General Questions about K-1 approval processes

[Jamie and Amparo 10]

We applied for our K-1 last month and already received our NOA1 in a reasonably quick fashion....through reading this forum (great info, by the way) it is apparent that there is limited transparency in the process at the regional processing centers and i just had some general questions on that. What do they base their approval times (from NOA 1 to NOA 2) on? Nothing? First come first serve? Do they consider factors like people that already have tourist visas and have been to the US before? I know it makes a difference that everything is filled out correctly and all the documentation is supplied, but is there anything else like i asked about above that makes a difference? I was going through the latest NOA2 approvals in the database here and I noticed countries like Cuba, Haiti and Canada have recently produced extremely fast turnaround times with the VSC and I was just wondering how that is, when there are people in this forum that have been waiting since January/February. And yes, our application was sent to VSC, and suffice it to say, I hope they get their act together!

[TnJ 131]

We applied for our K-1 last month and already received our NOA1 in a reasonably quick fashion....through reading this forum (great info, by the way) it is apparent that there is limited transparency in the process at the regional processing centers and i just had some general questions on that. What do they base their approval times (from NOA 1 to NOA 2) on? Nothing? First come first serve? Do they consider factors like people that already have tourist visas and have been to the US before? I know it makes a difference that everything is filled out correctly and all the documentation is supplied, but is there anything else like i asked about above that makes a difference? I was going through the latest NOA2 approvals in the database here and I noticed countries like Cuba, Haiti and Canada have recently produced extremely fast turnaround times with the VSC and I was just wondering how that is, when there are people in this forum that have been waiting since January/February. And yes, our application was sent to VSC, and suffice it to say, I hope they get their act together!

Wish I could give you a straight answer to this. Yes, there are many variables. Every petitioner has background checks done. Some may need more extensive checks. This could delay things. RFEs are commonly handed out, and this can delay things. These are just a couple of examples. Much of it really is left to speculation from our end unfortunately. The link below might be able to help answer some concerns. It is a chat with a VSC director pinned at the top of the "K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures" forum board.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/220499-k-1-petition-information/

Edited August 17, 2012 by ToddnJessa

[Que Saudade 284]

These are all empirical questions, with no absolute answer.

[Jamie and Amparo 10]

I figured there is no real answer, but it is kind of intimidating to see some people's timelines and we're trying to figure out what to expect.. I have a lot of respect for those couples that are waiting so long.

[Que Saudade 284]

I figured there is no real answer, but it is kind of intimidating to see some people's timelines and we're trying to figure out what to expect.. I have a lot of respect for those couples that are waiting so long.

I remember the wait. It was agonizing. For us, it was just a little over 6 months for the approval of the I-129F petition. One of the worst things you can do is to constantly compare timelines. It is also one of the hardest things to abstain from.

Just realize that you probably have an average of about 24-28 weeks. If it comes quicker, celebrate. The time will drive you crazy, if you let it.

If you get really bored, start reading ahead about what the next step of the process will be once your I-129F is approved. Which is the actual K1.

Read reviews about the consulate, read threads within your portal that are specific to your country. This will help pass the time and also make you familiar with the next step.

Good Luck with your journey

[TnJ 131]

I figured there is no real answer, but it is kind of intimidating to see some people's timelines and we're trying to figure out what to expect.. I have a lot of respect for those couples that are waiting so long.

I know how you feel. Every now and then, I read a post from someone stating they have waited 8 months or maybe longer. The poster may not give all the details as to why they are waiting that long. To me, one should have at least an idea at that point because something is amiss when one has to wait that long. Even with the current trend at VSC, people waiting up to a year or more is unacceptable by their standards and USCIS knows this. 6 to 7 months isn't really something new though. It is a slow down, but it has happened before and will happen again. Things will wax and wane. Some will get approved before others even when one files before another. I do wish they wouldn't tell us 5 months is the current average when it clearly is not though.

Edited August 17, 2012 by ToddnJessa

[Jamie and Amparo 10]

Yeah, we were not under any false impression that this process would be easy and fast -- but, I do very thorough research for everything, so I like to know what's going on hehe. Especially so that if I know someone who is going to go through the same process in the future, I will be able to give them accurate and realistic information, because there are some lawyer sites out there claiming all kinds of things, and that just isn't necessary; anyone is capable of doing this by themselves, and I think there's a good sense of satisfaction by doing so.

Edited August 17, 2012 by Jamie and Amparo

[Que Saudade 284]

A lawyer with his briefcase can steal more than a hundred men with guns.

Mario Puzo