Ahead of process question

[GeorgeG 0]

Hello eveyone:

 

I've been following the page for some time and I've been wondering something regarding the CR1/IR1 visa. (My spouse is an American Citizen and I'm Mexican) Currently we're living abroad and I was wondering if at the end of the process we get the visa approved does that mean we have to move back to America right away? This is because we might start the process when we turn 2 years of marriage but whilst the process is still going we'll be living abroad and we'll have to sort things out before going to the US. Is there any "grace period"? (hopefully I've been clear with my question)

 

Cheers.

[Just Paul 4,595]

Just now, GeorgeG said:

Hello eveyone:

 

I've been following the page for some time and I've been wondering something regarding the CR1/IR1 visa. (My spouse is an American Citizen and I'm Mexican) Currently we're living abroad and I was wondering if at the end of the process we get the visa approved does that mean we have to move back to America right away? This is because we might start the process when we turn 2 years of marriage but whilst the process is still going we'll be living abroad and we'll have to sort things out before going to the US. Is there any "grace period"? (hopefully I've been clear with my question)

 

Cheers.

First file now.  No need to wait.

You can slow things down at the NVC stage and at the consulate state.

 

Once the Visa is issued you have 6 months to enter.

[GeorgeG 0]

1 hour ago, Paul & Mary said:

First file now.  No need to wait.

You can slow things down at the NVC stage and at the consulate state.

 

Once the Visa is issued you have 6 months to enter.

Hi Paul & Mary, can you elaborate a bit more when you say slow things down at either the NVC or consulate stage? Our concern is that at some point the process would be approved before we leave the country we're currently living and have to rush back to America. (Apologies if the question seems too obvious or simplistic but we weren't aware of this being pos

[emekus94 1,125]

1 minute ago, GeorgeG said:

Hi Paul & Mary, can you elaborate a bit more when you say slow things down at either the NVC or consulate stage? Our concern is that at some point the process would be approved before we leave the country we're currently living and have to rush back to America. (Apologies if the question seems too obvious or simplistic but we weren't aware of this being pos

What he's saying is the following:

When you file a spousal visa, at the NVC stage, there's some paperwork to submit. The sooner you submit them correctly AND pay the fees, the sooner you are scheduled for interview.

Theoretically speaking, you can stall a bit here by how quickly you pay those fees and submit paperwork. I've seen people submit everything the day they are contacted and on they go. I've also seen ppl take 5+ months there gathering paperwork and collecting the money to pay.

 

And about the 6 months to enter, it is 6 months from the time of medical, not 6 months from the time a visa is issued.

[Just Paul 4,595]

8 minutes ago, GeorgeG said:

Hi Paul & Mary, can you elaborate a bit more when you say slow things down at either the NVC or consulate stage?

You have lots of items to upload at the NVC so taking your time there is an option.

9 minutes ago, GeorgeG said:

consulate stage?

It would be better to delay at the consulate - you just need to stay in contact with them once a year.

 

If you are applying from Mexico - I would slow it down at the consulate because that is where the greatest delay is.  Precovid it was taking a year to get appointments.  Your state police clearance certificate may expire but that is pretty easy to get depending on where you live.

 

8 minutes ago, emekus94 said:

And about the 6 months to enter, it is 6 months from the time of medical, not 6 months from the time a visa is issued.

Correct - it expires 6 months after the medical.   

 

For Mexico we typically do the medical the day before the interview in Ciudad Juarez.

[GeorgeG 0]

Hi Paul & Mary, can I message you to elaborate a bit more on this please? Thank you for your time and help!

Edited July 21, 2020 by GeorgeG

[Just Paul 4,595]

1 hour ago, GeorgeG said:

Hi Paul & Mary, can I message you to elaborate a bit more on this please? Thank you for your time and help!

Just click on our photo and use send message just to the right!

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved from Progress Reports to Process & Procedures.