When should I file the I-29F (petition for alien fiance)?

[DanielleJon 0]

My fiancee will be moving here from the UK at the end of July (2012), and we plan on having a wedding in August (2012). I've read that the visa takes about 7 months to obtain, but once it's approved, how long will it be good for? In other words, how long does he have to come to the US once he's approved? I'd like to know so I can figure out when to apply for the visa. Thanks!

[iampatricias 17]

If I were in your shoes, I'd apply tomorrow!

Okay, realistically, I've been waiting 8 months and still don't have an interview date, and our case is not exactly complicated - just bureaucracy being so slow! I would, however, apply sooner rather than later, because the K1, once it's in your passport, is valid for 6 months! And once you get through the USCIS process, there are ways to subtly delay the process, like booking a later appointment, or waiting to return the Packet 3 documents.

Give yourselves a year but surely don't leave LESS time than that!

[jaygregory 1]

you got 6 months to enter the states with it,then another 3 months (well 90 days) to get married after that.

our interview for the uk is friday,from us sending off the petition was about 7 months

[patient2010 93]

If I were in your shoes, I'd apply tomorrow!

Okay, realistically, I've been waiting 8 months and still don't have an interview date, and our case is not exactly complicated - just bureaucracy being so slow! I would, however, apply sooner rather than later, because the K1, once it's in your passport, is valid for 6 months! And once you get through the USCIS process, there are ways to subtly delay the process, like booking a later appointment, or waiting to return the Packet 3 documents.

Give yourselves a year but surely don't leave LESS time than that!

[* Kristin * 49]

My other half is planning to come in June (of this year), and our wedding is in August (of this year) - we applied early September 2010..

Our timeframes are similar to yours - just this year

See our timeline below.. we've been a bit slow with something (e.g. returning packet 3) on purpose...

I'd say get all your ducks in a row and get everything kicked off, but perhaps submit your application in June-ish/July-ish? You never know if they're going to slow thigns down or turn around and become super-speedy all of a sudden...

My fiancee will be moving here from the UK at the end of July (2012), and we plan on having a wedding in August (2012). I've read that the visa takes about 7 months to obtain, but once it's approved, how long will it be good for? In other words, how long does he have to come to the US once he's approved? I'd like to know so I can figure out when to apply for the visa. Thanks!

[kutakendra 3]

I'd start gathering paperwork. If, by the strike of luck, things go faster than they have been lately, you can slow down each step a month or so. I'd say a year is realistic, and you have 90 days to marry once he enters. It will take you about 1 month to gather everything. That puts you into April. Then, he can stall 6 months when he gets it. He can also wait a month or two to get his interview, as long as it isn't more than 6 months after his NOA2. Then he has 6 months after his interview to enter. Better he comes a few weeks early, than misses it! We're already at 5 months, and will probably miss an 8 month wedding date! (And we're at California- Western US. The Eastern US (Vermont) can't even hope for that fast.)

Remember, his ability to travel to the US will be compromised once you file, though. You'll have to go there.

[iampatricias 17]

Remember, his ability to travel to the US will be compromised once you file, though. You'll have to go there.

This is not necessarily true, especially from a VWP country. Yes, there are risks of being denied entry but that risk does not necessarily increase after filing the I129f petition.

[JoannaV 174]

If your fiance is planning on visiting you in 2012 prior to the marriage then you will not want him to have the visa until after that visit. Once he has the visa he must use it on his next entry to the US. So, if he is planning on visiting you during the spring break for example, you will not want him to have the visa already. You can delay sending in the documents prior to the interview, and also delay the interview itself. So this is not a concern right now as you are considering when to start the application process, but it is something you may need to remember later on.

I would suggest applying on the first day of summer :-) Or maybe the month before.

[DanielleJon 0]

Thanks everyone for your help!