NOA2- Valid dates?

[GhLove 4]

So I just noticed that my NOA2, Approval Notice states that it is Valid from 2/1/2011 to 6/1/2011. What does this mean???

[iampatricias 17]

It's a way to ensure you continue on your path through the process instead of sitting on the approval indefinitely. As long as you continue to return requested paperwork, book the necessary appointments, etc., the consulate auto-extends the expiration date to compensate for lags on their end.

For example, if my consulate is so busy that the next available interview falls outside my validity date, they'll extend the validity date.

If by the expiration date, they have yet to receive ANY sign of your correspondence, they start to wonder how serious you are about completing the process and may cause your case to expire, requiring a restart.

Edited February 10, 2011 by iampatricias

[Aztec&Taino 144]

To add to the other VJ member's post; in the unlikely event that the beneficiary's interview is scheduled outside of the given validity of the petitions' approval, the consulate can extend the petition's validity (without the petitioner or beneficiary having to do anything for this to occur).

For me, it was very encouraging to see the validity dates because to me it means that (almost) surely by the expiration date my fiance will have his interview and we will be a step closer to being together! Once your petition is approved by USCIS (for me it was a LONG 150 days wait) the process seems to move much more quickly. There is a light at the end of the tunnel!

[JenAndBabs 1]

In Ghana, the interviews often are scheduled beyond the expiration date. But as long as your case is with the embassy, you don't need to do anything about it. You can always email the NVC to be sure. I think I did and they said it was fine, but I can't find the email to be sure.

Jen and Babs