Max Time Allowed To Respond to Packet 3

[DonJ 0]

Hi All,

I have just recently received Packet 3 instructions from the Consulate here in Australia. I am trying to understand the maximum time frame the Consulate will grant me (or as the current law allows) before having to respond to the packet.

My family visa category is F1. My status is still 'unmarried', however this may change well within a year's time and for this reason I prefer not to send in Form DS230 immediately just yet (as they have asked for this in the email). I am trying to buy some time, really. Also as an FYI, if my status changes to 'married' and moved down to category F3 I'll still have a year to go (from today's date) before my priority date becomes current.

With these in mind, I have the following questions:

1) Is the allowance of 1 year to act correct? Is it possible for the Consulate to have their own discretion to allow me to have a longer time frame if required? Or is 1 year it?

2) If the time frame to act is in fact 1 year, when does the countdown begin - based on the date of when the Consulate sent in the Packet 3 request to me OR based on the date of the last communication from me to the Consulate?

3) Are there any pitfalls I should be aware of when delaying sending in the Packet 3 information outside of the questions asked in #1 and #2 above?

Many thanks,

DonJ