I-129F Approved - Expiration Date?

[aeroth88 29]

Got my approval letter on Monday! I was wondering what the expiration date meant - does my fiance need to have had the visa application done by then, or have had the interview scheduled by then?

 

We need more time to save for the process! The application, travel to and hotel stay in Montreal between the medical exam and interview, the medical exam itself, moving expenses... it all adds up! Thankfully my family members said they would all chip in for the forms necessary once we're married in the states  : )

 

(Also posted in the general I-129F forum)

[LionessDeon 2,060]

Definitely the DS160 needs to be submitted by then.  I would be concerned if you didn't have an interview date by then also.  Not exactly sure how workable your specific consulate is.

[aeroth88 29]

Thanks! I suppose we could try to get an interview for a bit more in the future in case savings are still not adequate.

[Jeanne Adil 1,651]

you need to be aware that after the K1 you pay a visa fee and then AOS after marriage

 

As of December, 2016 the total filing fees for the K-1 process were $535 for Form I-129F (filed with USCIS), $265 to apply for the K visa (paid to the consulate), and $1,225 for Form I-485 and the adjustment of status packet (filed with USCIS), including the biometrics fee.

[gregcrs2 1,778]

my thoughts to you is to get it as fast as you can, while you can.  Money can always be earned, borrowed, or found in some way.  

[aeroth88 29]

14 hours ago, adil-rafa said:

you need to be aware that after the K1 you pay a visa fee and then AOS after marriage

 

As of December, 2016 the total filing fees for the K-1 process were $535 for Form I-129F (filed with USCIS), $265 to apply for the K visa (paid to the consulate), and $1,225 for Form I-485 and the adjustment of status packet (filed with USCIS), including the biometrics fee.

 

I'm a bit confused about the payments in between the petition and the adjustment of status. I am reading that there's a fee for the DS-160 (the actual visa application) and there's also an immigration fee that is to be paid AT the time of the interview? Or are those one in the same?

[aeroth88 29]

Thankfully my family members have all decided to chip in and pay for the forms to be submitted with the adjustment of status. Obviously the petition has been paid for. What we have to worry about now is everything in between - the forms, travel expenses for the medical and interview, travel for him moving to New Jersey... oy!

[NikLR 13,227]

16 hours ago, aeroth88 said:

 

I'm a bit confused about the payments in between the petition and the adjustment of status. I am reading that there's a fee for the DS-160 (the actual visa application) and there's also an immigration fee that is to be paid AT the time of the interview? Or are those one in the same?

regarding this, the visa fee only is applicable to a K1 beneficiary.  If your fiance was a spouse, there would also be an immigrant fee, but that doesn't apply to you as it is for the production of the green card if you arrive on an immigrant visa.

 

Also to note, your fiance will have 6 months from the date of the medical to make the actual move, and then 90 days after arrival to marry.  You have lots of time to save for the move, wedding, and AOS. 

 

However you fiance must have an interview booked before the I-129F NOA2 expires.  The interview does not need to be before the expiration date (Montreal will automatically extend the expiration) BUT the interview needs to have been booked.  If there are no available dates, wait and keep trying.  If it's close to the expiration you can contact Montreal and confirm they will extend the NOA2 until such a time as you are able to book an interview.  

[NikLR 13,227]

re medical:   make sure you leave at least 3 BUSINESS days between the medical and interview so that the results are ready in time.  I personally wished I'd left 4 days.  However there are some great hostels and rental places downtown Montreal to make the stay a bit cheaper.  If you do stay in a hotel I suggest making sure you have a microwave and a fridge in the room.  Because you'll be there a minimum of 4 or 5 days, buying food you can cook is much cheaper than eating out 2-3x a day.