Does our interview need to take place before the NOA2 validity expiration date?

[rks_emelander 5]

Hi all, my NOA2 has a validity date until 21 Nov 2024, next month. We just received the instructions on scheduling an interview today from the Guangzhou consulate. Does the interview need to take place before the NOA2 expiration date, or will we be ok to schedule in the following months, should no appointments be available or our schedules cannot accommodate until then?

Thanks

[Rachel n Tyler 43]

Hi!

Embassies can extend the NOA2, I've heard up til a year I believe. The only thing that can't be extended is your medical. Your medical is important for when you enter the USA, as your K1 is valid 6 months after the day of your medical. I've heard people had to contact the embassy for an extention, some did it without question. Best thing is to ask the embassy.

[rks_emelander 5]

Thanks for the answer. However, is there any need to extend the NOA2 validity date if we're already at the visa scheduling phase (or is it done automatically)? It's unlikely we'd be able to make an interview by the current Nov 21 date, but I'm not sure if that date is even relevant at this stage.

[Rachel n Tyler 43]

10 minutes ago, rks_emelander said:

Thanks for the answer. However, is there any need to extend the NOA2 validity date if we're already at the visa scheduling phase (or is it done automatically)? It's unlikely we'd be able to make an interview by the current Nov 21 date, but I'm not sure if that date is even relevant at this stage.

I doubt it's necessary, but it's not going to harm to send a quick email to the embassy about it, just in case.

[SL2024 70]

I think embassies extend petitions in 4 month increments - from what I know I think it used to be a year but that was during Covid. You can certainly contact the embassy though and ask them.

 

Even if your petition does expire you can  revalidate it by bringing a signed letter/statement from each of you confirming that you still plan to marry and will get married within 90 days of entering the USA. 
 

My interview was just over a month after my medical and I brought a signed letter from me and my fiancée along to the visa interview and they were ok with that. 
 

I would say try and book your medical before your petition expires if you can though as when I went for my medical they did ask me if I had booked my interview yet. I had booked mine already before my medical though. 
 

Edited October 18 by SL2024

[Edward and Jaycel 210]

6 hours ago, rks_emelander said:

Thanks for the answer. However, is there any need to extend the NOA2 validity date if we're already at the visa scheduling phase (or is it done automatically)? It's unlikely we'd be able to make an interview by the current Nov 21 date, but I'm not sure if that date is even relevant at this stage.

 

If your interview is scheduled for after the validity date on the NOA2, the consular officer conducting the interview, if they approve the visa, will automatically extend the validity date for you. You do not need to do anything. My only suggestion is that you bring updated letters of intent to marry to the interview with you and proof of ongoing relationship.