visa ready for august wedding?

[thomady 0]

So...my british fiance and I finished compiling our I-129F packet, and had it looked over by a lawyer, who says it looks flawless. I'm sending it in on the 15th (payday). One little issue...

We've got this whole wedding planned for August with people buying plane tickets, beachhouse booked, etc. I naively assumed a visa took 6 months maximum, but now I'm reading through the posts flipping out!

What are the odds it will go through in time? I don't even want to think of what to do if it fails...

Have a mock ceremony, send him back, and have a civil wedding later? Or just get married anyway?

Edited January 13, 2009 by thomady

[Jasman0717 8]

Take a look at the immigration timelines link at the top of the page. The stats there might be helpful. Good luck

[canadian_wife 1,785]

average time, according to the timelines listed on the links above, are 220 days...so roughly 7.5 - 8 months. But it may take longer or it may get through quickly. It looks like it'll be tight. Don't just 'get married anyway' if your fiance visa is not issued yet because it invalidates your petition and you'll have to apply again. Plus, it will, from what I hear, be increasingly difficult for your fiancee to travel to see you once the paper work is filed.

Good luck and welcome to the journey!

[thomady 0]

average time, according to the timelines listed on the links above, are 220 days...so roughly 7.5 - 8 months. But it may take longer or it may get through quickly. It looks like it'll be tight. Don't just 'get married anyway' if your fiance visa is not issued yet because it invalidates your petition and you'll have to apply again. Plus, it will, from what I hear, be increasingly difficult for your fiancee to travel to see you once the paper work is filed.

Good luck and welcome to the journey!

I know he's planning a visit in April or May...but my question was more along the lines of having the party anyway since everything is booked, and a sort of mock ceremony, then sending him back, therefore not breaking any rules.

Either way..it's too early to panic about it. I suppose if it comes down to the wire, we'll consult the lawyer who helped look over everything and see what he says.

[Ellie-and-David 38]

average time, according to the timelines listed on the links above, are 220 days...so roughly 7.5 - 8 months. But it may take longer or it may get through quickly. It looks like it'll be tight. Don't just 'get married anyway' if your fiance visa is not issued yet because it invalidates your petition and you'll have to apply again. Plus, it will, from what I hear, be increasingly difficult for your fiancee to travel to see you once the paper work is filed.

Good luck and welcome to the journey!

I know he's planning a visit in April or May...but my question was more along the lines of having the party anyway since everything is booked, and a sort of mock ceremony, then sending him back, therefore not breaking any rules.

Either way..it's too early to panic about it. I suppose if it comes down to the wire, we'll consult the lawyer who helped look over everything and see what he says.

Unfortunately your lawyer will be able to do nothing to expedite your case. It's a waiting game sadly. Currently, if you are filing at vermont, it is taking a long time to process app's. California is a lot shorter. Where you file is dependent on the state that the petitioner lives in.

Like you suggested though, a mock wedding would be nice to go through.

Provided your fiancee has no problems on arrival into the states.

When he does come to visit you, tell him to volunteer honest but sparse information about why he is visiting. A couple of people on here have been denied entry at POE because they were a little to open and honest about their reasons for visiting (I'm here to see my fiance is one that raises flags ) I always go with.....I'm here on vacation.

I hope your visa process goes smoothly......welcome to VJ!

[Laura+Tom 2]

We filed last October and the way VSC is going at the moment I'm not expecting an interview until about June. You can check the timelines to see the current processing times.

http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/k1list...ll&dfile=No