The K-1 visa timeline is fraught with delays that are caused by gathering necessary documents, submitting everything needed and government processing times. The United State citizen is the sponsor or petitioner in the process. It’s he or she who files the I-129F petition and proves the relationship between himself or herself and the foreign national that admission into the United States is being sought for. After submitting the I-129F petition along with the processing fee, the first communication from U.S. Customs & Immigration Services (USCIS) takes two or three weeks. It will operate to notify the petitioner that the application has been received. If additional documentation or information is needed, he or she will be advised accordingly.
Upon Approval
When the I-129F petition is approved, USCIS turns it over to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC then forwards the I-129F to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country that the foreign national resides in, so he or she can apply for their K-1 visa there. The foreign national must submit and pay for the DS-160 online.
Communication from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
By letter, the U.S. embassy or consulate forwards a letter to the foreign national advising of how he or she will schedule their medical exam and visa interview. Unfortunately, the interview will be scheduled at least three months in the future. The letter will also advise the foreign national of the items needed to be brought to the interviews. It’s extremely important for the person being interviewed to be on time and at the correct location for the interview with all needed items in hand. If the interview is satisfactory, the F-1 visa will issue. That’s when it’s ready to start packing. The visa will be delivered to the home of the foreign national in a week or two.
Traveling to the United States
Take notice that an F-1 visa is a single entry visa, and is only valid for six months. After a satisfactory inspection, the foreign national will be granted entry into the United States. Then, the parties must get married within 90 days from the date of entry. After that, an application for adjustment of status can be filed, and permanent residency in the United States can be sought.
If you have questions about either a K-1 visa or how long it will take to process one, you can contact us here at Maison Immigration Lawyers for a free consultation and visa qualification review. We’ve been doing this for many years now, and we’ve helped people from all over the world. When you work with us, the likelihood of having a visa application denied is drastically reduced. Contact us as soon as you can for that free consultation and visa qualification review.
