K-1 Processing Times for Thailand (How long before I start moving?!)

[Orientalelf 50]

Hello Everyone,

 

So, before you direct me to the Forums K-1 Processing Times I just wanted to get an overall opinion of how long it took for you to complete the whole process?

My fiance and I (after reading forums, experiences etc.) have estimated it to take (worst case scenario) around 12 months to have the visa in -my- hand.

I've read some Thai filers from 2016/2017 to have about a 6-8 month process though? 

I'd just like an idea so I can plan it around quitting my job, shipping items, visiting family etc. before I have to leave Thailand! 

Thank you  

 

[geowrian 22,337]

The I-129F alone is taking 6-7 months, and does not vary considerably between country of interview. Then another month or so for NVC, then 1-3 months depending on embassy. Expect 9-12 months on average.

[bakphx1 789]

If you haven't filed yet, seriously consider the CR1.  The K1 only used to have the speed advantage, but not these days.  

[sfcscott 34]

As you can see from my signature below, it only took us 90 days to get though the K-1 process.  That was a year and a half ago, so I am not sure how things might have changed since then.   I would like to comment that during our journey, I spoke with others that had filed at the same time and everyone was different.  I really believe it all depends on your situation and a little luck on how fast your application will be processed.   I would also like to add that the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok appears to be reasonably efficient.  Good luck on your journey.  

 

Scott

[Orientalelf 50]

12 hours ago, sfcscott said:

As you can see from my signature below, it only took us 90 days to get though the K-1 process.  That was a year and a half ago, so I am not sure how things might have changed since then.   I would like to comment that during our journey, I spoke with others that had filed at the same time and everyone was different.  I really believe it all depends on your situation and a little luck on how fast your application will be processed.   I would also like to add that the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok appears to be reasonably efficient.  Good luck on your journey.  

 

Scott

Thank you Scott, your posts always give me hope  

[DanielPlainview 368]

I noticed the same thing.........I have only rec'd the NOA1.   Seems the longest wait is for NOA2.   Folks that filed in 2016 and before seem to get that cleared in a month on average.   The more recent ones I've seen from later in 2017 seem to have jumped up to 6 months.    I have seen on the estimate page it will take 5-6 months.    I submitted divorce decree with my package, and that's the only "complication" on our application.   Very strange that they went from a one month average to a six month average inside of 12 months or so.    Particularly when the new "extreme vetting" rules seem to apply to the State Dept interviews rather than the I129F process.

 

[geowrian 22,337]

39 minutes ago, DanielPlainview said:

I noticed the same thing.........I have only rec'd the NOA1.   Seems the longest wait is for NOA2.   Folks that filed in 2016 and before seem to get that cleared in a month on average.   The more recent ones I've seen from later in 2017 seem to have jumped up to 6 months.    I have seen on the estimate page it will take 5-6 months.    I submitted divorce decree with my package, and that's the only "complication" on our application.   Very strange that they went from a one month average to a six month average inside of 12 months or so.    Particularly when the new "extreme vetting" rules seem to apply to the State Dept interviews rather than the I129F process.

Very shortly after the election is when the backlogs started growing rapidly. People were spooked and decided it was time to file for visas and naturalization (which happens after major elections all the time). There was a sudden influx in petitions along with any turnover and such internally.

 

It has nothing to do with extreme vetting or any policies put in place. The trend started before inauguration, peeked around mid (Edit) late 2017, and has been fairly stable since then.

AOS interviews are also backlogged, but that is partially due to the influx of petitions along with a policy change requiring interviews for some classes that did not need them previously, resulting in a slowdown.

Edited September 7, 2018 by geowrian

[DanielPlainview 368]

4 minutes ago, geowrian said:

The trend started before inauguration, peeked around mid-2017, and has been fairly stable since then.

AOS interviews are also backlogged, but that is partially due to the influx of petitions along with a policy change requiring interviews for some classes that did not need them previously, resulting in a slowdown.

Interesting..........so seems any hope for a result before 6 months is a pipe dream.   I'll plan on cooling my heels for a while.

Thanks for the response geowrian. 

[DanielPlainview 368]

7 minutes ago, geowrian said:

Very shortly after the election is when the backlogs started growing rapidly. People were spooked and decided it was time to file for visas and naturalization (which happens after major elections all the time). There was a sudden influx in petitions along with any turnover and such internally.

 

Just noticed the dates on your timeline.   NOA1 on  12/14/2017 and NOA2 on 3/30/2018  ....with an RFI thrown in.......seems outstanding.  (assume that NOA2 date is supposed to be 2018, and not 2017)   Daim, you must have done something right !!

[geowrian 22,337]

1 minute ago, DanielPlainview said:

Just noticed the dates on your timeline.   NOA1 on  12/14/2017 and NOA2 on 3/30/2018  ....with an RFI thrown in.......seems outstanding.  (assume that NOA2 date is supposed to be 2018, and not 2017)   Daim, you must have done something right !!

Yeah, we were fairly fortunate. The bulk of people that filed 1 month sooner than us had ~30-40 day NOA2s! It fluctuates so much from year to year...

Edited September 7, 2018 by geowrian

[JoelThai 313]

On 2/10/2018 at 7:44 PM, Orientalelf said:

Hello Everyone,

 

So, before you direct me to the Forums K-1 Processing Times I just wanted to get an overall opinion of how long it took for you to complete the whole process?

My fiance and I (after reading forums, experiences etc.) have estimated it to take (worst case scenario) around 12 months to have the visa in -my- hand.

 

We filed the I-129F Dec 26, 2017 (NOA1 Notice Jan 02, 2018) and received Visa in hand Sept 21, 2018 hitting a week shy of 10 months total.

 

This chart provides a good window into what is currently happening with current Thai K1 applicants.

 

http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/k1list.php?cfl=0&op1=b&op2=&op3=1&op4=1&op5=5,6,8,10,11,13,14,15,16,17,18,20,21,22,25,26,27,28,108,110,111,208,210,211&op6=All&op66=All&op7=Thailand&dfile=No&adv=0

[DanielPlainview 368]

Huge Congrats JoelThai!!!!    And thanks for that link.......excellent information as always.    Besides Siri and Chris who managed a 60 day turnaround on the NOA2, seems that the average is running about 265 days or about 9 months.    That's actually really good planning info.   

 

[Orientalelf 50]

18 hours ago, JoelThai said:

 

We filed the I-129F Dec 26, 2017 (NOA1 Notice Jan 02, 2018) and received Visa in hand Sept 21, 2018 hitting a week shy of 10 months total.

 

This chart provides a good window into what is currently happening with current Thai K1 applicants.

 

http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/k1list.php?cfl=0&op1=b&op2=&op3=1&op4=1&op5=5,6,8,10,11,13,14,15,16,17,18,20,21,22,25,26,27,28,108,110,111,208,210,211&op6=All&op66=All&op7=Thailand&dfile=No&adv=0

Yes congratulations on such a speedy approval and process!

Currently I am waiting for my NOA2, it was estimated to be received around the 3rd week of September, but so far nothing. I'm hoping by October we hear something, however, even that seems unlikely at this point.
 

[JoelThai 313]

10 hours ago, Orientalelf said:

Yes congratulations on such a speedy approval and process!

Currently I am waiting for my NOA2, it was estimated to be received around the 3rd week of September, but so far nothing. I'm hoping by October we hear something, however, even that seems unlikely at this point.
 

I think something will happen soon.   I know this is the most difficult time, waiting for something when it is about due.  Hang in there and try to keep busy.

 

Now is a good time to send your Fiancee to request the Thai Police Certificate as standard processing takes about 6 weeks for delivery.   Also make sure to complete any necessary vaccinations.   Also, if you have not done so already, begin work on assembling your Packet 3 and Packet 4 along with your evidence of ongoing relationship.    Good luck, things will start moving at a quicker pace soon for you I hope.

Edited September 25, 2018 by JoelThai

[DanielPlainview 368]

We're very pleased with the NOA2 timing.   140 days from NOA1.   Now we're looking at about two weeks until it gets to the NVC, based on others timeline data here on VJ.   Someone mentioned that NVC sends applications out in batches to Embassy's every two weeks, so next one is Feb 5 then Feb 19.   Another week to the Embassy, so we're hopeful we'll be sending Packet 3 around March 1.   Unfortunately, the statistics on BKK interviews are not as promising............we were hoping for a March interview, but looking more like April based on these times.   Hso we're guessing an April interview.   

 

 

Recent BKK interviews.