K1 question about timeline limitations or deadlines for filing DS-160, scheduling biometrics, medical and interview

[k1-question 0]

 

Hello.  we were wondering if there are any timeline limitations or deadlines for filing the DS-160, scheduling biometrics, medical and interview.  

 

For context, we have already received the email indicating that the application has been received in the embassy of the foreign country and CEAC status also shows the application as ready and we are now in the process of performing the next steps but have some questions before doing so.   

 

Can somebody please provide guidance on the following questions:

 

1.  The validity period of the approval notice of the I-797 NOA2 expires in a few months.  Do we need to have completed the interview before the validity period expires? or can we schedule the interview later than the expiration of the validity period?  Do we need to request the extension of the validity period from someone or is it automatically extended as long as the DS 160 is filed before it expires?

 

2.  If we file the DS 160 now, is it possible to schedule the biometics, medical and interview date a few months later?  I would like to be there for my significant other when they have the interview but am not able to so until November, so we were hoping to just do the DS 160 now and then schedule the rest on November.  Is this possible and will there be issues if doing so?

 

3.  Is there anything we should keep in mind and look out for when doing the next steps?

 

 

Any guidance and input is appreciated.  Thanks for the help everyone. 

 

[Crazy Cat 43,655]

Keep in mind that approved I-129f are valid for 4 months.  The consulates, at their discretion, can renew the validity in 4 month increments, up to a year.  I would contact the consulate and ask for an extension, and I would ask them how long they will accept a delay.

This is one of the disadvantages of a K-1. 

[Edward and Jaycel 1,444]

A lot of this is going to be dependent on which embassy this is processing through. Generally embassies will NOT grant an extension of the expiration date on the I-129F NOA2 ahead of time. (We had the same question in Manila because we were worried about not getting an interview scheduled before it expired. We contacted the embassy and they said that they do NOT extend the validity date ahead of time, that it is the Consular Officer that does it at their discretion at the time of the interview.) Personally I think this all is a risky undertaking and your fiancé(e) should schedule their interview as soon as an appointment is available. There is no guarantee that an interview slot will be available in November and most embassies do not allow the petitioning fiancé(e) in the building with the interviewee anyway. The DS-160 is valid for 1 year from the date it is submitted. My advice is to get this done as soon as the scheduling allows. Good Luck!