K1 Timeline. When do I need to be in the UK

[srvman 38]

So after more discussion, with my out-of-my-league beautiful fiance, we have decided to go down the K1 route, while I am still here.

We discussed getting married before Christmas in a bunch of different ways, but we just didn't feel the timing was right, and we don't want to elope. We want both sides there for a meaningful service and reception. Only way this is feasible is next summer. We are aware that OPT is an option, but we are not taking this route, because I want to spend one last Christmas at home in Northern Ireland, and we both feel OPT for me (right now) is a 50-50 shot on whether I can get a job, and we don't want to be stuck in december waiting 9 months to do this thing.

Ok, now on to the reason of my post.

We are planning on filing probably somewhere around this time next month (middle of August) so we have a few questions.

1. After what stage will I NEED to be in the UK? Is it after NOA 2 arrives?

2. Am I able to schedule my appointment, or is my appointment given to me, without flexibility?

3. If I file in August, do you think that leaving for home around the start of December will give me a little bit of time before my K1 interview?

4. After (hopefully) I get my K1 approved, how long do I have before having to reenter the US?

Thank you all for your help so far, this is a great time in both our lives, and although this visa stuff is proving to be very stressful, we are both optimistic about being married and having our first golden retriever this time, next year.

I am a little lost as always, and I appreciate all suggestions and advice, but we are going on this K1 route, and have decided against, cr1, Aos on Opt, and Aos on my F1 visa (which expires in december)

Chris (srvman)

[lost_at_sea 995]

1. Yes. After NOA2 you'll need to be available to have a medical and an interview, both in London.

2. The medical you schedule, the interview is scheduled for you.

3. It's going to take 4 - 7 months to get your NOA2 (processing times change a lot over the course of a year). So if you want to be in the UK December onwards, that would work. When you get NOA2, it takes 2 - 4 weeks for your case to go through the NVC to London, so you'll have warning before you start doing paperwork on the embassy side.

4. After NOA2 it'll take 3 - 5 months to apply for and get your visa. So that long.

Your ability to use VWP will still be there if you want to visit for short trips after your other visa expires.

[srvman 38]

Thank you! Good Luck with your journey, and congrats on being approved! (seen it in your sig)

[lost_at_sea 995]

Thanks!