Received fiance visa but it expires Jan. 1?

[hookster84 0]

My fiance had her interview at the end of Oct. and she just picked up her visa today, and it expires January 1, 2015. Does that mean we have to get her here by Jan. 1 and be married by then? I thought we had six months to get her here and then 3 months to get married once she got here. Clearly that date isn't even 3 months from the interview. I am pretty ticked off considering it took these people a year to process everything. Any advice would be much appreciated, thanks.

[hardrockangel 21]

My fiance had her interview at the end of Oct. and she just picked up her visa today, and it expires January 1, 2015. Does that mean we have to get her here by Jan. 1 and be married by then? I thought we had six months to get her here and then 3 months to get married once she got here. Clearly that date isn't even 3 months from the interview. I am pretty ticked off considering it took these people a year to process everything. Any advice would be much appreciated, thanks.

For k1 it should be 6 months validity after the visa issuance...it means she can enter here in united states within 6 months..just double check the visa validty...it should be 6 months..goodluck ?

Edited November 11, 2014 by hardrockangel

[Pitaya 2,576]

My fiance had her interview at the end of Oct. and she just picked up her visa today, and it expires January 1, 2015. Does that mean we have to get her here by Jan. 1 and be married by then? I thought we had six months to get her here and then 3 months to get married once she got here. Clearly that date isn't even 3 months from the interview. I am pretty ticked off considering it took these people a year to process everything. Any advice would be much appreciated, thanks.

Welcome to the forum and congratulations!!

Technically as it stands right now, she has to arrive in the US by 1 Jan 2015. However, she has 90 days from her arrival in the US to marry her USC petitioner.

Usually K1 visas do have a maximum of six months until expiration. Were there any delays, or administrative/additional processing after the visa interview approval at the embassy/consulate? That could result in a "short-dated" visa.

http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/immigrate/types/family/fiance-k-1.html

You can be ticked off, however, it likely won't do much good. If they give you lemons, make some delicious lemonade. Remember it is their ball game, with their rules, and their playing field. Have you tried contacting the embassy/consulate inquiring about the expiration date on the visa?

When you get a chance, It helps everyone that uses, or is helped by the forum.

Good luck on your immigration journey.

Edited November 11, 2014 by A&B

[cocolucho 35]

Did she have her medical exam back in July? It is strange for the short time frame given. My understanding was that it is 6 months from the time of the medical exam that the visa is good for in order to enter the US. Once she enters the US you both still have 90 days to get married. I don't think there is much she can do except contact the embassy to determine if it was an error on the stamp or just abide by the date and enter the US before 1/1/15. Good luck!

Edited November 11, 2014 by cocolucho

[msbau764 245]

My fiance had her interview at the end of Oct. and she just picked up her visa today, and it expires January 1, 2015. Does that mean we have to get her here by Jan. 1 and be married by then? I thought we had six months to get her here and then 3 months to get married once she got here. Clearly that date isn't even 3 months from the interview. I am pretty ticked off considering it took these people a year to process everything. Any advice would be much appreciated, thanks.

can you fill out your timeline please?

[VFittipaldi 30]

It depends on the case, 6 months is the maximum a K1 is valid for. Some cases get 6 months and some get less.

What it means is that your fiance has to cross the border into US by December 31 of 2014 and than from that date you still have 90 days to get married.

[Ebunoluwa 6,136]

The visa expiration date often depends on when you had your medical done.

[KayDeeCee 4,891]

The expiration can be up to 6 months. It can be shorter based on the date of the medical or if a medical condition is present. You have to use the K-1 visa by Jan. 1st. Once you enter the US with it, you will have 90 days in which to marry.

[carolynhotstuff 252]

The medical is only good for 6 months. My husband also got a visa that expired in 30 days. He moved heaven and Earth to get here before the visa expired. Turn your focus to buying airline tickets. Once in the United States you still have 90 days to get married.

[baron555 934]

My fiance had her interview at the end of Oct. and she just picked up her visa today, and it expires January 1, 2015. Does that mean we have to get her here by Jan. 1

Yes

and be married by then?

No, within 90 days of entry.

I thought we had six months to get her here

Sometimes you're given less time.

and then 3 months to get married once she got here.

Yes, within 90 days of entry.

Clearly that date isn't even 3 months from the interview.

Call the Embassy.

I am pretty ticked off considering it took these people a year to process everything. Any advice would be much appreciated, thanks.

Isn't the intent to get married? Why would you want to delay that? Most folks would be overjoyed just to be approved.

[LA NEGRA 19]

Can it be that she miss read the dates on visa?? spanish dates as 12/Nov./14 for todays date but in english we us Nov./12/2014... just a thought

[NikLR 13,220]

Can it be that she miss read the dates on visa?? spanish dates as 12/Nov./14 for todays date but in english we us Nov./12/2014... just a thought

I don't think 01/01/2015 reads any differently with the month and day switched, but it's a good thing to note for others.

[JohnR! 5,495]

1 - Yes. She needs to enter the US prior to or on 1/15 if that is indeed the validity of the visa.

2 - Once she arrives you have 90 days to get married. You don't need to get married by the visa expiration date.

My suggestion is that you get married as soon as you can after her arrival so she can start her AOS process and get her papers in order.

good luck and congrats!

My fiance had her interview at the end of Oct. and she just picked up her visa today, and it expires January 1, 2015. Does that mean we have to get her here by Jan. 1 and be married by then? I thought we had six months to get her here and then 3 months to get married once she got here. Clearly that date isn't even 3 months from the interview. I am pretty ticked off considering it took these people a year to process everything. Any advice would be much appreciated, thanks.

[LA NEGRA 19]

Oh i did not notice when he stated that it was on the first of Jan., sorry!

[Cathi 5,609]

For k1 it should be 6 months validity after the visa issuance...it means she can enter here in united states within 6 months..just double check the visa validty...it should be 6 months..goodluck ?

No, it is 6 months from the expiration date of the medical.