FAQ: How Long Does K1 Visa Take To Process?

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.

How long does the K1 visa process take 2020?

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. The process involves submitting the petition for a K1 visa to the USCIS, along with a filing fee of $535.

Are K1 visas being processed in 2021?

Many types of visas offer the ability to pay extra for premium processing, which guarantees that a petition will be reviewed within a few weeks of its arrival. Unfortunately, K-1 visas are not eligible for premium processing. However, the overall timeline, even in 2021, is not typically extremely long.

What percentage of fiance 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 get a K1 visa approved 2019?

K1 Visa Processing Time? It takes about 30 days for the USCIS to note the acceptance of your initial Form I-129F. After this, it may take an additional 6-9 months before they process it (not including the extra time added if they issue a Request for Evidence).

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.

Why is K1 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.

How much income do I need to sponsor a K1 visa?

Based on the 2020 poverty guidelines, the petitioner would require an income of at least $17,240 to meet the K-1 visa income requirements in all states except for Alaska and Hawaii.

Can I travel to us while waiting for K1 visa?

In a nutshell, yes you can visit. Traveling to the U.S. with a pending I-129F can certainly be done, though high risk. There is no law that you are not allowed to visit your significant other while you are going through the K-1 process.

Is Uscis still processing K1 visa?

Note that USCIS is still accepting and processing Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)). Despite possible delays during the second stage (embassy stage) of the K1 visa process, applicants are encouraged to apply now, in order to jump start the process.

Is a K-1 visa hard to get?

While the K1 visa application may be difficult, the overall process and approval can be made faster and easier with the assistance of a capable legal representative.

Which is easier K1 or K3 visa?

K1 Fiance Visas are generally preferred (over the Marriage Visa and K3 Marriage Visa) as the visa of choice for engaged international couples as they are considered the easiest, quickest, and least expensive route.

Which visa is faster fiancé or spouse?

If your main goal is to get to the U.S. as quickly as possible, then the 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 a fiancé visa be denied?

Under immigration law, the K-1 visa allows your partner to live with you in the United States after the wedding. Unfortunately, thousands of fiancé(e) visas are rejected or denied every year. If your K-1 visa application has been rejected or denied, it is vital to contact experienced immigration lawyers.

What is the minimum income requirement for a fiancé 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 bring spouse to USA 2020?

Visa processing usually takes around 3-5 months. If you are a permanent resident, you must wait for a visa to become available for your spouse, based on their priority date. This can vary depending on the spouse’s home country, but the typical time is around 24 months.