Timelines due to COVID

[elyl 2]

I am at the stage in the I-130 process where everything has been submitted, and I need to schedule my medical examination and interview in London.  This is obviously not happening any time soon.

I had hoped to wrap this whole process up by the end of July, so we could move over in time for my kid starting the new school term.  I doubt this is going to happen either.

 

Just wondering what my options are at this point.  Ideally, we want to move during the summer so my kid isn't missing any school.  I know there's a 6 month time limit after getting the visa that I have to move to the US.  Is there a time limit on booking the medical/interview?  How long could I reasonably hold that off, after all the lockdowns are over?  i.e. could I stretch it out to next year without having to reapply?

[Zoeeeeeee 797]

18 minutes ago, elyl said:

I am at the stage in the I-130 process where everything has been submitted, and I need to schedule my medical examination and interview in London.  This is obviously not happening any time soon.

I had hoped to wrap this whole process up by the end of July, so we could move over in time for my kid starting the new school term.  I doubt this is going to happen either.

 

Just wondering what my options are at this point.  Ideally, we want to move during the summer so my kid isn't missing any school.  I know there's a 6 month time limit after getting the visa that I have to move to the US.  Is there a time limit on booking the medical/interview?  How long could I reasonably hold that off, after all the lockdowns are over?  i.e. could I stretch it out to next year without having to reapply?

Hi @elyl,

 

Just trying to figure out where you are in the process, as the timeline on profile doesn't look to be updated? Definitely recommend updating this asap, as it'll help people give you accurate answers. When you say 'everything has been submitted', do you mean the petition etc has just been sent off (I'm guessing not) or do you mean you've had the NOA1 and 2 and your case has been transferred to NVC (or the London embassy in turn)?

 

Re the interview, my understanding is that CR1 interviews are scheduled for you, you don't pick a date (I was a K1 though, so don't know the ins and outs). The visa is valid for 6 months from the date of your medical exam.

 

If your case has been transferred to the embassy and they're in the process of scheduling an interview for you, I'm not sure how easy it'll be to keep rescheduling until you get to spring next year (the earliest you could interview really, if you plan to move in July) - but again, don't know re the details of how this works as you book your own interviews on a K1. 

 

My understanding is that stuff is now reopening in the UK - could you not interview this month or next and then move in July?

Edited May 11, 2020 by Zoeeeeeee

[geowrian 22,337]

The consulate will hold an I-130 for up to 1 year before sending it back to NVC for archival.

The visa is valid for up to 6 months, but constrained by the medical exam validity period.

[elyl 2]

The information on the embassy website says I schedule my own interview, after I have completed the medical examination:

https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/family-immigration/how-to-apply-2/

I guess when I go to schedule an interview, they'll offer me the first one, but I'm wondering how long do I have to go in to schedule it.

2 minutes ago, geowrian said:

The consulate will hold an I-130 for up to 1 year before sending it back to NVC for archival.

The visa is valid for up to 6 months, but constrained by the medical exam validity period.

OK, that's what I was looking for.  Thank you!  Do you happen to have any link for this info?  I believe you, but just want backup!

[geowrian 22,337]

3 minutes ago, elyl said:

The information on the embassy website says I schedule my own interview, after I have completed the medical examination:

https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/family-immigration/how-to-apply-2/

I guess when I go to schedule an interview, they'll offer me the first one, but I'm wondering how long do I have to go in to schedule it.

OK, that's what I was looking for.  Thank you!  Do you happen to have any link for this info?  I believe you, but just want backup!

The best info is in the FAM, per INA 203(g):

https://fam.state.gov/fam/09FAM/09FAM050413.html

 

[elyl 2]

Just now, geowrian said:

The best info is in the FAM, per INA 203(g):

https://fam.state.gov/fam/09FAM/09FAM050413.html

 

Ah lovely... they never make things easy 😄

[Zoeeeeeee 797]

4 minutes ago, elyl said:

The information on the embassy website says I schedule my own interview, after I have completed the medical examination:

https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/family-immigration/how-to-apply-2/

I guess when I go to schedule an interview, they'll offer me the first one, but I'm wondering how long do I have to go in to schedule it.

That link says that NVC will schedule your interview and gives instructions on what to do if you can't attend? Which is my understanding of how CR1s work...

 

Either way, glad you've got your answer re extending and good luck! 🙃

[pushbrk 12,998]

4 hours ago, Zoeeeeeee said:

Hi @elyl,

 

Just trying to figure out where you are in the process, as the timeline on profile doesn't look to be updated? Definitely recommend updating this asap, as it'll help people give you accurate answers. When you say 'everything has been submitted', do you mean the petition etc has just been sent off (I'm guessing not) or do you mean you've had the NOA1 and 2 and your case has been transferred to NVC (or the London embassy in turn)?

 

Re the interview, my understanding is that CR1 interviews are scheduled for you, you don't pick a date (I was a K1 though, so don't know the ins and outs). The visa is valid for 6 months from the date of your medical exam.

 

If your case has been transferred to the embassy and they're in the process of scheduling an interview for you, I'm not sure how easy it'll be to keep rescheduling until you get to spring next year (the earliest you could interview really, if you plan to move in July) - but again, don't know re the details of how this works as you book your own interviews on a K1. 

 

My understanding is that stuff is now reopening in the UK - could you not interview this month or next and then move in July?

This is a DCF case, so no transfer to Embassy from NVC.  DCF cases schedule their own interviews.  , 

 

The Consular IV units will hold the case for a year if you stay in contact.  However, with the Covid 19 situation, I expect they'll hold it as long as necessary, provided you remain in contact.

[Hilde 381]

19 hours ago, elyl said:

I am at the stage in the I-130 process where everything has been submitted, and I need to schedule my medical examination and interview in London.  This is obviously not happening any time soon.

I had hoped to wrap this whole process up by the end of July, so we could move over in time for my kid starting the new school term.  I doubt this is going to happen either.

 

Just wondering what my options are at this point.  Ideally, we want to move during the summer so my kid isn't missing any school.  I know there's a 6 month time limit after getting the visa that I have to move to the US.  Is there a time limit on booking the medical/interview?  How long could I reasonably hold that off, after all the lockdowns are over?  i.e. could I stretch it out to next year without having to reapply?

We have the exact same problem. I am in Brazil. I got DQ last month and am waiting for the interview letter. The school situation is the most worrisome.

Before COVID Brazil was taking roughly 2 months to schedule. No clue as to what will happen now with the backlog.

I still haven´t done the medical.

[NikLR 13,228]

~~moved to coronavirus with other like topics from IR1/CR1 process and procedures ~~

[Zoeeeeeee 797]

On 5/11/2020 at 2:57 PM, pushbrk said:

This is a DCF case, so no transfer to Embassy from NVC.  DCF cases schedule their own interviews.  , 

 

The Consular IV units will hold the case for a year if you stay in contact.  However, with the Covid 19 situation, I expect they'll hold it as long as necessary, provided you remain in contact.

Thanks for clarifying - saw CR1 on profile and didn't see a mention of DCF - that makes more sense!