Validity Period of Immigrant Visas

When a U.S. Embassy or Consulate issues an immigrant visa, that visa is usually valid for 6 months. The Foreign Affairs Manual, which contains the regulations of the U.S. Department of State, actually states that the validity period must not exceed 6 months. In a recent webchat, however, the U.S. Embassy London has stated that it will issue immigrant visas with a validity period which expires 6 months from the date of the medical examination, rather than 6 months from the date of the immigrant visa interview. Applicants who do not plan to immediately move to the U.S. after the issuance of their immigrant visas must take this into consideration and not schedule their medical exams with the Embassy's panel physician too far in advance.