Question regarding setting appointment for K-1 Visa petitioner

[aphroditegoddess 0]

Hi, I hope anyone can help me with my problem / question. I received a letter on Jan. 27, 2014, stating the NVC will be forwarding my approved petition to the US Embassy of Manila, Philippines. Until now, my fiancé hasn't received any notice/letter from the consulate, so he went ahead and applied for the DS-160 and paid for the $240 visa fee. He tried calling for an appointment but there aren't any available slots for interview until april 2014. I don't know why they don't have available slots for K-1 petitioners, they told us to check online everyday, but it's no guarantee that we will find any available slots. We have only until May 8, 2014 to get married otherwise my approved petition will expire. I don't know what to do now...

[Kev-N-Ann 45]

I don't know if there is a difference in the procedure when it comes to Manila, but if it is like anywhere else, you don't need to worry about the deadline USCIS gave you. As soon as the file reaches the embassy and your fiance has followed their instructions on what additional papers they need and what fees he needs to pay, and he did everything in time, you're OK. It is common for the Embassies not to have available interview appointments.

Also note, that your fiance is now the petitioner and he will, hopefully, be approved when he has his interview. He was the beneficiary up to this point, but now he is the petitioner for a K1 visa.

You'll find many similar posts in here!

Good luck!

[baron555 934]

We have only until May 8, 2014 to get married otherwise my approved petition will expire. I don't know what to do now...

No it won't expire. That date on the NOA2 is meaningless in the K-1 process; the 797 notice form is used for many other purposes. Once the case is at NVC or the Embassy that "date" is automatically extended....actually nobody does anything since NVC and the Embassy can hold your case open for as long as they want.

[sweet cakes 326]

Hi, I hope anyone can help me with my problem / question. I received a letter on Jan. 27, 2014, stating the NVC will be forwarding my approved petition to the US Embassy of Manila, Philippines. Until now, my fiancé hasn't received any notice/letter from the consulate, so he went ahead and applied for the DS-160 and paid for the $240 visa fee. He tried calling for an appointment but there aren't any available slots for interview until april 2014. I don't know why they don't have available slots for K-1 petitioners, they told us to check online everyday, but it's no guarantee that we will find any available slots. We have only until May 8, 2014 to get married otherwise my approved petition will expire. I don't know what to do now...

Your fiance doesn't have to wait for the embassy letter, and for most applicants in Manila, it's been mentioned several times in VJ, they don't really receive it. Non-availability of interview appointments has been a recurring issue in USEM (US embassy in Manila) even before the Haiyan/ Yolanda expedite requests and as expected, it just got worse after that. From recent posts, appointments are filled up for the next 2 months.

To check online everyday and for real-time availability of slots, your fiance can create an online profile at: https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/

The home page will tell you the closest available date. Don't worry about the NOA2 expiration date as the embassy automatically extends it. You might also want to check Hank's very helpful link specially written for K1s from Manila for more tips: http://visaconnection-philippines.com/#

Good luck!

Edited February 18, 2014 by sweet cakes

[Hank_ 9,174]

Hi, I hope anyone can help me with my problem / question. I received a letter on Jan. 27, 2014, stating the NVC will be forwarding my approved petition to the US Embassy of Manila, Philippines. Until now, my fiancé hasn't received any notice/letter from the consulate, so he went ahead and applied for the DS-160 and paid for the $240 visa fee. He tried calling for an appointment but there aren't any available slots for interview until april 2014. I don't know why they don't have available slots for K-1 petitioners, they told us to check online everyday, but it's no guarantee that we will find any available slots. We have only until May 8, 2014 to get married otherwise my approved petition will expire. I don't know what to do now...

First relax, the approved petition will be extended by the embassy for up to a year. Second the approved petition has nothing to do with when you need to get married, that date will be determined by the date you clear immigration at POE... you will have 90 days from THAT date to be married.

As for available interview slots, April is where things are at unless someone cancels an earlier appointment and you are able to grab it.

Pop over to the Philippines forum to get assistance processing through Manila.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/129-philippines/

Edited February 19, 2014 by Hank_

[aphroditegoddess 0]

Okay, got it. Thank you all very much for your responses, i really appreciate it. I was just worried that I might have to reapply again if we go beyond the said 'expiration date.' Thank you all, now I have a peace of mind.