DCF Question

Hey all!

So, we made the decision to move back to the US when my work visa is up.  We plan to get married at some point soon-ish (really, as soon as we get our acts together) and then file directly after that.  The thing is, the current times for the whole DCF process is apparently 10 months.  I'm under no illusion that we'll get approval before I have to move back, but do you think there will be any issues if we apply when I only have 4-5 months left on the visa? 

I'm factoring in the fact that they'll ask us for more info since we'll be married for a whole week by the time we apply (I estimate).  So, I'm just wondering does it have to be APPROVED, or can it just be in process by the time I need to be back?

Well, if your work visa expires and your partner's US visa hasn't been approved, then you would have to leave the UK (since you would no longer be legal to live in the UK) and your partner would follow you later. If you want to go together, you'll want it approved before the work visa expires. You have 6 months to move to the US after the US visa is approved.

Oh, right - we know I'd have to leave earlier - I have no illusions about that.  I'm just wondering if it will hurt the application if my visa only has those 4 months left? 

So, let's say - we get married/file in early August.  do we need to have everything approved before my visa is up?  or can we just have filed everything the initial forms and awaiting further instruction.  So-pre-approval/medical/etc phase.