After K1 interview, average time till able to move to US>

[MichaelANDVelvet 2]

Hello, I am almost ready to mail out our I-129F. I am so excited. Just a question for the future.

What has been the average time after the interview that you are able to move to the US?

I ask because when it comes time for that, I would like to attend the interview with her and hoping everything goes right. I would fly there then we would just drive to her new home in the US. this way I don't have to fly up twice.

Thanks

Michael

[HeatDeath 430]

Once the visa is in your hand there is no minimum timeframe. You can PoE that afternoon if you can pack up the car that quickly I would recommend against doing too much packing and preparation prior to the interview date, because there is always the possibility of unforeseen delays. The consulates always recommend that you not make any firm plans (i.e. spend any kind of money on transportation tickets or wedding preparations) until the visa has actually been approved. It's a judgement call on your part just how much time you should invest in packing for the trip before the visa is actually approved, but as I said, there is no minimum timeframe between receiving the visa (visa form affixed in passport, big "do not open" envelope" and chest xray, just in case they ask for it at PoE) and when you can PoE. It's purely up to how fast you can finish preparations for the move.

[L_n_O 3]

Issue is, you have to wait for the K1 visa to be put into the passport... and then for it to arrive in the mail!

I know my office in montreal had a mandatory rule that it had to be mailed......

I moved about 1 week after I got my visa... (which was 5 days after my interview)

[MichaelANDVelvet 2]

thanks. well i don't plan on making preparations really, just curious if it would be possible to fly there for her interview and then just leave a few days after. It costs about $600 round trip to fly there and i really want to be there for support during her interview, but i would hate to fly there, pay $600, then fly back later for $300(one way). just looking into ways to save money as moving her across the country is not going to be cheap .

[L_n_O 3]

You know.... You really don't have to be there for the interview...

I did my interview alone and then my husband flew down the week after for the actual move........

I know you want to be supportive.. but money's important too... and if you have all your ducks in a row, everything should be fine..

My "interview" was actually only like 10 mins I think with the officer.

You can look at my timeline to read the whole review of it.

Also, if she has more specific concerns, feel free to ask me anytime

[HeatDeath 430]

Agreed. In many consulates, the USC spouse being present at the interview is very very important, and in some cases, absolutely mandatory. Canada, thanks be to G-d, is not one of these. The USC being present at an interview in Canada is a lovely thing for both petitioner and beneficiary, but is, ultimately, a luxury. In Canada, very fortunately, you get to decide whether you can afford it or not.

Edited March 15, 2010 by HeatDeath

[Bernie C 24]

Yep, Yep, Yep - Once the visa is IN HAND - come on down!!!!!!!!!

Just be careful of the terms "Approved" and "In Hand" - the latter being the key term.

Its not out of the realm of possibility for things to get delayed, even after approval! But once the visa is "In Hand" you are truly good to go!

We were approved on December 15th, then "delayed" and ended up coming on January 16th. But dummy me bought tickets after the "approval" and got bit my the money mongering airlines. Oh well, I should have waited till we had her visa "in hand" but its water over the dam - we are here toghether now!

[Leafgal 3]

I agree with Liz, my husband did not attend my interview he waited and flew up a few weeks later to help me move and do the drive down here. I was only in the interview minutes it seems, so I too would wait and fly up to be with her and help her with the drive.

[Tim and Erin 3]

Agreed. In many consulates, the USC spouse being present at the interview is very very important, and in some cases, absolutely mandatory. Canada, thanks be to G-d, is not one of these. The USC being present at an interview in Canada is a lovely thing for both petitioner and beneficiary, but is, ultimately, a luxury. In Canada, very fortunately, you get to decide whether you can afford it or not.

Well put. How lucky we are that as Canadians, we have choices like these.

To Michael and Velvet...Good luck with the interview and POE, and best wishes for the future.

[FrancElsie 6]

Technically speaking, as soon as you have the VISA in her Passport you can go to the airport and buy a ticket to come to the USA. Whether this happens or not is completely up to you and Velvet. Also, FYI a one-way ticket is not half the price of a round trip ticket. Sometimes it is MORE than the cost of a round trip ticket. Additionally, on international travel it is sometimes necessary to purchase a round trip ticket to show "intention to return" to whatever country. Quick question....IF you are flying up there to get her are you driving back into the USA (Reno) in her car? If so, she will need current licensing/insurance information and a clear title if she intends to keep this car in the USA plus possibly have some additional inspections made to be sure it complies with US Emission Standards and such.

Best Wishes,

Franc

[toogroove 3]

I discussed this with my fiance as well. Because I have a limited amount of skymiles, we agreed that I will travel to Tbilisi to help with the move rather than be present for the interview. There really isn't a single 'right' answer, it is what is right for the couple.