Visa Extensions

[visaqueries 111]

Last night my fiance and I were talking about the timing of our visa. When we filed in August with the k-1 petition, we had this optimism that we might be approved and he could move by the summer of 2013. Now that our NOA1 hasn't even been approved, we are feeling it will probably not be in the summer when he would be approved and could arrive.

We struggle greatly because we have great desires, like everyone else, to have our lives in one location. However, we also realize that there are certain times of the year that are best for us to reunite. Summers seem to be that time for us. Without going into too many details, we both will need to renew contracts for our current jobs that will extend into the following summer (2014) if the visa isn't approved by the 2013 summer.

Granted, we are not far into the process, but I don't want to forget my question in a few months...if we got the NOA2 soon and he interviewed and was approved in the fall, could we file for an extension beyond the 6 months they usually grant for K-1 visas? We would only want to do this, so his visit could coincide with the summer while allowing us to fulfill the responsibilities of our respective working contracts.

[Enigma11561 336]

My understanding is that the visa cannot be extended. You have 6 months to use it. Then 90 days to get married. Maybe others can chime in about delaying the interview ( hence the visa itself) to give you this time.

Edited January 23, 2013 by Enigma11561

[Alaska2012 462]

If he doesn't enter within 6 months you will have to start all over again.

Can't he just quit his job once he gets the visa??

[Gosia & Tito 199]

Last night my fiance and I were talking about the timing of our visa. When we filed in August with the k-1 petition, we had this optimism that we might be approved and he could move by the summer of 2013. Now that our NOA1 hasn't even been approved, we are feeling it will probably not be in the summer when he would be approved and could arrive.

We struggle greatly because we have great desires, like everyone else, to have our lives in one location. However, we also realize that there are certain times of the year that are best for us to reunite. Summers seem to be that time for us. Without going into too many details, we both will need to renew contracts for our current jobs that will extend into the following summer (2014) if the visa isn't approved by the 2013 summer.

Granted, we are not far into the process, but I don't want to forget my question in a few months...if we got the NOA2 soon and he interviewed and was approved in the fall, could we file for an extension beyond the 6 months they usually grant for K-1 visas? We would only want to do this, so his visit could coincide with the summer while allowing us to fulfill the responsibilities of our respective working contracts.

You might want to check processing times in the Egypt specific forum, with others that have been going thru the process, and see best/worst/average times; not only of approval of the petition in USCIS but also process times at the Embassy.

As for extending the visa, in theory it would be possible, but you might want to check that specifically with the consulate/embassy at your country as it could be different than other consulates.

[visaqueries 111]

If he has to quit in the middle of his contract, he will.

As for processing times, I've been reading on here the situations of other petitioners. California was processing at 5 months, but they are now behind that schedule (it seems by 1.5 months on average). Several have said that after they receive the third packet (called something else now) and received their interview date, it was 4.5 months minimum before they had their interview in Cairo. I guess we'll just have to see how it plays out.

I'm not one who likes surprises. This winter when I went to visit my fiance he would often say, "Now I'm telling you this because I know you don't like surprises..." I just wish the powers that be would have that same compassion on me!

Edited January 23, 2013 by visaqueries

[Alaska2012 462]

Also, have in mind he might end up in AP and then there is no telling how long it will take...

[visaqueries 111]

Yes, I've thought of that too!

[together4evr 360]

I know a spouse visa that they got extended for a year.

The embassy said that he would have to use it before that year was up or lose it

So they used it like 8 months later

[visaqueries 111]

Did they just ask the interviewer for the extension or did they have to fill out more paperwork?

[together4evr 360]

He asked during the interview

and the CO had to get up and ask someone else

and they said yes but you will need to email us..... and some other instructions

[Krikit 1,164]

Another option is to request the visa be issued at a later date. It doesn't have to be issued upon approval.

[Sarah Elle-Même 660]

I dunno.. if I was your fiance I would quit the job as soon as I got the visa in my hot little hand. People leave contract jobs all the time. You've already been apart for so long, is the money he will make really worth extending his absence? As soon as he gets his green card he can find a new job in the US. That's just my two cents. But as there is no way to predict how long til interview and how long AP will be it's probably best to do what a lot of Arabs do: don't plan ahead, just wait and see what happens.

[visaqueries 111]

That not planning ahead kills me! I try to rid myself of it sometimes, but it is hard. I am always trying to check out every angle, and I know with this process I won't find every one.

At any rate, I am sure we will know what to do when the interview/acceptance happens. I'm really trying to figure out all our options, so we can make the best decision for us.