
What are the steps of obtaining a K1 visa?
Ultimate guide: K1 visa process step by step
- Filing I-129F petition to USCIS. The process of bringing your foreign fiance to the US starts with filing I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé (e) with the United States ...
- Receiving NOA1. After sending I-129F Form, you will receive a notice of action (NOA1). ...
- Receiving NOA2. ...
- NVC Processing. ...
- Embassy stage. ...
- Gather Embassy Documents. ...
- Prepare for the interview. ...
How many times can you apply for a K1 visa?
In general, it is best to only apply for one K1 visa. Not only will you have found last love and a lasting relationship, U.S. immigration officials can be suspicious of people who apply for more than one K1 visa. However, it is possible to apply for multiple K1 visas.
How long does it take to have K-1 visa?
After filing Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé, it may take approximately 6 to 9 months to obtain a K-1 visa. It may be shorter for some and longer for others. As explained, the K-1 processing time can vary based on the agencies that adjudicate the many steps.
How long does the k 1 fiance visa process take?
The K-1 visa processing time typically takes approximately 6-10 months from the date the visa application is filed to the arrival of the alien fiancé (e) to the US. However, if USCIS is suspicious about the marriage or requires more evidence, the process may take longer.

How long does a K1 visa take 2022?
approximately 9 to 12 monthsHow long does a fiance visa take? As of March 2022, K-1 visa processing took approximately 9 to 12 months (USCIS time to process Form I-129F).
How long are K1 visas currently taking?
about 8 months to 1 yearRegarding the K1 visa processing time, it takes about 8 months to 1 year to get your K1 visa. Once you are in the United States on your K1 visa, it takes about another 7 to 9 months to get your green card and become a permanent resident.
How long does a K1 fiance visa take to approve?
approximately 8 to 11 monthsAfter filing Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé, it may take approximately 8 to 11 months to obtain a K-1 visa. It may be shorter for some and longer for others. As explained, the K-1 processing time can vary based on the agencies that adjudicate the many steps.
Why is K1 visa so long 2022?
K1 Fiancé Visa – Processing Time In 2022 Due to several factors, the K1 visa is taking much longer to process. The Covid-19 pandemic, coupled with huge backlogs in processing times at USCIS, the length of processing time has extended from 6 months to over 10 months now to process Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé.
How long does it take to bring spouse to USA 2022?
Spouse Visa USA Processing Times 2022Status of U.S. SpouseCurrently Residing In...Approx. Wait Time as of August 2022U.S. CitizenUnited States11.5–31 monthsAbroad12.5–18 monthsU.S. Green Card HolderUnited States20.5–59 monthsAbroad10.5–30 months
How can I speed up my K-1 visa?
You can generally request expedited processing by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833) or by asking Emma after you have obtained a receipt notice.
Can I visit the US while waiting for K-1 visa?
Visiting Before Filing a K-1 Petition If they haven't already filed this petition, then the U.S. government will have no record of your planned wedding, and you shouldn't have any trouble visiting the United States on a temporary visa (such as a tourist visa).
Which is faster fiancé visa or spouse?
Application Process and Timeline for Fiancé(e) and Spousal Visa. If your main goal is to get to the U.S. as quickly as possible, then the K-1 fiancé(e) visa is likely the fastest option. But if your goal is to get an actual green card as soon as possible, then a marriage-based visa will be quicker.
How many k1 visas are approved each year?
USCIS quarterly data on the I-129F petition¹⁴ shows that approvals were down in 2017 and 2018 (compared to the previous two years). In 2015 and 2016, an average of 49,000 I-129F petitions were approved. In 2017 and 2018 an average of 34,000 petitions were approved.
How much is a K-1 visa total?
The government filing fees for getting a K-1 visa is $800 or $2,025 for the K-1 visa and the “Adjustment of Status” form required to transfer from a K-1 visa to a green card after arriving in the United States.
How long does it take for K-1 visa interview?
You can expect to be at the Embassy for approximately 1.5 hours. Make sure you have completed Step 2. You will be required to bring your appointment letter and courier confirmation page to the visa interview.
How much money do you have to make to sponsor a K-1 visa?
In dollars and cents, this means that you must have stable earnings of at least $16,910 per year for a two-person household (in 2019) to qualify as financial sponsor for a fiancé(e) visa petition, and you must have stable earnings of at least $21,137 per year for a two-person household to qualify as financial sponsor ...
How long does it take to get K1 visa 2021?
7 monthsThe processing time for a K-1 visa application currently averages 7 months. This does not include the time from when the government approves your application to your interview date, which differs based on the country you're applying from.
Will USCIS processing times improve in 2022?
There is a net trend from FY 2017 until FY 2021 of increasing processing times, with an average increase of 1-2 months until FY 2022, where processing times average 9.8 months.
How long does it take for NVC to schedule interview 2022?
How long does it take to get an appointment? Although NVC strives to schedule appointments within three months of NVC's acceptance of all requested documentation, this timeframe is subject to the operating status and capacity of the consular section.
How long does it take for NVC to send case to Embassy 2022?
Your petition is awaiting an interview appointment. At this time, no further action is required. We appreciate your patience. After the NVC sends you this confirmation, then you can expect to wait between 2-6 months for the NVC to schedule you an interview at the U.S. consulate in your home country.
How long does it take to get married on a K-1 visa?
Has the K-1 visa been issued? At this point, the foreign fiancé (e) is able to enter the U.S. and has 90 days from the point of arrival to get married 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.
How long does it take to get an I-129F?
Both the receipt of notice and adjudication of the I-129F form takes around 5-7 months. However, it could be longer, especially if the petition is not filed correctly or there are certain missing items. It is best to pay attention to details when filing the form so you can avoid unnecessary delays.
What is a fiancé visa?
Fiancé (e) visas are issued to the fiancé (e) of a citizen in order for them to enter into the country and subsequently get married. In order to establish this classification, the U.S. citizen in the relationship must file an I-129 Petition for Relative or Fiancé (e) with USCIS.
How long does it take for USCIS to process a petition?
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 may also notify the petitioner if they need additional information and documentation to process the petition.
Where to forward I-129F?
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 he or she can apply for a K-1 nonimmigrant visa there. The foreign fiancé (e) will need to submit the DS-160 form and pay the consular processing fees.
Can I get a fiancé visa if I'm already married?
This process can take several months for an i-130 approval and an additional year for an approved immigrant visa. Notice that these processes are in fact very different so you cannot apply for a fiancé (e) visa if you are already married. An immigration attorney can better explain your options if you’re in this situation.
Can a foreign fiancé get a K-1 visa?
If after the visa interview, the consular officer is convinced that the foreign fiancé (e) qualifies for the visa, then the K-1 nonimmigrant visa will be granted. Once the visa has been approved, the foreign fiancé (e) can then start preparing to travel to the U.S.
How long does it take to get a visa approved?
Over 99% of all visa petitions manually reviewed by our experts get approval (Generally after 3 to 5 months).
How long does it take to get a divorce from an alien fiance?
If you do everything right, have no criminal record, and the alien fiance isn't from a high fraud area, it shouldn't take a year. In reality, lawyers probably quote a year to cover themselves. We do want you to know it is possible, but very rare - at least in our experience.
What to do after the embassy reviews a K-1 visa?
Once the embassy has reviewed the case, they will send a letter to the foreign fiancé (beneficiary) with instructions for scheduling the medical exam and interview . The letter will also provide a list of items that must be submitted and explain which items must be submitted immediately and which items should be brought to the K-1 visa interview.
How long does it take for a beneficiary to get a visa?
Know what to expect and try answering some practice questions. The beneficiary will generally have a decision by the end of the interview. Typically, the embassy or consulate will issue the visa within a couple weeks.
How long does it take to get a notice of action from USCIS?
Formally known as Form I-797C, Notice of Action (see example below), the receipt notice typically arrives 2 to 3 weeks after filing. If you did not properly file your Form I-129F, USCIS will send a Notice of Action to reject the petition or may send a Request for Evidence that requests additional items. Either will significantly delay your request. Thus, it is vital to prepare the I-129F correctly and submit all required supporting documents.
What is the NVC for USCIS?
Specifically, the USCIS service center forwards the case to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC may contact the beneficiary for further processing requirements like submitting the visa application (DS-160) and payment of consular fees. Upon completion, the NVC coordinates with the U.S. embassy or consulate ...
How long does it take to get a K1 visa?
Regarding the K1 visa processing time, it takes about 8 months to 1 year to get your K1 visa. Once you are in the United States on your K1 visa, it takes about another 7 to 9 months to get your green card and become a permanent resident. Step 1. File Form I-129f (5-7 Month Processing Time)
What is a K1 visa?
As a general overview, the K1 visa is a special visa which allows a U.S. citizen to apply for a visa to bring their fiancé to the United States. Once the fiancé is in the United State, the engaged couple can get married, and the fiancé can apply for a green card in the U.S.
How to get a fiancé visa?
The first step in applying for a fiancé visa is that the U.S. citizen petitioner must file a Form I-129f with USCIS. The Form I-129f is also called the “Petition for Alien Fiancé (e).” This form is submitted along with several documents demonstrating that you satisfy the K1 fiancé visa requirements.
How long does it take to process an I-129F?
USCIS takes about 5 to 7 months to process the Form I-129f. To see current USCIS processing times for the Form I-129f you may check the USCIS Case Processing website here.
How long does it take to get an EAD?
Both the EAD (Employment Authorization Document) and Advance Parole should be issue within about 6 months (even before the adjustment of status is finalized)
What is DS-160 application?
The DS-160 is Application for Non-Immigrant Visa. After filing the Form DS-160, the foreign fiancé will attend a visa interview at a consulate or embassy in their home country.
What is the difference between a K-1 and a K-3 visa?
What is the difference between the K-1 visa and the K-3 visa? If you are the fiancé of a U.S. citizen, you can apply for the K-1 visa. If you are the spouse of a U.S. citizen, you can apply for the K-3 visa. Both visas are available only to partners of U.S. citizens, not green card holders.
How long does it take to get a visa interview?
embassy or consulate in the sponsored fiancé’s home country, usually about 4–6 weeks after the embassy’s initial notice . The interviewing officer will typically make a decision on the case either the same day of the interview or shortly afterward.
How long does it take for USCIS to send a receipt?
After the form and supporting documents are filed at the appropriate address, USCIS will typically send a receipt notice within 30 days. USCIS may also send a Request for Evidence (RFE), if they need more information. Once the Form I-129F is approved, USCIS will send an approval notice.
How long does it take for a fiance to receive a visa?
Within about 30 days after the I-129F fiancé sponsorship form is approved, the sponsored fiancé will receive a notice from the U.S. embassy in their home country, including the date and location of their visa interview and a list of required documents.
How long does a form I-765 last?
This would grant you work authorization for one year.
How long does it take to get a sworn statement from a sponsor?
Sworn statements, written by and signed by each partner, with a brief description of the nature of the relationship and an intent to marry within 90 days of the sponsored fiancé’s arrival in the United States. It’s generally best to provide the original signed statements, and keep copies for your records.
How much does an I-129F cost?
Once Form I-129F is approved, the engaged partner of the U.S. citizen is required to do a medical exam. The cost for the exam varies by provider, but $200 is typical.
What is a K-1 visa?
The K-1 visa is one of the most requested types of American non-immigrant visas.
How much is the K1 visa fee?
Complete and file Form I-129F and pay the filing fee of $ 535. The K1 visa application form can be paid by check or money order made out to: Department of Homeland Security. If you do it by credit card, you must fill out form G-1450.
What is the K-1 fiancé visa?
The K-1 visa is used by the fiancé (e) to enter the USA to marry a U.S. citizen. The period of time established by law to carry out the marriage is 90 days maximum.
How to obtain the fiancé visa?
The process and subsequent obtaining of the K-1 visa for the United States includes the following requirements:
How to notify USCIS of a K-1 visa?
If the applicant is moving it is important that they notify USCIS by phone 1-800-375-5283 or by email.
What questions are asked in a K1 visa interview?
Some of the most frequently asked questions in the K1 visa interview are whether you have been married before and where you live. Also if the applicant has been convicted or prosecuted for a crime.
How to verify a K-1 visa?
The processing time of the fiancé K-1 visa can be verified in the letter that the Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) sends to the applicant. That is after the agency receives the request and reports having received the documents sent by the embassy.
How Long Will It Take to Get My K Visa?
For Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé (e), you can visit the USCIS website for the status of your petition.
What should I know before applying for a K-1 visa?
You should read the Rights and Protections pamphlet before your visa interview to learn about your rights in the United States relating to domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse and protection available to you . The consular officer will verbally summarize the pamphlet to you during your interview. Additionally, K-1 visa applicants will be provided with any existing criminal background information on their U.S. citizen fiancé (e)s that USCIS received from other government agencies during processing of their Form I-129F petitions.
What do you need to present to a consular officer for a visa interview?
During the visa interview, applicants will be required to present evidence to the consular officer that they are not likely to become a public charge in the United States. You may present evidence that you are able to financially support yourself or that your U.S. citizen fiancé (e) is able to provide support.
How long do you have to meet a foreign citizen?
In general, the foreign-citizen fiancé (e) and U.S. citizen sponsor must have met in person within the past two years. USCIS may grant an exception to this requirement, based on extreme hardship for the U.S. citizen sponsor to personally meet the foreign-citizen fiancé (e), or, for example, if it is contrary in the U.S. citizen sponsor’s or foreign-citizen fiancé (e)’s culture for a man and woman to meet before marriage.
How long is a passport valid for?
A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the U.S. (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions).
What is an I-134 form?
Evidence of financial support ( Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, may be requested)
Can I apply for a K visa for my child?
No. Your eligible children may apply for K-2 visas based on the approval of Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé (e), that your U.S. citizen fiancé (e) filed on your behalf, but your U.S. citizen fiancé (e) must list the children on the petition. Separate visa applications must be submitted for each K-2 visa applicant, and each applicant must pay the K visa application fee.
How long does it take for a P-1 visa to process?
If you do not have premium processing, after USCIS approves the petition, it might take another 2 to 3 months for the visa to process. P-1 visa. 3 to 6 months. It is a long wait, but the US institutions offer the opportunity to pay for premium processing.
How Long Does it Take to Get a US Visa?
The US visa processing time depends on the type of visa that you are applying for. It takes from 3 to 5 weeks for a US visa application to get processed. After the processing, the applicant can get a positive reply on their application, and the consulate will deliver the document. The delivery of the visa can take up to two other workdays.
How long does it take to get a visa after an F-2 interview?
F-2 visa. Few days to 2 weeks. After your F-2 interview, you might get a response immediately from your interviewer on whether you got the visa or you were denied. However, it is more common that the wait will be a few days or weeks.
How long do you have to wait to get a visa waiver?
Applicants who are required to apply for a waiver of ineligibility in order to get the visa, should keep in might that they will have to wait for 6 to 8 months from the date of their interview to get a reply.
How long does it take to get a visa reviewed?
It can take a few weeks for an applicant that applies for i.e. a tourist visa, while it may take months for another to get a response for the same visa, because of his / her situation.
How long does it take to get a response from ESTA?
Whereas, countries under the visa waiver program, applying through Electronic Travel Authorization System for short term visits, can get a reply in their ESTA application within 72 hours.
How long does it take to get a response from a blanket petition?
In addition, employers have the option of obtaining premium processing for the additional fees, which will speed up the L-1A processing time and you’ll get a response within 1 to 3 weeks. L-2 visa. 15 days to 1 month.
How long does it take to get an adjustment of status?
Once the adjustment of status application is submitted, it is necessary to wait for the immigration agency to approve the petition. Often this can take five months.
When does the clock start ticking for naturalization?
Once the adjustment of status application is approved, the clock starts ticking for when naturalization can be sought.
