K1 visa process taking longer than expected

[JackUK 0]

Hello,

I'm a British citizen applying for a K1 fiance visa with my American citizen fiance who lives in California. We sent our I-129 in mid November and got the NOA1 shortly afterward, by the 19th if I remember correctly. Since then, though, we've heard nothing at all.

I had heard before applying that it would take about six months (the length of time it took for my brother, who also married an American) so, taking into account the age and health of my grandparents, we arranged our wedding for the 29th of August 2008. My family have even bought airline tickets to be there, the venue is booked, arrangements made. One thing missing? Me, potentially. The whole process seems to have slowed down substantially.

Given the date we applied, is it likely I'll be approved in time? (I know there are timelines posted but some make me think there's no chance, others fill me with hope, so I'd like a more direct perspective on this).

If it's unlikely, what can I do? Would this be grounds for applying to accelerate the case (something they say is only possible for 'life or death' cases)?

Who do I call about it? USCIS? The London Embassy?

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Jack

[sunnybear 0]

Sorry to say you are still inside the "normal window" of USCIS processing times. Have you filled out a timeline on here? If so that will show you an estimated "adjuicated date" and that is giving you when your window time will be up...it is only after that date you can call and find out exactly what is going on....I mean you can call now of course but they are just going to tell you basically the same thing (that you are in still the normal processing times window).

I have a Sept 27th wedding planned and dunno if I am even going to actually get that date at this point! Good luck!!!!

[Madzia+James 0]

Tell your fiance to call to his congressman. It worked for us. We got our approval the next day after James called there. Good luck

Hello,

I'm a British citizen applying for a K1 fiance visa with my American citizen fiance who lives in California. We sent our I-129 in mid November and got the NOA1 shortly afterward, by the 19th if I remember correctly. Since then, though, we've heard nothing at all.

I had heard before applying that it would take about six months (the length of time it took for my brother, who also married an American) so, taking into account the age and health of my grandparents, we arranged our wedding for the 29th of August 2008. My family have even bought airline tickets to be there, the venue is booked, arrangements made. One thing missing? Me, potentially. The whole process seems to have slowed down substantially.

Given the date we applied, is it likely I'll be approved in time? (I know there are timelines posted but some make me think there's no chance, others fill me with hope, so I'd like a more direct perspective on this).

If it's unlikely, what can I do? Would this be grounds for applying to accelerate the case (something they say is only possible for 'life or death' cases)?

Who do I call about it? USCIS? The London Embassy?

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Jack

[snowfrostedlashes 0]

You won't be able to get it expedited as you don't meet the citeria for this, but there's no harm in the USC ringing up to query the status of the case with USCIS (politely of course). Not sure whether contacting a congressman actually helps since people's experiences with that seem to vary - worth a shot I suppose! However, you're really not overdue in terms of being processed at this point as 4-6 months to reach NOA2 is quite typical for the California Service Centre. I'd give it until the end of April before I started kicking up a fuss if I were in your shoes... and believe me, I totally understand as we filed in December and have a wedding date of September 6th!

The good news is that once you get to the NOA2 stage the London embassy typically move pretty fast and if you're on the ball returning the paperwork, etc. you should be able to make your wedding date still - provided you get approved soon.

[Sylvia_n_Joseph 3]

I am a Nov CSC filer and just got an NOA2 dated Mar 31. So you should be pretty close to getting yours. DOn't know what was up with CSC last week. Looks like they only got through mine and one other according to Igors list as of this morning. I know that their online system is out of wack and you should be looking closely at your snail mail.

[Barbarella UK 0]

Hi Jack

Just a quick thought - if you haven't already done so, make sure you apply for your Police Record letter ASAP - it can take a long time to arrive and you will need it for the Consulate interview.

In addition make sure you have all the documentation required for the interview ready well in advance - things like the notarised Affidavit of Support, notarised copy of fiancee's latest tax return etc, your original birth certificate.

I know you're still awaiting NOA2 but it will be a good idea to start collating all the info you need for the next phase now so that you can move as quickly as possible once the application goes to Consulate processing.

Good luck!

[kokosunny 0]

I was hoping the email system was what was keeping us from NOA2 and was being patient after being told our file was with an adjudicator on March 13. I finally lost my patience and called on April 7 and was told the file was still in the file room and he would go get it since it was within the time frame being processed (November). This resulted in an immediate touch. Don't wait - call and make sure they lay their hands on it and that it is not holding up a table leg somewhere.

[~Laura and Nick~ 5]

Sorry you are going through this Jack

I hope you get your approval soon.

Don't forget to fill in your time line...it gives us and you a better estimate of approval!

[Nao 0]

Sorry you are going through this Jack

I hope you get your approval soon.

Don't forget to fill in your time line...it gives us and you a better estimate of approval!

Hello Jack.

I totally feel ya cuz.... we filed our application on Oct. 9 and still have not heard anything from CSC... Craziness. When we called them last time, an officer told us that our application would go through within the next two weeks.... Well, two weeks has already passes since then....

I do not know what to believe now... Should we call the Congress man? Our 180-day period based on NOA1 date in coming up in a week.....

Nao

[BigCityDave 0]

This process is by far one of the most difficult things I have ever done in my life as of yet. It is not easy, but it will be worth it. Stay strong!

[JackUK 0]

Hello again!

Well, bizarrely, the NOA2 (or the reply confirming we've been approved and our file sent to the NVC, which I think IS the NOA2) was waiting for my fiance in California when she got home yesterday. I was considering having her contact Arnold Schwarzenegger as I thought he especially might like to help. So that's on its way right now, which is nice.

Suffice it to say that we are over the moon that's it gotten this far and things seem to be moving.

Now, one off topic question: the affadavit of support I-134 is what's needed next, right? And my fiance just has to make sure I have a notarized copy of that to take with me to the embassy, or does the NVC request it?

It is nice to know that other people are going through literally the same thing as us. I'll be updating my timeline shortly, but for anybody still waiting, ours was received on November the 19th, and we got approval on April the 7th.

Thanks for the support!

Jack

[KimandRuss 0]

Hi Jack... congratulations.

Everything you need is in the Guides....

What to send to your fiance(e) once the I-129F is approved (Receive NOA2):

1. A copy of the entire I-129f package (that you made when you sent the petition in) and a copy of information that you sent back due to an RFE (if you received one).

2. Send all originals of the documentary proof that you submitted for the I-129F to your fiance(e) for their interview at the embassy.

3. Send an original letter affirming your desire to marry your fiance(e) and your continued support of the K-1 Visa. Sign and date the form. This will be similar to the letter you provided with the I-129F, but dated much closer to the interview (it will have most likely been several months since you submitted your I-129F).

4. I-134 Affidavit of Support form. Ensure it is notarized (by a US Notary Public), with all required supporting evidence. Begin collecting the required information ahead of time, as it can often take several weeks to collect it all.

5. You will likely need at a minimum (for the above form) two to three of your most recent pay stubs and a signed letter from your employer listing you job title, start date, your salary, and the status (full-time) of your position. Begin collecting these ASAP after your NOA2 arrives. You will also probably want to include other evidence such as your banking information and other assets as required by the I-134. Specifically you will need at least 2 of the 4 options mentioned in Section II-Supporting Evidence of the I-134. See this FAQ for more tips and ueful information on the Affidavit of Support Form.

6. A copy of the NOA2 that you received in the mail.

7. Proof of your ongoing relationship. This needs to be taken to the interview! Include photos, travel documents, emails, etc from between the time you filed and present (NOA1 date-now).

Examples: Copies of phone bills, cell phone bills, emails (you can edit personal info with a marker), letters (edit personal info also), stamps on the letters (to document the date they were sent), and other written documentary proof. Provide a reasonable amount; two to four of each type. Pick a range of dates up to and including the present. You can also include a copy of engagement ring receipt (this is something that is a big optional - do not worry if you do not have a ring yet!)

[Barbarella UK 0]

Hi Jack

Congratulations on your NOA2 approval. Check the current processing timelines but in my case it took about 2 months from receiving my NOA2 to my interview date and my approval. You will now need to wait to hear from the Embassy - they will send you a list of forms to download, complete and return and will ask you to make a medical appointment with Knightsbridge Medical Practice - my medical cost around 200 pounds.

The Embassy will also ask you to tick off and return a checklist to show you have the following documents to hand - you need to take these to the interview:

You must take the originals PLUS a photocopy of each:

Police Cert - apply NOW if you haven't already got it

Original, notarised Affidavit of Support I-34

Notarised copy of your fiancee's latest Federal Tax Return (this is not listed on their checklist but I was asked for it so make sure you have it)

Original birth certificate (and Adoption/Name Change etc if applicable)

Also take:

Updated Letter of Intent to Marry from your fiancee

2 colour passport photos

Any photos, emails and other evidence of relationship - I wasn't asked for it but some people are so have it just in case

I also took a copy of my NOA2

You may want to check the Consulate reviews to see if any other requirements are likely - my interview was in October 2007 so it's probably a good idea to read some more recent reviews.

Edited April 8, 2008 by Barbarella UK

[snowfrostedlashes 0]

There are quite a few recent medical and interview reviews in the UK forum.