How often are K1 visas denied?

Asked by: Richie Legros  |  Last update: July 17, 2023
Score: 4.5/5 (64 votes)

Department of State refusal statistics for the K-1 visa reveal that there are about 40,000 denials each fiscal year. This is a 40% visa rejection rate of the total number of K-1 visa applications.

Why do K1 visas get rejected?

Applications for K-1 visas may be denied or rejected for a variety of reasons, including a suspect relationship, ineligibility to marry, a lack of money, or no plans to get married within 90 days. Naturally, fraudulent applications also lead to a fiancé(e) visa denial or refusal.

Is it difficult to get a K-1 visa?

Ultimately, it is up to the applicants to decide how difficult getting a K-1 visa for the foreign national will be. Even though there are many supporting documents required for obtaining a K-1 visa, if all requirements are proven and/or satisfied, the process itself will be simple.

What disqualifies you from a K-1 visa?

Reasons for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to deny or reject K-1 visa applications include a suspicious relationship, ineligibility to marry, insufficient income, or no plans to marry within 90 days.

What percent of K1 visas are denied?

However, the K-1 visa application process is complex as evident in the number of visa denials. Department of State refusal statistics for the K-1 visa reveal that there are about 40,000 denials each fiscal year. This is a 40% visa rejection rate of the total number of K-1 visa applications.

K1 Visa Denials: Common Reasons for K1 Visa Denials

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Are most K1 visas approved?

But considering the USDHS statistics table, experience, and other sources, the spouses' approval rating goes as far as 99%. On the other side, the K-1 visa statistics show a bit less of approval percentage: around 80% of applicants.

Is it worth getting a lawyer for K-1 visa?

Every case is different, and an attorney can spot problems in your K1 fiancé visa case that might not be apparent to a lay person. The process of obtaining a K1 fiancé visa is stressful and complicated, and knowing that your case is in good hands of a knowledgeable immigration attorney can relieve much of that stress.

What is the success rate of K-1 visa appeals?

Having Your Fiancé(e) Visa Denied is Common

This is because it is a visa category that is at high risk of fraud. Some experts cite a wide range of reasons for rejections. Furthermore, it is important to note that, on appeal, most denials are reversed, with only 45% of appeals being unsuccessful.

Does immigration look at age difference for a K-1 visa?

Age differences between couples is common and generally accepted by USCIS when applying for a K1 Fiance Visa. However, large differences in a couples ages will result in closer scrutiny of your case. I routinely see cases that are approved where the age difference between the couple is 20 to 30 years.

What is the K-1 visa loophole?

A K-1 petition provides a loophole for children over 18 to come to the U.S. Under U.S. immigration law, in order for a U.S. citizen to petition stepchildren, they must marry before the stepchild's 18th birthday.

Will USCIS speed up K-1 visa?

Unfortunately, the K1 visa does not qualify for premium processing. Unlike in some visa categories, you cannot pay extra in order to either expedite processing or receive faster adjudication of your K1 petition.

What happens if you get denied a fiancé visa?

There are three primary options you can take if your K1 visa petition is denied that can still provide a pathway to living together permanently in the United States. These three options are to either appeal the decision, reapply for the K1 visa, or marry in a foreign country and apply for a CR1 visa.

How can I speed up my K-1 visa?

To expedite your spouse's visa, you can file a written request to the Visa Center directly through their email (NVCexpedite@state.gov). This communication channel is the NVC's public inquiry section where applicants can speak with a representative who can assist them.

Which country has the most K-1 visas?

Where do most K-1 visa holders come from? The majority of K-1 visas are from Asia – particularly the Philippines. In 2019, 7,134 K-1 visas were issued from the Philippines.

Which is faster fiancé visa or spouse visa?

When you use RapidVisa, the K1 fiancé visa as of 2023 typically takes between 13 and 18 months, and the CR1 spousal visa typically takes between 9 and 13 months. Keep in mind that the processing time can be longer — sometimes more than a year — depending on your specific situation.

Can an immigration lawyer speed up K-1 visa?

One of the biggest advantages of hiring an experienced attorney to handle your visa immigration case is that the Attorney's experience will likely expedite the process by making sure that no mistakes are made and that all forms and documents are submitted correctly. This is very important.

How long does it take for a K-1 visa to be approved?

How long does a fiance visa take? In 2023 it is expected that K-1 visa processing will take approximately 12 to 18 months (including time USCIS takes to process Form I-129F). However, waiting times will vary depending on the location of your service center.

How many times can you apply for K-1 visa?

According to the Immigration Marriage Brokers Act of 2005, a US citizen can only petition for two K1 visas. If the first marriage fails or never occurs, the American petitioner must wait two years to apply for a new K-1 visa, even if it is on behalf of the same person.

How much does a K-1 visa cost all together?

The government filing fees for getting a K-1 visa is $800 or $2025 for the K-1 visa and the “Adjustment of Status” form required to transfer from a K-1 visa to a marriage green card after arriving in the United States. This does not include the typical cost of the required medical exam, which varies by provider.

Who can expedite K-1 visa?

You can generally request expedited processing by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833) or by asking Emma after you have obtained a receipt notice. (You can access Emma by clicking on the Ask Emma icon on the top right of this page).

How bad is visa rejection?

Although visa rejection can lead to a setback in your travel plans, it can be avoided if you carefully fill out the application form and maintain transparency during visa interviews. Here are a few things you can do to avoid getting rejected for a visa application: Fill out the application form carefully.

What are the chances of getting fiancé visa?

In fact, according to statistical reports published by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), about 74% of fiancé(e) visas were approved in 2020. Nonetheless, it's totally understandable if you're worried about the final outcome of your application.

How many U.S. spouse visas are rejected?

According to those statistics, approximately 20,000 K-1 fiancées/fiancés every year are denied visas when they go to their interviews at the embassy. This is nearly 40% of the total number of K-1 visa applicants. And while eventually many of them are able to overcome the initial denial, some do not.

What questions are asked at a K1 interview?

Sample K1 visa interview questions About the Relationship and Wedding
  • Where did you both meet?
  • Where was your first date?
  • What do you both enjoy doing together?
  • How long have you been together?
  • Do you know each other's family?
  • Where did your Fiancé(e) propose?
  • Did you have an engagement party?