FAQ: How Long Does It Take To Get A K1 Visa?

It takes 5 – 7.5 months on average (as of October 2021) for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to process Form I-129F (technically called the “Petition for Alien Fiancé”), and an additional 3-4 weeks to receive instructions from the National Visa Center (NVC) to continue the process.

• In total, the K1 visa process can take 9-11 months to complete. According to USCIS, backlogs have increased which means there are long delays for I-129F approvals. It is now taking 5-7 months for USCIS to approved I-129F petitions and some service centers are taking longer than this.

The K1 visa timeline includes multiple stages during USCIS, NVC, and Consular processing. In total, the K1 visa process can take 9-11 months to complete. According to USCIS, backlogs have increased which means there are long delays for I-129F approvals.

How long does K1 visa take 2020?

If you and your fiancé meet all K1 visa requirements, your application will likely be approved. The estimated timeframe to obtain an approval if you choose the K1 visa route depends on USCIS processing timelines. Nonetheless, as a very general estimate, it can take approximately 6-9 months for a decision.

How much does a K1 visa cost?

As of early 2021, the filing fees for the K-1 process were $535 for Form I-129F (filed with USCIS), $265 to apply for the K visa (paid to the consulate), and $1,225 for Form I-485 and the adjustment of status packet (filed with USCIS), including the biometrics fee. That brings the total government U.S. fee to $2,025.

Can you travel to the US while waiting for a fiance visa?

You cannot reside in the United States on a B-2 tourist visa or on the Visa Waiver Program while waiting on a K1 fiancé visa or K3 spousal visa. However, you can make a temporary visit on those visas.

How long does it take for a fiance visa to be approved 2019?

Depending on which USCIS service center is handling the case, the average processing times can take anywhere from 6 to 9 months (as of 2019). Once the Form I-129F is approved, USCIS will send a notice to the petitioner informing them of the approval or denial of the petition.

Which is faster K1 visa or spouse visa?

While processing times have gotten significantly better for U.S. Citizens, the K1 Fiance Visa is still quicker and simpler for unmarried international couples seeking to get married. A Marriage Visa is typically more complex, slower and, a more expensive route compared to the K1 Fiance Visa.

How can I speed up my K1 visa?

How to Speed K1 Fiance Visa Process Post USCIS

1. Prepare ahead of time before NOA2 to gather your financial and supporting documents for the embassy interview.
2. Call NVC to get your case number instead of waiting for the letter.
3. Pay Visa Application Fee.
4. Schedule embassy interview appointment.

How much income do I need to sponsor my fiance?

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

Do I need a lawyer for k1 visa?

The law does not require that you use an immigration attorney to complete K-1 petition documents such as the Form I-129F. You may need help writing in the answers to questions on USCIS forms or translating documents into English. You can get this type of limited help from anyone.

What happens if you divorce on a k1 visa?

Divorce before or after filing the I -485 (Adjustment of Status) If you divorce your sponsoring fiance (e) before filing the I -485, then you will likely lose residency. You may not be able to file for a green card. You and your K2 children may lose immigration rights and leave the US.

Why would a fiance visa be denied?

Your K-1 visa petition may be denied if one or both of you do not meet the legal requirements to get married in the U.S. The most common scenario is when either or both of you haven’t terminated your previous marriage(s).

Does a fiance visa allow you to work?

As a K-1 visa holder, you can work in the U.S. only if, after entering, you apply for and receive a work permit. This is known by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). It is a small plastic card with your photo on it.

What percentage of fiance visas are approved?

According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), around 90 percent of fiancé visas were approved in 2016. In 2017, when President Donald Trump took office, the percentage of approved fiancé visas dropped to around 66 percent.

How long is a fiance visa good 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.

What questions do they ask in a K1 visa interview?

K1 Visa Interview Questions

• What are your name and birthday?
• Where were you born?
• What is your nationality?
• Have you ever visited the United States before?
• Were you ever involved in marriage before?
• Do you have children? [If the answer is yes, then the children coming with you to the US will have to accompany you on the interview.]

Why is my fiance visa taking so long?

Significant delays could occur if you or your fiance (e) have a criminal history, questionable background checks, or a previous immigration violation. Similarly, if your foreign fiance (e)’s Medical exam reports a problem, you might have some delays resolving those problems.