kashi1019

Hi, kashi1019.

Our petition expired on October 30th, and because we were unable to obtain all the required evidance in time for this, I had to write to the embassy and ask for an extension.

This is a copy of the original cover letter I sent to the embassy in September (1 month before our petition was due to expire)

28th September 2009

Dear Sir/Madam:

I write with regards to my application for a K1 visa. The validity of the I-1797 (approval notice for I-129F) is due to expire on 30th October, 2009, and I write to request that my petition for a K1 visa be extended.

It is my understanding that pursuant to 9FAM 41.81 N3.1 (Period of validity), the approval notice can be extended if my fiancé and I remain legally free to marry and continue to plan to do so after I enter the United States on a K1 visa.

Therefore, please be aware that:

• I and my fiancé continue to be legally single and free to marry.

• I and my fiancé love each other and plan to marry within 90 days of my entrance to the United States on a K1 visa.

For your further information, I have attached:

• Copy of I-1797 (approval notice)

• Signed letter of intent from my fiancé, [fiance's name]

• As proof of our ongoing relationship, I have also included a copy of ticket stubs for my [fiance's name]'s recent trip to visit me in England [date].

I sincerely request that my approval notice be extended so that I may continue my application for the K-1 visa.

I don't know if the evidance of having met recently was necessary. I did not read anywhere that it was required, but since my fiance had just spent three months with me in England, I thought it wouldn't hurt to include it also.

About the letter of intent

This must be notarized. Originally, I sent them in just a copy of a letter of intent signed by my fiance, but they wrote back to me and told me that the letter had to be notarized.

I have since learnt that I myself also need to submit a letter of intent signed by me. Unfortunately, this is really expensive in the UK (I've been quoted approximately £65.

You might also want to include something about why you need an extension, though I didn't in my original submission and the embassy did not ask.

I hope this information helps.

Thanks frostymist, that is a great help! Did the embassy write you back or anything to let you know they received this? And to help clarify, we both need to write a letter of intent or just me (the USC)? I was planning on writing the letter and sending it from here (the US) asking for the extension and declaring my intent to still marry him. I dont know if I should tell them why we need an extension (that he is a teacher and wants to finish the school year in July before coming over and that he is plannign to come visit me in April to finalize wedding plans....what do you think?)

Thanks!

Stephanie

Okay, so my fiance called the embassy again (for the 3rd time!).

I had him ask for the magic code so I can email and actually get a response regarding getting an extention on the NOA2. For the 3rd time, he was told that the four month validity doesn't matter, we have 12 months to get everything turned in and just make sure and bring a notarized letter of intent to the interview saying that I will still marry him. Since this was the 3rd time he was told this, I am actually feeling kind of confident with this answer. The guy would not give out the code; he said that they do not give the code out for that. My fiance asked twice but he wouldn't give it out....

I also had him ask about the delayed visa issuance and requesting a date for the interview. He asked when my fiance is planning on entering the US (July) and that he wants to come for a visit in April. The embassy guy said to wait until March/April(based on the current wait/processing timse) to mail in our forms and checklist at which point we could then attach a letter requesting a date in May. He said that wouldn't be a problem, and also if we get an interview date that doesn't work for us, we can call and change it to a different date. I didn't think that was allowed, but apparently according to this guy.

So my plan is to send in a letter formally reqesting an extension before our NOA2 expires just because I am paranoid and then send in the forms/checklist in February (in case the processing times have increased by then) with a letter attached requesting an interview in May and hope for the best........

Okay, so my fiance called the embassy again (for the 3rd time!).

I had him ask for the magic code so I can email and actually get a response regarding getting an extention on the NOA2. For the 3rd time, he was told that the four month validity doesn't matter, we have 12 months to get everything turned in and just make sure and bring a notarized letter of intent to the interview saying that I will still marry him. Since this was the 3rd time he was told this, I am actually feeling kind of confident with this answer. The guy would not give out the code; he said that they do not give the code out for that. My fiance asked twice but he wouldn't give it out....

I also had him ask about the delayed visa issuance and requesting a date for the interview. He asked when my fiance is planning on entering the US (July) and that he wants to come for a visit in April. The embassy guy said to wait until March/April(based on the current wait/processing timse) to mail in our forms and checklist at which point we could then attach a letter requesting a date in May. He said that wouldn't be a problem, and also if we get an interview date that doesn't work for us, we can call and change it to a different date. I didn't think that was allowed, but apparently according to this guy.

So my plan is to send in a letter formally reqesting an extension before our NOA2 expires just because I am paranoid and then send in the forms/checklist in February (in case the processing times have increased by then) with a letter attached requesting an interview in May and hope for the best........

what do you think?

Steph

Okay, so my fiance called the embassy again (for the 3rd time!).

I had him ask for the magic code so I can email and actually get a response regarding getting an extention on the NOA2. For the 3rd time, he was told that the four month validity doesn't matter, we have 12 months to get everything turned in and just make sure and bring a notarized letter of intent to the interview saying that I will still marry him. Since this was the 3rd time he was told this, I am actually feeling kind of confident with this answer. The guy would not give out the code; he said that they do not give the code out for that. My fiance asked twice but he wouldn't give it out....

I also had him ask about the delayed visa issuance and requesting a date for the interview. He asked when my fiance is planning on entering the US (July) and that he wants to come for a visit in April. The embassy guy said to wait until March/April(based on the current wait/processing timse) to mail in our forms and checklist at which point we could then attach a letter requesting a date in May. He said that wouldn't be a problem, and also if we get an interview date that doesn't work for us, we can call and change it to a different date. I didn't think that was allowed, but apparently according to this guy.

So my plan is to send in a letter formally reqesting an extension before our NOA2 expires just because I am paranoid and then send in the forms/checklist in February (in case the processing times have increased by then) with a letter attached requesting an interview in May and hope for the best........

what do you think?

Also when you call the embassy to get the code for emailing is that what you tell them, just that you are wanting a code to be able to email them?

So I guess what we are going to do is work on getting the forms filled out and turned in (at least some of them) before our I129F expires December 23rd and attach a letter saying we do wish to extend our our approval for another four months. I will email this request to the consulate as well.

Do I have to call the extortion line and get the code in order to email the embassy this? Does anyone know? If so what is the extortion line phone number? I really do not understand what the extortion line is.

Then either send in the checklist sometime in February/March requesting an interview for May or wait and send in the checklist mid April (after my fiance's trip to the US) and hope that we get an interview in time for him to be here for the wedding July 30th.

How does this sound??

This a UK specific question and isn't really appropriate for the K1 forum since every consulate is different. Try checking out the UK forum. Briefly, yes, you *do* have to call the extortion line (named as such because it's something like $16 for 10 minutes) in order to get a code. The code allows you to e-mail them (code in the subject line) and they will answer questions that way. They do not respond otherwise. I don't know what the extortion number is, try checking out the UK thread people from NOA2 to interview. I think it's in the first page.

Justine+David,

thank you, i just keep reading different things so i dont know what to believe.

Kashi,

From what I understand, you have to send in ALL the forms (including checklist) at once. But I could be wrong about it. I know my fiance is sending in all the forms plus the checklist and I'm going to type up a cover letter for him to include with the forms to state that we *might* need an extension. Our petition runs out December 26th, but I'm hopeful we can get his interview scheduled before then, if not soon after. The London embassy states on their website (on the "contact us" page) that there is no current email address for visa enquiries. My guess is, you would have to call either the main switchboard or the visa number to get the email address, but be prepared to pay a few bucks for the phone call.

No, you don't. KnightandMagpie are an example of this; they sent off DS forms one at a time over a period of several months. I'd suggest PMing them if you have more questions.

Its been months since my I - 129 was aproved n sent to london and i still havent received my package 3 . My fiance rang the NVC and they said the package had been prepared to send on the september 16th and that i should have recieved it.. so something has gone wrong somewhere. we are haveing alot of postal strikes, dont know if thats something to do with it? Is anybody else not recieved there packages yet?? we now have to do some chasing up at the embasy.

Its so frustrating waiting

hey yorkshirerose22, we had the same problem as you. We received our NOA2 in August and never received packet 3 either. My UK fiance called the embassy last week and they said ours was sent sept 15th but he never got it. I'm guessing the postal strikes (grr!), so he was given the internet link to get to the forms. I'm sure that was the case with yours as well.

Does anyone know if you do have to send in all the DS forms together at the same time or can send them in separately?

So I guess what we are going to do is work on getting the forms filled out and turned in (at least some of them) before our I129F expires December 23rd and attach a letter saying we do wish to extend our our approval for another four months. I will email this request to the consulate as well.

Do I have to call the extortion line and get the code in order to email the embassy this? Does anyone know? If so what is the extortion line phone number? I really do not understand what the extortion line is.

Then either send in the checklist sometime in February/March requesting an interview for May or wait and send in the checklist mid April (after my fiance's trip to the US) and hope that we get an interview in time for him to be here for the wedding July 30th.

How does this sound??

Oh right. Thanks for the help!!

^^ they do, you just have to ask for the code and you have to call the extortion line in order to get it. London generally automatically extends the visa expiration date as long as you're sending in documents to prove that you haven't abandoned the visa. I'd just put that in a cover letter when you send your P3 docs off.

So I guess what we are going to do is work on getting the forms filled out and turned in (at least some of them) before our I129F expires December 23rd and attach a letter saying we do wish to extend our our approval for another four months. I will email this request to the consulate as well.

Do I have to call the extortion line and get the code in order to email the embassy this? Does anyone know? If so what is the extortion line phone number? I really do not understand what the extortion line is.

Then either send in the checklist sometime in February/March requesting an interview for May or wait and send in the checklist mid April (after my fiance's trip to the US) and hope that we get an interview in time for him to be here for the wedding July 30th.

How does this sound??

The reason I suggested sending in the checklist after the trip is that taking the trip while they are processing a visa application can muck up the works. They will be checking on your previous entries and exits, and you don't want to add to that record after they've already checked it. Traveling to the US in the same time frame of the Packet 3 is generally not recommended for this reason.

Nik sent packet 3 back at the end of April, and had an interview in early June. London is an average of 60 days (that's consulate received to interview, so less for packet 3 sent to interview), so I can see this timing working, especially if you take that time to make sure every t is crossed and every i dotted.

So I guess what we are going to do is work on getting the forms filled out and turned in (at least some of them) before our I129F expires December 23rd and attach a letter saying we do wish to extend our our approval for another four months. I will email this request to the consulate as well.

Do I have to call the extortion line and get the code in order to email the embassy this? Does anyone know? If so what is the extortion line phone number? I really do not understand what the extortion line is.

Then either send in the checklist sometime in February/March requesting an interview for May or wait and send in the checklist mid April (after my fiance's trip to the US) and hope that we get an interview in time for him to be here for the wedding July 30th.

How does this sound??

Your medical is good for 12 months and you only need to file for AOS by the expiration date so assuming you file before October 31st 2010, you can get your medical exam done at any time.

From what I've read on other people's experiences on this, all you need to do is let them know while sending in all your documents. You can send them in now if you like (if you're in the system). KnightandMagpie sent in forms one at a time over a period of a few months just to let them know that they weren't abandoning the visa. When you send in your checklist you can request an interview date within a time frame. Why don't you send in some of your documents now and then request an April interview when you send in your checklist?

The only thing extra you'll need is a notarized letter of intent to marry (updated) from the USC, although many people aren't asked this at the interview, it is still requested by the USE if you are past your initial NOA2 expiration date.

My fiance and myself plan to have the interview in February/March because he is coming over in January for a visit and our wedding isn't until September.

Justine+David: Are you going to ask for an interview for February/March? When would you suggest that we turn in our checklist/letter asking for a specific month for our interview?

Hello

Im wondering if anyone else has had a similar situation. We want our wedding to be the 10th September so need to get our visa anytime after 17th December (due to the timelines) but would prefer an interview date in Jan. Has anyone ever sent in their checklist with a covering letter asking for a certain date (not a specific date) any date in Jan will do before our petition expires?

I am worried about sending in everything too early and then not being able to have an interview after 17th Dec but also worried about holding things back and then the embassy not logging them for a few weeks and then our interview date being a few weeks later and before we know it our petition has expired.

Aaargh! Any advice on if a letter asking for an interview date in Jan would help?

Thanks

Yes! I did exactly this and included a cover letter and the Embassy gave me the month I wanted. I received Packet 4 from the Embassy in Sept 2008, waited till Nov to send it back and asked for an interview in January. They gave me an interview on Jan 12th I think it was.

I sent them an email as the interview was going to be outside the 4 month validity of the approval of the petition. They replied basically saying not an issue just bring an updated letter of intent from your fiancee. They didn't actually ask for it at the interview although that could have been because my fiancee was there.

Good luck!

Thanks very much, definately puts your mind at rest when you know that someone has done it and received a date in the month they requested. Thank you!

Did you send this letter with your checklist and forms?

I would do a couple of things:

1. On the phone, ask to formally request an extension of the Petition Approval, and insist that you receive confirmation. Ask them if email or snail mail is preferred. If email, they will give you a code. If snail mail, you will need to send a letter.

2. Send in packet 3 as soon as you get back to the UK after the trip in April. They do some extra checks at some point on your entries/exits/bans, so things will probably go more smoothly if you travel before sending in packet 3. On the checklist, make sure you put your wedding and planned travel dates. If you send it in in April, you should get a June interview, and visa by July, with a couple weeks of wiggle room. If you want the visa earlier than that, consider moving this last trip to earlier in the year.

3. Get your medical late in the spring, or wait until you know the interview and get it just before so that you have a hope of it still being within it's year of validity when you AOS. If you do it now, it might expire, and then you'll need a new one.

What do you think about the possibility of sending in all the forms and checklist and requesting an interview in May?

I would do a couple of things:

1. On the phone, ask to formally request an extension of the Petition Approval, and insist that you receive confirmation. Ask them if email or snail mail is preferred. If email, they will give you a code. If snail mail, you will need to send a letter.

2. Send in packet 3 as soon as you get back to the UK after the trip in April. They do some extra checks at some point on your entries/exits/bans, so things will probably go more smoothly if you travel before sending in packet 3. On the checklist, make sure you put your wedding and planned travel dates. If you send it in in April, you should get a June interview, and visa by July, with a couple weeks of wiggle room. If you want the visa earlier than that, consider moving this last trip to earlier in the year.

3. Get your medical late in the spring, or wait until you know the interview and get it just before so that you have a hope of it still being within it's year of validity when you AOS. If you do it now, it might expire, and then you'll need a new one.

Because I guess I am afraid of waiting until April to sending everything in and not getting an interview by July and missing the wedding.........

Belinda63, have you heard of anyone sending a cover letter with their packet 3 DS forms/Checklist requesting an interview for a certain month in the future?

We want an extension because our wedding is July 30,2010 and we want my fiance to come over for one last visit in April to help with last minute wedding stuff/we are looking for a house to buy. If we turn everything in now and get the interview and get approved, he cannot enter the us in april to visit and then leave. He is a teacher and needs to finish out the school year (for financial reasons) which ends mid July, so he cannot come over for good until then.

Looking back now, we shouldn't have started the K-1 process so early but we were really unsure of how long it would take.

Paul1979 and lesleysizeland,

Thanks so much for posting this because I think this is what I need to do too. Our wedding is July 30,2010 and our I-129F forms expire on December 23rd. I want to get an interview for May 2010 because my fiance wants to come visit one more time before the wedding to do last minute wedding planning/looking for a house to buy.

Do you think we should turn in all of the DS forms and checklist before our I129F expiration date in december and request an interview in May? Will they think this is weird asking for one so far away?

What did both or your cover letters say? Did you state the reasoning behind wanting a certain month?

I'm just really paranoid and want to make sure everything goes okay. I have heard you can get a 4 month extention on the I129F forms which would be ideal but have been unable to figure out how to do so.

Thanks again,

Stephanie

So my UK fiance and I received our I-129F approval in August. The NOA2 says it is valid from August 24-December 23rd. I have heard on this board and in various other places that you can get a 4 month extension on this. My fiance called the US Embassy in London on Monday and the person he spoke with told him that that 4 month validity period is irrelevent and we actually have 12 months to complete the rest of the forms, checklist, interview, and medical for the k1. I was not confident with this response because I feel like the NOA2 has a validity stated for a reason. I do not want to just not do anything and have our case considered abandoned, so I had him call back on Tuesday. He spoke with a different person who first told him that you have to do it within the time frame stated on the NOA2 then she put him on hold, went and talked with someone, and came back and told him the same thing about the 12 months. I dont know what to think?

Does anyone know anything about this? How to get the 4 month extension? If you have to fill something out, call someone specifically, or can indeed wait 12 months?

I'm stressing out. Please help!

why does the NOA2 have an expiration date then? I'm just SO paranoid.

So my UK fiance and I received our I-129F approval in August. The NOA2 says it is valid from August 24-December 23rd. I have heard on this board and in various other places that you can get a 4 month extension on this. My fiance called the US Embassy in London on Monday and the person he spoke with told him that that 4 month validity period is irrelevent and we actually have 12 months to complete the rest of the forms, checklist, interview, and medical for the k1. I was not confident with this response because I feel like the NOA2 has a validity stated for a reason. I do not want to just not do anything and have our case considered abandoned, so I had him call back on Tuesday. He spoke with a different person who first told him that you have to do it within the time frame stated on the NOA2 then she put him on hold, went and talked with someone, and came back and told him the same thing about the 12 months. I dont know what to think?

Does anyone know anything about this? How to get the 4 month extension? If you have to fill something out, call someone specifically, or can indeed wait 12 months?

I'm stressing out. Please help!

Hi, I'm a May 2009 filer. I sent in our I-129F to the CSC on May 14th and am still waiting on the NOA1.

Stephanie

Thanks for your help, its working now, updated to Adobe 9.1

Hi, I am new to this board but have been reading everyone's advice for quite awhile and it has been very helpful. My fiance is a UKC and we are starting to file our K1 visa. We are working on the K-1 visa forms, specifically the G-325 A form. I downloaded the form from the USCIS website, and when I started typing into the boxes for the employment and resident history where you input the years, adobe keeps adding a little plus sign (+) to inside of the box, almost like there isn't quite room for the year (2009, 2008,etc), so when I printed it out the little plus sign is covering the year. Has anyone else had this problem and know how to fix it?? I tried downloading the form again and it did the same thing. I really do not want to handwrite out the form. Does anyone have any advice?? He is leaving in less than 2 days. Please help!

Stephanie