Can you extend the period of the visa application & interview approval time?

[Pinkinsight 3]

I am so close to tears it isn't funny (and not in a good way). My partner and I have been waiting months and months to see each other and due to how backed up and long the USCIS was taking I booked a 2 1/2 month holiday months and months ago to go and see him on the 6th Sept - 20th Nov. The problem now is - our petition got officially approved on the 8th of July but we didn't get our case number etc until last week and in the packet 3 info it says:

Please note that you MUST be interviewed and have your visa issued within the four-month validity of your petition.

None of this information above was anywhere that i came across on the visajourney site previously. Everything is so unpredictable and with time frames etc. Everything is so hard to plan around and now I feel like I am completely stung with the happiness of being approved turning to sadness because it could be a waste of time.

Does anyone know if there is extenuating circumstances where you can adjust this? I will technically be 4 months and 14 days when i return and I must have my interview at the Sydney Consulate as that is where my paperwork has been shipped and assigned.

I am freaking out now that waiting over 5 months for my petition was a waste of time and may have to do it again!

[del-2-5-2014 1,339]

I believe that this is automatically extended if it'd due to their processing time.

[TBoneTX 45,962]

Correct -- the consulates can extend the time in 4-month increments. If you're concerned, contact the consulate and tell them your time frame.

(Organizer hat on)

*** Thread moved from K-1 Process forum to the Embassy/Consulate forum -- topic involves that phase. ***

[TBoneTX 45,962]

*** Duplicate thread removed from K-1 Process forum. No need to post twice on the same topic. ***

[Pinkinsight 3]

Correct -- the consulates can extend the time in 4-month increments. If you're concerned, contact the consulate and tell them your time frame.

(Organizer hat on)

*** Thread moved from K-1 Process forum to the Embassy/Consulate forum -- topic involves that phase. ***

OMG that is such a relief! I have contacted the Sydney consulate several times through a couple of methods and am just waiting for them to get back to me. Will i have to file anything for an extension? Or it's just a matter of the Sydney consulate noting it?

Note: i have no idea why this topic posted twice!? Apologies.

Edited August 12, 2013 by Pinkinsight

[Pinkinsight 3]

For anyone else who comes across this thread - I got a positive response from the Sydney Consulate!

Thank you for your recent inquiry.

To revalidate your petition, please have your U.S. citizen fiancé provide you a letter, requesting that your petition be extended to a further 4 months from the approval date of the I-129F petition. This letter must be dated and signed by your fiancé.

The letter from your U.S. citizen fiancé(e) should state their intention to still marry you within 90 days of your arrival into the U.S. with the K-1 visa and that you both are still free to marry.

Please scan and email a copy of this letter to SydneyIV@state.gov

If your request for revalidation is approved your application will automatically be extended & you will not be notified, however, if it is denied, only then will we contact you within 5 business days to you to advise you further.

Thank you

U.S. Consulate General, Sydney

Immigrant Visa Unit

(CC)

Note: You should never pay for travel arrangements (e.g., airfare, hotels) without having a visa in your possession. The U.S. Consulate General accepts no responsibility if you do so. Generally, it will take 5 business days to print your visa and prepare your document package after your interview; however, we are unable to guarantee the issuance of a U.S. visa before a fixed travel date. You risk significant financial losses if you ignore this advice.

**** Please include your case number in all correspondence ****