The three most common questions I get asked as part of an initial appointment for a K-1 Visa are how long, how much and what are my chances. For this article I will break down the K-1 Visa timeline for both USCIS and the consulate and explain the steps along the way.
K-1 Visa Timeline For USCIS
The first part of the USCIS processing is with you. How long does it take you to prepare the paperwork and supporting documents, or if we are handling the case for you, how long to fill out the questionnaire and provide us the supporting documents. The office of Management and Budget estimates that the time to read all instructions, complete the necessary forms, complete the forms, gather all required documents, have them translated and submitted to USCIS is two hours and five minutes. I think that estimation is too quick. I can tell you how long it takes the government to process your case, I can tell you how long it takes my office, I have no idea how long this will take you.
Actual USCIS processing is five months. In that five months USCIS has received your packet, reviewed it to make sure all required documents are there, run the required background checks and an officer has analyzed the case to see if you are eligible. Once the case is approved, USCIS takes an addition 20 days to transmit your case to the National Visa Center (NVC). This is on top of the five months to decide your case.
K-1 Visa Timeline For DOS
Once the NVC, which is part of the Department of State (DOS), has received your file from USCIS, it takes the NVC five days to input your case into their systems. Seven days after the case is input into the NVC system, it is sent on to the Consulate. At this point your fiancée will need to complete the DOS forms and send those in and have their medical exam. It is taking generally 60 days for the Consulates from when they receive the packets to when they interview your fiancée. Once your fiancée is approved, they will be eligible to enter the United States right away.
I hope this information was helpful. If you have further questions, please look around our website or call my office for more information.
For more information on the fiancee visa, including a short video, please click the button below to be taken to one of our Fiancee Visa pages.