K1 Visa still no decision months after interview

[frustratedaboutk1 0]

I followed all the processes to bring my fiancée to the US by applying for a k1 Visa. We have known each other for 3 years, met on an online dating website and I have seen each other in person at least 2 times as required. She is from Venezuela and is currently living in Ecuador. Had to move there because Venezuela ended diplomatic relations with the US and closed its embassy. The process was slow but moved till the day of her interview at the Guayaquil Consulate in Ecuador (4.5 months ago). At the interview, she was asked several questions about our relationship and it ended inconclusively because they needed a police report from her. This police report was not currently being issued by the government of Ecuador to foreigners so she got a letter saying this report can't be obtained and mail it back to the Guayaquil consulate following their instructions. 

About 2 months after the interview she received a phone call from the consulate asking for pictures as evidence of our relationship and also a picture of my passport. I don't know why they asked for it then because she brought all that to the interview before.

Fast forward 90 days later I wrote to the Guayaquil Consulate to see what was going on and the reply was a typical burocratic one: "We are working on your case. Can't give any details. We will let you know".

Now has been almost 5 months (150 days) and still no decision. When we check the status of the visa application keeps reading "NO STATUS" since the day of the interview.  At this point, we are just losing it. This is cruel. My fiancée had to relocate to a foreign country where she has no social connections, no family or friends, and can't work legally. I support her from the US but it's taking a toll on us. The medical exam she was asked to bring to the interview is valid for only 6 months. Will they let it expire with their incompetence and slowness? 

Does anyone have any idea of what to expect here or what to do? Thank you for your time reading about our situation!

 

[SalishSea 17,826]

5 minutes ago, frustratedaboutk1 said:

I followed all the processes to bring my fiancée to the US by applying for a k1 Visa. We have known each other for 3 years, met on an online dating website and I have seen each other in person at least 2 times as required. She is from Venezuela and is currently living in Ecuador. Had to move there because Venezuela ended diplomatic relations with the US and closed its embassy. The process was slow but moved till the day of her interview at the Guayaquil Consulate in Ecuador (4.5 months ago). At the interview, she was asked several questions about our relationship and it ended inconclusively because they needed a police report from her. This police report was not currently being issued by the government of Ecuador to foreigners so she got a letter saying this report can't be obtained and mail it back to the Guayaquil consulate following their instructions. 

About 2 months after the interview she received a phone call from the consulate asking for pictures as evidence of our relationship and also a picture of my passport. I don't know why they asked for it then because she brought all that to the interview before.

Fast forward 90 days later I wrote to the Guayaquil Consulate to see what was going on and the reply was a typical burocratic one: "We are working on your case. Can't give any details. We will let you know".

Now has been almost 5 months (150 days) and still no decision. When we check the status of the visa application keeps reading "NO STATUS" since the day of the interview.  At this point, we are just losing it. This is cruel. My fiancée had to relocate to a foreign country where she has no social connections, no family or friends, and can't work legally. I support her from the US but it's taking a toll on us. The medical exam she was asked to bring to the interview is valid for only 6 months. Will they let it expire with their incompetence and slowness? 

Does anyone have any idea of what to expect here or what to do? Thank you for your time reading about our situation!

 

She is in what is called administrative processing, and there is nothing you can do until they are finished with the background checks and vetting.  It is what it is.

 

If the medical expires, they will ask for another one.

[Crazy Cat 41,845]

8 minutes ago, frustratedaboutk1 said:

Will they let it expire with their incompetence and slowness? 

Medical exams expire after 6 months.... meaning she will have to get a new one.   @Jorgedig is correct.  You just have to wait.

Edited August 4, 2022 by Crazy Cat

[frustratedaboutk1 0]

16 minutes ago, Jorgedig said:

She is in what is called administrative processing, and there is nothing you can do until they are finished with the background checks and vetting.  It is what it is.

 

If the medical expires, they will ask for another one.

Would you know why the status doesn't change to "Administrative processing" or any other? Thanks!

[frustratedaboutk1 0]

If the medical exam expires we have to pay again even if it's their fault to take so long "processing"? 

[SalishSea 17,826]

4 minutes ago, frustratedaboutk1 said:

Would you know why the status doesn't change to "Administrative processing" or any other? Thanks!

The status does not always reflect reality.  In fact, nothing much is certain until it changes to "ISSUED."

Just now, frustratedaboutk1 said:

If the medical exam expires we have to pay again even if it's their fault to take so long "processing"? 

Yes, of course.

 

Just like if a visa is denied, there is no refund.

[Crazy Cat 41,845]

7 minutes ago, frustratedaboutk1 said:

If the medical exam expires we have to pay again even if it's their fault to take so long "processing"? 

Of course.  The consulate doesn't receive the money for the exam.  The medical professional who provides the service does. 

By the way, slow background checks are not the fault of the US consulate.  They are done by outside and foreign agencies.

Edited August 4, 2022 by Crazy Cat

[frustratedaboutk1 0]

Of the similar cases you may know can you guys tell me an average wait time and the longest wait time you have heard of?  Thank you so much for your quick answers!

[Crazy Cat 41,845]

12 minutes ago, frustratedaboutk1 said:

Would you know why the status doesn't change to "Administrative processing" or any other? Thanks!

Administrative Processing can take many forms.  The result is the same regardless of what "status" it indicates.  Hopefully, they will give you good news soon.

[frustratedaboutk1 0]

I wonder why the official didn't keep the photos and information my fiancée brought to the interview and then it was requested months later by phone. 

[mk3390 2]

Have you tried contacting your senators and/or representative? Embassies belong to the Department of State, a federal agency, and they may be able to help. I have no experience with embassies, but it's just a thought...

[frustratedaboutk1 0]

20 hours ago, frustratedaboutk1 said:

average wait

I would but my district representative passed away and there is nobody till the next elections. We are doomed I'm telling you...

[Crazy Cat 41,845]

14 minutes ago, frustratedaboutk1 said:

I would but my district representative passed away and there is nobody till the next elections. We are doomed I'm telling you...

You have 2 United States Senators. 

[mk3390 2]

His/her office should still be open -- they may have an interim, and office staff usually do the work. Also, as posted above, I would contact both senators. You can use a website like the one below if you need help figuring out who's representing you in congress.

 

https://whoaremyrepresentatives.org/

[Cathi 5,747]

23 hours ago, frustratedaboutk1 said:

 I have seen each other in person at least 2 times as required.

 

There is no requirement to see each other twice before filing the K-1. The requirement is that you must have seen each other in person, within 2 years prior to filing the petition.