How long can you take between submitting DS-260 and the rest of the process?

[LondonWelsh 0]

Hi folks

I'm almost done with my DS-260 (DCF in London). The online form has an expiration date of 31 Jan so need to submit this week!

My question is this- I'm not able to set up my medical interview yet as there's been a delay with vaccination records (total pain, have had to have some re-done with my GP etc, and it's taking ages for a reason too boring to go into!), and then on top of that my husband has to back-file with the IRS before he can get his affidavit of support finished (he is a joint sponsor with my FiL- I've posted my worries there as a separate topic!) and I can say I'm 'ready for interview'

Is there a strict amount of time after filing the DS-260 that you can wait to get the other things together and say you're ready for interview? I know once you get your Visa granted you only have 6mo to make your move but I can't see other information on timescales from there end.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

LW x

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

There is no set time limit, but it might get iffy if you waited a year. Form expiring? It may be due a review but not necessarily invalid to use. I can't see what you are looking at about expiring because It's for applicants who signed in.

[Darnell 8,478]

figure up to 1 year, if you keep contacting the IV unit about it.

if you were at NVC, you'd have up to 2 years, 1 year per thing. but yer not at NVC.

[LondonWelsh 0]

Thanks guys-

It's strange, the expiration date is only shown on the 'Personal Information 1' page and is sort of hidden at the top like this:

OMB CONTROL NUMBER: [redacted]

FORM NUMBER: DS-260

EXPIRATION DATE: 01/31/2016

ESTIMATED BURDEN: 120 MIN

Not sure what to make of it but guessing I shouldn't take a chance with it!

I definitely don't want to wait a year, hopefully all my loose ends regards vaccinations and sponsors will be tied up in the next month or so and I can get on with booking the medical and say I'm ready for interview...

Thanks again

LW x

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Thanks guys-

It's strange, the expiration date is only shown on the 'Personal Information 1' page and is sort of hidden at the top like this:

OMB CONTROL NUMBER: [redacted]

FORM NUMBER: DS-260

EXPIRATION DATE: 01/31/2016

ESTIMATED BURDEN: 120 MIN

Not sure what to make of it but guessing I shouldn't take a chance with it!

I definitely don't want to wait a year, hopefully all my loose ends regards vaccinations and sponsors will be tied up in the next month or so and I can get on with booking the medical and say I'm ready for interview...

Thanks again

LW x

That is similar to all printed forms. OMB means Office of Management and Budget a separate division of the government (not Homeland Security, USCIS, Dept of State). They have to review all government forms. That date is the review date. There is a public comment period, and such like that before it is either changed or kept the same. Here's an example from the 2014 review. https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/01/11/2012-359/60-day-notice-of-proposed-information-collection-ds-260-electronic-application-for-immigration-visa

The forms do not expire on that date. And they don't ever complete reviews by that date. They won't pull a form unless they have another to replace it. If DS-260 remains exactly the same, it will still get a new OMB date for 2018 when it will go through review again. There is no risk that you must use it by 1/31 or it becomes invalid. Positive.

[LondonWelsh 0]

Thank you! It has been concerning me a bit! Good to know