Extending a K1 visa

[Norman in Austin 0]

My fiancee's K1 visa expired, (details here) and we'll be heading to the Guangzhou consulate today to request a visa extension. I couldn't find many postings about extending the entry validity on a K1, so I thought I'd post to ask if anyone had any tips or suggestions to maximize our chances of being successful. I feel our case is very strong, (we didn't notice the original k1 was only valid for 6 weeks and delayed our entry a bit to schedule a wedding party with guests from around china and from the US) but it is very hard to guess how the consulate will respond without knowing the results others have had with similar requests.

[pushbrk 12,898]

My fiancee's K1 visa expired, (details here) and we'll be heading to the Guangzhou consulate today to request a visa extension. I couldn't find many postings about extending the entry validity on a K1, so I thought I'd post to ask if anyone had any tips or suggestions to maximize our chances of being successful. I feel our case is very strong, (we didn't notice the original k1 was only valid for 6 weeks and delayed our entry a bit to schedule a wedding party with guests from around china and from the US) but it is very hard to guess how the consulate will respond without knowing the results others have had with similar requests.

I've never seen them extend the validity of a visa. Your situation appears to be one where a reissue of the visa would be in order, so that it is issued with the correct expiration date. If they made an error, they will fix it. If they had a valid reason for the expiration date given, they'll most likely tell you what it was and refuse to grant an extension.

[L&V 1]

My fiancee's K1 visa expired, (details here) and we'll be heading to the Guangzhou consulate today to request a visa extension. I couldn't find many postings about extending the entry validity on a K1, so I thought I'd post to ask if anyone had any tips or suggestions to maximize our chances of being successful. I feel our case is very strong, (we didn't notice the original k1 was only valid for 6 weeks and delayed our entry a bit to schedule a wedding party with guests from around china and from the US) but it is very hard to guess how the consulate will respond without knowing the results others have had with similar requests.

Good luck to you as you explain your case at the Consulate. Follow the instructions below and have everything ready when you are there... (visa packet, statement of why visa was not used).

This is what I found on the Consulate website --->http://guangzhou.usembassy-china.org.cn/iv_faqs.htm#48

What happens if I cant travel within [six] months of when I receive my visa?

Immigrant and fiancé/e visas cannot be extended. If the visa is not used within its period of validity, you must bring it and the visa packet to our office for cancellation, along with a statement explaining the reasons why the visa was not used. It is possible that you will be eligible to receive a new visa, although this is not certain and depends on the circumstances of your case. Payment of an additional visa application fee may be required.

How soon can I travel to the U.S. once the visa is issued? For how long is my visa valid?

You can travel as soon as you receive your visa. Immigrant and fiancé/e visas are valid for six months; note that you must enter the U.S. by this visa expiration date. In some cases, visas may be limited to expire before the end of the standard six-month period. Again, please note that you must enter the U.S. before your visas validity expires.

Edited June 1, 2010 by L&V

[Darnell 8,478]

I've never seen them extend the validity of a visa. Your situation appears to be one where a reissue of the visa would be in order, so that it is issued with the correct expiration date. If they made an error, they will fix it. If they had a valid reason for the expiration date given, they'll most likely tell you what it was and refuse to grant an extension.

Ya, he had some medical slippage time because of TB test results. There's been some issues about that with MNL casefiles, as well.

[pushbrk 12,898]

Ya, he had some medical slippage time because of TB test results. There's been some issues about that with MNL casefiles, as well.

Yes, I saw the explanation in the regional forum. I HOPE they'll reissue but expect they may want another TB test. The Catch 22 is that it is both reasonable to expect a 6 month validity AND to expect the visa holder to look at and adhere to the visa expiration date. I have a hope not a prediction as to the results but am eager to know the outcome.

[Norman in Austin 0]

Yes, I agree. The error was entirely on our part. I never saw the visa until I got to Guangzhou last week for our party. I should have had Julie fax me a copy of the visa when it was issued so I could double check it, and of course I do wish she had been more careful in inspecting her own documents. But, that is all in hindsight. I can only hope that we find a sympathetic ear today.

[Darnell 8,478]

I'm rooting for ya, Norman !!!

[Norman in Austin 0]

Although it took some work to actually get in and speak to someone, our request was accepted. We received a paper saying that the visa application will be approved once we submit a new medical examination. We also need to pay a new visa application fee.

For reference, we submitted a letter requesting the visa be extended or re-issued and explaining the circumstances why the original visa wasn't used. Just to be safe, we also brought copies of the airline tickets for our return trip as well as my parent's tickets. We also brought a few pictures of our wedding party. Our plan for the interview was to be as nice as possible, accept all responsibility for the mistake and hope the the circumstances around the error would be sufficient. I don't know how much of a risk of denial there really was, but Julie said it definitely didn't feel like the result was guaranteed. I hope that helps anyone else in this situation.

[pushbrk 12,898]

Although it took some work to actually get in and speak to someone, our request was accepted. We received a paper saying that the visa application will be approved once we submit a new medical examination. We also need to pay a new visa application fee.

For reference, we submitted a letter requesting the visa be extended or re-issued and explaining the circumstances why the original visa wasn't used. Just to be safe, we also brought copies of the airline tickets for our return trip as well as my parent's tickets. We also brought a few pictures of our wedding party. Our plan for the interview was to be as nice as possible, accept all responsibility for the mistake and hope the the circumstances around the error would be sufficient. I don't know how much of a risk of denial there really was, but Julie said it definitely didn't feel like the result was guaranteed. I hope that helps anyone else in this situation.

So, how are you supposed to go about submitting the new application? (logistics)

[Moonandstar 6]

We also need to pay a new visa application fee.

Then its a good thing you didn't wait until the day after tomorrow to go in!

[Darnell 8,478]

Well hei - thats good news, a bit. I was worried someone would say 'resubmit to USCIS, see you in a year'.

Sounds like a new interview, though - so be prepared for that. (Emphasis on PREPARED)

Good Luck !

[Norman in Austin 0]

Well hei - thats good news, a bit. I was worried someone would say 'resubmit to USCIS, see you in a year'.

Sounds like a new interview, though - so be prepared for that. (Emphasis on PREPARED)

Good Luck !

Anything is possible, but they definitely indicated that the visa would be reissued when the updated medical results were in. Because of the TB issue, that will be about 2 months for us. *sigh*

[Teddybearlove 0]

I have a question you are all talking about extending the visa , I thought when u do the visa and the petition of the i129f k1 is both done and it is good for a year from the date u filed the visa online. the ds160

I'm I reading things wrong because my approval 129f petition says valid till end of this month but he had interview and it's going now to the NVC because of AP ???? So isn't it still good now till one year of his visa date filed

Sorry just so confused on this HELP

Edited September 3, 2015 by Teddybearlove

[TBoneTX 45,324]

Thread from 2010 is now closed to further comment. The most recent poster above is welcome to start a new topic, with clearer questions, here in the K-1 Process forum.

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