Entering U.S Dates

[emz.167 1]

I have received my IL which is for 5th February in London but we don’t plan on moving to the U.S until August (on a spouse visa). Do we have to enter the U.S within 6 months of the medical exam, interview date or when we receive the visa as have heard mixed things? If it’s per the medical exam or interview date I will likely push back the dates a bit to allow some leeway on timing. 

 

Thanks! 

[Edward and Jaycel 291]

When they issue the visa it is valid for 6 months from the date of your medical exam.

[Lil bear 4,261]

14 minutes ago, emz.167 said:

I have received my IL which is for 5th February in London but we don’t plan on moving to the U.S until August (on a spouse visa). Do we have to enter the U.S within 6 months of the medical exam, interview date or when we receive the visa as have heard mixed things? If it’s per the medical exam or interview date I will likely push back the dates a bit to allow some leeway on timing. 

 

Thanks! 

The visa expiry date is usually set as 6 months after your medical date so that both are still valid when you enter .. So you will have less than 6 months from your interview.. how much less depends on when you do your medical prior to the interview. 
Don’t cut it close… illness, weather issues, transport strike.. only a few of the not out of the ordinary occurrences which can derail travel plans.. And an expired visa is not what you want at this stage. 

Edited December 16 by Lil bear

[emz.167 1]

Thank you both! I will definitely be pushing back my interview date then to align with our travel plans. 

[JeanneAdil 6,583]

i would push the date ahead to enter

getting a new interview appointment may have u waiting a long time

 

or arrive,  get stamp I 551 on visa and return to settle things there 

remember USC must arrive with u or ahead of your date (the 1st time)

[OldUser 6,991]

3 minutes ago, JeanneAdil said:

i would push the date ahead to enter

getting a new interview appointment may have u waiting a long time

 

or arrive,  get stamp I 551 on visa and return to settle things there 

remember USC must arrive with u or ahead of your date (the 1st time)

Agreed, there's not much control one has over embassies etc. Once the window of opportunity is given, it's best to make use of it. New administration, change in priorities may slow everything down in 2025.