, if visa is still valid, I can enter to USA?

Thanks

When you say "approval period", are you referring to the approval of the petition?

The approval period of the petition is a window for the consulate to make a decision on the visa. This period is 4 months, but the consulate will usually extend it if they need more time. If the consulate approves the petition and issues a visa, then the petition has completed it's life cycle, and the approval period of the petition is no longer relevant. The visa is valid for 6 months. The visa is good for one entry into the US. After that, the visa is "used" and no longer valid - the I-94 issued by the CBP allows the visa holder to stay in the US for 90 days. If the visa holder marries the US citizen then they can apply for a green card and continue to stay in the US.

...and on it goes...

[UnIqUe 4]

Is there any difference between approval period and visa validity period?

If I got K-1 visa, that visa validity can beyond approval period? What I mean is that even approval period is expired, if visa is still valid, I can enter to USA?

Thanks

When you say "approval period", are you referring to the approval of the petition?

The approval period of the petition is a window for the consulate to make a decision on the visa. This period is 4 months, but the consulate will usually extend it if they need more time. If the consulate approves the petition and issues a visa, then the petition has completed it's life cycle, and the approval period of the petition is no longer relevant. The visa is valid for 6 months. The visa is good for one entry into the US. After that, the visa is "used" and no longer valid - the I-94 issued by the CBP allows the visa holder to stay in the US for 90 days. If the visa holder marries the US citizen then they can apply for a green card and continue to stay in the US.

...and on it goes...

Your information is very useful to me. Now I am very clear for that points. My approval period of petition is nearly expired because of preparation of required documents and I need to request consulate for extension. Thanks.