Visa expiration date

[~Nini~ 2]

Hey everyone. I'm new to the site and have been reading up so that I can prepare myself for the long process ahead.

Right now, I'm currently finishing up my degree in Vancouver and will be graduating at the end of August. Because of this, my fiance and I weren't sure when to file for the visa. At first we decided to wait until I graduated so that there wouldn't be conflicting times. After looking at the USCIS site and checking the processing times (9 months?!) we quickly decided that it would be a good idea to file.

My fiance and I have finally managed to get the paperwork together, and he mailed the package today to the Vermont Service Center. *cheer* However, after reading on these forums about how fast VSC is processing now, I'm in a bit of a panic.

I realise that the chances of me getting an approved visa within the next FIVE MONTHS is ridiculous... but if I do get an approved visa, how long do I have to enter the US? I've been looking for a concrete answer on USCIS's website but they don't give one, and my future in-laws are worried about me not getting approval because I'm currently still in school.

Any feedback or comments would be great. Thanks so much!

[YuAndDan 153]

You have 6 months after getting the K-1 visa to use it, and then after using it you have 90 days to marry.

[together2love 0]

Yes, you have 6 months to use the visa after you are approved at your interview in Vancouver. So, that should be plenty of time for you to finish up school, and anything else you want to do before that time. As for you being in school, it should not affect your visa application at all, so tell your future in-laws to relax on that.

If you have any other qustions, feel free to post here more. Everyone's really helpful. Good luck.

[MichelleandCraig 1]

I have nothing new to add...the above posters are correct. Six months to enter, 90 days to marry. I guess I just thought hearing it 3 times in a row might be concrete enough for you...hehehehe. M.

[Shub 78]

I realise that the chances of me getting an approved visa within the next FIVE MONTHS is ridiculous...

Actually considering my and other people's experiences with the Vermont Service Center, it would be a surprise if it even took as much as 5 months for you to go through the whole process. Look at my timeline for an example. Through the VSC the process really doesn't take long provided you don't encounter any bumps (e.g. RFEs), however if needed you could delay it artificially once you get the so-called Package 3 from the embassy/consulate. Just take your sweet time to gather the paperwork and schedule the appointment, keeping in mind that there is also a date of validity on the NOA2 (I think it's 5 months?), after which you can no longer use it (although you can get an extension).

Anyway, given your situation, I don't think there is cause for worry.

[pushbrk 12,221]

I realise that the chances of me getting an approved visa within the next FIVE MONTHS is ridiculous...

Actually considering my and other people's experiences with the Vermont Service Center, it would be a surprise if it even took as much as 5 months for you to go through the whole process. Look at my timeline for an example. Through the VSC the process really doesn't take long provided you don't encounter any bumps (e.g. RFEs), however if needed you could delay it artificially once you get the so-called Package 3 from the embassy/consulate. Just take your sweet time to gather the paperwork and schedule the appointment, keeping in mind that there is also a date of validity on the NOA2 (I think it's 5 months?), after which you can no longer use it (although you can get an extension).

Anyway, given your situation, I don't think there is cause for worry.

Yes, you can inject a delay by postponing the return of packet 3 but no need to "get" an extension of your NOA2 approval. This is routinely done without any action on the part of the petitioner or beneficiary.

[~Nini~ 2]

Hee, thanks for the responses. They've been really helpful.

I just hope that I haven't jinxed myself into prolonging the process. For all I know, it may take much longer despite our extensive efforts to prepare the application properly. :S