K-1 timing question?

[chrispar 0]

Hi,

Just looking over the times listed on the nice visa comparison chart. What I am not clear about, is once the K1 process is started, how long does it take until the person has the visa to simply enter the USA (on average of course & not in regards to getting permanent residence)?

I see that it says 7.5 months...but really, am I understanding that correctly?

Thanks

Edited October 25, 2011 by SpidersOnBoats

[Ben and Jill 37]

Yes, you are understanding that correctly, unfortunately...unless you are one of the lucky few who get their petition approved in 5 days, lol (and yes, that happens!). We filed our petition on October 11, 2010, and Ben stepped on American soil on June 19, 2011...yes, that's about how long it takes. It's not easy, but worth its weight in gold along the way.

Edited October 25, 2011 by Ben and Jill

[mapletree 33]

From the I-129f filing to entry is country dependant. But I-129f to US Service Center approval is averaging about 4.7 months. Another 2-3 months for the medical, interview, etc. after US Service Center approval sounds about right.

So 7.5 months might be a good bench march. Some will be faster. Some will be slower.

Edited October 25, 2011 by mapletree

[at long last 58]

Hi,

Just looking over the times listed on the nice visa comparison chart. What I am not clear about, is once the K1 process is started, how long does it take until the person has the visa to simply enter the USA (on average of course & not in regards to getting permanent residence)?

I see that it says 7.5 months...but really, am I understanding that correctly?

It can and probably will take that at least that long for your fiancee to have their K1 visa in hand. But They can visit provided they can show proof they will be returning to their own country. I wasn't sure what to show so I took my apartment lease agreement, a recent bill sent to me at my address, my photocopy of our NOA1, a copy of my fiance's id page of his passport. They also said that because they ran my passport they could see my usual travel history. Whew... I was allowed to enter the USA for the summer. But now I have to remain in my country until I have my visa. I used all my days allowed in the USA, well 179 out of the 180 permitted.. good luck.

Thanks

[Ben and Jill 37]

And Mapletree has made an excellent point...it is country dependant, and in some cases it can be shorter or longer...it just depends. But, the average is the average, unfortunately. Our process ran pretty smooth and the longest and hardest part was waiting for the petition to be approved. After that, it moves a lot faster. We were able to schedule our interview rather quickly too, and some Embassy's take a long time - it all depends on their schedule and how backlogged they are.

[Ben and Jill 37]

As far as being able to visit while the K-1 is pending is also totally dependant on the country. Canada and the UK can get a visitor's visa fairly easily...Africa...you can completely and totally forget it...it will never happen. It also won't happen in any other MENA country either. It's not even an option. If it was that easy, that would be wonderful...but for most of us, it's not.

Edited October 25, 2011 by Ben and Jill

[chrispar 0]

My girlfriend already has a 10y tourist visa...but that doesnt affect the timing correct? And the country is Argentina.

Could she be in the states during the wait and at some part fly back to Argentina and re-enter with the new visa?

[atanasov 0]

Me and my fiance applied for his visa in March this year (2011) and still haven't heard anything, we are still waiting. He lives in Bulgaria and I'm in the States. I'm getting impatient why is it taking so long? The 60 days is up they said would take

[Anh map 2,098]

My girlfriend already has a 10y tourist visa...but that doesnt affect the timing correct? And the country is Argentina.

Could she be in the states during the wait and at some part fly back to Argentina and re-enter with the new visa?

In theory, yes. However having a K1 petition filed on her behalf the CBP officer could not allow her entry as the petition shows that she has immigrant intent.. She, as always, would need to show strong ties to home at the US border.

Additionally, before any long trip here you two should examine all the needed steps and documents for the process so that she would be prepared. Things such as the medical exam take place in Argentina. Obtaining the needed Argentinian police records. The visa interview at the US embassy. Etc.

[Mozzer1972 7]

7.5 - 9 months sounds about right as long as there aren't any issues to cause delays (ie. paperwork missing, etc.)

[skiptex 225]

I dont see alot of petitiions going thru caracas.. So I hope that is a good sign..

[baron555 934]

Hi,

Just looking over the times listed on the nice visa comparison chart. What I am not clear about, is once the K1 process is started, how long does it take until the person has the visa to simply enter the USA (on average of course & not in regards to getting permanent residence)?

I see that it says 7.5 months...but really, am I understanding that correctly?

Thanks

Yes plus or minus.

My girlfriend already has a 10y tourist visa...but that doesnt affect the timing correct? And the country is Argentina.

Could she be in the states during the wait and at some part fly back to Argentina and re-enter with the new visa?

Yes maybe.....she might be turned away at POE if they determine she will stay and not honor the need to return. The K-1 filing will show up in their computers and they have to make a decision.

Be prepared to have her stay away for the process. It will be a serious test of your relationship; the strong ones survive.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Hi,

Just looking over the times listed on the nice visa comparison chart. What I am not clear about, is once the K1 process is started, how long does it take until the person has the visa to simply enter the USA (on average of course & not in regards to getting permanent residence)?

I see that it says 7.5 months...but really, am I understanding that correctly?

Thanks

6-9 months, presently, until the visa is in your hand. DO NOT make any wedding plans around that estimate or buy any plane tickets until the visa is IN YOUR HAND.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

As far as being able to visit while the K-1 is pending is also totally dependant on the country. Canada and the UK can get a visitor's visa fairly easily...Africa...you can completely and totally forget it...it will never happen. It also won't happen in any other MENA country either. It's not even an option. If it was that easy, that would be wonderful...but for most of us, it's not.

Canada, UK and 15 other countries do not need tourist visas at all. Just a passport.

We live at the Canadian border and we and the Canadians travel freely back and forth whenever we want, even just to go out for dinner. At any time about a 1/3 of the lisence plates at the local mall are from Quebec.

If a person has a legal way to enter the USA during the process, they may. Subject to all the normal precautions. Holding a tourist visa has no affect on the length of time a K-1 taes to process.

[JCCJ 0]

Canada, UK and 15 other countries do not need tourist visas at all. Just a passport.

We live at the Canadian border and we and the Canadians travel freely back and forth whenever we want, even just to go out for dinner. At any time about a 1/3 of the lisence plates at the local mall are from Quebec.

If a person has a legal way to enter the USA during the process, they may. Subject to all the normal precautions. Holding a tourist visa has no affect on the length of time a K-1 taes to process.

Would petitioner's employement facilitate criminal background check and speed the process? For example... NYPD police officer...?

Sorry if this is off topic... I didnt see the point on making a new thread for that question.

Thank you!