K-1 Visa Question

[cryptic4798 0]

Hi everyone! So my fiancee and I are planning on applying for the k-1 visa towards the end of this year. We know it will take any where from 12-15 months to ultimately get the visa. We have pictures of our engagement as well as other proof like messages, calls as well as my boarding pass/card. My question basically is this. Once the visa is approved it there anymore verification that takes place or is that all that they do? We want to ultimately do some of the wedding functions in Pakistan and are wondering if we are able to do them before my fiancee comes to the United States. Any help would be greatly appreciated. 

[hplusj 135]

When you reach the point where your petition is improved and your case moves to the NVC, you then have to put in the actual K-1 application (DS-160) and during the interview present any updates to show your relationship remains bona fide.

 

You may actually want to consider the spouse visa if your interests lie in having any wedding celebrations prior to her coming to the US.  It's a different timeline that requires processing to occur after marriage, but my understanding is that acquiring a green card/work auth/naturalizing all take far less time overall.  Might be worth researching, particularly if you haven't put in the I-129F yet. 

 

Check out recent conversations on the forums, there's a good argument to be had for going this way instead.

[Boiler 45,481]

Your best bet will be to marry in Pakistan and file a spousal visa.

 

K1 is when you want to marry in the US.

[Crazy Cat 41,844]

7 hours ago, cryptic4798 said:

We want to ultimately do some of the wedding functions in Pakistan and are wondering if we are able to do them before my fiancee comes to the United States

Not allowed.  A K-1 must marry inside the US first.  Anything appearing to be a marriage before the visa holder enters the US could void the visa.  A better plan is to marry outside the US, then start the spousal visa (CR-1) process.

Edited April 27 by Crazy Cat

[Dashinka 24,492]

I agree with the other responses.  Since you haven’t filed anything yet, and it appears there is a desire to have a traditional wedding, you might be better off with a spousal visa.  Overall, a spousal visa is quite a bit cheaper, and much superior over the K1.

 

Good Luck!

[cryptic4798 0]

6 hours ago, hplusj said:

When you reach the point where your petition is improved and your case moves to the NVC, you then have to put in the actual K-1 application (DS-160) and during the interview present any updates to show your relationship remains bona fide.

 

You may actually want to consider the spouse visa if your interests lie in having any wedding celebrations prior to her coming to the US.  It's a different timeline that requires processing to occur after marriage, but my understanding is that acquiring a green card/work auth/naturalizing all take far less time overall.  Might be worth researching, particularly if you haven't put in the I-129F yet. 

 

Check out recent conversations on the forums, there's a good argument to be had for going this way instead.

Thank you for the response. The main issue with the spouse visa is that its currently taking anywhere from 4-5 years to process from submitting application to approval of visa. 

[Boiler 45,481]

It is?

[cryptic4798 0]

1 minute ago, Boiler said:

It is?

Yes, One of my close friends had applied in 2021 and is still waiting for an interview. The average time is about 4-5 years. 

[Boiler 45,481]

3 minutes ago, cryptic4798 said:

Yes, One of my close friends had applied in 2021 and is still waiting for an interview. The average time is about 4-5 years. 

In AP?

[cryptic4798 0]

3 minutes ago, Boiler said:

In AP?

No i believe he is in not AP he is just waiting for an interview date. But its been about 3 years since he started the process. The problem is the Islamabad embassy, they are taking more time since they have a big backlog of cases. 

[hplusj 135]

7 hours ago, cryptic4798 said:

No i believe he is in not AP he is just waiting for an interview date. But its been about 3 years since he started the process. The problem is the Islamabad embassy, they are taking more time since they have a big backlog of cases. 

Why would the K-1 be any faster?  Bizarre.

[SalishSea 17,823]

12 hours ago, cryptic4798 said:

Thank you for the response. The main issue with the spouse visa is that its currently taking anywhere from 4-5 years to process from submitting application to approval of visa. 

K-1 for Pakistan will be no quicker than a spousal visa.

 

especially with the denial you will get if you do “wedding functions” first.

12 hours ago, cryptic4798 said:

No i believe he is in not AP he is just waiting for an interview date. But it’s been about 3 years since he started the process. The problem is the Islamabad embassy, they are taking more time since they have a big backlog of cases. 

You do realize that k-1s would be subject to the same backlogs at that embassy?

Edited April 28 by SalishSea

[cryptic4798 0]

1 hour ago, SalishSea said:

K-1 for Pakistan will be no quicker than a spousal visa.

 

especially with the denial you will get if you do “wedding functions” first.

You do realize that k-1s would be subject to the same backlogs at that embassy?

I was told they are handled by two different divisions…