Pushing the timeline

[Nywoek 11]

We submitted our I129F at the end of august. At first we were getting estimations for the NOA2 around december-january, which was good news because I was hoping to move by summer next year. Obviously these are just estimations, but it felt pretty good. My fiance bought a house this summer and I just went to visit him to set things up late september into october. Unfortunately he got the news that he lost his job while I was there, due to layoffs - no fault of his own, and while I was really happy I could be there to support him through it, it is obviously a blow to everything, and we are both pretty sad. He works in tech, a pretty high up job, so he does get a few months to try to find another position within the same company (its huge), and then he has severance for 8 months starting next year. While this was going on, our estimate changed from december-january to march-april, which was honestly comforting, because he obviously needs a job by the time its my turn to submit. We are luckily in a position where he can probably move and be with us here if this doesnt work out, but me and the kids were prepared to move and he just bought the house, which would end up being a loss financially. I am optimistic he can find something still, but if nothing has happened by february or so we might have to change all our plans.

 

Anyway.

 

If it looks like he is getting a job, but our NOA2 arrives before all that, how much can we "push" the dates? The way I understand it I will need his financials set up by the time I go to my interview, or do we need them sooner? It would probably be worth to apply for the thing even if it doesnt work out in the end, we would rather lose a little bit of money than have to start the process all over again.. but I do see people not getting interviews for a while/staggering their doctors appointment and so on. The estimated date is well.. just an estimation, and if it turns out to go through sooner than expected I just want to know as much as I can. 😕 There are other people willing to sponsor me in his family and such, but I cannot move to the US with my two kids if he cant support us, or even keep the house we were planning to live in. I believe in him, but the job market for him is not great at the moment, and some of my own preparation includes selling my house before we go.. This feels like a big a mess, but I am doing what I can to stay strong and optimistic for the both of us, since he is doing his part by working hard to get a new job.. so any advice is appreciated.

[Boiler 45,733]

Your timeline does seem optimistic but he's there are plenty of opportunities to delay matters.

[TBoneTX 45,594]

If your fiance's unemployment situation persists, be aware that the consulates can extend petition validity in 4-month increments for up to a year.  Some will do this automatically, but it's best to request it in writing.  Put your A-number in the subject line of your e-mail.  Everyone here hopes for a speedy and happy resolution.

[apnzz 268]

Like Boiler said, there can always potentially be delays. Lately there has been an overall decrease in USCIS production and imo the end of the year coming up, it's not likely to speed up much due to the holidays etc. So naturally estimations may not be as accurate as they may have been before. The wait times are increasing again.

 

For me, it said I'd hear back May 25th to June 21st. When I actually got approved: August 23rd. So just under 6 months. 

 

As T.B explained, the noa2 validity can be extended too. But even without extensions there will still be - most likely - several months between noa2 approval and your actual interview as there are several stages between USCIS approval and visa in hand. Additionally the visa will be valid for 6 months from the date of your medical exam so that can provide additional leeway if required.

 

Hope you guys get it figured out; so sorry he is going through that, it's never nice to see but I'm sure he will get it figured out in no time! Good luck!