Ways of slowing down the process?

[CZ Sam 2]

Hello,

 

I, the petitioner, currently live in my Fiancé's country. We have watched the expected time decrease over the last months for our I-129f, and the current projection for the NOA2 is now late October.  

 

This week, we got some unfortunate news that her mother has stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Treatment is not recommended, but we do not yet have a projected timeline. Of course, we want to spend as much time as possible with her beforehand.

 

Is there any way to slow the process? For example, postpone the interview date or prolong the 6 months until entry?

 

Secondly, we have a very expensive wedding ceremony planned and paid for in the US in September 2024. Would there be any way of entering and leaving the US while we are "waiting" on the interview? Do they have any exceptions to traveling while waiting on the green card?

 

Thanks for your help.

[Boiler 45,486]

I would marry and file an I 130, avoid the whole K1 issue entirely.

[Crazy Cat 41,845]

1 hour ago, CZ Sam said:

Hello,

 

I, the petitioner, currently live in my Fiancé's country. We have watched the expected time decrease over the last months for our I-129f, and the current projection for the NOA2 is now late October.  

 

This week, we got some unfortunate news that her mother has stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Treatment is not recommended, but we do not yet have a projected timeline. Of course, we want to spend as much time as possible with her beforehand.

 

Is there any way to slow the process? For example, postpone the interview date or prolong the 6 months until entry?

 

Secondly, we have a very expensive wedding ceremony planned and paid for in the US in September 2024. Would there be any way of entering and leaving the US while we are "waiting" on the interview? Do they have any exceptions to traveling while waiting on the green card?

 

Thanks for your help.

I am truly sorry to hear this news.  Personally, I would just wait and address issues when they arise.  I hope the rest of your journey is smooth.

Edited June 8, 2023 by Crazy Cat

[CZ Sam 2]

7 minutes ago, Boiler said:

I would marry and file an I 130, avoid the whole K1 issue entirely.

In hindsight, it would have been better. Even before this. 

 

At this point, we are already pretty deep into the process, and restarting would not make the wedding ceremony possible unless the times significantly decrease.  

[Boiler 45,486]

You still have a long way to go so I am going to second seeing how things work out.

[CZ Sam 2]

Ya of course. It could be a few months, or it could be over a year. I am just seeking if there are any options for peace of mind. 

 

[Boiler 45,486]

Rescheduling interviews delaying medicals?

[SalishSea 17,828]

47 minutes ago, CZ Sam said:

Secondly, we have a very expensive wedding ceremony planned and paid for in the US in September 2024. Would there be any way of entering and leaving the US while we are "waiting" on the interview? Do they have any exceptions to traveling while waiting on the green card?

 

Did you do much research into the details of the K-1 before petitioning?  Fiance will not be able to leave/return to US or work until the AP/EAD documents are in hand, which can take up to 8 months when filed for concurrently with the greencard application.  Major drawback to that visa vs a spousal visa.

[IWander 589]

1 hour ago, CZ Sam said:

Hello,

 

I, the petitioner, currently live in my Fiancé's country. We have watched the expected time decrease over the last months for our I-129f, and the current projection for the NOA2 is now late October.  

 

This week, we got some unfortunate news that her mother has stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Treatment is not recommended, but we do not yet have a projected timeline. Of course, we want to spend as much time as possible with her beforehand.

 

Is there any way to slow the process? For example, postpone the interview date or prolong the 6 months until entry?

 

Secondly, we have a very expensive wedding ceremony planned and paid for in the US in September 2024. Would there be any way of entering and leaving the US while we are "waiting" on the interview? Do they have any exceptions to traveling while waiting on the green card?

 

Thanks for your help.

With a October petition approval you are easily looking at the possibility of a Jan or Feb interview.  The visa upon issuance will be valid for entry for 6 mos. after the day of the medical, so if you play your cards right you in theory could delay entry until say Aug of '24

[CZ Sam 2]

56 minutes ago, IWander said:

With a October petition approval you are easily looking at the possibility of a Jan or Feb interview.  The visa upon issuance will be valid for entry for 6 mos. after the day of the medical, so if you play your cards right you in theory could delay entry until say Aug of '24

Okay, thank you. Unfortunately the math will probably add up to work out, but we will have to see how things play out in the coming weeks.

 

If you had told us a week ago we we're looking at Jan / Feb we would be ecstatic. 

 

Seems like regardless we will have to be state side around there. I was fishing for loop holes to still have the ceremony with the ability to return, or family emergency exceptions, but with most visa things, there are none. Most likely will not be needed.

[Sarah&Facundo 595]

My husband and I postponed for over 8 months (by choice) and then we waited until the very end right before his visa was about to expire to enter (he entered 2 days before the expiration). So we basically bought ourselves an extra 14 months. So in our experience, this was entirely possible. 

 

In terms of the wedding you paid for, I would be careful with that because the wedding ceremony may not fall within your 90 day timeline (unless you planned on doing a courthouse-type marriage first to satisfy the visa agreements then do the wedding reception later on). 

 

I'm so, so sorry to hear about your family's health and I wish you both all the peace in the world. 

[Lemonslice 4,840]

Don't forget that your spouse won't be able to travel for a little, or longer, period after she immigrates. 

 

Cancer treatment is often a fluid situation, will your spouse be ok with being away, and possibly not being able to go back home easily?   Getting married there now would also allow her mom to attend.  Something to think and discuss between you.

 

Best of luck to you and your family.

[Redro 4,611]

6 hours ago, CZ Sam said:

In hindsight, it would have been better. Even before this. 

 

At this point, we are already pretty deep into the process, and restarting would not make the wedding ceremony possible unless the times significantly decrease.  

Can your fiance apply for ESTA or does she have a B1/B2?

If so, have you considered - marrying your partner now (just signing paperwork). Starting the I-130 process and then having the ceremony in September 2024 (without having to sign paperwork?). 

 

This way your fiance will be your wife. You will be able to travel to the US and she will be able to travel back and forth while waiting for her immigrant visa... Your partner's mother will also be able to celebrate your marriage ceremony in her home country in case she isn't able to travel to the US in September 2024...

Just another thing to consider... 

 

 

[Boiler 45,486]

They are living together now

 

Edited June 8, 2023 by Boiler

[Redro 4,611]

41 minutes ago, Boiler said:

They are living together now

 

Oh that makes it easier! They should consider getting married now (via Utah if they can’t get married in her country for whatever reason) that eliminates the need to travel back and forth to US. And they only need to visit US in 2024 for the wedding celebration…  hopefully wife to be has esta or tourist visa already. If they’re living together with no rush to move to the States they can spend more time in her country with her mom.