When the Visa is Issued
Generally, an immigrant visa is valid for six (6) months from the date of issuance. The validity of a visa, however, may also be limited because of medical restrictions or other reasons. If an applicant knows that departure will not be possible within this period, he or she should request to have the interview moved to a later date. The Embassy does not extend the validity of an issued visa. However, an expired visa may be replaced if the applicant is able to demonstrate that his/her ability to use the visa was due to extreme circumstances well beyond his/her control. If an applicant is determined to be eligible for a replacement visa, he/she will be asked to update his record and will be charged the applicable consular fees. To request a replacement visa, the expired visa needs to be surrendered at the Embassy with a letter explaining the reasons why the visa was not used.
IMPORTANT - USCIS Immigrant Visa Fee
Effective February 1, 2013, all individuals issued immigrant visas overseas must pay a US$ 165.00 USCIS Immigrant Fee before traveling to the United States.
The only exemptions to this fee are children under the IR-2 category who will qualify for the Child Citizenship Act or children adopted under the Orphan (IR-3s/IR-4s) or Hague processess (IH-3s/IH-4s), Iraqi or Afghan special immigrants who were employed by the U.S. Government, returning residents (SB-1s), and those issued K visas.
The below USCIS website has more details on the new fee, including how to pay the fee and contact information for USCIS, if there are further questions:
Resources for New Immigrants
The United States is welcoming legal immigrants with a new Web site that helps them find such things as the requirements for naturalization to the location of nearby English-language classes.
WelcometoUSA.gov links to all federal government resources for new immigrants as well as to some state agencies and faith-based and community groups. There are also sections on U.S. history and government, federal benefits, health care and housing, education, child care, employment and financial management. WelcometoUSA.gov is a comprehensive site aimed at helping newcomers learn about America’s civic values and history, settle into their new communities and take part in the life of the nation.
Visit WelcometoUSA.gov!