Understanding I-129F Expiration Dates

Date of Information: 08/04/2025

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Introduction

Got your I-129F approved but worried about the expiration date?
You're not alone. USCIS puts an expiration date on every K-1 (fiancé(e)) visa petition — even though delays at the State Department are beyond your control. Here's what that expiration date really means and what to do if your case is running up against it.

Why Does the Petition Have an Expiration Date?

USCIS approval notices (Form I-797) for K-1 petitions are typically valid for four months from the approval date.

This doesn’t mean you only have four months to get married — it just means:

The petition must be used by a consular officer to issue a visa within that window — or revalidated.

The rule comes from federal regulations at 8 CFR § 214.2(k)(5). The idea is to ensure the relationship is still valid and active when the visa is issued.

Who’s Responsible for Processing After USCIS?

Once USCIS approves the I-129F, your case goes through two steps:

  1. National Visa Center (NVC) Assignment →

  2. U.S. Embassy or Consulate Interview and Visa Issuance

The expiration countdown is running while the petition sits with NVC and the consulate — even if you haven’t received your next notice.

What If the Petition Expires Before the Visa Interview?

Don't panic.

If the approval expires before the visa is issued, the consular officer has the authority to revalidate the petition for another four months — and can keep doing so as needed. This is allowed under 9 FAM 502.7-3(D)(5) if the consular officer is satisfied that the relationship is ongoing and the couple still intends to marry.

⚠️ Important:

You do not need to refile with USCIS unless the consulate declines to revalidate — which is rare.