Reasons for discouraging flight booking pre-visa issue

[RadChan 84]

Hi everyone, 

 

I see a lot of people saying "don't book your flight before your visa is issued" but I just wasn't able to determine whether there is a reason for this beyond " something could go wrong, your visa takes longer than you think and you lose a lot of money." (I did try to Google and check the archive but couldn't find any answer to confirm)

 

Is it actually frowned upon by the people approving your visa, and if so, could it potentially negatively impact an application? (like, they deny or extend the process or something?)

 

I DQ'd July 1st so if everyone else's experience is any indicator, I can expect an interview on Dec 1st. I have seen a few instance where people might get it a toucher earlier or later (say Nov 23rd or Dec 6th). Since it is that time of year, prices will be expensive and my husband and I are keen to book ASAP. I was thinking for booking something around Dec 10-12th, however, we would only book with an airline allowing a flexible ticket which we could change with no fees (and usually up until 48 hours before). It could make the difference between paying $400 for a ticket and paying $1500 (if we waited until we had the visa in our hand to book)/ 

 

Can anyone advise whether there is a reason beyond "you might lose money" for this advice? Obviously if the embassy will frown upon it or get "suspicious" (?!) then we want to avoid that. 

 

Thanks in advance! 

[Bbking2 93]

6 minutes ago, RadChan said:

Hi everyone, 

 

I see a lot of people saying "don't book your flight before your visa is issued" but I just wasn't able to determine whether there is a reason for this beyond " something could go wrong, your visa takes longer than you think and you lose a lot of money." (I did try to Google and check the archive but couldn't find any answer to confirm)

 

Is it actually frowned upon by the people approving your visa, and if so, could it potentially negatively impact an application? (like, they deny or extend the process or something?)

 

I DQ'd July 1st so if everyone else's experience is any indicator, I can expect an interview on Dec 1st. I have seen a few instance where people might get it a toucher earlier or later (say Nov 23rd or Dec 6th). Since it is that time of year, prices will be expensive and my husband and I are keen to book ASAP. I was thinking for booking something around Dec 10-12th, however, we would only book with an airline allowing a flexible ticket which we could change with no fees (and usually up until 48 hours before). It could make the difference between paying $400 for a ticket and paying $1500 (if we waited until we had the visa in our hand to book)/ 

 

Can anyone advise whether there is a reason beyond "you might lose money" for this advice? Obviously if the embassy will frown upon it or get "suspicious" (?!) then we want to avoid that. 

 

Thanks in advance! 

How would the embassy know if you've booked a ticket or not? If you don't have your visa in hand you can't fly... 

[user555 196]

Step 1: Fill in your timeline

 

Have you done your medical? How sure are you that you'll pass the interview with all your documents?  

[Crazy Cat 42,547]

16 minutes ago, Bobnrob said:

How would the embassy know if you've booked a ticket or not? If you don't have your visa in hand you can't fly... 

It's practicality.

 

Possible delays:

1.  Extended Administrative Processing (very common in some regions such as MENA).

2.  Delivery delays/lost after leaving consulate

3.  Mistakes on the visa.  This would require correction.

 

We recommend not booking until after the visa has been received and checked for error.

 

 

Edited October 4, 2020 by Lucky Cat

[RadChan 84]

6 minutes ago, Lucky Cat said:

It's practicality.

 

Possible delays:

1.  Extended Administrative Processing (very common in some regions such as MENA).

2.  Delivery delays/lost after leaving consulate

3.  Mistakes on the visa.  This would require correction.

 

We recommend not booking until after the visa has been received and checked for error.

 

 

Thanks. So it isn't that the fact you have booked will somehow impede the visa process but just so you don't end up losing money. 

 

I can see how it would be foolish to buy a non-flexible, non-refundable ticket! 

[Crazy Cat 42,547]

6 minutes ago, RadChan said:

So it isn't that the fact you have booked will somehow impede the visa process

Booking early would have no effect on the visa process.

[RadChan 84]

21 minutes ago, user555 said:

Step 1: Fill in your timeline

 

Have you done your medical? How sure are you that you'll pass the interview with all your documents?  

As I mentioned, we want to buy a fully refundable, fully flexible ticket. That means no matter what, we can change it and won't lose any money. There is no gambling involved. 

 

Also, we have lawyers processing our case so we are quite confident that we will have everything we need! (And if we don't, if it all screws up, we can still get a 100% refund with Delta tickets so long as you cancel 24 hours before)

Edited October 4, 2020 by RadChan

[RadChan 84]

7 minutes ago, Lucky Cat said:

Booking early would have no effect on the visa process.

Great to know! Thank you

[Crazy Cat 42,547]

6 minutes ago, RadChan said:

Also, we have lawyers processing our case so we are quite confident that we will have everything we need!

Our case was delayed for 3 months due to inept attorney.........  In what country will the interview be conducted?

[RadChan 84]

10 minutes ago, Lucky Cat said:

Our case was delayed for 3 months due to inept attorney.........  In what country will the interview be conducted?

Yikes! Sorry to hear that. Attorneys are expensive and you do hope that at the very least they will make sure no mistakes are made. But I hear it can happen. 

 

I am in the UK, interview will be at the London Embassy. Fingers crossed everything will go smoothly, I have been keeping an eye on everyone else's timelines and it seems interviews are scheduled 5 months to the exact DQ day for 99% of people applying, and the majority have the visa in their hands within 48 hours. 

 

But we won't be booking any flight tickets without a 100% iron-clad get out clause, just in case!

Edited October 4, 2020 by RadChan

[Crazy Cat 42,547]

5 minutes ago, RadChan said:

We are in the UK, interview will be at the London Embassy.

I would not expect any long delays.....just check the visa for errors after you get it......Good luck.

[RadChan 84]

5 minutes ago, Lucky Cat said:

I would not expect any long delays.....just check the visa for errors after you get it......Good luck.

Thank you!

[PBabz 141]

3 hours ago, RadChan said:

 it seems interviews are scheduled 5 months to the exact DQ day for 99% of people applying, and the majority have the visa in their hands within 48 hours. 

 

I'm super intrigued to see if you are right about the interview timeline - not only will it be great news for you and your husband of course, but also a bit of insight for everyone else that has been waiting!

 

Please do come back and update us if you are able to when you receive your interview invitation. 

 

Wishing you and your husband all the best with the process too; it's been hard on so many people so I can only imagine it's been hard on your and your husband too. Good luck and hang in there

[Wuozopo 4,293]

4 hours ago, RadChan said:

and the majority have the visa in their hands within 48 hours.

How many of those are London? 

[RadChan 84]

2 hours ago, PBabz said:

I'm super intrigued to see if you are right about the interview timeline - not only will it be great news for you and your husband of course, but also a bit of insight for everyone else that has been waiting!

 

Please do come back and update us if you are able to when you receive your interview invitation. 

 

Wishing you and your husband all the best with the process too; it's been hard on so many people so I can only imagine it's been hard on your and your husband too. Good luck and hang in there

The CR-1 visa mega thread is a good place to lurk to see how things progress for other people!

Edited October 4, 2020 by RadChan