Delay K-1 Process, at what step can we delay it?

[Kat&Jon 85]

I know this question comes at an odd time since I just recently received our NOA 1 and don't even have our NOA 2 yet which is at least 2 to 3 months out, but if you know me I am a super planner so I like to get things figured out with as much advance notice as I can.

Jon and I just had some things recently come up with family and now know that there is no way we could have a wedding before April 2017. If processing times for CSC stay at what they are now we would have an approved petition (if no RFE's are sent) in around late September early October. From what I have read in my searches here, his visa (if approved) would be issued with an expiration date 6 months from his medical. We would like to try and delay the process so that his visa would be good for entry in late February or early March for the wedding in Mid to late April 2017.

My question is, if the petition does get approved in September or October how long can we delay his medical and embassy interview without having our approved petition expire and have to start the process all over again?

I have tried to do some research on the forums but the search function doesn't seem to get me the type of clear answers I am hoping to get. I know we can delay the medical intentionally and I remember reading a post here in the UK forum who needed to delay everything until a school semester was finished, but I can't seem to find that post!!!

I know all you awesome people know what the steps are and I would really appreciate a clear cut answer to see if this is really possible and make sure that Jon and I go about it the right way so that we don't cause any issues.

Thanks in advance for all your help!

[Scandi 4,166]

Your approval is valid for four months at a time, but it can be extended every four months up to 1 year, so you're fine. Just make sure that the embassy extends the approval automatically by calling them once they have received your case.

As long as you have it done within the year from the approval date you don't have to do the whole thing over again.

[Scandi 4,166]

I found this link too: https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/visa-information-services/contact-us-immigrant-visas/?_ga=1.176002347.863799514.1467139722

"A fiance(e) visa petition is valid for four months from the date on which it is approved. If you are unable to apply for the visa before the petition expires, your U.S. citizen fiance should furnish a statement confirming his/her intention to marry you within 90 days of your arrival in the United States. This statement should be presented on the day of your visa interview."

So it does seem like it automatically extends if you can't make it within those 4 months, but you need a new letter of intent from your fiancé for when you finally go to the interview.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Try this one. http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/593090-any-way-to-pause-a-k1-visa/?hl=%2Bdelay#entry8103822

Or this http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/567323-postponing-visa-interview/?hl=%2Bdelay#entry7828192

I am too weary to write a bunch of stuff out. We have a big project that is starting to drive me insane and a long essay explanation just isn't in me right now. I didn't even read those threads, but they may contain some tidbits of help.

And I am positive the embassy allows one year. Somebody sent me the reply they got straight from London, but I don't want to search for it. Sorry I'm not much help. Short answers that don't require thought are all I have right now.

Edited July 31, 2016 by Nich-Nick

[Kat&Jon 85]

Thank you Scandi and Nich-Nick! I knew there were so posts that had it step by step. Apparently my website searching skills have lost a few levels ><

It is a relief to see that we can still do small steps to delay the process without having to start all over again. Thankfully we won't have to delay it too long just long enough to be able to have a March entry date.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Thank you Scandi and Nich-Nick! I knew there were so posts that had it step by step. Apparently my website searching skills have lost a few levels ><

.

My search on advanced search was "delay" and author "Nich-Nick" because I knew I had written about it many times. Picked the first two that looked usable for you to make a plan. There's probably more to be found.