What do the I-797 "Valid Dates" mean?

[R. Wolfe 24]

My "I-797: Notice of Action" document has this written in one of the sections:

 

Notice Type: Approval Notice

Valid from 08/01/2018 to 11/30/2018

 

What is that deadline at the end of November? Is that when Packet 3 has to be turned in, when the interview has to be scheduled by, completed, or something else entirely?

 

We're working on putting the Packet 3 docs together. It's going to be tough to get everything in a couple of months (given the trip to the home Amphur required and the Police Certificate processing time). If the turn around time for Packet 3->4 and the vaccinations/medical visit are also included in that time limit, then we have almost no chance of being done before the I-797 becomes invalid.  😕

 

 

[TBoneTX 43,058]

Approved petitions are typically valid for 4-month periods.

The consulates typically extend active petitions automatically.*

However, it's better to send an e-mail of request to extend and keep the petition active.

If you're approaching the end of the petition's validity with requirements still incomplete, send the e-mail.

 

*for additional 4-month periods for up to one year

[R. Wolfe 24]

Thank you. I'll put that on my ever-growing To Do list

 

 

[R. Wolfe 24]

So I sent in this requests:

 

Quote

I would like to request an extension for our active petition so that we may continue to gather the necessary documents for Packet 3.

Our "I-797: Notice of Action" lists a valid date range of August 1st to November 30th (2018) but the journey to the hometown Amphur, plus the Police Certificate processing time, will likely make it impossible for us to submit everything before that deadline.

 

and got this response.

 

Quote

Thank you for your email. The I-129F petition will be validated when the visa is approved. Please send us required documents listed on the Packet3 so that we could schedule visa interview appointment without delay.

Best regards,

Immigrant Visa Unit

Consular Section

U.S. Embassy, Bangkok

1

 

But that doesn't say that the extension was granted! There's no way the Police Certificate etc. is going to be ready by Nov 30th, so what are we supposed to do?

 

 

 

[TBoneTX 43,058]

They might have hit the wrong "paste" button for their series of bedbug responses.

E-mail them again and ask for specific acknowledgment.

[Cuasiporteño 2]

Please let us know what they say, we are in the same boat as you. 

 

Good luck. 

[R. Wolfe 24]

 

To update: I sent in a request for clarification and they extended the deadline.

 

--------------------------------------------------------------

My request:

I'm sorry but I do not fully understand. Does this mean that our request for an extension has been granted? The "Valid Dates" on our I-797 are listed as 01 AUG to 30 NOV but we will not receive our Police Certificate until some time in December - so we will need more time to submit our Packet 3 documents.

 

--------------------------------------------------------------

 

The reply from visasbkkiv@state.gov:

Your case has been updated per your request.

By virtue of this email, your case will remain open until 14-NOV-2019.  You can keep your case open by emailing us every 365 days.

--------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

So it looks like everything is cool (though I REALLY hope we don't need the whole year :).

 

 

 

 

[TBoneTX 43,058]

There's nothing like clarity to relieve tension.  Thanks for returning with the good news.

[JR19 0]

I have rcd' I-797 Approval Notice, but the valid date has just recently passed. I understand I should send email and ask for an extension, but to whom and at what email address do I send? U.S. Embassy in Thailand o some department in U.S. ?

[TBoneTX 43,058]

Yes, to the U.S. embassy.  The consulates typically extend validity dates on their own in 4-month increments for up to a year, but it's recommended that you write to them to request this.

[JR19 0]

This is the reply I rec'd regarding a request for an extension of Approval on I-797 form. Any recommendations on who to contact for an extension.  The U.S. Embassy in Thailand does not seem to understand. We do not have a BNK case number. Only have WAC# which I submitted already.

Dear Sir/Madam:

 

Thank you for your email.

If you are inquiring about an immigrant visa application, please provide your BNK case number and the applicant’s first/last name in English, so we can advise accordingly.