QUOTE(Dan + Gemvita @ May 26 2007, 05:05 PM)

The number is way more than that, I'm trying to find the exact source, but the number of I-129F petitions processed each year is around 200,000 to 250,000. The same form is also used for K-3, I dont know if that number includes K-3 petitions as well.
The USCIS reports that approximately 17,263 such visas were issued in fiscal 2001, about 7988 coming from Asia and about 4714 coming from Europe (including all of the former Soviet Union states). It should be noted though, that the K-1 visa is used by Americans who met partners overseas, and perhaps most commonly, by recent immigrants to the US. "Mail-order" style engagements account for a tiny fraction of all K-1 visas. This type of visa application specifies the applicant's fiancé. If the visa holder does not marry the specified fiancé within the validity of the visa, she is required to return to her country of origin. However, if she marries her fiancé, she and her husband can apply to obtain "green card" permanent resident status with her husband (and possible co-sponsors) promising to support her for ten years or until she obtains citizenship.
You're right. It is much more but not 250,000. This was for 2001 and only K1. I'm sure it has went up the last 5 years but seeing that K3's account for less I'm sure it's not 250,000. This only makes my point stronger. The timelines on VJ probably account for less than 5% of all timelines currently being processed. Don't put too much stock in them.