Why does it take so long to process a K-1 visa in the Californian office?

[JamalNTam 1]

I dont know what to do! I have been living with my fiance now for nearly 1 year (in the uk ... he's in the us airforce) and now he is changing bases and moving to arizona. The last place that he lived was PA, where he lived all his life, which only has a processing time of 37 days and NOT 93 days! Is it possible to somehow apply to this processing centre as I just dont know how i can be apart from him for the 173 estimated days that it states!! It seems so unfair .. because it takes such a long time for them to process a stupid visa, we are gonna be split apart for such along time. We havent been apart for 2 years!!! I feel like every thing is against us - CA is the longest processing time and London is one of the most longest processing times of the embassys. The thought of not seeing him for all that time is just making me well up with tears right now and i'm at work!!!

[no name 1]

I dont know what to do! I have been living with my fiance now for nearly 1 year (in the uk ... he's in the us airforce) and now he is changing bases and moving to arizona. The last place that he lived was PA, where he lived all his life, which only has a processing time of 37 days and NOT 93 days! Is it possible to somehow apply to this processing centre as I just dont know how i can be apart from him for the 173 estimated days that it states!! It seems so unfair .. because it takes such a long time for them to process a stupid visa, we are gonna be split apart for such along time. We havent been apart for 2 years!!! I feel like every thing is against us - CA is the longest processing time and London is one of the most longest processing times of the embassys. The thought of not seeing him for all that time is just making me well up with tears right now and i'm at work!!!

Hello.

All of us on here have been apart for (many) months. It typically was a 6-8 month process depending on the consulate, but that was pre-IMBRA. Now, no one knows. But yes, it is a long process. There is no easy answer. I had been with my fiance for 1.5 years before this as well. Now we've been apart for almost 5 months.

173 is a low estimate as well. I've been waiting for 84 days & it still needs to be approved (when, who knows? It seems random at this point) & sent to the embassy in the UK after that which takes around 3 months until you get your interview/visa.

And you're wrong, London is a pretty quick embassy.

Whatever you decide, please read the guides thoroughly so you are informed & then ask questions, we are here to help.

[rebeccajo 14]

This process takes time. We processed thru the Vermont Service Center and the London Consulate last summer and it took us 106 days and that was a lightning fast approval.

He may be able to file with Vermont if that is his permanent address. I don't know how it works for service members - there are many here who are or who have been in the military so I'm certain you will get an answer on that one.

London is by far one of the FASTEST consulates. The interviews there are also fairly easy with less interrogation than MANY around the world. You should consider yourself lucky to be processing through them.

I realize you are new to this forum and immigration to the US can be a daunting process. But you would be well served to research, read and then take a deep breath as this will take some time. Patience will definitely be necessary.

[dwar49 0]

When is he being transferred? If he is stationed there for a couple of more months you may be able to file direct with the embassy. Look up the special rules for active duty military on the State Department site, also have him check with Family Services on base they have people who help with all this for free and can tell you both how to go about it and bring you up to date on all the special rules that apply to you.