How long?

[BlueRain77 0]

How long did it take you from filing the first set of paperwork till you received your K-1 Visa?

What advice would you give to others trying to file for a k-1 visa?

[Cristy 4]

If you check timelines that will give you an idea of timelines. It really depends on the service center you file with and your country.

Advice? Expect the unexpected and have patience.

[Krikit 1,165]

How long did it take you from filing the first set of paperwork till you received your K-1 Visa?

What advice would you give to others trying to file for a k-1 visa?

Go to the timelines link for stats http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/stats.php

Advice? I agree with cristy's post. And save your money. This is a costly process.

[BlueRain77 0]

Maybe I should clarify my question. I know it varies from person to person, but just thought it would be interesting for all those have filed and those to file to know how long it took each person to get their visas. The timeline shoes "varies" for many answers, which doesn't give us any hints to how long the process actually takes.

So how long did it take YOU to get a K-1 Visa?

[Krikit 1,165]

As cristy said... you can check the "My Timeline" link under each member's name to see how long the process takes. Here is mine http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/profile.php?id=21394

[Larry and Maria 0]

Actually I don't think there's an answer to your question and there probably will not be an estimate for some weeks. There seems to be a lack of posts from people impacted by the IMBRA law going into affect 3/6/06.

Try going to the link "Immigration Timelines" and filter on UK and the Service Center where you will file: CSC, TSC, NSC, and VSC. Then you can look for your answer BEFORE the IMBRA date of 3/6/06. You'll see the NOA1 date and even the date they sent it in along with the date the visa was granted.

That's the best anyone can do. I've been doing that to see what the most recent ones have been. However, the sampling is so small compared to the total number (not every petition is know on VJ) that the samples are really a guess.

Before IMBRA, the range seemed to be about 4 - 7 months depending on the situation and SC work load with VSC being usually very quick.

[BlueRain77 0]

Ok yeah, I finally found the timelines page.

BTW, what is IMBRA? I don't watch much tv, saw about the Immigration stuff, but thought it only was in regards to Illegal immigrants.

I'm in Washington State, does that mean I file in California?

Also, any advice on this: Wanting to go to UK for a few months to visit my honey starting August 9. Can I get away filing now then leaving in the process (prob after sending the 2nd packet) for 1-3 months? Is that enough time before leaving, and is that too much time to stay over there?

[no one 0]

Ok yeah, I finally found the timelines page.

BTW, what is IMBRA? I don't watch much tv, saw about the Immigration stuff, but thought it only was in regards to Illegal immigrants.

I'm in Washington State, does that mean I file in California?

Also, any advice on this: Wanting to go to UK for a few months to visit my honey starting August 9. Can I get away filing now then leaving in the process (prob after sending the 2nd packet) for 1-3 months? Is that enough time before leaving, and is that too much time to stay over there?

With this IMBRA thing, no one knows how long everything will take.

A couple of informative IMBRA threads (hopefully the direct links work):

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...topic=15476&hl=

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...topic=13584&hl=

There are four service centres: California, Nebraska, Texas, and Vermont. I think it's wherever that's closest to you, geographically. Not sure if you're allowed to file elsewhere...

[Ladylethal 12]

Do a detailed timeline search and you´ll see how long it took for each couple.

[kitkat1 5]

1) You don't have a choice where you file. It's based on where you live. You can find this and other basic information here:

http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/immigrant...es_1315.html#3d

Filing the Petition

You must file the Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), Form I-129F with the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office that serves the area where you live. See the Department of Homeland Security's USCIS Field Offices for information on where you can file the petition. Note: You cannot file this petition at an embassy, consulate or U.S. immigration office abroad.

2) IMBRA is the International Marriage Broker Act that went into effect on March 6 and has all fiance visas that were filed after March 6 on hold until they supply new forms and information to petitioners. I would strongly recommend waiting to file your petition until these new forms are posted on the USCIS website - otherwise you will be using an outdated form. There is currently no information on when these forms will be available.

3) You can travel to visit your fiance whenever you want to and stay for as long as you want (assuming you don't need a visa!) When your petition is approved if you delay returning the additional necessary forms you will simply delay the interview date. And be sure someone is checking your mail while you are away so you'll know if you have received anything from the service center.

4) Timelines vary from center to center and from person to person. If you forget to sign something or they request further evidence, the timeline changes. Every single case is individual and has different timelines - there is no rhyme or reason to the difference in timing between two people who sent complete, perfect petitions to the same service center on the same date. One person's might take 2 months, the other might take 3 months. It depends on the people at the service center. Assuming everything was in perfect order on the petition, typical times used to range from 1 month at the Vermont Service Center, 2-3 months at Nebraska and maybe closer to 3-4 months at Texas and California. Now, all bets are off. We'll be lucky if they send out the corrected paperwork before Halloween.

[kitkat1 5]

And now I see your original question was how long from start to finish. This too is impossible to predict because it is dependent on how fast the approved paperwork is sent to the consulate, how fast you can get an interview (some schedule interviews while others don't make you wait at all and let you come in as soon as you have received the approval letter) and how long it takes you to get your paperwork together and get the medical done. Having said that, it seems the London consulate moves along quickly. Maybe someone who has already gone through there can give you a better idea of the timing from the point that it reaches the consulate to the actual interview.

[djcess 0]

now, hmmm.. 8 months for k1 visa from the receipt date of NOA1.. except of course if you get an RFE.. probably 10. but if you just file now, then you'll be included with the IMBRA law, so there's no estimated time there.

[sarah and hicham 3]

Be patient, triple check everything, and use the guides, timelines etc. to help you along the way.

[BlueRain77 0]

Now will the IMBRA effect K-3 applicants? I know that you have to file a I-129F as well as the I-130. This is so frustrating. Maybe I should just marry him during Christmas in the US and start filing paperwork after he goes back to the UK. Anyone have a clue when the new I-129F forms will be up?

[Neya 0]

Sorry ....

IMBRA is a whole new ball game. No one is receiving any information yet. No new forms, directives, information, nothing. Sorry..you are welcome to join the rest of us in this suspended state.