Is K-1 visa the fastest?

Asked by: Ms. Reina Jast  |  Last update: November 19, 2023
Score: 4.8/5 (70 votes)

Application Process and Timeline for Fiancé(e) and Spousal Visa. If your main goal is to get to the U.S. as quickly as possible, then the K-1 fiancé(e) visa is likely the fastest option. But if your goal is to get an actual green card as soon as possible, then a marriage-based visa will be quicker.

How fast can a K-1 visa be approved?

The processing time for a K-1 fiancé visa ranges from 12–18 months, and involves U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the National Visa Center, and a U.S. embassy or U.S. consulate in your foreign fiance's country of residence.

Is K-1 visa faster than green card?

So, to recap, as of 2023, the current processing times for the K-1 visa and the CR1 visa are similar, however the CR1 visa will help your foreign spouse obtain their green card faster. The K-1 visa therefore is generally a good option for couples who want to get married in the U.S., rather than getting married abroad.

How long does the K-1 visa take?

The K1 to AOS timeline is currently 12.5–22.5 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!

How long does a K-1 visa take 2023?

K-1 Processing Times in 2023

It takes between 12 to 18 months for K-1 visa processing time. This fiancé(e) visa timeline refers to the moment when you apply for your I-129F to the moment when you receive your visa approval.

Which is Faster? K1 Visa or Marriage Green Card

20 related questions found

Is USCIS processing faster in 2023?

The USCIS has also improved its processing time for work permits in 2023 to 3.6 months, up from 4.1 months in 2022. Contact The Law Office of Serah Waweru to schedule a consultation if you have more questions about the processing times of your particular petition.

Can you visit the U.S. while waiting for K-1 visa?

Visiting Your fiancé(e) Before Filing a K-1 Petition

In other words, you shouldn't have any trouble visiting the U.S. on a temporary visa. It is still essential that you answer truthfully if a USCIS or CBP agent asks who you are visiting.

What is the failure rate of K-1 visa?

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. While many visa denials eventually overcome the initial denial, others do not.

Can you rush a 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.

Which visa is the fastest?

The F-1 visa is one of the fastest visas to process. In fact, the F-1 visa is often processed immediately before your embassy interview. The interview is the last step of the application process. By the end of the interview, the consular officer should tell you whether or not your application was approved.

Do K1 visas get denied?

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 K-1 visa faster than I-130?

Once that is approved, then the foreign spouse can apply for their immigrant visa to enter the United States through consumer processing. Generally speaking, the I-129F, the form that's required for the K1 fiance visa, generally processes faster than the I-130.

How long is the K-1 visa interview?

Generally, the K1 visa interview is in a question-answer format which usually takes no more than 30 minutes unless an officer feels they need to ask more specific questions.

How much does a K-1 visa cost?

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.

What are common mistakes for K-1 visa?

These include: Failure to append your signature on the Petition for Alien Alliance (Form I-129F) Failure to duly fill out the forms. Failure to give detailed and honest answers.

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 country has the most K-1 visas?

The majority of K-1 visas are from Asia – particularly the Philippines. In 2019, 7,134 K-1 visas were issued from the Philippines. Other top countries include Vietnam (1,782), Mexico (1,676), and Great Britain/Northern Ireland (1,435).

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.

Is getting a K-1 visa difficult?

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. When a marriage is one of good faith, proving the union as such will not be as difficult as it may seem.

What is the easiest way to bring my fiancé to USA?

If you are a U.S. citizen who wants to bring your foreign fiancé(e) to the United States in order to get married, you will need to file a Form I-129F, Petition For Alien Fiancé(e). This is the first step to obtaining a K-1 nonimmigrant visa for your fiancé(e).

Do I get interviewed after my K-1 visa is approved?

The notification is usually sent within 30 days of the application's approval, while the interview will generally take place four to six weeks after the embassy or consulate's initial notice. The goal of the interview is to make sure that the couple's relationship is real and that they plan to build a future together.

Which Uscis office is the fastest?

The most efficient U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services field office is also stated to be in Cleveland.

Is there any way to speed up USCIS?

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).

Did USCIS speed up process?

USCIS 2023 - New Hope For Speedy Service

For example, during the Trump-era, applications for extension of status were given fresh scrutiny, increasing processing time. The USCIS has now reversed this, and once again defers to prior decision-making when considering an application for extension.

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.