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There is no premium processing available for K-1 fiance visas, but making sure that you both are eligible to marry each other and having all necessary supporting documentation (including documents regarding financial support and having people ready to sign affidavits regarding the legitimacy of your relationship) is the most important first step to take.
There’s no greater feeling in the world than being with your fiancé(e) but if physical distance separates you it can feel like despair. K1 visa processing times can be quite lengthy so if you have an accurate estimate of how long the process will take, it can make the whole thing much easier to endure. In this guide, we’ll go over each form and step along with the K1 visa timeline, I-129F processing time, and more to ensure your fiancé can join you here in the U.S. as soon as possible. VisaNation makes the entire fiancé visa process fast and simple, get started today!
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The K-1 processing time can take approximately 12-18 months to obtain the K-1 visa, then another 6-10 months once in the United States and married to obtain a green card. Much of the processing time depends on the backlog of the consular office abroad so time can be longer. Approval time for the I-129F by itself can take roughly 12 months. Premium processing is not available for the K-1 visa petition.
I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) processing times by field office [as of March 2024]:
This processing time is based on how long it took USCIS to complete 80% of adjudicated cases over the past six months. Be aware that these are in no way a guarantee of processing time frames and each is subject to take longer or shorter depending on the specifics.
Did you receive the K-1 visa? At this point, the foreign fiancé(e) can enter the U.S. and must get married within 90 days to the U.S. sponsor. From there, the foreign-born spouse can prepare for an adjustment of status to permanently work and live in the country by filing Form DS-160. Following that, the government requires a visa interview for the foreign fiance at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy in their country. Expect the consular officer to ask in-depth questions to determine the relationship’s legitimacy. The period between filing the DS-160 to getting the visa interview can range from three to five months.
Find out How to Immigrate to the USA.
If you do not get married in the 90-day window, the foreign fiancé(e) must leave the United States. If they stay, they will violate immigration laws and could face removal or deportation.
Understanding the K1 visa timeline is crucial for effective planning and preparation with any legal endeavor. This fiancé(e) visa timeline refers to the moment when you apply for your I-129F to the moment when you receive your visa approval. There are steps in between that are explained in more detail below. Also, even after receiving K-1 visa approval, you must arrive at a port of entry for inspection and then marry your spouse to stay in the U.S. long-term.
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Get the Fiancé Visa
The following are different stages of the K-1 fiancé(e) visa process and the estimated time range for each of the steps involved:
The I-129F can take anywhere from 7 to 15+ months to process depending on which service center is handling it (see the bulleted list above for more detailed approximations). The U.S. citizen K-1 sponsor will begin by filing the I-129F form with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The citizen must submit the form along with all required supporting documents. USCIS uses I-129F to establish the relationship between the U.S. citizen and the foreign fiancé(e).
Not sure where to start with your K-1 application? We can help you know for certain what documents you must submit. Start today!
Within two to three weeks of submitting the form, the USCIS will send the petitioner (U.S. citizen) notice of receipt to confirm that it has received the petition. The USCIS will review the form and notify the petitioner if they need additional information and documentation to process the petition. At VisaNation, we are here to assist you and answer all your questions. We ensure that your application is properly filled out and that you don’t suffer from additional waiting time to fix filing mistakes. Get started today!
Learn how to make an NVC expedite request with this guide!
To check the most up-to-date I-129F processing time, visit the USCIS processing time website. Next, search for the I-129F under “Forms” and the California Service Center under “Field Office or Service Center.” From there, scroll to the bottom, and you’ll find the estimated wait time next to “K-1/K-2 – Not yet married – fiancé(e) and/or dependent child.”
If the USCIS finds you eligible for sponsoring the visa, the I-129F form will be approved. Then, USCIS will forward the approved I-129F petition to the Department of State (DOS) National Visa Center (NVC) for the next step.
This process will usually take between 4 to 6 weeks. If your fiancé resides outside the U.S., the NVC will continue the process by forwarding the approved I-129F to the U.S. consulate or embassy in the country where the foreign fiancé(e) resides so they can apply for a K-1 nonimmigrant visa there. In addition, the foreign fiancé(e) will need to submit the DS-160 form and pay the consular processing fees.
Learn more about Consular Processing for Green Cards.
In our experience, it will usually take around 2 weeks to receive the letter. The U.S. embassy or consulate will send a letter indicating how the foreign fiancé(e) will schedule their nonimmigrant visa appointments, which include a medical exam and visa interview. The letter will also contain the items needed to schedule and take to the appointments and visa interview. After notification, the foreign fiancé(e) will apply for a K-1 nonimmigrant visa and attend the interview as scheduled with all the required documents.
Immigration can be a daunting process for someone who is doing it for the first time. With numerous forms and documents to submit, mistakes can be very costly. Need experienced help? At VisaNation, we make sure that your application is flawless. Start today!
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It’s Time to Reunite with Your Fiancé in the U.S.
Embassies and consulates are shooting to schedule interviews within 1-3 months, but the pandemic has almost permanently affected this with the current backlog of applications. The visa interview can be the most nerve-wracking part of the K-1 processing time. The wait time between the appointment scheduling and the visa interview will depend on the workload at the embassy or consulate. The important thing is to be at the interview location on the scheduled date and time. Only the foreign fiancé can attend the interview. The U.S. citizen is not required to be present at the visa interview. Here is a complete guide on what to expect at a K-1 visa interview.
If, after the visa interview, the consular officer decides that the foreign fiancé(e) qualifies for the visa, then the K-1 nonimmigrant visa will be granted. Once the government approves the visa, the foreign fiancé(e) can prepare to travel to the U.S.
The K-1 is a single entry visa, valid for 6 months. This means the foreign fiancé(e) can travel to the U.S. with the approved visa at any time within six months. However, it is essential to know that the approved visa doesn’t automatically guarantee entry. The foreign fiancé(e) will still have to seek admission at the port of entry. A Customs and Border Protection officer will decide whether to admit the foreign fiancé(e) or otherwise at the airport or border.
Find out what is I-94 Arrival Record.
If all things go well and the U.S. admits the foreign national, the two of you should get married within 90 days. After the wedding, the U.S. citizen can file an I-485 form for Adjustment of Status (AOS) for the foreign spouse. With the AOS application, the foreign spouse will also be able to request work and travel permit documents to work legally and travel in and out of the U.S. while the green card petition is pending. If the USCIS approves the AOS petition, the foreign national will receive a green card and become a permanent resident in the U.S.
Learn whether you can Work While Waiting For Your Marriage Green Card.
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It’s Never Been Easier to Get the K-1 Visa
While premium processing service is unavailable for the K-1 visa, there are specific steps to take if you want to get your visa approved without any delays. The following tips will not only expedite the process but will also significantly reduce the chances of your K-1 visa application denial:
The two of you must be legally eligible to marry in the United States. This means you both are at the legal age to marry, which is at least 18 years old. Also, there must be proof that neither of you is currently in a valid marriage to another person. The sponsor and beneficiary must legally dissolve all previous marriages. This will require documents like death, divorce, and annulment records.
Check out what is considered a Courthouse Wedding for Immigration.
The K-1 visa involves several petition forms and documents at each application stage. Therefore, crucial supporting evidence must be well-prepared and submitted accordingly. They include a letter of intent to marry, sufficient proof of financial ability to support the foreign fiancé(e), and adequate evidence of a bona fide relationship. In addition, you can prove the authenticity of your relationship by providing proof of time spent together such as photos, travel records such as boarding passes or bus tickets in places visited together, etc.
Find out how much a K-1 visa costs in 2024.
It would be best to work with an experienced K-1 visa immigration attorney from the beginning to the end of the application process. Your immigration lawyer will help you prepare your case following the USCIS standard and guide you throughout the process.
Only a consular officer can revalidate your K-1 visa past the initial four months as long as there is sufficient proof that both parties can legally get married and intend to within 90 days of the beneficiary’s admission. If you’re interested in extending your K-1 visa, it’s best to seek the aid of a qualified immigration attorney who can send the written request to the embassy. The attorney will need to include a written statement of intention to move forward with the marriage in the package. It’s important to note that marriage fraud carries strict penalties. USCIS officers can identify a bona fide relationship from one out of convenience or a means of deception for citizenship.
Below you will find answers to questions that our immigration attorneys are commonly asked.
What is the K-1 visa fee?
The fee for the I-129F is $535, and that is due to USCIS. After that form is approved, the U.S. citizen’s fiance will have to undergo a medical exam, and that can generally be anywhere from $50- $300 (prices may vary based on the provider). The fee for the DS-160 K-1 visa application is $265. If additional people plan to travel with the fiance on the K visa, they must pay a separate fee and apply. For instance, if the alien fiance has one minor child coming with them to the U.S. on a K-2 visa, an additional $265 would apply. Additional lawyer fees are also applicable if you enlist the service of one. Processing time can be much longer if Form I-129F is completed incorrectly. VisaNation can help you submit your application right the first time, avoiding unnecessary delays. Start your application today!
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We Make Fiancé Visas Easy and Simple
What is NVC Processing Time?
Processing times for NVC may vary, but you can always check the status of your case and find out at what stage you are. The part of your fiancé(e) visa that is processed by the NVC is only a small part of the entire process. It is crucial not to confuse NVC processing with USCIS processing. Although both are mandatory parts of the application process, the USCIS will take longer than the NVC.
Can my fiancé/fiancée work in the U.S. with a K1 visa?
Once your fiancé/fiancée enters the U.S. on a K1 visa, they can apply for work authorization by filing Form I-765, which allows them to work legally while the adjustment of status is in progress.
Can we get married outside of the United States with a K1 visa?
No, the purpose of a K1 visa is to allow the foreign fiancé/fiancée to enter the United States specifically for the purpose of getting married within the country. If you plan to marry outside the U.S., a different visa type may be required.
Can we apply for a K1 visa if we met online?
Yes, meeting online does not disqualify you from applying for a K1 visa. However, you must provide evidence to demonstrate a genuine and bona fide relationship.
Can I visit my fiancé/fiancée while the K1 visa is being processed?
Yes, you can visit your fiancé/fiancée during the K1 visa process, but it’s important to abide by the rules of temporary visitor status. Overstaying your authorized visit may complicate the immigration process.
How long is the I-129F petition valid for after approval by USCIS?
The I-129F is valid for 4 months from the date of approval. So make sure to have plans set to see each other soon after the approval or even start planning before approval.
What should I do after being issued a K-1 visa?
Congratulations! You will receive your passport with the K-1 visa in it from the Consular Officer in a sealed envelope along with the other documents you provided. Keep this packet unopened – the DHS official will open it when you enter the United States. You are eligible for a single admission at a U.S. port-of-entry during the validity period of the visa (6 months from issuance). In addition, you must get married to the U.S. citizen partner within 90 days of coming to the United States.
Do children have to accompany the foreign fiance on the first trip?
Minors of the foreign fiance partner can either accompany them the first time to the U.S. or follow-to-join (come later), but it must be within the validity period of their K-2 visa. “Separate petitions are not required if the children accompany or follow to join you within one year from the date of issuance of your K-1 visa. If they want to travel later than one year from the date your K-1 visa was issued, they will not be eligible to receive K-2 visas, and separate immigrant visa petitions will be required.”
Learn about being the Spouse of U.S. Citizen K-3 Visa.
Do my children need to file separately for their adjustment of status?
Yes, applications for the adjustment of status must be submitted separately for children. Your children should not be and are not allowed to be included in your individual Adjustment of Status application.
Can I apply for my Green Card and Social Security Number at the same time?
Previously, you could not, but this changed in August 2021. With the new process, after USCIS approves your I-485, they will electronically send your information directly to the Social Security Administration to process your number. Also, the fee for filing Form I-485 will not change.
Have additional questions regarding K-1 processing time or bringing your fiancé(e) to the United States? Working with an experienced immigration attorney will not only likely expedite the process but will significantly reduce the chances of having your application denied. This is where we can be of help.
VisaNation Law Group K-1 visa lawyers have helped many people file and acquire their fiancé(e) visas. They will help you prepare your application, including submitting your affidavit of support, letter of intent to marry, and necessary supporting documents according to the USCIS requirements. In addition, you can count on us to help you and your fiancé(e) live together in the U.S. You can schedule a consultation with one of their K-1 visa experts today. Get started today with a consultation!
