What You Need To Know About a K1 Visa Timeline

There’s no better feeling than knowing you have found the person with whom you’d like to spend the rest of your life. However, what happens if the love of your life lives in another country? Traversing those borders to unite you two can seem overwhelming, but it’s not impossible. If you or your loved one is seeking a K1 visa, there are some crucial aspects you need to know about the timeline and process.

Processing Time

One of the first things to do if you’re seeking a K1 visa is to file an I-129f form, also known as the Petition for Alien Fiancé(e). As you fill out this form, you must follow every rule and regulation with the utmost attention to detail. As such, ensure you have all the necessary supporting documentation, as failure to supply the correct information could result in unnecessary delays. The processing time to ensure your form has accurate information usually takes about five to seven months.

Approval Time

When the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) department processes and approves your I-129f form, you will then fill out an application for a K1 visa, the DS-160 form. The National Visa Center will then process your DS-160 form. When the NVC approves your K1 visa, you can schedule your interview. Thankfully, the timeline for approval takes around three to five months, so you have more than enough time to prepare for your K1 visa interview.

Marriage Time

Once you have your K1 visa approval, one of the most important things you need to know about the K1 visa timeline is how long you have to marry. You have up to 90 days from the time your spouse sets foot onto U.S. soil to unite in marriage. Once you marry, you’re eligible to file your I-485 form, which is the form that adjusts your status from non-immigrant to permanent resident. It may seem like a lot, but from the time you process your I-129 form until you become a permanent resident might take around 15 months to one year.