By: Law Offices of Daniel Shanfield February 22, 2022

How Long Does It Take To Get a Fiance Visa?

What is the K-1 Visa Fiancé(e)?

The K-1 visa, commonly known as the Fiancé(e) Visa, is a nonimmigrant visa issued to the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a United States citizen. This visa permits the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) to travel to the United States to marry their U.S. citizen sponsor within 90 days of arrival. After the marriage, the foreign-citizen can apply for an adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (commonly referred to as getting a Green Card).

What is the Fiancé Visa Process?

This process involves several steps, each contributing to the overall timeline:

1. Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) (Form I-129F)

Filing the Petition: The U.S. citizen sponsor must file Form I-129F with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form demonstrates the intent to marry and provides evidence of your relationship.
Processing Time: As of the latest updates, processing times for Form I-129F can vary significantly, typically ranging from 6 to 9 months, depending on the USCIS service center’s workload.

2. National Visa Center (NVC) Processing

After USCIS approves the I-129F petition, it is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC conducts preliminary processing and forwards the case to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your fiancé(e)’s country.
NVC Processing Time: This stage usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks.

3. Visa Application and Interview

Visa Application: Your fiancé(e) will need to complete the DS-160 online visa application and gather the necessary documentation, including proof of relationship, financial support, and medical examination results.
Interview: After submitting the DS-160, your fiancé(e) will schedule an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The timing for the interview can vary widely based on the embassy’s schedule and the specific country.
Processing Time: Post-interview, if the visa is approved, it can take a few weeks for the visa to be processed and issued.

4. Entering the U.S. and Marriage

Once the K-1 visa is issued, your fiancé(e) has up to 6 months to enter the United States. You must marry within 90 days of their arrival.

5. Adjustment of Status

Following the marriage, your spouse can apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident. This process has its own timeline, generally taking an additional 6 to 12 months.

How Long Does It Take To Get a Fiance Visa?

The timeline for obtaining a K-1 visa, commonly known as the fiancé(e) visa, can be influenced by a variety of factors. Understanding these can help you better anticipate delays and navigate the process more efficiently. Here’s a closer look at some of the key factors that can affect the K-1 visa timeline:

1. USCIS Processing Times

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processing times for the initial petition (Form I-129F) can vary widely depending on the service center’s workload, staffing levels, and other operational factors. These times are subject to change and can significantly impact the overall timeline.

2. Accuracy and Completeness of Application

Applications that are incomplete or contain errors may be delayed or rejected. Ensuring that all forms are accurately completed and that all required documentation is included can help avoid unnecessary delays.

3. Embassy or Consulate Processing Times

Once USCIS approves the petition, it’s forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) and then to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the fiancé(e)’s country. Processing times can vary significantly from one embassy or consulate to another, influenced by local conditions, staffing, and the volume of visa applications.

4. Scheduling the Interview

The availability of interview slots at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate can also affect the timeline. High demand or limited staffing may lead to longer wait times for an interview date.

5. External Factors

Global or local events such as pandemics, natural disasters, policy changes, or political instability can impact processing times. These factors can affect operations at USCIS, NVC, and U.S. Embassies or Consulates, leading to potential delays.

6. Background Checks and Security Clearances

Extensive background checks and security clearances are standard for K-1 visa applicants. Any issues or complexities arising during these checks can extend the processing time. Factors such as a common name, a history of travel to certain countries, or previous visa denials can lead to more detailed investigations.

7. Medical and Administrative Processing

After the interview, additional medical examinations or administrative processing may be required, which can add time to the overall visa issuance.

8. Response Times to Requests for Evidence (RFE)

If USCIS or the embassy requests additional evidence or documentation, the time it takes for the applicant or sponsor to respond can affect the timeline. Prompt responses can help minimize these delays.

Navigating the K-1 visa process requires patience and attention to detail. Being proactive about understanding and addressing these factors can help reduce the stress and uncertainty associated with the fiancé(e) visa process. Working with an experienced immigration attorney can also provide guidance and support, helping to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible.

Why Is This Timeline Different From the Processing Times Published By USCIS?

The timeline for obtaining a K-1 fiancé(e) visa can often differ from the processing times published by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) due to several reasons. Understanding these discrepancies is important for setting realistic expectations about the visa application process. Here are the key factors contributing to the variance:

1. Comprehensive Process Involvement

The USCIS-published processing times primarily reflect the duration of the review and adjudication of the initial petition (Form I-129F). However, the overall timeline for obtaining a K-1 visa involves multiple stages beyond the initial USCIS processing, including National Visa Center (NVC) processing, embassy or consulate processing, interview scheduling, and potential administrative processing. Each stage adds to the total time from application to visa issuance.

2. Variability in Embassy or Consulate Processing

After USCIS approval, the process relies heavily on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the fiancé(e)’s home country. Processing times can vary significantly between different diplomatic posts based on local staffing, demand, and procedures, and these factors are not reflected in the USCIS’s published processing times.

3. External Factors

Unforeseen circumstances such as global pandemics, natural disasters, or changes in immigration policy can affect processing speeds at all stages of the process. These external factors can introduce delays not accounted for in the standard processing times provided by USCIS.

4. Individual Case Complexity

The specifics of an individual’s case can also affect processing times. Factors such as the need for additional evidence (Request for Evidence, or RFE), detailed security checks due to travel history or other concerns, and the completeness and accuracy of the application can influence the duration of the visa process. More straightforward cases may be processed more quickly than those requiring additional scrutiny.

5. Administrative Processing

Some applications may undergo additional administrative processing after the visa interview. This security measure can take several weeks or months, depending on the case’s specifics. This additional processing time is not included in the initial USCIS processing estimates.

What Is The 2-Year Rule For a K-1 Visa?

The mention of a “2-year rule” in the context of a K-1 visa seems to be a mix-up with other immigration or visa statuses. For K-1 visas, specifically, there isn’t a “2-year rule” like the one that applies to J-1 exchange visitors, who may be subject to a two-year home-country physical presence requirement after their exchange visitor program ends.

However, it’s important to clarify what the K-1 fiancé(e) visa entails and the relevant timelines associated with it:

K-1 Visa Duration: Once a K-1 visa is issued, the fiancé(e) must enter the United States within 6 months from visa issuance date.
90-Day Marriage Requirement: After entering the U.S., the couple has 90 days to get married. Failure to marry within this timeframe can lead to the need for the fiancé(e) to leave the United States, as the K-1 status cannot be extended.
Adjustment of Status: Following the marriage, the next critical step is for the K-1 visa holder to file for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) to become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). This process does not have a “2-year rule,” but the timing for filing and the duration of the process can vary.

The confusion might arise with the conditional green card, which is somewhat related:

Conditional Permanent Residence: If the marriage is less than two years old when the green card is granted, the foreign spouse receives conditional permanent residence, which is valid for two years.
Removing Conditions: To remove the conditions on residence and maintain permanent resident status, the couple must file Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) during the 90 days before the second anniversary of the foreign spouse’s conditional green card issuance. Failure to timely file for the removal of conditions can result in the loss of permanent resident status.

In summary, while there isn’t a “2-year rule” directly associated with the K-1 visa itself, there is a significant two-year mark for couples to consider when the foreign spouse is granted conditional permanent residence. This timeline ensures the foreign spouse can transition to unconditional permanent resident status.

How Much Money Do You Need To Sponsor a K1 Visa?

To sponsor a K-1 visa, the U.S. citizen petitioner must demonstrate the ability to support their fiancé(e) financially. This requirement ensures that the fiancé(e) will not become dependent on public benefits after moving to the United States. The financial requirement is based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines, which are updated annually by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Minimum Income Requirement

The U.S. citizen sponsor must have an income of at least 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size to sponsor a K-1 visa. However, once the fiancé(e) arrives in the U.S. and applies for Adjustment of Status (to obtain a Green Card), the income requirement increases to 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

For example, for the year 2023, the 100% guideline for a household of two (the sponsor and the fiancé(e)) in most states was $17,420 per year. For the Adjustment of Status phase, the requirement would be 125% of this figure, or $21,775.

Factors to Consider

Household Size: The sponsor’s household size includes the sponsor, the fiancé(e), any dependent children, and any other dependents for whom the sponsor has financial responsibility.
Location: Residents of Alaska and Hawaii have higher income requirements due to the higher cost of living in those states.
Military Sponsors: Active-duty military members only need to meet 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, even during the Adjustment of Status phase, for their spouse and children.

What Counts as Income?

Income can include wages, salaries, tips, certain types of self-employment earnings, pensions, retirement benefits, and any other lawful sources of income. The sponsor can also include income from the intending immigrant if it will continue from the same source after immigration and if it is lawful employment.

Using Assets to Meet the Requirement

If the sponsor does not meet the income requirements through earnings, it’s possible to use assets to make up the difference. Assets such as savings, stocks, bonds, and property can be considered, but the total value of the assets must be equal to at least three times the difference between the sponsor’s income and the required income level for visa issuance. For the Adjustment of Status phase, assets must equal five times the difference.

Joint Sponsors

Using a joint sponsor is not generally an option for a K-1 visa. Unlike some other visa categories, the U.S. citizen petitioner must meet the financial requirement on their own.

Who Can Bring a Fiancé to The U.S. On a K-1 Visa?

To bring a fiancé(e) to the United States on a K-1 visa, the petitioner must meet specific requirements set by U.S. immigration law. Here are the key criteria that the U.S. citizen petitioner must fulfill:

1. U.S. Citizenship

The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen. Permanent residents (green card holders) are not eligible to bring a fiancé(e) to the U.S. using a K-1 visa.

2. Intent to Marry Within 90 Days

The couple must intend to marry within 90 days of the fiancé(e)’s arrival in the U.S. on the K-1 visa. Both parties must be legally free to marry (i.e., single, divorced, or widowed) and intend to establish a life together.

3. Proof of a Genuine Relationship

The petitioner and the fiancé(e) must prove that their relationship is bona fide. This typically involves providing evidence of ongoing communication, in-person meetings, shared experiences, and plans for the future. U.S. immigration authorities require that the couple have met in person at least once within the two years prior to filing the K-1 visa petition, with limited exceptions for extreme hardship or cultural/religious practices.

4. Financial Support

The U.S. citizen petitioner must demonstrate the financial ability to support the fiancé(e) in the United States. This involves meeting the income requirements set by the Federal Poverty Guidelines to ensure the fiancé(e) will not become a public charge. The petitioner needs to file an Affidavit of Support (Form I-134) as part of the visa application process.

5. No Serious Criminal History

Petitioners with certain types of criminal histories, especially those involving violence, sexual offenses, or drug trafficking, may face additional scrutiny or may be ineligible to petition for a K-1 visa. In such cases, it’s crucial to consult with an immigration attorney to understand how the law applies to your specific situation.

6. Compliance with Marriage Laws

The marriage planned between the petitioner and the fiancé(e) must be recognized as legal in the state where the marriage will take place. This means complying with local laws regarding marriage licenses, age of consent, and any other relevant legal requirements.

What Is The Denial Rate of The K-1 Fiancé Visa?

The denial rate for K-1 fiancé(e) visas can vary yearly between U.S. Embassies and Consulates. Factors influencing denial rates include the completeness and accuracy of the visa application, evidence of the relationship’s genuineness, and the applicant’s ability to meet the financial requirements. Additionally, any past immigration violations or criminal history can impact the decision. It’s important to meticulously prepare the application and provide comprehensive documentation to reduce the likelihood of denial. For specific statistics and trends, it’s advisable to consult the latest U.S. Department of State data or seek guidance from an experienced immigration attorney.

Ready to Unite with Your Fiancé(e) in the U.S.?

Navigating the K-1 visa process can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. At The Law Offices of Daniel Shanfield Immigration Defense, PC, we specialize in bringing couples together. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step, ensuring your application is strong and your path to reunification is clear.

Contact us today to start your journey. Together, we’ll turn your dream of life together in the U.S. into reality.