A&D25612

12 minutes ago, Fabercham said:

I was due to fly next week and my visa expires in May. Just so sad about it all...I’m from UK so can’t get there 

I feel your pain!  😭  Let's hope the ban doesn't last that long. 

17 minutes ago, Marimar04 said:

I applied in December and I do not know when I will have my interview. I would like to know if applying for unemployment due to Coronavirus will impact negatively my application. 

That's a good question and I'm sure something a lot of us will have to think about, including myself. I did received another email recently that I've posted on another thread but wanted to pop it here too. 

 The Consular Information Unit London replied:

 
 =============================================================================

Thank you for your email. We understand your concern regarding visas and travel in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19). We hope that this email will help answer your questions. 

Can I travel to the United States?/What does the recent travel order mean?

Entry is suspended, per Presidential Proclamation, of non-LPR foreign nationals who were present in the People’s Republic of China, not including the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the 26 countries that comprise the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, excluding overseas territories outside of Europe of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, or the Republic of Ireland within 14 days prior to their arrival at the port of entry in the United States.  Please review the Presidential Proclamation for detailed information: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-suspension-entry-immigrants-nonimmigrants-persons-pose-risk-transmitting-2019-novel-coronavirus//

The Department of State recommends the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website regarding COVID-19 for the most up-to-date information https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. 

The latest travel restriction does not apply to American citizens, legal permanent residents, most immediate family members of U.S. citizens, and other individuals who are identified in the proclamation. The Department of Homeland Security will direct those who have been in the Schengen Area who are exempt from these restrictions, including American citizens, to travel through select airports where the U.S. Government has implemented enhanced screening procedures. Travelers are advised to visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website, www.dhs.gov/news-releases, for further guidance on U.S. travel restrictions.

Will the U.S. Embassy in London be closing?/Will my visa interview appointment be cancelled?

As of March 17, 2020, the United States Embassy in London is cancelling routine nonimmigrant visa appointments and reducing immigrant visa appointments, and no visa appointments will take place at the Consulate in Belfast. We will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date at this time. 

If you have scheduled a visa interview appointment, the Visa Appointment Service will contact you if your appointment is being postponed. The MRV fee is valid and may be used for a visa application in the country where it was purchased within one year of the date of payment. Please note that visa fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you wish to apply for a visa through another Embassy or Consulate, you will be required to pay a new MRV fee and complete a new Form DS-160.

Please monitor our website at https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/ and the email account you used when registering with the Visa Appointment Service (including any junk or spam folders) for the latest information and any further updates. 

What will happen with my visa application that is currently being processed?

If it is not possible for your visa to be issued prior to the Presidential Proclamation taking effect, your passport will be returned to you. 

If your application is subject to additional administrative processing, or under review pending a decision on a waiver of ineligibility or for any other reason, that will remain the status of your case until you are advised otherwise. 

If information or documentation other than your passport has been requested in connection with a nonimmigrant visa application, you can still send it in. Your case will be reviewed when routine operations resume. However, you should not submit your passport for a nonimmigrant visa case, even if it has been requested from you. 

If any information or documentation has been requested for your immigrant or fiancé(e) visa application, you can still send it in. Your case will be reviewed when routine operations resume.

Can my U.S. visa be extended?

Nonimmigrant visas cannot be extended. However, the majority of nonimmigrant visas are valid for several years. Please check the visa in your passport to confirm the validity period of the visa in your case. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions section of our website at https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/non-immigrant-visa-faqs/ for more information about visa and passport validity. If you were issued with a J, O or P visa and it expires, check our website at https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/visa-reissuance-program/who-is-eligible/ to see if you may qualify to apply for a new visa by courier. All other visa applicants aged 14 to 79 inclusive are required to attend a visa interview appointment when reapplying for a visa.

Immigrant visas cannot be extended. However, if you find that you are unable to travel within the validity period of your visa due to circumstances beyond your control, you can request visa reissuance. You should reply to this message after your unused visa has expired, at which time we will send you information about how to submit your passport, visa package (if applicable) and a letter explaining why you were unable to travel and requesting visa reissuance. Please note that you will be required to undergo a new medical examination and pay a new visa fee before the visa can be reissued. 

Can I have a refund for a U.S. visa that has already been issued?

As explained at the time of fee payment, visa fees are non-refundable. The application fee is levied to cover the costs of adjudicating and processing an application. Please see above for information about visa validity, provided that your new purpose of travel is consistent with the type of visa you hold.

Any other questions

If you have any further questions about visas, please see our website at https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/, including the Frequently Asked Question (FAQs), for detailed information. If your question is still not answered, please reply to this message. Please note that we will be unable to respond if your question is addressed in this email or on our website. 

If your question is about ESTA or the Visa Waiver Program, please note that those programs are administered by CBP, not by this office. If you have ESTA questions after checking our website (including the FAQs) and the official ESTA website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ (including the Help section), you can find additional information and contact details for CBP through their Info Center website at https://help.cbp.gov.

If you have general questions about coronavirus (COVID-19), check our website at https://uk.usembassy.gov/covid-19 for a list of useful resources.

If you have question about flights, please contact your airline. 

 =============================================================================



Hope this helps others on here.


Ash~

Hi again all,

I received another reply and just wanted to share it here in hopes to help others. The Consular Information Unit London replied:

 
 =============================================================================

Thank you for your email. We understand your concern regarding visas and travel in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19). We hope that this email will help answer your questions. 

Can I travel to the United States?/What does the recent travel order mean?

Entry is suspended, per Presidential Proclamation, of non-LPR foreign nationals who were present in the People’s Republic of China, not including the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the 26 countries that comprise the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, excluding overseas territories outside of Europe of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, or the Republic of Ireland within 14 days prior to their arrival at the port of entry in the United States.  Please review the Presidential Proclamation for detailed information: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-suspension-entry-immigrants-nonimmigrants-persons-pose-risk-transmitting-2019-novel-coronavirus//

The Department of State recommends the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website regarding COVID-19 for the most up-to-date information https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. 

The latest travel restriction does not apply to American citizens, legal permanent residents, most immediate family members of U.S. citizens, and other individuals who are identified in the proclamation. The Department of Homeland Security will direct those who have been in the Schengen Area who are exempt from these restrictions, including American citizens, to travel through select airports where the U.S. Government has implemented enhanced screening procedures. Travelers are advised to visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website, www.dhs.gov/news-releases, for further guidance on U.S. travel restrictions.

Will the U.S. Embassy in London be closing?/Will my visa interview appointment be cancelled?

As of March 17, 2020, the United States Embassy in London is cancelling routine nonimmigrant visa appointments and reducing immigrant visa appointments, and no visa appointments will take place at the Consulate in Belfast. We will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date at this time. 

If you have scheduled a visa interview appointment, the Visa Appointment Service will contact you if your appointment is being postponed. The MRV fee is valid and may be used for a visa application in the country where it was purchased within one year of the date of payment. Please note that visa fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you wish to apply for a visa through another Embassy or Consulate, you will be required to pay a new MRV fee and complete a new Form DS-160.

Please monitor our website at https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/ and the email account you used when registering with the Visa Appointment Service (including any junk or spam folders) for the latest information and any further updates. 

What will happen with my visa application that is currently being processed?

If it is not possible for your visa to be issued prior to the Presidential Proclamation taking effect, your passport will be returned to you. 

If your application is subject to additional administrative processing, or under review pending a decision on a waiver of ineligibility or for any other reason, that will remain the status of your case until you are advised otherwise. 

If information or documentation other than your passport has been requested in connection with a nonimmigrant visa application, you can still send it in. Your case will be reviewed when routine operations resume. However, you should not submit your passport for a nonimmigrant visa case, even if it has been requested from you. 

If any information or documentation has been requested for your immigrant or fiancé(e) visa application, you can still send it in. Your case will be reviewed when routine operations resume.

Can my U.S. visa be extended?

Nonimmigrant visas cannot be extended. However, the majority of nonimmigrant visas are valid for several years. Please check the visa in your passport to confirm the validity period of the visa in your case. Please see the Frequently Asked Questions section of our website at https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/non-immigrant-visa-faqs/ for more information about visa and passport validity. If you were issued with a J, O or P visa and it expires, check our website at https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/visa-reissuance-program/who-is-eligible/ to see if you may qualify to apply for a new visa by courier. All other visa applicants aged 14 to 79 inclusive are required to attend a visa interview appointment when reapplying for a visa.

Immigrant visas cannot be extended. However, if you find that you are unable to travel within the validity period of your visa due to circumstances beyond your control, you can request visa reissuance. You should reply to this message after your unused visa has expired, at which time we will send you information about how to submit your passport, visa package (if applicable) and a letter explaining why you were unable to travel and requesting visa reissuance. Please note that you will be required to undergo a new medical examination and pay a new visa fee before the visa can be reissued. 

Can I have a refund for a U.S. visa that has already been issued?

As explained at the time of fee payment, visa fees are non-refundable. The application fee is levied to cover the costs of adjudicating and processing an application. Please see above for information about visa validity, provided that your new purpose of travel is consistent with the type of visa you hold.

Any other questions

If you have any further questions about visas, please see our website at https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/, including the Frequently Asked Question (FAQs), for detailed information. If your question is still not answered, please reply to this message. Please note that we will be unable to respond if your question is addressed in this email or on our website. 

If your question is about ESTA or the Visa Waiver Program, please note that those programs are administered by CBP, not by this office. If you have ESTA questions after checking our website (including the FAQs) and the official ESTA website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ (including the Help section), you can find additional information and contact details for CBP through their Info Center website at https://help.cbp.gov.

If you have general questions about coronavirus (COVID-19), check our website at https://uk.usembassy.gov/covid-19 for a list of useful resources.

If you have question about flights, please contact your airline. 

 =============================================================================



Hope this helps others on here.


Ash~

We are waiting until things die down. I just hope there's an extension for visa holders in case the ban isn't lifted before expiry dates (mine is 9th July 2020). My US fiancé was supposed to visit me in the UK for 13 days, then we were to go back to the US together on 31st March. We've had to cancel our trip of course. 

(This is the email I received from the London visa medical centre. I hope this helps some people.)
 

Thank you for your email.

Unfortunately we are unable to answer any of the below, as we have no information on this.

You need to travel to the US with a valid medical.  As far as we know, the visa should be valid until the medical expires. Medical is valid for 6 months from the day you had it done.

The rest – you will need to get the answers FROM the Embassy, how it is going to work with the ban and all. I know they have a meeting at the Embassy today in afternoon in regards to the current situation, but we do not have any information what is going to happen and how it is going to work.

Kind regards,


Stay safe! 

17 hours ago, SP&DT said:

I don't mind doing another medical, I just worry that I'll be forced to do the whole process again if this goes on...

I'm wondering the same thing. My k1 visa was approved in February. My US fiancé was supposed to visit me in the UK for 13 days, then we were to go back to the US together on 31st March. Due to the new coronavirus travel restrictions including UK and ROI (the layovers would have been in Dublin as well), we have had to cancel our trip. I’m currently in the UK. Like many I'm also wondering if there will be an automatic extension (if an extension is even considered at all!), in case the travel ban isn’t lifted in time of the expiry date. Or whether we have to apply for one now. The k1 visa stamp on my passport says it expires 9^th July 2020 (although the lady at my interview in Feb said I need to be gone by June?).  

But either way, we are all just waiting for answers. I understand a lot of officials wont have answers yet themselves but it's just frustrating with all this uncertainty and no answers let alone no one to contact (besides using online forms as the Embassy can't answer visa related things over the phone anyway).

Stay safe!


UPDATE: This is the email I received from the London visa medical center

 

Thank you for your email.

Unfortunately we are unable to answer any of the below, as we have no information on this.

You need to travel to the US with a valid medical.  As far as we know, the visa should be valid until the medical expires. Medical is valid for 6 months from the day you had it done.

The rest – you will need to get the answers FROM the Embassy, how it is going to work with the ban and all. I know they have a meeting at the Embassy today in afternoon in regards to the current situation, but we do not have any information what is going to happen and how it is going to work.

Kind regards,

Hope this helps some!
Ash ~


Edit: Which makes me eye roll and chuckle a little because getting any answers from the embassy was a joke even before this whole virus situation. But I totally sympathise and understand that's all they CAN recommend. 
 

2 hours ago, ourjourney_pc said:

because of this i had to check my visa expiration which i thought is 6 months from they issued which is on April 1, well its  6months from my medical date March 12... i see...

Oo I'm glad you checked that ! XD 

Thanks for confirming too!

1 hour ago, TBoneTX said:

A point not yet mentioned is to avoid waiting until the day before or the day of visa expiration to travel.  Weather delays, flight diversions, or other unforeseen events can hose any presumption of uneventful entry.

That's true.

If I am to be successful with the application I wouldn't leave it so close to the expiration date anyway, but it's of course worth the mention as others may be considering this.

8 hours ago, Greenbaum said:

This thread is funny. The answer from most are the same. Some with a little real world experience thrown in but most are saying the same. But it is going on three pages all saying pretty much the same thing. The obvious answer, which many have opined is what is on the Visa is what the expiry date is. 😁

It is! Tbh, I didn't even expect to get so many responses, but I'm glad I did. It's definitely answered my question and it's always nice to see people wanting to help. So thanks everyone :) 

2 minutes ago, Lil bear said:

Not many I imagine .. but for those few who find themselves needing to do this for some reason, I would think it could almost be the last straw in what has been a challenging process. Needing to delay because if family health issues for example can be very distressing. 

Yeah agreed. Or work situations, schooling etc. Or perhaps just spending as much time with family as possible since it's unlikely to see them again any time soon.  😧

1 hour ago, Wuozopo said:

For a person interviewing in London (the OP asking the question), the medical date dictates the expiration date printed on the visa. Typically in an average, no hiccup, London K1 process-- the interview follows the medical by 2 weeks (recommended) and the visa is issued within the week following the interview. The visa will expire six months from the medical date. If the OP feels like more time is needed (like finish school, or attend a friend's wedding) she can pick a medical date and interview date further out so as to fit her plans. London allows up to one year of "stalling" after petition approval. If the interview happens four months after the petition approval, they ask for a new letter of intent to marry from the American fiancé. It is turned in at the interview. There are no issues/questions with going past four months before interview.  

Great info. Thank you !

5 minutes ago, Greenbaum said:

Incorrect!!!

 

The visa can have a different date then both the issue date and the medical exam. Some countries create a date for expiration based on local situations such as a long TB treatment. I saw one couple from the Philippines who underwent DOT and was issued their visa and it had an expiration date of 2 months.

 

So it depends. BUT, I must add, for most cases it's based on the medical exam as you have stated. This is the normal time limit visa expirations.

 

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/interview/after-the-interview.html

You must arrive and apply for admission in the United States no later than the visa expiration date printed on your visa. An immigrant visa is usually valid for up to six months from the date of issuance unless your medical examination expires sooner, which may make your visa valid for less than six months.

 

 

Gotcha! Thank youuu!

Just now, Greenbaum said:

Incorrect!!!

 

The visa can have a different date then both the issue date and the medical exam. Some countries create a date for expiration based on local situations such as a long TB treatment. I saw one couple from the Philippines who underwent DOT and was issued their visa and it had an expiration date of 2 months.

 

So it depends. BUT, I must add, for most cases it's based on the medical exam as you have stated. This is the normal time limit visa expirations.

 

 

Ahh. Yep, the whole 'differs case to case' seems to be the reoccurring theme in this whole process. I'll obviously ask and check info once I'm at this point. I was just curious and figured I'd ask on here

2 minutes ago, Lil bear said:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/interview/after-the-interview.html

Cheers! I'm checking that out now.

1 minute ago, Meisha&Jake said:

Yes! Beneficiary has the medical in their home country

 

Check out the K1 guides at the top of this forum on the menu, research is the key to this whole process

Great thanks again! Yeah I've been researching. This site is particularly helpful but I'm at that point where I've read so much I've confused myself and start to over analyse everything lol 

Thanks everyone!!

1 minute ago, Meisha&Jake said:

 

Incorrect!!!

 

The visa has an expiration date printed on it & its 6 months FROM the date the medical took place.

Ohh. O___O

Wait, just to clarify, is this the medical the 'alien' fiance takes in their home country? (The one during the k1 process)?

Just now, Tara & Rohit said:

Visa is good for 6 months once issued. Once you arrive in the US your 90 day count down will start!

Thank you!

Just now, Lil bear said:

The visa is valid for 6 months from issue date. But you must enter with both a valid medical and visa.. so you will need to enter before the 6 months validity in the medical.. as this is usually sooner than the 6 months on the visa 

Oh I see. I wasn't aware of that. Thanks!

Hello all!

I haven't started the k1 process yet but I'm just curious, once you've been approved with a k1 visa, what is the longest you can leave it before going to America (to then get married within the 90 days?). I read somewhere it is valid for 120 days. Is this true?

Of course I'd need time to sort things out in the UK before leaving to the US with the k1 visa. So I was wondering how long one can wait. Does it 'expire'? O__o

Hope that makes sense! And thank you in advance!

On 2/7/2019 at 5:42 PM, Rick & Apple said:

A mutual friend introduced us and we started talking on facebook. 

6 months later,  I went to see her for about 3 weeks. I mailed the k-1 package 3 weeks later. 10 1/2 months later, she was here, we were married, adjustment of status done and green card in hand.  

 

Congrats! I know it varies by case but, how long did you both wait until you got your approval after sending the k1 package?

14 hours ago, ourjourney_pc said:

just include a copy of the T & C of the dating site (if it was) where you met to avoid RFE.

goodluck

Oh good point. Will do! and no it wasn't a dating site (although it could be used as such). 

On 2/6/2019 at 3:53 PM, Olga&Jared said:

Shouldn't be a problem. My fiancé and I also met online. What we worried about was the duration of our relationship (we met 10 months ago) that's why we also thought that it wouldn't be considered genuine. But we got approved 3 weeks ago  Just be honest and tell them how you met, fell in love and why you want to marry. 

Great thanks! The duration is another thing I worried about but I guess we should be fine. Congratulations on your approval!!! That's awesome  

1 hour ago, adil-rafa said:

not for your country

it is only an issue for the high fraud countries where USC are scammed on online dating sites for money

Ah yeah, that makes sense. Thanks! 

1 minute ago, Megan&Daniel said:

I met my fiance in a video chat room. No issues! 

35 minutes ago, Roel said:

90% of k1 partners met online. 

You just write down when and where  

You provide evidence for meeting in person. 

Thank you both! Feeling more relieved now lol 

Hi all!

I have a probably silly question but couldn't seem to find the answer by searching. Me and my partner will hopefully be applying for the K1 Visa this year but I was wondering if the fact we met online would affect our case at all? And what is the best way to provide evidence for this? Or at which point in the process does this matter to them?

Thanks in advance!

Ash