Scheduling Process For K1 visa

[some1 0]

Hi everyone,

 

I’m currently in the process of preparing for the K-1 visa application and would greatly appreciate some guidance on the scheduling process for the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Paris.

 

Here’s my situation:

 

• I plan to file the I-129F petition in May 2025.
• My goal is to schedule the visa interview for early May 2026, as I want to ensure the visa remains valid for entry while also avoiding scheduling it too early or too late.
• I understand that after USCIS approves the petition (likely between November 2025 to January 2026), the case will be transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC), which will then send the instructions for scheduling the interview.
• We hope to get married late October 2026, but I’d like the visa to be issued by June 2026, as the petitioner’s legal status in the beneficiary’s country will expire in July 2026 (study in France and must finish her program). This is important because we don’t want to be separated for too long and want to make sure we can stay together during this process.

 

 

What I’m uncertain about:

 

• Can my fiancé schedule the interview himself once the NVC instructions are received? If so, what is the usual range of available dates for scheduling the appointment? If the petition is approved in January 2026, can he select a later date (e.g., 6 months after approval), or will the embassy schedule the interview for him automatically?
• Since I’m aiming to schedule the interview for May 2026, I’m concerned about waiting too long and potentially having my K1 rejected if I apply too early.
• How much time do we have to schedule the interview, and will there be a window of time to choose the best date?

 

 

Thanks so much for your help! I really appreciate any insights or advice you can share.

[NorthByNorthwest 430]

26 minutes ago, some1 said:

Hi everyone,

 

I’m currently in the process of preparing for the K-1 visa application and would greatly appreciate some guidance on the scheduling process for the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Paris.

 

Here’s my situation:

 

• I plan to file the I-129F petition in May 2025.
• My goal is to schedule the visa interview for early May 2026, as I want to ensure the visa remains valid for entry while also avoiding scheduling it too early or too late.

 

There are many factors that affect the timeline, such as which service center ends up processing the application and overall workload. It is highly unlikely that you'll have any control over an interview date other than perhaps a 3 month window once your case gets to that stage. 

 

If the beneficiary has a July 2026 deadline for being out of current country of residence I'd file for I-129F ASAP and worry about the rest later.

 

[smilingstone 277]

You really can't plan out a schedule like this. You should get in the mindset that it may take 12+ months to get approval, and then it is anyone's guess as to when the interview will be arranged, visa received, travel planned, etc. 

 

There are many factors that could cause delays on processing, namely RFEs but more recently reported potential staff cuts within USCIS which, if this happens, will no doubt have an impact on processing timeframes.

 

The majority of K1s have to continue our relationships while apart from our partners before approval, this is just the reality of the situation. It is probably best that you both come to terms with this becoming your reality also. If it isn't, then that would be amazing for you.

 

Good luck.  

[JeanneAdil 6,856]

You can not plan timeline for this proceedure / the bene will need criminal report from France (and home country) so if she has to leave before all is complete, make sure she has the report in hand 

[Boiler 46,758]

You make it sound you are both in France?

[some1 0]

8 hours ago, Boiler said:

You make it sound you are both in France?

Yes we both currently reside in France 

[Boiler 46,758]

Better to marry also look at Domicile and joint sponsor