Concerns About K1 Visa Timeline and Income Requirement for Filipina-American Couple

[DaisyJane 2]

Hello everyone, I hope you're all doing well. I am seeking advice and insights from those who have experience or knowledge about the K1 visa process. I am currently in a relationship with my American partner for four years, and he proposed to me in May 2022. We are thrilled about getting married and starting our lives together in the United States.

However, we have not yet applied for the K1 visa, mainly due to our concerns about the timeline and income requirement. As I am from the Philippines, I have heard that the visa processing can be lengthy, which worries us as we eagerly await the opportunity to be together permanently. Additionally, my partner is a freshly graduate engineer with about a year and a half of full-time work experience. While his income meets the requirement, we wonder if there is a specific duration of full-time work that must be met for approval.

Moreover, there is an added layer of apprehension due to my previous record of denial for a tourist visa in 2019. Although this is for a different visa category, I cannot help but worry if it might affect my chances for the K1 visa. We want to ensure that our application is strong and free from any potential hindrances, and any advice or guidance from those who have gone through similar experiences would be highly appreciated. Thank you all so much for your time and support.

[Crazy Cat 41,411]

1.  There is no required duration of work to qualify as a sponsor.

2.  Both the K-1 and CR-1 visa processes are lengthy.  Either could take as long as 18 months.

3.  A previous tourist visa denial due to lack of strong ties to home country (the reason for the vast majority) will have no negative effect on a K-1 or CR-1.

I assume you are aware of the limitations of a K-1 as compared to a CR-1????

[Redro 4,609]

3 hours ago, DaisyJane said:

Hello everyone, I hope you're all doing well. I am seeking advice and insights from those who have experience or knowledge about the K1 visa process. I am currently in a relationship with my American partner for four years, and he proposed to me in May 2022. We are thrilled about getting married and starting our lives together in the United States.

However, we have not yet applied for the K1 visa, mainly due to our concerns about the timeline and income requirement. As I am from the Philippines, I have heard that the visa processing can be lengthy, which worries us as we eagerly await the opportunity to be together permanently. Additionally, my partner is a freshly graduate engineer with about a year and a half of full-time work experience. While his income meets the requirement, we wonder if there is a specific duration of full-time work that must be met for approval.

Moreover, there is an added layer of apprehension due to my previous record of denial for a tourist visa in 2019. Although this is for a different visa category, I cannot help but worry if it might affect my chances for the K1 visa. We want to ensure that our application is strong and free from any potential hindrances, and any advice or guidance from those who have gone through similar experiences would be highly appreciated. Thank you all so much for your time and support.

If things stay the same for K1 out of the Philippines- income will only be shown in about 17 months or more (depending on when you can secure the interview). 

You can see the latest K1 times from VJ (petition to interview) here.

Most cases take about 500 days or more.  

The income requirements for the K1 are fairly easy to overcome so your fiance's income should be more than fine by the time you interview. 

Once you marry your fiance will have to complete an I864 when you arrive to the US. These requirements are a little more strict but he should have more than the required income as an engineer. 

Good luck! You should file the K1 as soon as possible as long as you've met once in person in the last 2 years.