Immigrant Visa Extension

[Grandpa Ed 3]

Our granddaughter in the Philippines just got her IR-2 immigrant visa but, unfortunately, the expiration date is two months before her high school graduation date. We are exploring our options but is there a form or process for requesting a short-term extension to an immigrant visa expiration date?

[Crazy Cat 42,028]

Visas cannot be extended once they have been issued.  Options:

 

Option #1.  Travel to US prior to visa expiration.  Get the visa stamped to become a legal resident.  New immigrant can then immediately return to home country to finish business before re-locating to US.  You do not have to wait until plastic Green Card arrives.

 

Option #2.  Allow visa to expire.  Then contact consulate.  They can, at their discretion, re-issue visa if visa holder could not travel due to circumstances beyond their control......

 

I think #1 is your only option. 

Edited January 27, 2024 by Crazy Cat

[Ontarkie 14,345]

Adding on to Crazy Cats advice. Option 1 is the best option. 

 

The medical is expiring when the visa expires the consulate will make her do the medical all over again. If and that is a big if they even want to re-issue the visa. High school graduation is not something that will most likely be seen as a reason to let it expire. They want a really good reason why she didn't or can't enter the US before the expiry date. I can't see graduation making that list. 

[Grandpa Ed 3]

Thank you. These comments are extremely helpful.  We will follow their advice.