
Full Answer
How long does it take to get a K-1 fiance visa?
The exact K-1 fiancé processing times can vary, but many applicants are able to enter the United States within 6 to 9 months. There are multiple steps and the process is handled by multiple agencies from (USCIS) to the National Visa Center to the U.S. Department of State.
How long does it take to get a fiancé (e) visa?
Most individuals in the process of obtaining a fiancé (e) visa frequently wonder about K-1 processing times. In general K-1 processing times can range anywhere from six to twelve months, depending on the complexity of the case as well as other information requested by USCIS. How Long Does it Take to Get a Fiancé (e) Visa?
How long is a fiance visa valid for?
The visa will be valid for six months from the date it was issued. Once the fiancé enters the United States, the marriage must take place within 90 days from the date of entry.
How do I get a fiance visa for the US?
The process for obtaining a fiancé visa begins with the U.S. citizen filing Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Upon approval, the case moves to the National Visa Center for coordination with the U.S. embassy or consulate in the beneficiary’s country of residence.
How Long Will K-1 Visa Process Take From Start to Finish?
How long does it take to get married in the US?
What does NVC mean in USCIS?
What is a K-1 visa?
How long does it take for a USCIS to process an I-797?
How to file an alien fiancé?
Where does the NVC send the visa application?
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How long does it take for a fiancé visa to be approved 2021?
The 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.
How long does it take to get a fiancé visa approved?
The exact K-1 fiancé processing times can vary, but many applicants are able to enter the United States within 6 to 9 months. There are multiple steps and the process is handled by multiple agencies from (USCIS) to the National Visa Center to the U.S. Department of State.
How long does a fiancé visa take 2022?
approximately 9 to 12 monthsAs of March 2022, K-1 visa processing took approximately 9 to 12 months (USCIS time to process Form I-129F). Click here to see exact ranges based on your service center. In addition to that, it takes between three to four weeks to receive notice from the National Visa Center with further instructions.
Why is my fiancé visa taking so long?
Significant delays could occur if you or your fiancé(e) has a criminal history, questionable background checks, or a previous immigration violation. Another requirement is the need for a medical check. If your foreign fiancé has issues during his/her medical exam it will further delay your K1 visa issuance.
How can I speed up my fiancé 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.
How long does it take to bring spouse to USA 2022?
Average time -- Five to 14.5 months (as of early 2022) for approval of the Form I-130, and additional time depending on individual circumstances. Summary of the Process -- The U.S. citizen starts the process by filing a Form I-130 with USCIS, either online or by mail.
What is faster fiancé or marriage visa?
If the goal is for the couple to be together in the U.S. as soon as possible, the K-1 visa is most likely the fast path. From the date of filing to the date of admission to the U.S., it will take approximately 5-10 months on a K-1 fiancé visa. On the other hand, the marriage visa may take 10-16 months.
What percentage of fiancé visas are approved?
In 2015, during the Obama Administration, the USCIS approved about 99 percent of all fiancé(e) visa petitions. By late 2018 this figure had fallen to around 67 percent. The lower the fiancé(e) visa approval rate descends, the more attractive a marriage-based green card application is going to look.
Can my fiancé visit while waiting for K-1 visa?
Can my fiancé visit me in the US while waiting for a K-1 fiancé visa? Yes – your fiancé may visit the US, so long as they have a valid B-1/B-2 visa or ESTA. However, your fiancé should expect more scrutiny at the border.
Which is faster k1 or cr1 2022?
Processing time for K-1 was between three and 22 months in mid-2020 while the processing time for CR-1 was at least 12 months and could be up to 18 months.
Will USCIS speed up 2022?
USCIS Extends Premium-Processing to Certain Pending Immigrant Petitions. On May 24, 2022, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced an expansion of premium processing service to two additional categories of Form I-140 immigrant petitions.
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.
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.
Can my fiancé visit while waiting for K-1 visa?
Can my fiancé visit me in the US while waiting for a K-1 fiancé visa? Yes – your fiancé may visit the US, so long as they have a valid B-1/B-2 visa or ESTA. However, your fiancé should expect more scrutiny at the border.
How much does a fiancé visa cost?
Fiancé or K-1 visa cost: $2,025 The U.S. citizen partner completes the appropriate government form (I-129F – “petition for a K-1 Visa”), and mails it to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), along with the $535 filing fee.
How hard is it to get a K-1 visa?
So Is it Difficult to Apply for a K1 visa? The approval of the K1 visa may vary from case to case according to circumstances, and in most cases can be denied or delayed simply because of the applicant's fault for not being able to provide the correct information or follow instructions.
How To Expedite K1 Fiancé Visa - Processing Timeline In 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.
K-1 Processing Time | Fiancé(e) Visa Timeline and Steps [2022]
Fiance Visa Timeline: How Long Does it Take to Get a Fiancé(e) Visa? The K-1 processing time can take more than a year from beginning to end. That’s because the approval time for the I-129F by itself takes roughly five to 9 to 12 months.
K-1 Visa Processing Time Line for Fiancés | CitizenPath
Filing Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé, is the first step in obtaining a K-1 visa for a fiancé. A U.S. citizen files the petition to establish a qualifying relationship with the foreign national beneficiary, but there are additional steps.
Can I visit the US while I wait for my K-1 fiance visa?
About Kimberley Schaefer. Kimberley Schaefer is an immigration lawyer with offices in Boise, ID and Rexburg, Idaho.She helps future Americans become citizens by assisting them with immigrant visas, fiance visas, adjustment of status and green card applications, applying for immigration waivers, fighting deportation and applying for asylum.To contact her, you can call (208) 918-0852 or send ...
How long does the K-1 Visa timeline take? « Visa Tutor
How long does a Fiance K-1 visa take? On average, the total processing time goes anywhere from 5-10 months (from I-129F petition to K-1 or K-2 visa approval).. The best way to approxima te how long your petition takes is to look at averages for similar cases.. If you’ve filed for a fiance K-1 visa, this timeline helps to make sense of the processing times.
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 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 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.
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.
How old do you have to be to marry?
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.
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.
Does an approved visa guarantee entry?
However, it is important 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. At the airport or border, a Customs and Border Protection officer will run decide whether to admit the foreign fiancé (e) or otherwise.
Who notifies you when the visa interview for your fiancé (e) is scheduled?
The U.S. Embassy or consulate notifies you when the visa interview for your fiancé (e) is scheduled.
How long is a fiancé's work authorization valid?
In this case, your fiancé (e)’s work authorization is valid for only 90 days after his or her entry into the U.S. Your fiancé (e) may also apply for work authorization at the same time he or she applies for a Green Card. In this case, your fiancé (e) can file Form I-765 together with the Form I-485.
What is the form for alien fiancé?
You file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé (e) according to the form instructions. This form asks USCIS to recognize the relationship between you and your fiancé (e).
What form do I need to get married?
If you are a U.S. citizen who wants to bring your foreign fiancé (e) to the United States in order to get married, you will need to file a Form I-129F, Petition For Alien Fiancé (e). This is the first step to obtaining a K-1 nonimmigrant visa for your fiancé (e). The K-1 nonimmigrant visa is also known as a fiancé (e) visa.
What happens if you marry your fiancé after 90 days?
This may result in removal (deportation) and could affect their future eligibility for U.S. immigration benefits. However, if you marry your fiancé (e) after the 90 day period, you may file a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.
How long does it take to get a green card if you are married?
If your fiancé (e) marries you within 90 days of being admitted to the United States as a K-1 nonimmigrant, he or she may apply for lawful permanent resident status in the United States (a Green Card). If you have already married, plan to marry outside the United States, or your fiancé (e) is already residing legally in the United States, ...
Who determines if a fiancé qualifies for a K-1 visa?
The DOS consular officer determines whether your fiancé (e) qualifies for the K-1 nonimmigrant visa.
How long does it take to get the Fiance Visa?
It is essential to know that this process has several steps and each one takes its corresponding time.
For what reasons could my request be denied?
One of the reasons why this process could take longer is because the petitioner provides incorrect or incomplete information when filling out the forms.
How long does it take to get a case approved by the US Embassy?
Sending the approved case files to the US Embassy in your fiance (e)’s country takes long. Expect this entire step to take 1 month.
How long does it take to get a K-1 visa?
On average, the total processing time goes anywhere from 5-10 months (from I-129F petition to K-1 or K-2 visa approval).
Why does the K1 visa take so long?
Ultimately, these things may determine how long your petition takes. Backlogs, errors and general delays can happen at any step of the K-1 process.
What to do if your fiance asks you to show all documents?
Your fiance (e) is asked to show all the documents. Then there is an question-and-answer interview. If the consular raises any issues with your petition, you’ll have to submit what’s asked for. Comply with their requests as soon as you can to quicken your fiance (e) visa timeline.
How long does it take to get a receipt from USCIS?
Submit your file to the USCIS for processing. Once you submit, the USCIS will respond back with a receipt # within 1 week. This is the I-797C.
How long can you be on a sex license?
This steps depends on what supporting evidence you already have and what you need. Remember, not to exceed the 2-year limit (having physically met).
Can immigration be delayed?
Some of these factors are even beyond your control. Any step of the immigration process can either be quick or cause a delay and no two cases are processed the same.
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.
How long does it take to get a fiance visa?
With an average fiance visa timeline, it is likely to take around 13 months for a fiance visa holder to get to the United States and to marry his or her US citizen fiance. Then the married couple will have to file a petition for an alien spouse and adjustment of status, which can also take upwards of a year. For further details regarding the marriage-based green card, please refer to our article on the marriage-based green card process.
What is the first step in a fiance visa?
The first step in the fiance visa timeline is for the US citizen fiance to file the fiance visa petit ion, Form I-129F. The form is complex and requires the submission of thorough supporting documentation, including proof of citizenship for the U.S. citizen fiance, copy of the sponsored fiance’s passport, proof of the legitimacy of the relationship, proof of having met in person at least one time within the two years prior to filing the form, etc.
How long does it take for a visa to be approved by USCIS?
Once your petition is approved, USCIS will forward it to the State Department’s National Visa Center (NVC). This will usually happen within two weeks of the approval. The foreign fiance should receive a notice from the U.S. embassy in their home country within 30 days of receiving the approval.
How long does it take to get an I-797?
Normally, within two to three weeks after filing your Form I-129F Petition for Alien Fiance, you will receive your first Form I-797, Notice of Action, informing you that USCIS has received your fiance visa application.
Can a fiance visa be delayed?
Keep in mind that your fiance visa processing time may be delayed by any errors in, or irregularities with, your application. If you want to avoid a prolonged fiance visa timeline, we recommend using the services of an experienced family-based immigration attorney .
Can a misstep delay a fiance visa?
Be aware that any missteps in the fiance visa application process may delay your fiance visa process timeline. Using the services and expertise of an experienced family-based immigration attorney can help you avoid any unwanted delays in your fiance visa timeline. Keep in mind that the fiance visa processing time detailed above is not set in stone and may vary depending on your circumstances.
Is "fiance" a male or female name?
While technically fiance refers to the male partner and fiancee refers to the female partner, in this article we have used fiance interchangeably for simplicity.
How to obtain the fiancé visa?
The process and subsequent obtaining of the K-1 visa for the United States includes the following requirements:
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 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.
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.
How Long Will K-1 Visa Process Take From Start to Finish?
This entire process from date of filing of the petition till the transfer of the file to the U.S. consulate normally tends to take up to a year; and sometimes more. USCIS approval of the I-129F alone was taking anywhere from five to 23 months in late 2020, depending on which Service Center was handling the file.
How long does it take to get married in the US?
Once the fiancé enters the United States, the marriage must take place within 90 days from the date of entry. But if you plan to apply for a green card, it's worth getting married early on during these 90 days, so that you'll have time to get the official marriage certificate and prepare your other paperwork for Adjustment of Status before the K-1 visa runs out.
What does NVC mean in USCIS?
citizen petitioner an approval notice. USCIS then forwards the petition to the National Visa Center (NVC) for background checks. The NVC will send the fiancé some visa application forms to fill out.
What is a K-1 visa?
The fiancé visa (K-1) is issued to the fiancé of a U.S. citizen, allowing that person to enter the United States. Once the foreign fiancé enters the United States, he or she can marry the U.S. citizen and then, if desired, apply for a green card under the immediate relative category. The technical name for the process of applying for ...
How long does it take for a USCIS to process an I-797?
Once the petition is submitted, USCIS will review it for completeness. Assuming the citizen didn't forget to include something, he or she will, within a few weeks, receive a USCIS Form I-797 Notice of Action acknowledging receipt of the petition.
How to file an alien fiancé?
The U.S. citizen must start off the process by filing United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé, available for free download from the USCIS website.
Where does the NVC send the visa application?
Once the background checks are completed and the fiancé has filled out and returned the forms to the appropriate destination, the NVC transfers the file to the U.S. embassy or consulate having jurisdiction over the fiancé's place of residence.

Timing of The K-1 Fiancé Visa Application Process
- Getting a K-1 visa is a multi-step process. The U.S. citizen must start off the process by filing United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé, available for free download from the USCIS website. Take a look at these tipson completing the form. In addition to Form I-129F, the U.S. citizen will need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship (su…
How Long Will K-1 Visa Process Take from Start to finish?
- This entire process from date of filing of the petition till the transfer of the file to the U.S. consulate normally tends to take up to a year; and sometimes more. USCIS approval of the I-129F alone was taking around 8.5 months in mid-2022. You can check how long the USCIS Service Center for your area is taking to make decisions on I-129Fs on the Check Case Processing Time…
Timing of U.S. Entry and Marriage to U.S. Citizen
- Once the K-1 visa has been issued by the consulate, the foreign fiancé can enter the United States and marry the U.S. citizen who filed the I-129F petition. The visa will be valid for U.S. entry for six months from the date it was issued. Once the fiancé enters the United States, the marriage must take place within 90 days from the date of entry. B...
Can A Lawyer Help?
- Engagement to a U.S. citizen does not necessarily mean that the foreign fiancé is entitled to a K-1 visa. An experienced U.S. immigration attorney can guide you through the entire process make sure it goes smoothly and quickly (or, as quickly as possible given the bureaucracy you're dealing with).