NCoV 19 Visa Renewal

[Linmuel 3]

Hello.

What if I'm unable to leave before my Visa expires due to possible NCoV 19 travel restrictions?"

I've already emailed the USCIS about my concern and they replied that they cannot extend the visa validity but they can renew it. All i have to do is to file a request letter and surrender my expired visa. And by renewing, I have to pay the Consular Fees again and might require to undergo medical, and resubmit expired documents.

my questions are,
1. Does it mean i have to go through the whole process again? (but i doubt it)
2. How long does it takes for this kind of procedure? Another 12 years? or just months?

 

My petitioner is panicking about the situation actually.

I am a F11 Visa Holder with an expiry date of July 3, 2020.

Thank you for your help!

[geowrian 22,337]

As stated, they cannot extend the visa but ther can issue a new one. Follow their instructions.

(Side note: USCIS has no role here...they don't issue visas. This is a DOS function.)

1) No, only the visa process - likely including the medical as it typically expires alongside the visa - needs to be completed again. A new visa interview probably won't be needed. Any other documents that may have expired may need new versions provided.

 

2) No, the process to reissue varies by consulate, but typically would be a matter of weeks to couple months in most cases. If they get backlogged or short staffed, this could be longer.

The Priority Date (PD) is unchanged. The petition remains valid. Those are the longest steps in your process.

Edited March 15, 2020 by geowrian

[Linmuel 3]

6 minutes ago, geowrian said:

As stated, they cannot extend the visa but ther can issue a new one. Follow their instructions.

(Side note: USCIS has no role here...they don't issue visas. This is a DOS function.)

1) No, only the visa process - likely including the medical as it typically expires alongside the visa - needs to be completed again. A new visa interview probably won't be needed. Any other documents that may have expired may need new versions provided.

 

2) No, the process to reissue varies by consulate, but typically would be a matter of weeks to couple months in most cases. If they get backlogged or short staffed, this could be longer.

The Priority Date (PD) is unchanged. The petition remains valid. Those are the longest steps in your process.

 

Thank you! I Appreciate your response!

[Basel 9]

52 minutes ago, Linmuel said:

Hello.

What if I'm unable to leave before my Visa expires due to possible NCoV 19 travel restrictions?"

I've already emailed the USCIS about my concern and they replied that they cannot extend the visa validity but they can renew it. All i have to do is to file a request letter and surrender my expired visa. And by renewing, I have to pay the Consular Fees again and might require to undergo medical, and resubmit expired documents.

my questions are,
1. Does it mean i have to go through the whole process again? (but i doubt it)
2. How long does it takes for this kind of procedure? Another 12 years? or just months?

 

My petitioner is panicking about the situation actually.

I am a F11 Visa Holder with an expiry date of July 3, 2020.

Thank you for your help!

My wife's  immigrant visa will be expire next moth also this is very unusual situation.  

[AC360 3]

I am in similar situation. Have you reached out to the embassy or consulate on the process to renew the visa ?  Thanks.

[SusieQQQ 11,587]

1 hour ago, AC360 said:

I am in similar situation. Have you reached out to the embassy or consulate on the process to renew the visa ?  Thanks.

All US visa processing worldwide is currently suspended. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/suspension-of-routine-visa-services.html
 

[Linmuel 3]

Yes. I have contacted the consular about this.

here's their reply:

 

Quote

We are writing in response to your inquiry to the Immigrant Visa Unit concerning your immigrant visa case.

 

Visa applications are adjudicated in accordance with criteria specified in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and applicable federal regulations.  We have reviewed Department consular records and confirmed that you were issued an immigrant visa on February 12, 2020, which will expire on July 3, 2020.

 

While we recognize your concerns, please be aware that we are unable to extend the validity of an issued visa.  However, we are able to replace an expired visa if the applicant is able to demonstrate that the inability to use the visa was due to circumstances beyond her control.

 

If you will be unable to use the visa within its validity period, you must surrender the passport with the expired visa and visa packet to the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines (Attn: Immigrant Visa Unit) via any branch of 2GO courier service together with a letter addressed to the consular officer explaining the reason for the inability to use the visa and intended departure date for the United States. The applicant’s complete name and case number should be clearly indicated.  Once we receive the documents, we will refer the case to a consular officer for review.

 

If you are determined to be eligible for a replacement visa, you will have to pay the applicable consular fees anew. You will also be required to update any documents (i.e., medical exam, visa photos, whichever is applicable) that may have expired.

 

We hope this information is helpful.

 

Sincerely,

 

CONSULAR COMMUNICATIONS GROUP

Consular Section | U.S. Embassy in the Philippines

Well, nothing we can do on our part but to spend again. The petition stays valid. Only the visa needs renewing. 

[AC360 3]

Thanks for the reply. It is really helpful. I agree. Nothing to do except re-apply for the visa.  All the best. I will keep you updated in case i hear something from mumbai consulate on the process as well. 

[Ontarkie 14,324]

~~Moved to the COvid 19 forum, from Bringing Family~~