Is there a time limit between I-130 approval and interview/Adjustment of Status?

[alongjourney 0]

Hi,

Once the I-130 is approved, is there a time limit before which we have to go into the interview or adjust status (if in the U.S.)?

We got married in the U.S. last September and filed I-130 late February this year. We also plan to go through with the K-3.

Probably both (especially CR) will take until after our first anniversary to get approved.

If K-3 gets approved and I move to the U.S., the visa good for 2 years. Can we wait to change the status until after the second anniversary (Sept. 08) so I can go straight to IR (and no CR), thus avoiding additional fees and hassle?

Or if I decide to fly back to my own country and take interview at the ambassy (rather than applying for adjustment of status), can I do that after my second anniversary?

Either way, how long is I-130 approval good for? How long can we wait to adjust status or to have the final interview?

Thank you!

[nyseness 0]

USCIS will probably process your I-130 & I-129f around the same time or days apart. If you I-129f is approved first then you will be doing the K3. Once your spouse arrives they have two years to do the AOS (while is visa is valid) You don't want to wait longer then that b/c he will be out of status which can cause complications later down the line. If your I-129f is approved and YOU DECIDE you want to go the CR1 route then you will have to apply for the I-824 and pay another $200. Once the file is sent to NVC it's good for 1 year.