AlwaysStressed

Thank you for the detailed insights. I understand that the new refugee status and current administration may impact processing times, and I appreciate the context regarding staffing and workload. Yikes, 4 months is a long wait though. That's worrying. A relief you made it through though. I'll continue monitoring the visa bulletin and tracking progress. Your experience with the K1 process is helpful, and I'll keep that in mind. I'm also looking into the Retention of South African Citizenship, as I’d prefer not to lose it during the process. Hopefully, the Constitutional Court will address this soon though, as it adds unnecessary stress. Thanks again for the well wishes, and I wish you the best as well fellow Saffa!

Although they are not processing through South Africa, their experiences with delays still offer some insight into the overall processing times and current backlogs, which helps me gauge what to expect. I prefer to be well prepared in advance.

I believe it's for the I-130 and they are a US Citizen. The case started in Nebraska, went to Texas and has been at Vermont Service Center for 6+ months . I was told by other people it's taking longer than expected due to backlogs and each case is being processed differently . Someone else said they were DQ'd on 24 July 2024. They've been waiting 8 months for a visa interview appointment date. I mean, this is scary if it's true. Thank you, I'll try not to stress about it. Might as well take a mental break from it.

If I may ask, what is your age difference ? I also have one. It's 5 years and I'm the older one. How long did the CR1 process for you take overall and what did you have to change so you could be approved ? Thank you for that advice. I have been moping about the stress and it can drag on in conversation. How did you cope through it all? What helped especially with the separation anxiety ?

No. Just the whole process timeline in general but the guy relaying that to me was angered by having it at 20 months. According to their post, it's still on the initial stage with no progress report if approved or not.

That's reassuring! Someone else on this thread let me know they had to wait 6 years but they had K1 involved as well which got denied. Beauracy is a nuisance - I'm not trying to be an ageist but I definitely am not looking at being old with aching bones by the time I start my married life. I'm already 5 years older than my partner (31 & 26). We've already gone a couple years at a distance. I'm tired and frustrated at this point.

That's why I'm panicking. I was under the impression, the UK was one of the fastest in terms of processing. If the UK is slow at the moment, what does that mean for SA? I'm assuming it's for the same visa because I asked specifically about IR1/CR1 and got those responses about other people's experiences. From what I understand, the 20 months they are referring to refers to their whole process timeline in total to date. I asked on the lawfully app so unfortunately, I can't link back to it. <Outside Link removed>

Was it 6 years overall for your long distance relationship or do you mean 6 years in the process? 😳 wow strong. Thank you. I'll take that advice. I guess I'm also having a hard time with the seperation again. It's always hardest after spending so much time together and the pain seems never ending sometimes.

Hi Does anyone know what the timeline is like at the moment for South Africa ? (IR1/CR1 Consular Process) Are there any backlogs? Does anyone have direct experience with this process ? I'm feeling a bit fear mongered if the reality is years upon years of backlogs and waiting times. One person from the UK said they've been waiting 20 months with no progress. Another dealing with the Barbados Embassy had to wait 4 years. I understand immigration isn't a quick process but that's concerning considering these are people's lives being put on hold. I don't understand how it's expected for people to have a healthy marriage in this way or a life at all... If this happens, is it possible to contact a congressman? What would be a resolution ?

Thank you for that clear explanation. I hope SA isn't too backlogged with nightmarish delays. I'll look into it. Good luck to you too!

Yes, I completely understand this. I think my question is being misinterpreted. To clarify, I'm focusing on timeline difference specifically between spouses already in the US, for instance on an F1 visa and foreign spouses in their home country while the application is being processed. The person who is waiting 2.5 years does not have their spouse in the states yet (Consular). They're waiting for the visa to be approved in order to bring them over legally. NO FRAUDULENT INTENT. On the other hand, another person who already has a spouse in the states on an F1 with AOS received their visa in under 16 months... Which makes me wonder if that makes a difference in terms of timeline..

Yes, I completely understand this. I think my question is being misinterpreted. To clarify, I'm focusing on timeline difference specifically between spouses already in the US, for instance on an F1 visa and foreign spouses in their home country while the application is being processed. The person who is waiting 2.5 years does not have their spouse in the states yet (Consular). They're waiting for the visa to be approved in order to bring them over legally. NO FRAUDULENT INTENT. On the other hand, another person who already has a spouse in the states on an F1 with AOS received their visa in under 16 months... Which makes me wonder if that makes a difference in terms of timeline..

Hi guys Is it true that the IR1/CR1 visa can take as long as +2 years if the foreign spouse is not in the US? I saw someone say they're on 2.5 and it's quicker if the spouse is already in the states? That's such a long wait...excruciating..

The foreign spouse lives with immediate family but isn't close due to years of neglect, cultural differences, and bullying. They prefer to cite cultural differences/privacy concerns if asked, avoiding in-depth discussion. The US spouse is aware of this and has witnessed it via video calls. They also have evidence the foreign spouse was never married before and they have known each other for a long time. The marriage is genuine. The US citizen’s family knows and approves of the marriage. Surely, this can’t still raise suspicion or denial? It’s difficult for the foreign spouse to discuss, and privacy regarding past traumas should be respected. Many US marriages follow similiar patterns (elopement/estrangement)...

Could it raise a red flag with USCIS if the foreign spouse comes from a strict cultural background (with privacy concerns) and their family is unaware of the U.S. spouse? Could this become an issue during the Consulate interview, particularly if they ask why the U.S. spouse's family is aware of the relationship, but the foreign spouse's family is not or seems disinterested in that part of the foreign spouse's life?