Request validity extension now as a precaution?

[serendipity9 1]

The date for which the embassy has scheduled my fiance's interview falls 10 days after the NOA2 validity period expires. I understand it is typical for the CO to "automatically" extend the validity period without any request from the petitioner in circumstances such as this when the embassy didn't have any appointments available before the expiration date. However, I recall reading about a case (at another consulate in the region) where the beneficiary was issued a 221g at the interview and the CO said they were sending the petition back to be reaffirmed by USCIS because it was already expired at the time of the interview. I'd only ever heard of K1 petitions being returned for recommending revocation (after which it's usually allowed to expire at the service center if it hasn't already)

If the CO didn't extend the validity period yet refuses to issue the visa at the interview, isn't the petition effectively dead right there regardless of whether they call it a denial?? If it's returned ostensibly for further review, there would basically be no recourse since it's being returned as an expired petition, right? It seems like just a disingenuous way to deny a visa without having to outright deny it, and the petitioner is none the wiser while they quietly wait for a response they'll never receive.

Anyways, I ask because I know that at the embassy we are going through, majority of cases get at least some AP and it seems petitions are increasingly being returned to USCIS for vaguely-defined review or reaffirmation..wouldn't it just languish until it's finally purged from the system?

So, would sending a statement requesting for the petition to be extended for another four months to allow for any additional processing offer some safeguard? not that the CO is bound to honor the request, but it seems like a valid petition would have more "teeth" in whatever processing than an expired one (or maybe not)

Any insight or experience on this? Thanks

[baron555 934]

Any insight or experience on this? Thanks

You're worrying over nothing. The validity date is meaningless and once the Embassy has the case, that date ceases to have any meaning. The Embassy can hold the case for years and that date will mean nothing.

There is nothing you need to do except stop worrying and worry about when you will be together and what it will take to assimilate them into life here (and the cost....that should be your bigger worry.)

[C-ma'am 684]

I agree with the above poster.

You are over thinking the process and worrying about nothing.

[Pitaya 2,577]

Relax!

Edited October 11, 2012 by A&B