Rio ASC - Current K1 Visa Processing Time?

[rocklobstermass 41]

Good Evening, VJers. Does anybody have recent first-hand knowledge as to how long it takes for return of the beneficiary's passport after the K-1 consulate interview (post-Olympics) in Rio de Janeiro?

My fiance will travel from his hometown in Northeast BR (Natal) to Rio and I will meet him there to accompany him during the Medical and Interview. However I will have to depart for the US no later than 5 (calendar) days after the interview. I realize that this is a gamble, but our intent is for him to remain in Rio to await the return of his passport after the interview, then come directly to the US.

Does anyone have recent experience they could relay as to how long we might need to wait to pick up my SO's passport from the ASC in Rio (or even have it delivered by courier locally in Rio)? We'll be staying in Leblon very near the Applicant Service Center (designated pick-up location), so we would be able to retrieve it in person quite easily. The State Department web site provides current visa processing times by consulate for non-immigrant visas (One Business Day currently), but there is no similar information for K-1s.

This assumes all goes well, of course, but we're working very hard to be sure to have our paperwork together and to be fully prepared. And of course we won't book a flight for him until we have his passport in hand once again (with the K-1, of course). But we'd like to get a general idea whether or not it's likely that my fiance will be able to fly back to MN with me (to help get him through the POE - Atlanta most likely) or if he should expect to stay behind in Rio a few days longer.

Thanks for any insight you have to share!

[Bostorican 17]

Not sure if this helps. But my wife interviewed For IR1 on July 1st and received her passport yesterday July 8th. And that was with July 4th holiday. Actually passport was issued and mailed July 5th. Took 3 days on Sedex to reach Joao Pessoa. Hope this info helps.

Edited July 9, 2016 by Bostorican

[rocklobstermass 41]

Not sure if this helps. But my wife interviewed For IR1 on July 1st and received her passport yesterday July 8th. And that was with July 4th holiday. Actually passport was issued and mailed July 5th. Took 3 days on Sedex to reach Joao Pessoa. Hope this info helps.

Thanks, Bostorican. That is a helpful gauge: ready next business day essentially, and we'll be able to pick it up in Rio.

Thanks again for your help, and congratulations on your move forward.

[p-ana 933]

Mine took 2 weeks, but it was last year in October and there was a long holiday in between the interview and passport mailing.

[rocklobstermass 41]

Mine took 2 weeks, but it was last year in October and there was a long holiday in between the interview and passport mailing.

The consulate closes for US and Brazilian holidays, so that makes holiday times difficult. And US Labor Day is the Monday following my SO's interview, so hopefully they will prepare the visa before the 3-day weekend.

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[fabalis1 5]

My fiance received his K-1 visa in November of last year from the Rio de Janeiro consulate. He received it in 8 calendar days via courier to Goiania (interview 11/17, via received 11/25) and Thanksgiving was 11/24. The courier was overnight shipping, so to get it to the ASC in town it shouldn't take any longer. You have a good shot of it all working out.

[rocklobstermass 41]

My fiance received his K-1 visa in November of last year from the Rio de Janeiro consulate. He received it in 8 calendar days via courier to Goiania (interview 11/17, via received 11/25) and Thanksgiving was 11/24. The courier was overnight shipping, so to get it to the ASC in town it shouldn't take any longer. You have a good shot of it all working out.

Thanks. I have a good feeling that it will work out as planned!