Extending application period under s.221(g)?

[Smitie 0]

Hi there

First time posting so apologies if I've not put this in the correct forum.

My wife is a US Citizen and we're currently living in the UK. I successfully applied for a "Green Card" in June 2010 and was granted a 12 month suspension under Section 221(g) to allow me continue searching for a job whilst outside the US. My police certificate expires on April 7.

Unfortunately, I have not yet found a job in the US and I'm interesting in finding out if it's possible to extend my application period before I need to pack up and move. Specifically:

• Is an extension under Section 221(g) beyond June possible, or if not
  
• Is it permissible to withdraw the application and re-apply again?
  

If option 2 is the best approach, are there any penalties associated with this (i.e. is the application process more difficult, am I more likely to be rejected etc.)?

Any help or advice would be very much appreciated.

[pushbrk 13,260]

Hi there

First time posting so apologies if I've not put this in the correct forum.

My wife is a US Citizen and we're currently living in the UK. I successfully applied for a "Green Card" in June 2010 and was granted a 12 month suspension under Section 221(g) to allow me continue searching for a job whilst outside the US. My police certificate expires on April 7.

Unfortunately, I have not yet found a job in the US and I'm interesting in finding out if it's possible to extend my application period before I need to pack up and move. Specifically:

• Is an extension under Section 221(g) beyond June possible, or if not
• Is it permissible to withdraw the application and re-apply again?

If option 2 is the best approach, are there any penalties associated with this (i.e. is the application process more difficult, am I more likely to be rejected etc.)?

Any help or advice would be very much appreciated.

Not enough information. You're posting in a spouse immigrant visa forum. You cannot apply for a green card from abroad. Do you mean that your immigrant spouse visa was denied based on lacking a qualified sponsor, and you were given a year to find a job offer in the USA or a sponsor? Something is missing here.

[Wayne and Claudia 40]

[Smitie 0]

Not enough information. You're posting in a spouse immigrant visa forum. You cannot apply for a green card from abroad. Do you mean that your immigrant spouse visa was denied based on lacking a qualified sponsor, and you were given a year to find a job offer in the USA or a sponsor? Something is missing here.

Hi Pushbrk

Sorry for the confusion!

My wife is my sponsor and my visa application was approved. However, under s221(g) they allowed me withhold my passport from being stamped for a period of up to 12 months or expiry of other key documentation (i.e. police certs, medical exam etc.), whichever was earlier. In my case, this is the police certificate which expires in April.

Since my wife and I don't feel comfortable just moving to the US without a job already secured and the hunt is taking longer than expected, I'm wondering what options I have. Either to be allowed an extension (if possible) or should I withdraw my application and re-apply again?

Many thanks again for any help with this.

[Penguin_ie 5,997]

Interesting, I have never heard oif an embassy allowing this before. You'll need to ask the embassy if they will allow an extension. but as it is such an unusual thing and they have been very patient with you, probably not.

The problem with re-applying once you have a job offer is that few employers will be willing to wait weeks or months it takes you to go through the visa process again. Plus, it will be difficult to find a job when you are not in the country to interview.

[pushbrk 13,260]

Hi Pushbrk

Sorry for the confusion!

My wife is my sponsor and my visa application was approved. However, under s221(g) they allowed me withhold my passport from being stamped for a period of up to 12 months or expiry of other key documentation (i.e. police certs, medical exam etc.), whichever was earlier. In my case, this is the police certificate which expires in April.

Since my wife and I don't feel comfortable just moving to the US without a job already secured and the hunt is taking longer than expected, I'm wondering what options I have. Either to be allowed an extension (if possible) or should I withdraw my application and re-apply again?

Many thanks again for any help with this.

That's a unique situation I have never heard of. You would need to explore your options directly with the IV unit in London. By "stamp your passport" I think you mean "issue the visa" which would give you six months to enter the USA from the issue date. IF they grant an extension, you would need a new medical and police report but should not need to start all over again. Check with the Consular unit.

[Smitie 0]

That's a unique situation I have never heard of. You would need to explore your options directly with the IV unit in London. By "stamp your passport" I think you mean "issue the visa" which would give you six months to enter the USA from the issue date. IF they grant an extension, you would need a new medical and police report but should not need to start all over again. Check with the Consular unit.

Thanks Pushbrk and penguin_ie - very helpful.

You are correct - I should have said "issue the visa". The fear is that if I let it go as far as having the visa issued then we're committed to an irrevocable process before I have a job.

Thanks again!