Blazin' fast government is just too quick!

[intx13 5]

Our I-130 was approved today, barely 3.5 months after NOA1. Blazing speed!

My wife has obligations that require her to remain in Malaysia until January or possibly February of 2012. The entrance paperwork will be good for 6 months and we'd like a month or two leeway, so we're hoping to get the magic envelope in October, November, or December of 2011.

If we submit our AOS and DS-230 packets promptly it's possible that things could move too quickly, resulting in an interview before October.

I see two options:

1. Keep going as fast as we can, but request an extension on the validity of the entrance paperwork. Is there a standard way to request this? Is it usually granted? When would we request it?

2. Wait a couple months before continuing the paperwork. Is this safe? Do we need to inform USCIS that we're still proceeding, we just need a couple months time?

Any input is appreciated.

[Samoray 165]

I choose the second option but you don't need to inform USCIS, you need to contact NVC about that.

[magdasal 19]

Our I-130 was approved today, barely 3.5 months after NOA1. Blazing speed!

My wife has obligations that require her to remain in Malaysia until January or possibly February of 2012. The entrance paperwork will be good for 6 months and we'd like a month or two leeway, so we're hoping to get the magic envelope in October, November, or December of 2011.

If we submit our AOS and DS-230 packets promptly it's possible that things could move too quickly, resulting in an interview before October.

I see two options:

1. Keep going as fast as we can, but request an extension on the validity of the entrance paperwork. Is there a standard way to request this? Is it usually granted? When would we request it?

2. Wait a couple months before continuing the paperwork. Is this safe? Do we need to inform USCIS that we're still proceeding, we just need a couple months time?

Any input is appreciated.

You're fine...I was in the same boat but for different reasons.

You can sit on the I-864 and DS-230 paperwork for up to a year after it arrives at NVC before the NVC would start taking action on a 'dead case'. You can go ahead and pay the fees and send the DS-3032 though. NVC will simply send you a reminder message that they are waiting on your forms.

[Darnell 8,479]

Yup, can 'go slow' at NVC, for up to 1 year.

Plan accordingly, meh.

[pushbrk 13,166]

I choose the second option but you don't need to inform USCIS, you need to contact NVC about that.

The visa validity will not be extended, so option 2 is best of the two. No need to contact NVC about your intention to go slow. Just go slow.

What I would do is a hybrid of 1 and 2. I would go as quickly as possible until it's time to actually mail the final package (DS230 and civil documents) to NVC. Then, I' would send them that package in early November for a January interview target. Adjust the timing to fit your circumstances.

This way, you know EVERYTHING is ready and that the waiting is your choice.

Edited May 17, 2011 by pushbrk

[intx13 5]

Resurrecting my own zombie thread. This is exactly what we did (see my sig) and the timing worked beautifully: her interview will be December 1st. Just figured I'd update the thread for posterity!

[MalaysianGirl 26]

Resurrecting my own zombie thread. This is exactly what we did (see my sig) and the timing worked beautifully: her interview will be December 1st. Just figured I'd update the thread for posterity!

That's awesome!

[Darnell 8,479]

now have some curry laksa to celebrate your perfect logistics (Penang Laksa bu hao la)