AP... Wedding 2 months after arrival on K-1

[Yellowhead 12]

I am curious about how long it takes to get your AP doc after entering the USA? We are going to marry 1-2 days after I arrive to get the ball rolling. I have a very close family members wedding coming up on July 8 in Canada and I have told her I would go, not thinking I would have had my visa accepted by then. I just received packet 3 and should have my interview in a few weeks, so I will now be moving at the end of April. I am curious what my options are for attending her wedding, as I cannot miss this! (I know, desperation sounds lame when everyone has SOMEthing they need to go to). If some people could inform me of the timeframe, other options, etc? Would be awesome!

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

You will probably have it if you file right away. But it is going to be close

[amykathleen2005 441]

Either do not enter the US until after their wedding or get married and file right away in April when you arrive and hopefully you will have AP in around 60 days (no guarantees).

[SophWeb 25]

Honestly, you are cutting it extremely close. The current time frame for APs is about 3 months after filing AOS, putting you right in July.

Another option - move after the wedding. Your K1 is valid for 6 months after it is issued to you, meaning that you have 6 months to enter the U.S. If, judging by what you said, you interview is at the end of this month, your K1 visa should be valid until August (MAKE SURE YOU DOUBLE CHECK THE EXPIRATION DATE ON YOUR VISA ONCE YOU RECEIVE IT).

I know that means waiting longer to move, adjust status and be with your loved one, but it's a safer option

[Yellowhead 12]

Honestly, you are cutting it extremely close. The current time frame for APs is about 3 months after filing AOS, putting you right in July.

Another option - move after the wedding. Your K1 is valid for 6 months after it is issued to you, meaning that you have 6 months to enter the U.S. If, judging by what you said, you interview is at the end of this month, your K1 visa should be valid until August (MAKE SURE YOU DOUBLE CHECK THE EXPIRATION DATE ON YOUR VISA ONCE YOU RECEIVE IT).

I know that means waiting longer to move, adjust status and be with your loved one, but it's a safer option

My lease ends on April 30 so not a chance of moving later. I would rather marry MY fiance than see someone else marry their's. We have been apart for 2 yrs. Not going to put it off longer for that. I will try to expedite and see what happens. Otherwise we will keep our fingers crossed and purchase a ticket that can be cancelled to fly back. Staying in Canada would cost me an extra $3000 for 3 months so that is not going to happen. Not to mention my job ends in April too.

[amykathleen2005 441]

My lease ends on April 30 so not a chance of moving later. I would rather marry MY fiance than see someone else marry their's. We have been apart for 2 yrs. Not going to put it off longer for that. I will try to expedite and see what happens. Otherwise we will keep our fingers crossed and purchase a ticket that can be cancelled to fly back. Staying in Canada would cost me an extra $3000 for 3 months so that is not going to happen. Not to mention my job ends in April too.

Go ahead and try but I wish people would reserve expediting AP for actual emergencies to get home and things of that nature.

[CDAgirlMI 51]

I would rather marry MY fiance than see someone else marry their's.

Great answer!

I filed & recieved my PR (greencard) in 3 months, that included an interview for it.

I think I got my AP shortly before that, but only a few weeks maybe (?).

[Yellowhead 12]

Go ahead and try but I wish people would reserve expediting AP for actual emergencies to get home and things of that nature.

I am sure if there is an actual emergency, that would take priority over weddings. If there was an issue with those taking precedent over emergencies, I am sure they would be conservative about issuing them to people with non emergencies. Like expedite for GC's... they are very particular about what the expedite for. I am sure if it was an issue, AP would have this procedure as well.

[SophWeb 25]

Go ahead and try but I wish people would reserve expediting AP for actual emergencies to get home and things of that nature.

Expediting an AP isn't like applying for a Visa or Greencard. It's not on a first come, first serve basis. When you make an InfoPass appointment, they generally put the request in right then and there and then you get your decision very soon after. Applying for an expedite doesn't slow down over expedites. Expediting your AP is also not that common, most people are okay with waiting 3 months. The real issue is whether or not it will be approved. Generally they only approve them for family emergencies. And even then, I've read cases on VJ about them getting refused because the relative wasn't dead yet...

OP - As soon as you file for AOS and receive your NOA, make an InfoPass ASAP to talk to an Immigration Officer about expediting your AP. Make sure you bring evidence of the wedding (invitation etc) and maybe even photos of you and the bride/groom to prove your relationship with them. Best of luck!

[Yellowhead 12]

Expediting an AP isn't like applying for a Visa or Greencard. It's not on a first come, first serve basis. When you make an InfoPass appointment, they generally put the request in right then and there and then you get your decision very soon after. Applying for an expedite doesn't slow down over expedites. Expediting your AP is also not that common, most people are okay with waiting 3 months. The real issue is whether or not it will be approved. Generally they only approve them for family emergencies. And even then, I've read cases on VJ about them getting refused because the relative wasn't dead yet...

OP - As soon as you file for AOS and receive your NOA, make an InfoPass ASAP to talk to an Immigration Officer about expediting your AP. Make sure you bring evidence of the wedding (invitation etc) and maybe even photos of you and the bride/groom to prove your relationship with them. Best of luck!

Thanks so much. Excellent advice

[Yellowhead 12]

I booked my plane ticket today for the wedding in July (making sure it is refundable as a credit if I don't get the AP expedite). Can anyone explain how the expedite process works for AP?? I have photographs with myself and my cousin who is getting married, the plane ticket booked (as mentioned) far in advance, and the wedding invitation which I can provide to them as well. Anything else I should be considering here?

[SophWeb 25]

I booked my plane ticket today for the wedding in July (making sure it is refundable as a credit if I don't get the AP expedite). Can anyone explain how the expedite process works for AP?? I have photographs with myself and my cousin who is getting married, the plane ticket booked (as mentioned) far in advance, and the wedding invitation which I can provide to them as well. Anything else I should be considering here?

Go here - http://infopass.uscis.gov/ and make an InfoPass appointment. There you will see an Immigration Officer and explain why you want an expedite. When I expedited my AP, I brought -

My NOA from AOS and AP.

A typed and signed letter explaining that you want to expedite and why.

Wedding invitation, pictures of you and the couple. Maybe even a signed letter from the couple saying they need you to attend?

When you speak to the Immigration Officer, just explain to him that you understand it takes 3 months to receive AP, but you're worried that that is cutting it close in terms of attending this wedding. Therefore you want to get the AP sooner so know you'll be able to leave. Ask that you want to fill it under the 'Humanitarian Reasons For Expedite'.

Just be friendly and cordial. I was super friendly with the Immigration Officer I spoke to and he was very helpful and my AP was expedited. Good luck!

Edited March 3, 2011 by SophWeb

[Rebecca Jo 1,962]

Go ahead and try but I wish people would reserve expediting AP for actual emergencies to get home and things of that nature.

If USCIS deems the request "non-emergent" they will deny the request for expedite.

That's up to them. Not us.

[Yellowhead 12]

Go here - http://infopass.uscis.gov/ and make an InfoPass appointment. There you will see an Immigration Officer and explain why you want an expedite. When I expedited my AP, I brought -

My NOA from AOS and AP.

A typed and signed letter explaining that you want to expedite and why.

Wedding invitation, pictures of you and the couple. Maybe even a signed letter from the couple saying they need you to attend?

When you speak to the Immigration Officer, just explain to him that you understand it takes 3 months to receive AP, but you're worried that that is cutting it close in terms of attending this wedding. Therefore you want to get the AP sooner so know you'll be able to leave. Ask that you want to fill it under the 'Humanitarian Reasons For Expedite'.

Just be friendly and cordial. I was super friendly with the Immigration Officer I spoke to and he was very helpful and my AP was expedited. Good luck!

Excellent, thank you!!!! I plan to do some photos at the wedding, so perhaps they can testify to that. This is very helpful!!!