Question regarding expiry of IR1 visa

[Spitfire134 3]

Hi all,

 

Longtime lurker on these forums, first time poster. My IR1 visa was approved at the US Embassy in London in October and is due to expire at the end of April. If I am unable to travel to the US before the expiry date, does anyone here have experience with what the next steps would be? From my understanding, if I want to request that the visa be re-issued (and this request is granted) then I will have to repeat the medical examination, as this will no longer be valid. However, I would be grateful for clarification/advice on the following:

 

1. Will I also need to re-do the DS-260 and provide a more up to date I-864 form (including the evidence that comes along with this)

2. Will I need to attend another interview at the US Embassy?

 

Thanks a lot!

Edited December 29, 2020 by Spitfire134

[EA and MK 48]

Please see FAQ 3.14 regarding visa reissuances.

 

https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/u-s-visa-and-travel-faqs/

 

Personally, I would make a trip to the US, be admitted, and not risk potentially having the visa not being reissued.

 

Hope this help!

[Crazy Cat 41,980]

1 hour ago, Spitfire134 said:

Hi all,

 

Longtime lurker on these forums, first time poster. My IR1 visa was approved at the US Embassy in London in October and is due to expire at the end of April. If I am unable to travel to the US before the expiry date, does anyone here have experience with what the next steps would be? From my understanding, if I want to request that the visa be re-issued (and this request is granted) then I will have to repeat the medical examination, as this will no longer be valid. However, I would be grateful for clarification/advice on the following:

 

1. Will I also need to re-do the DS-260 and provide a more up to date I-864 form (including the evidence that comes along with this)

2. Will I need to attend another interview at the US Embassy?

 

Thanks a lot!

I would make sure I traveled to the US prior to the expiration date.  If your visa expires because you can't travel, it is still completely at the discretion of the consulate as to if they will re-issue the visa.  

[Wuozopo 4,293]

1 hour ago, Spitfire134 said:

1. Will I also need to re-do the DS-260 and provide a more up to date I-864 form (including the evidence that comes along with this)

2. Will I need to attend another interview at the US Embassy?

A reissue comes down to If you have a compelling reason beyond your control that it was impossible to travel to the US. 
 

The DS-260 needs updating if any of the security features have changed like a new passport, travel to other countries, etc.  The  I-864 is likely fine unless circumstances have changed like sponsor now unemployed. A new interview would not be done.

[Boiler 45,659]

Pop over and get it activated, you could do it in a long weekend.

[Spitfire134 3]

Thank you all for your replies. Looks like the general consensus is to just get over to the US and get the green card activated (even if it's just a short trip). The process of requesting re-issuance just isn't worth the risk.

[Crazy Cat 41,980]

Just now, Spitfire134 said:

Thank you all for your replies. Looks like the general consensus is to just get over to the US and get the green card activated (even if it's just a short trip). The process of requesting re-issuance just isn't worth the risk.

Those are my thoughts......