How Long Does It Take to Get a K-1 Visa?
The fiancé visa process currently takes 6 months
How long is the K-1 processing time 2023?
The K-1 visa currently takes 6 months for applicants applying today, according to Boundless partner Track My Visa Now. Boundless has partnered with Track My Visa Now to bring you more up-to-date timing on I-129F processing times.
Keep reading to find out the individual processing times for each stage of the K-1 visa application.
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How long does it take for Form I-129F to be approved?
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) releases processing times each quarter for all forms, including Form I-129F. Currently, the agency’s reported wait time for Form I-129F is 12.2 months.
However, according to Boundless partner Track My Visa Now, which tracks wait times in real time, it currently take an average of 6 months for USCIS to approve Form I-129F.
The first step for an eligible couple is for the U.S. citizen fiancé to file Form I-129F with USCIS. The primary purpose of this form is to prove the validity of the relationship. For more information about what to include in Form I-129F, see the Boundless K-1 overview guide.
After the form and supporting documents are filed, USCIS will typically send a receipt notice within 30 days. USCIS may also send a Request for Evidence (RFE) if they need more information. After Form I-129F is approved, USCIS will send an approval notice.
Timelines are difficult to predict, so we include different estimates here to keep you fully informed.
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What is next after USCIS approves Form I-129F?
After Form I-129F is approved, USCIS notifies the National Visa Center (NVC) to take over processing the application.
The NVC stage currently takes an average of 7 months, but can differ significantly based on your home country.
After the I-129F fiancé sponsorship form is approved, the sponsored fiancé receives a notice from the U.S. Embassy or consulate in their home country, including the date and location of their visa interview and a list of required documents. Boundless refers to this as the U.S. Embassy Packet of Instructions.
The sponsored fiancé must also complete the State Department’s online DS-160 form (technically called the “Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application”). This is the actual K-1 visa application, and it’s very important to print the confirmation page once the form has been submitted online.
Here is a breakdown of current embassy processing times based on feedback from over 1,000 Boundless couples:
| Embassy Processing Times (Months) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Country | Average | Minimum | Maximum |
| Brazil | 6 | 2 | 17 |
| Canada | 8 | 5 | 13 |
| China | 3 | 0 | 6 |
| Colombia | 8 | 0 | 20 |
| Dominican Republic | 6 | 2 | 24 |
| India | 5 | 2 | 8 |
| Indonesia | 10 | 4 | 16 |
| Mexico | 6 | 0 | 9 |
| Nigeria | 9 | 1 | 26 |
| Philippines | 16 | 1 | 30 |
| Russia | 6 | 2 | 12 |
| Thailand | 5 | 0 | 23 |
| Ukraine | 3 | 2 | 7 |
| United Kingdom | 6 | 2 | 23 |
| Vietnam | 10 | 7 | 13 |
How long is the wait for the K-1 visa interview?
The current wait for the K-1 visa interview is on average 1 month.
The fiancé attends the visa interview at the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate in their home country.
The interviewing officer generally makes their decision at the interview or soon thereafter. Sometimes they require additional evidence, in which case they will ask that it be submitted directly to the U.S.Embassy or consulate.
Is timing a concern for you? If so, Boundless can help you choose the right visa. Learn more.
K1 to AOS Timeline
Once your K-1 visa is approved, you have 90 days to enter the United States and get married. Once married, you will need to apply for adjustment of status (AOS) to switch to a marriage green card. The K1 to AOS timeline is currently 10–23 months, but it can be longer depending on your situation.
Boundless helps you build a tailored visa plan for every step of the process, from forms to your immigration interview. Get started today!