Yes, Mr. O'Connell, we found ourselves in a position with the need to push-out our travel dates, for reasons of work schedules and childcare but regardless of reasons, you too should be able to push-out your travel, if you and your family feel this is best for your circumstances and situation. Period. The end. No agency should try and convince you otherwise.
When receiving the call from our agency to say that our LOA had arrived, my heart dropped because it was in November and our plans for travel were more the April/May time frame. November was really pushing it. Yes, we were anxious to bring our boys home but realistically, it couldn't happen prior to April.
I had already thought out a plan for stretching out our travel time-line but when the agency called, I decided to share our dilemma and regardless of their reaction, we were not traveling before April.
The agency wasn't happy with my discussion and did not want us to stretch out our plans to travel, she went as far as thinking, she could resolve our childcare issues by suggesting, "could we find someone else to care for our children?" WHAT?! We paid you a large amount of money and you don't want to work with me?
Remember, we (same as your family, Mr. O'Connell) are the client, we've paid a large sum of money to the agency to represent us in an adoption.
For us, our agency had the same contingency plan as the one I had already decided upon--we delayed submitting our I800 immigration paperwork, to buy time and not receive the TA too early.
Also, I learned that while the Travel Approval is valid for 3 months, it can be extended. Agencies don't like to offer this but it is an option.
Since your family has already received their I800 approval, then yes, absolutely, I would look at waiting to submit the DS230 form but also, may want to ask around how long it can be delayed. Strongly suggest, asking further than just the adoption agency. I strongly suggest asking other adoptive parents, like on Facebook. There are great groups on Facebook that offered us support during the process and "real" answers from families who have walked the journey. An agency, may or may not provide accurate information. They may guide their answer to best fit what they want.
If it were our family, I would talk with my agency and be very frank--tell them when you can travel and that you cannot travel before this period of time. They should help you and may even know options that aren't readily available, such as, yes, the Travel Approval can be extended beyond the 3 months.
My agency didn't offer the information but when I outright asked, if the Travel Approval can be extended beyond the 3 months, she said yes but they don't like to do that.
Please feel free to email our family directly, if you'd like to discuss further or have other questions/concerns. We don't have all the answers but are happy to share our experiences. Our email is: earl.sharee@sbcglobal.net
Best of luck to you and your family!!!
