NOA2 to interview

[BC97 13]

Hi guys,

 

My fiancee is still yet the file the I-129F. I'm from the UK and turnaround times right now are suggesting we could be waiting any amount of time between 5 months and 11 months for the interview. 

 

I'm thinking of scheduling in a final visit at the end of March while the K1 is processing, and I'm trying to take advantage of favourable flight prices while I can. Does anyone know from experience what level of control you have over the date of the interview at the embassy, in case our application goes through fast? We plan on starting the process in the next week or so, and were also wondering typically whether the gap between the NOA2 and getting the interview is long or short?

 

Any other advice would also be very welcome, thanks!

Edited October 19, 2019 by BC97

[flfreddy 92]

The rule of any visa application, do not book anything until it becomes clearer.   NOA2 to P4 is about 2 months.  After you receive P4 then can you start to make appointment if its available.   Some embassies a few weeks some a few months.    Cheaper airfare is not a good reason to book as you may have to change it and it becomes more expensive.

[BC97 13]

6 minutes ago, flfreddy said:

The rule of any visa application, do not book anything until it becomes clearer.   NOA2 to P4 is about 2 months.  After you receive P4 then can you start to make appointment if its available.   Some embassies a few weeks some a few months.    Cheaper airfare is not a good reason to book as you may have to change it and it becomes more expensive.

New to understanding the process but is it (usually):

3-4 months NOA1 -> NOA2

2 Months NOA2 -> Invite to interview

Interview date can be a few weeks to a few months, then a few weeks for them to send your passport back in the mail?

 

Is there no ability to exercise control over the interview date or is it set in stone? Years ago I had a J1 visa and I feel like I remember selecting an interview date within an online portal.

[flfreddy 92]

Everything is so fluid nowadays.   What used to be 6 mths back change tomorrow as well.    I am currently in P4 stage and my interview is available like next week, but I am waiting for next month for my work schedule to come to the embassy.

 

OK.   NOA2 -> P4 is about 2 mths usually

P4 to interview is embassy dependent

If no complications, passport after interview is about 1-2 weeks.   If complications, then 1-2 mths possible too.

 

So things are fluid, do not book anything until you hear passport is on the way to your home address... but then again it can be lost in the mail.....

 

 

[BC97 13]

2 minutes ago, flfreddy said:

Everything is so fluid nowadays.   What used to be 6 mths back change tomorrow as well.    I am currently in P4 stage and my interview is available like next week, but I am waiting for next month for my work schedule to come to the embassy.

 

OK.   NOA2 -> P4 is about 2 mths usually

P4 to interview is embassy dependent

If no complications, passport after interview is about 1-2 weeks.   If complications, then 1-2 mths possible too.

 

So things are fluid, do not book anything until you hear passport is on the way to your home address... but then again it can be lost in the mail.....

 

 

Ah okay so the interview date is up to you (selected from a range of dates). So ultimately it is within my control if everything goes through fast, though I'd have to be wary of how long the application is valid.

[flfreddy 92]

The assumption that things are going smoothly is a strong one.   You can only really be sure when the CO says yes visa is approved, and will be issued in a week and there is no extended admin processing after the interview.    Before that, RFE or 221 possible anytime for whatever USCIS/NVC/CO feels is sensitive.

[BC97 13]

4 minutes ago, flfreddy said:

The assumption that things are going smoothly is a strong one.   You can only really be sure when the CO says yes visa is approved, and will be issued in a week and there is no extended admin processing after the interview.    Before that, RFE or 221 possible anytime for whatever USCIS/NVC/CO feels is sensitive.

I'm not sure if you're getting confused, as my question was about visiting my Fiancee before the visa is approved. I don't plan on booking flights to move there permanently until the whole process is complete.

[DaveAndAnastasia 2,092]

35 minutes ago, BC97 said:

I'm not sure if you're getting confused, as my question was about visiting my Fiancee before the visa is approved. I don't plan on booking flights to move there permanently until the whole process is complete.

You can definitely visit the US while the petition is processing and/or before your K-1 is approved (presuming you're from a VWP country, Canada, or have an existing tourist visa); see the "Yes, You can visit" thread here: 

And in most countries you can set your interview date (check the regional subforum for your country of residence for more details). And it's at least possible in theory to extend the petition validity in 4-month increments beyond the initial four months (though some embassies and consulates won't do this unless the delay in you getting an interview is due to lack of available spots or other problems on the embassy/consulate side; a planned vacation on your part is probably not a good enough reason to delay).

 

Having said that, I wouldn't make travel plans for a visit too far in advance because you're going to need to be in your country of residence to gather documents for the interview, do the medical, interview, and do whatever else you need to do to prepare to move.

[BC97 13]

19 hours ago, DaveAndAnastasia said:

You can definitely visit the US while the petition is processing and/or before your K-1 is approved (presuming you're from a VWP country, Canada, or have an existing tourist visa); see the "Yes, You can visit" thread here: 

And in most countries you can set your interview date (check the regional subforum for your country of residence for more details). And it's at least possible in theory to extend the petition validity in 4-month increments beyond the initial four months (though some embassies and consulates won't do this unless the delay in you getting an interview is due to lack of available spots or other problems on the embassy/consulate side; a planned vacation on your part is probably not a good enough reason to delay).

 

Having said that, I wouldn't make travel plans for a visit too far in advance because you're going to need to be in your country of residence to gather documents for the interview, do the medical, interview, and do whatever else you need to do to prepare to move.

Thank you so much!