Entrance to the US must be within 6 months of when?

[ktb 15]

I have heard that entrance to the US must be within 6 months or else the process must begin again. But I have also heard that the 6 months starts from the date of the interview and that it starts from when the medical exam takes place. Can anyone verify which it is? Does this vary from country to country? Thanks.

[Penguin_ie 5,993]

It is usually from the date the visa is issued (which can be a couple of weeks after the interview). However, sometimes it is less- a medical is valid a maximum of one year. Always make sure to check the expiry date on the visa page of your passport when you get it.

[D&V 1]

Iam from Philippines. I have a K2. We were interviewed last December 11. On the 13th I received a call from the USEM that our visa is ready for delivery. Saturday, the 15th, I was surprised to received our visas, because I thought it will be delivered the next week. I automatically checked our visas for errors and the expiration dates. Mine is June 10, 2013 while my K2 is May 28, 2013. We had our medical November 28. Go figure.

[bigdog 376]

The government works in mysterious ways.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

I have heard that entrance to the US must be within 6 months or else the process must begin again. But I have also heard that the 6 months starts from the date of the interview and that it starts from when the medical exam takes place. Can anyone verify which it is? Does this vary from country to country? Thanks.

Several have reported in the UK forum in recent months that London issued visas were for 6 months from their medical date.

The first two FAQs at this link to the London embassy website relate to your question http://london.usembassy.gov/faq-imm-proc.html#iv062

Notice, you don't necessarily have to start over.

[pushbrk 12,879]

I have heard that entrance to the US must be within 6 months or else the process must begin again. But I have also heard that the 6 months starts from the date of the interview and that it starts from when the medical exam takes place. Can anyone verify which it is? Does this vary from country to country? Thanks.

The key date is the expiration date on the visa. You must enter the USA BEFORE that date. Usually, that is six months from the date of issue but for some countries it is from the date of the medical.

[ktb 15]

Several have reported in the UK forum in recent months that London issued visas were for 6 months from their medical date.

The first two FAQs at this link to the London embassy website relate to your question http://london.usemba...proc.html#iv062

Notice, you don't necessarily have to start over.

I have read this post and this is why I am asking this question. Do you know if this is only applicable at the London Embassy? My husband is British but we will have our interview at the embassy in Nicosia, Cyprus as we are residing in Cyprus.

Edited December 27, 2012 by ktb

[pushbrk 12,879]

Several have reported in the UK forum in recent months that London issued visas were for 6 months from their medical date.

The first two FAQs at this link to the London embassy website relate to your question http://london.usemba...proc.html#iv062

Notice, you don't necessarily have to start over.

I have read this post and this is why I am asking this question. Do you know if this is only applicable at the London Embassy? My husband is British but we will have our interview at the embassy in Nicosia, Cyprus as we are residing in Cyprus.

Procedures as to when the six months starts vary with the visa issuing Consulate. You need to know the procedures for Nicosia, not London. The best practice is to do the medical as near to the interview date as practical, usually within the prior week. If you need more time or to move the six month window to a later slot, delay both the medical and the interview.