Approved for Permanent Residency (F4) but did not immigrate within time allotted

[Bengalita 12]

Hi. I was wondering what happens in this situation.

Let's say your fleshly sibling in the USA petitions for you and you finally get your interview at the Embassy and everything is approved for your immigrant visa. And you get your immigrant visa. But you do not immigrate to the USA within the 6 months (or whatever the time frame is) ... because you have a family member with a serious illness that warrants 24/7 attention.

What happens when that time frame has passed? Is there anything you can do, like going to the American Embassy and asking for an extension to travel to the USA and consummate your immigrant visa?

Thanks!

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

You should have gone before the visa expired as they could have done an extenstion or you could have flown to the US at the end of the time and turned back on the next flight to actvate the visa. Are you talking about a yet to be approved visa ?

[Bengalita 12]

It expired in January. Yes, i'm referring to an approved visa.

[Unlockable 7,306]

Unlikely to have an extension on a visa that is already expired. Need to ask for extensions prior to expiration.

Reapply for another visa.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

It would be unusual for them to reissue a visa you didn't use. Refiling mean a new 13 year wait.