Should I complete the DS-160 while case is sitting at NVC?

[Asterix78 27]

Hi, I was unable to find this specific question in the forums, so my apologies if it's been answered. There was a similar question pre-COVID but I am interested in the current situation. 

 

During this time, when embassies are not processing K-1s, should I complete the DS-160? Since the interview date is not known, I am not sure if DS-160 will age out. On the other hand, I am concerned that my NOA2 will age out, so maybe completing the DS-160 will extend that deadline - I am not sure. Do you believe that NOA2 expiration dates will automatically be extended due to these circumstances? Any guidance would be appreciated.

 

Edited July 13, 2020 by Asterix78

[ThomasNC1988 762]

1 hour ago, Asterix78 said:

Hi, I was unable to find this specific question in the forums, so my apologies if it's been answered. There was a similar question pre-COVID but I am interested in the current situation. 

 

During this time, when embassies are not processing K-1s, should I complete the DS-160? Since the interview date is not known, I am not sure if DS-160 will age out. On the other hand, I am concerned that my NOA2 will age out, so maybe completing the DS-160 will extend that deadline - I am not sure. Do you believe that NOA2 expiration dates will automatically be extended due to these circumstances? Any guidance would be appreciated.

 

The NOA2s have always been extended up to a year by the embassy. Now if it is still at the NVC that is not quite the same but I doubt they would let it expire.

[Asterix78 27]

24 minutes ago, ThomasNC1988 said:

The NOA2s have always been extended up to a year by the embassy. Now if it is still at the NVC that is not quite the same but I doubt they would let it expire.

Oh I wouldn't be concerned in the slightest if my case was at the embassy. NVC is no one's land at this point.

[Greenbaum 12,259]

6 hours ago, Asterix78 said:

Hi, I was unable to find this specific question in the forums, so my apologies if it's been answered. There was a similar question pre-COVID but I am interested in the current situation. 

 

During this time, when embassies are not processing K-1s, should I complete the DS-160? Since the interview date is not known, I am not sure if DS-160 will age out. On the other hand, I am concerned that my NOA2 will age out, so maybe completing the DS-160 will extend that deadline - I am not sure. Do you believe that NOA2 expiration dates will automatically be extended due to these circumstances? Any guidance would be appreciated.

 

There isn't a expiration date for the DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application so, yes you can do it now. If information changes between now and your interview, you'll have to either redo it or advise the CO at the interview to update the information that has changed. I'd recommend waiting till you have an interview date.

 

A fiancé visa must be issued within four months from the date of approval of the fiancé petition by USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services). If your appointment is later then the validity date, bring a signed and dated letter from your U.S. fiancé(e) stating that you both remain legally free to marry and that you intend to get married within 90 days of your arrival. E-mail or copies are acceptable.

 

9 FAM 41.81 N6.2 Validity of a K-1 Petition
(CT:VISA-2165; 08-21-2014)
An approved K-1 visa petition is valid for a period of four months from the date of USCIS action and may be revalidated by the consular officer any number of times for additional periods of four months from the date of revalidation, provided the officer concludes that the petitioner and the beneficiary remain legally free to marry and continue to intend to marry each other within 90 days after the beneficiary's admission into the United States. 

 

We don't know how the "expired one year dated" NOA2's will be handled but those that still have validity will be extended. Best place to learn about what action your embassy will take is stay tuned to their website. Some embassies have FB pages that you can also follow along. Good luck and stay engaged. 

[sl1pstream 551]

9 minutes ago, Greenbaum said:

If information changes between now and your interview, you'll have to either redo it or advise the CO at the interview to update the information that has changed. I'd recommend waiting till you have an interview date. 

If the expected departure date changed, would I have to fill out the whole thing again or could I just tell them at the interview? Nothing else has changed, just that one.

[Greenbaum 12,259]

19 minutes ago, sl1pstream said:

If the expected departure date changed, would I have to fill out the whole thing again or could I just tell them at the interview? Nothing else has changed, just that one.

"either redo it or advise the CO at the interview to update the information that has changed."

[Asterix78 27]

38 minutes ago, Greenbaum said:

There isn't a expiration date for the DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application so, yes you can do it now. If information changes between now and your interview, you'll have to either redo it or advise the CO at the interview to update the information that has changed. I'd recommend waiting till you have an interview date.

 

A fiancé visa must be issued within four months from the date of approval of the fiancé petition by USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services). If your appointment is later then the validity date, bring a signed and dated letter from your U.S. fiancé(e) stating that you both remain legally free to marry and that you intend to get married within 90 days of your arrival. E-mail or copies are acceptable.

 

9 FAM 41.81 N6.2 Validity of a K-1 Petition
(CT:VISA-2165; 08-21-2014)
An approved K-1 visa petition is valid for a period of four months from the date of USCIS action and may be revalidated by the consular officer any number of times for additional periods of four months from the date of revalidation, provided the officer concludes that the petitioner and the beneficiary remain legally free to marry and continue to intend to marry each other within 90 days after the beneficiary's admission into the United States. 

 

We don't know how the "expired one year dated" NOA2's will be handled but those that still have validity will be extended. Best place to learn about what action your embassy will take is stay tuned to their website. Some embassies have FB pages that you can also follow along. Good luck and stay engaged. 

I have exactly a month left on my NOA2, but I am hardly alone in this scenario, so I am sure the Embassies will extend the cases once they receive them. But if I may ask....will the DS-160 online form give me an error if I attempt to fill it out after NOA2 expires?

[Greenbaum 12,259]

Just now, Asterix78 said:

I have exactly a month left on my NOA2, but I am hardly alone in this scenario, so I am sure the Embassies will extend the cases once they receive them. But if I may ask....will the DS-160 online form give me an error if I attempt to fill it out after NOA2 expires?

No.

[Asterix78 27]

2 minutes ago, Greenbaum said:

No.

Thank you.

[Mang Tacio 0]

On 7/13/2020 at 2:40 PM, Asterix78 said:

Thank you.

 

On 7/13/2020 at 1:55 PM, Greenbaum said:

There isn't a expiration date for the DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application so, yes you can do it now. If information changes between now and your interview, you'll have to either redo it or advise the CO at the interview to update the information that has changed. I'd recommend waiting till you have an interview date.

 

A fiancé visa must be issued within four months from the date of approval of the fiancé petition by USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services). If your appointment is later then the validity date, bring a signed and dated letter from your U.S. fiancé(e) stating that you both remain legally free to marry and that you intend to get married within 90 days of your arrival. E-mail or copies are acceptable.

 

9 FAM 41.81 N6.2 Validity of a K-1 Petition
(CT:VISA-2165; 08-21-2014)
An approved K-1 visa petition is valid for a period of four months from the date of USCIS action and may be revalidated by the consular officer any number of times for additional periods of four months from the date of revalidation, provided the officer concludes that the petitioner and the beneficiary remain legally free to marry and continue to intend to marry each other within 90 days after the beneficiary's admission into the United States. 

 

We don't know how the "expired one year dated" NOA2's will be handled but those that still have validity will be extended. Best place to learn about what action your embassy will take is stay tuned to their website. Some embassies have FB pages that you can also follow along. Good luck and stay engaged. 

Hi Mr GreenBaum,

 

I did received my NOA1 and NOA2 (Notice of Approval, 179) last May 2020 from the USCIS for my Petition to my Fiance'e in the Philippines and it has been forwarded to NVC,  but due to the Covid-19 concerns my K1 visa petition has been delayed and it can not be forwarded to Manila Embassy due to the closure. The  approval notice will expire on this coming September 2020. My question is,  could my Fiance'e  apply for a visa with the DS-160 without a case number or should we wait until my petition has been forwarded to the U.S Embassy, Manila.  I will really appreciate your response to my question. Thank you.

[Greenbaum 12,259]

2 hours ago, Mang Tacio said:

 

Hi Mr GreenBaum,

 

I did received my NOA1 and NOA2 (Notice of Approval, 179) last May 2020 from the USCIS for my Petition to my Fiance'e in the Philippines and it has been forwarded to NVC,  but due to the Covid-19 concerns my K1 visa petition has been delayed and it can not be forwarded to Manila Embassy due to the closure. The  approval notice will expire on this coming September 2020. My question is,  could my Fiance'e  apply for a visa with the DS-160 without a case number or should we wait until my petition has been forwarded to the U.S Embassy, Manila.  I will really appreciate your response to my question. Thank you.

The NOA2 has a validity of one year.  Embassy can extend it.  Bring a letter of intent to your interview. 

 

You can complete the DS-160 now or later just need to be ready for the interview.   There is no hurry. I wouldn't pay the visa interview fee till the embassy items for K1.