I-797 Validity Date

[lasiyo 15]

My fiancée and I have just received our I-797A Approval, and we now need to initiate the process of scheduling an appointment at the consulate. We're curious about the validity date stated on the Notice of Action, which is set to expire on February 26th, 2024.

Does this imply that she must secure the consulate appointment, obtain the K-1 Visa, and relocate to the United States by then?
 

The approval came through earlier than we anticipated, and we were hoping for more time to manage the logistics, as we have a lot to organize.
 

Could someone clarify what the expiration date on the I-797A signifies? If we prefer for her to move in March or April, is there a possibility of an extension? What options do we have?

[Crazy Cat 39,597]

USCIS must send your case to NVC.  Then NVC assigns a DOS case number before you can schedule an interview or medical.  Approved I-129fs have a validity date of 4 months, after which the consulate can extend them in 4 month increments up to a year.  

 

 

 

[lasiyo 15]

3 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

USCIS must send your case to NVC.  Then NVC assigns a DOS case number before you can schedule an interview or medical.  Approved I-129fs have a validity date of 4 months, after which the consulate can extend them in 4 month increments up to a year.  

 

 

 

I'm sorry, but i'm not following your answer here. I'm still confused as to what the "Validity Date" means for the NOA2. Does it mean that my finacee needs to schedule an interview at the consulate at minimum before it expires? Or does she need to complete the whole process and be moved to the USA before it expires? I find it hard to understand what is supposed to happen before the approved I-129F expires.  

[Crazy Cat 39,597]

4 minutes ago, lasiyo said:

I'm sorry, but i'm not following your answer here. I'm still confused as to what the "Validity Date" means for the NOA2. Does it mean that my finacee needs to schedule an interview at the consulate at minimum before it expires? Or does she need to complete the whole process and be moved to the USA before it expires? I find it hard to understand what is supposed to happen before the approved I-129F expires.  

Technically, the approved I-129F expires after 4 months (as indicated on the I-797).  However, as long as the case is still being processed by Department of State, the consulate normally extends that date in 4 month increments.  In other words, don't worry about that date at this point. 

 

Edited November 6, 2023 by Crazy Cat