K-1 Fiancé (e) Visa Application: Steps and Processing Times
- I-129 Petition Processing Time: Approximately 5-7 Months. ...
- DOS Takes Over Processing: 4 to 6 Weeks After USCIS Approval. ...
- Letter From Embassy or Consulate: Approximately 2 Weeks After Receiving the Case. ...
- K-1 Visa Interview: 2 to 8 Weeks After Scheduling Appointments. ...
- Inspection at a Port of Entry: Within 6 Months After Visa Approval. ...
How long before filing fiance visa?
Before filing for a fiancé visa, a couple must typically have seen each other in person within the previous two years. The foreign partner applying for the fiancé visa must marry their U.S. citizen partner within 90 days of entry, or depart the United States.
How long will it take to get a fiancee visa?
How Long It Take to Get a Fiancé 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.
What is the process to get a fiance visa?
- The U.S. ...
- The petitioner submits Form I-129F Petition for Alien Fiance, along with Form G-325A Biographic Information, current fees and any required documentation to the appropriate USCIS Service Center.
- After a few weeks, the U.S. ...
What are the requirements for a fiance visa?
To be eligible for a fiancé visa, the law requires that you:
- intend to marry a U.S. citizen,
- have met your intended spouse in person within the last two years (though this can be waived based on cultural customs or extreme hardship), and
- are legally able to marry.
How long does it take for a fiancé visa to be approved 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 does it take to get a fiancé visa 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.
Is the fiancé visa faster?
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.
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.
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.
Can you travel to the US while waiting for a fiancé 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.
Do fiancé visas get denied?
There are various reasons why a consular may deny a K1 visa petition, including but not limited to: The petitioner does not meet the necessary requirements. The foreign national does not meet the necessary requirements. The relationship seems suspicious or fraudulent.
What is the easiest way to bring my fiancé to USA?
If you are a U.S. citizen, you may bring your fiancé(e) to the United States to marry and live here, with a nonimmigrant visa for a fiancé(e) (K-1). An I-129F fiancé(e) petition is required.
Which is easier fiancé or spouse visa?
Citizens, the K1 Fiance Visa is still quicker and simpler for unmarried international couples seeking to get married. Marriage Visas generally take between 5-7 months from the time the I-130 Petition is filed at a USCIS Service Center to the day a Marriage Visa is issued. First, the Petition is filed with the USCIS.
Is a fiancé visa hard to get?
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 often do fiancé visas get denied?
According to those statistics, approximately 20,000 K-1 fiancées/fiancés every year are denied visas when they go to their interviews at the embassy. This is nearly 40% of the total number of K-1 visa applicants. And while eventually many of them are able to overcome the initial denial, some do not.
Are k1 visas being processed 2021?
However, K-1 visas are still being processed in a timely manner, and you can expect only slight changes to the standard processing times in 2021 and beyond.
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 USCIS to schedule an interview 2022?
INTERVIEW. The citizenship interview usually takes place about 14.5 months, on average, after USCIS receives your naturalization application (sooner or later for some applicants).
How long does CR1 visa take 2022?
10 monthsHow long does it take to get a CR1 visa? Currently, as of 2022, the average CR-1 timeline from the initial application to the time the visa is granted is 10 months or more. The time can be shorter or longer depending on your situation.
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.
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 a K1 visa?
In other cases, couples have waited for a year or two to secure a K-1 visa. In many cases, the process takes between six months and a year, although this is only a rough estimate. It is important to keep in mind that the non-US partner cannot live or work in the US until the K 1 Visa Fiancée Visa is in hand. In fact, the couple cannot get married in the US until the K1 visa has been secured.
How to get a K1 visa for a married couple?
In order to secure a K1 Visa as quickly as possible, gather up your documentation and submit USCIS form I-129F as soon as you decide to get married. Check and double-check the application form for errors and omissions, as these can delay in the process. If there is anything in either partner’s background that could make obtaining a K-1 Visa difficult, consult with an immigration attorney before submitting the application, to get advice about how to reduce any delays. Within two to three weeks after filing, the US applicant will generally get a first Notice of Action (NOA), indicating that the K-1 application has been opened. Some time after this, the applicant will get a second notice, indicating that the K 1 Visa Fiancée Visa application has been approved.
Can a non-US couple get married in the US?
When a couple decide to get married and one partner is a US citizen while another partner is a foreign national, the couple can get married in the US and can secure a green card for the non-US partner by filing for a Fiancée Visa or K-1 visa. Many couples in this situation wish to be married quite quickly, but the processing times for a Fiancée Visa can vary widely.
Can My Fiancé Come to the US and Live While We are Waiting?
It is very important to remember that your fiancé must have the K-1 fiancé visa in hand before they can live or work in the US. It’s crucial that you know the rules and regulations, and that you abide by them so that you do not jeopardize your case going forward.
What Can Delay or Jeopardize Our Application?
If any of the security checks or background checks come back with issues, this can delay the application until those issues are resolved. Before you submit your application, make sure it is complete and that any requested documentation is included. It pays to double check, since your application may be delayed if your paperwork is not in order.
Is There Anything That Can Make the Process Faster?
Sometimes, the embassy or consulate that your fiancé needs to go to for the K-1 Visa interview is very busy, and the wait for an interview may take some time. If you’re in luck, then the consulate that you apply to does not have a long wait period. This is hit or miss, as you cannot control where you are called to interview.
Where Can We Get Help in Obtaining a Fiancé Visa?
If the process seems overwhelming, or if you’re not sure what documentation is required to apply, then it’s a good idea to hire an immigration attorney to guide you through the process. A good lawyer will help identify any issues that may occur and give you guidance on how to deal with those issues and avoid possible 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 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.
What is the I-129F form?
The form must be submitted along with all required supporting documents. I-129F form is used to establish the relationship between the U.S. citizen and the foreign fiancé ( e).
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.
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.
Can I get same sex visa as opposite sex spouse?
Same-sex spouses of U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), along with their minor children, are now eligible for the same immigration benefits as opposite-sex spouses. Consular officers at U.S. Embassies and Consulates will adjudicate their immigrant visa applications upon receipt of an approved I-130 or I-140 petition from USCIS. ...
Can a spouse get a K-3 visa?
Nonimmigrant visa for spouse (K-3) - It is important to note that application for the nonimmigrant visa for spouse (K-3) who married a U.S. citizen must be filed and the visa must be issued in the country where the marriage took place. After the visa process has been completed, and the visa is issued, the spouse can travel to the United States to wait for the processing of the immigrant visa case. Two petitions are required: Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130, and Petition for Alien Fiancé (e), Form I-129F. Learn more.
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 comple…
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 Times pag…
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).