NOA2 recieved one day after deployment orders

[charger70 0]

Just my luck! On 21 JAN I was told I will deploy at the end of February. The next day I received an email letting me know that my K1 was approved and NOA2 was in the mail. I talked to USCIS and they told me to call the state department to see if they could hold the K1 for a year until I return to the states. I tried to call the visa agency of the state department and I am unable to talk to a person during the hours they state on the phone.

Has anyone else been able to hold the visa at the state department for a period of time?

Does anyone know a number so I can talk to an actual person? I have not had any luck with a few on the website.

Am I going to have to file again when I return because one year is too long to hold a visa? If so, I think it might be better to go get married on mid-tour and file for a k3.

[Keysersoze 0]

Just my luck! On 21 JAN I was told I will deploy at the end of February. The next day I received an email letting me know that my K1 was approved and NOA2 was in the mail. I talked to USCIS and they told me to call the state department to see if they could hold the K1 for a year until I return to the states. I tried to call the visa agency of the state department and I am unable to talk to a person during the hours they state on the phone.

Has anyone else been able to hold the visa at the state department for a period of time?

Does anyone know a number so I can talk to an actual person? I have not had any luck with a few on the website.

Am I going to have to file again when I return because one year is too long to hold a visa? If so, I think it might be better to go get married on mid-tour and file for a k3.

This is great news, why do you need to hold it? Let the process go ahead and start and finish. Are you going to be deployed for a year? you can do the paperwork from where ever you are without problem.

[charger70 0]

If I can continue the process then I will. I was just worried the visa might expire if I am overseas. It will also be more difficult to gather all of the paperwork required, or if what I send for support paperwork is considered insufficient.

I had an RFE and they wanted the evidence within 30 days. It could be significantly longer to send paperwork in the mail from my future location.

I will be gone for 12-15 months. Isn't a visa good for 12 months?

[TracyTN 237]

More to the point, your K1 PETITION was approved - not the visa. Only consulates can issue visas, which are good for 6 months.

I don't know of a way to delay things at the NVC (Dept of State) so you may want to delay the return of your documents to the consulate to better accommodate your timeline needs. It may not hurt, though to reach out and tell the consulate why you're doing that and make sure you don't need to do anything else to keep your application 'active'. Wait until they receive your file and then contact them.

[DainandVicky 4]

More to the point, your K1 PETITION was approved - not the visa. Only consulates can issue visas, which are good for 6 months.

I don't know of a way to delay things at the NVC (Dept of State) so you may want to delay the return of your documents to the consulate to better accommodate your timeline needs. It may not hurt, though to reach out and tell the consulate why you're doing that and make sure you don't need to do anything else to keep your application 'active'. Wait until they receive your file and then contact them.

You may be able to finish the whole process, interview, etc., then contact the embassy or DOS to explain you are serving and need an extension on entry date/ validity date. I wouldn't think it would be a problem. Then you'll know it's all done, all approved, and just waiting on your arrival back in the states. Your fiance would be able to fly immediately when you're done with your service tour.

[Stefanie 1]

If you continue with the process, the K1 visa will be good for 6 months after they issue it (after your fiancee gets approved at the interview in her country).

How about getting married during R&R? She can enter the USA with her visa and you two can get married. I believe you are in the Army right? Do you live in the barracks or have your own home/apartment? Your fiancee (then wife) could also stay with your parents while you are on the second half of your deployment.

I wasn't in the same situation but a similiar. My husband and I got married before he went to basic training/AIT. We submitted all the AOS paperwork before he left and I stayed with my parents-in-law during that time. When I had my AOS interview, my husband was still in training. I went to the interview with my mother-in-law and showed them my husband's orders since he wasn't able to come along.

[Martyshk 137]

I wouldn't bet on it, but I just assume that DOS has the same respect for our men and women in the armed forces as we, the citizens, do.

I would hope they can find a way to accommodate you.

My suggestion is - talk to DOS, see what they come up with.

Best of luck to you and your fiancee

[Joe_&_Nadiya 1]

....and most of all, thanks for serving and be safe during your deployment.

Joe.

[TracyTN 237]

You may be able to finish the whole process, interview, etc., then contact the embassy or DOS to explain you are serving and need an extension on entry date/ validity date. I wouldn't think it would be a problem. Then you'll know it's all done, all approved, and just waiting on your arrival back in the states. Your fiance would be able to fly immediately when you're done with your service tour.

Consulates can be funny about extensions. If you're going to go that route, I'd get them to confirm that in writing (likely email) so you have a leg to stand on after the fact.

I still think delaying the interview process is the easier way to go.

[charger70 0]

I was in the field earlier this month so I was not able to reply. I have been trying to call the state department and also email them. Due to the weather I have not been able to get anyone on the phone, or get a response in email. They are of course not at work. It is a bit frustrating since I only have two weeks to do any coordination the easy way. It will get that much more difficult due to availability of phones in the sand box. At least I will have email there.

I would like to do what has been suggested and finish the visa process and then extend the validity date. It is better to be done with the process so we can be together shortly after I return than have to wait who knows how many months to finish while I am in transition to a new location.

I had thought about getting married while on R&R. I decided after thinking about it that I don't really want to move her in with my parents while I am away. I know that they would not mind having her live there, but that just seems fairly stressful living with people who you don't know. Then there is the fact that her English is limited. He friend from when she was growing up does live here (that's how we met, through her friend) but she would not have the support structure, or ability to drive. I would rather be here with her as she adjust to life in the states.

We have planned to have a vacation in Bulgaria in July. If we can't be together yet, then during my R&R we will be able to spend some time together. We will spend a few days in Kiev, and then fly down to Varna. I really look forward to it.

Thanks for the suggestions and support! I hope I have better luck talking to a real person tomorrow!

Edited February 16, 2010 by charger70

[charger70 0]

I talked to the state department today. After being hung up on by the computer due to the heavy load multiple times. The lady on the line said I have to have my Fiancee go to the consulate and talk to them. I will need a copy of my orders and also I will write a memo explaining the issues and asking for an exception to policy or extension of the entry time for my fiancee. I will make sure whatever they say they put into writing. I don't want to have an issue at the entry point where they will not allow her into the country due to the fact they think the visa in no longer valid.