After the interview, do they take your passport to process the visa?

nancycakes · August 18, 2012

Hi everyone! Does the Vancouver consulate take your passport after the interview so that they can process the K-1 Visa or do they return it back to you after the interview? If they do take it, do I get it back when I pick up the visa? How long does it typically take to pick up the visa after the interview? I know the consulate reviews say 2-4 days, but I was wondering if someone who recently went through this process can comment. The reason I'm asking this is because if they do take my visa, I need to make sure that I book my interview way before my next planned visit (not the official entry with my K-1 visa, but just a regular visit) to the States so that I will get my passport back in time. Thanks in advance for your help!!

heyray · August 18, 2012

Hi. My experience with the US Consulate in Australia was that yes they do take your passport to finish the visa processing. For me the visa was not a piece of paper but rather a large image that was placed on a page of my passport. However, my passport and sealed documents were returned to me within a week. I know that unlike Canadians I could not merely cross the border to see my fiancee, so I was to use the visa when I entered the USA. I don't know if you will be in the same boat.

Maybe others can give you more accurate advice for Canadians, but my belief would be that as soon as your visa is issued it is what you would use to enter the USA the next time. Remember though that once issued this visa is valid for 6 months and once used you must marry within 90 days. Again though as you are able to cross to the USA more freely I don't know if you could travel across the border without activating your K1 visa once it is issued.

Pitaya · August 18, 2012

Hi everyone! Does the Vancouver consulate take your passport after the interview so that they can process the K-1 Visa or do they return it back to you after the interview? If they do take it, do I get it back when I pick up the visa? How long does it typically take to pick up the visa after the interview? I know the consulate reviews say 2-4 days, but I was wondering if someone who recently went through this process can comment. The reason I'm asking this is because if they do take my visa, I need to make sure that I book my interview way before my next planned visit (not the official entry with my K-1 visa, but just a regular visit) to the States so that I will get my passport back in time. Thanks in advance for your help!!

Uh, they have to take your passport to insert the pressure-sensitive adhesive visa on a blank page in your passport........ :blink: The CO at the Guangzhou consulate took my wife's passport. She received it, via express mail, 9 days from the date of her successful interview, with the K-1 visa in her Chinese passport. There are likely processing differences between the various consulates/embassies. To get a more focused response, consider posting your inquiry in the Canada regional forum.

Good luck on your visa journey.

nancycakes · August 18, 2012

Hi. My experience with the US Consulate in Australia was that yes they do take your passport to finish the visa processing. For me the visa was not a piece of paper but rather a large image that was placed on a page of my passport. However, my passport and sealed documents were returned to me within a week. I know that unlike Canadians I could not merely cross the border to see my fiancee, so I was to use the visa when I entered the USA. I don't know if you will be in the same boat.Maybe others can give you more accurate advice for Canadians, but my belief would be that as soon as your visa is issued it is what you would use to enter the USA the next time. Remember though that once issued this visa is valid for 6 months and once used you must marry within 90 days. Again though as you are able to cross to the USA more freely I don't know if you could travel across the border without activating your K1 visa once it is issued.

Thanks for your post. Canadians don't require a special visitor visa to visit the USA. I think I've read somewhere that I can choose not to activate the K-1 Visa and can visit back and forth, but that I must activate (use it to cross to the USA) within 6 months of issuance. I'll double check with the consulate. They have been replying my emails on the same day!

Uh, they have to take your passport to insert the pressure-sensitive adhesive visa on a blank page in your passport........ The CO at the Guangzhou consulate took my wife's passport. She received it, via express mail, 9 days from the date of her successful interview, with the K-1 visa in her Chinese passport. There are likely processing differences between the various consulates/embassies. To get a more focused response, consider posting your inquiry in the Canada regional forum.Good luck on your visa journey.

Ohh, I didn't know that! I thought it was just a piece of paper that they give me. Wow "pressure-sensitive adhesive visa"...what a description! It sounds fancy! Hmm I thought I DID post this in the Canada forum...

twitchy · August 18, 2012

When you post here, it does also post in the Canada Portal as well, from what I've seen when I post.

Anh map · August 19, 2012

Thanks for your post. Canadians don't require a special visitor visa to visit the USA. I think I've read somewhere that I can choose not to activate the K-1 Visa and can visit back and forth, but that I must activate (use it to cross to the USA) within 6 months of issuance. I'll double check with the consulate. They have been replying my emails on the same day!

Ohh, I didn't know that! I thought it was just a piece of paper that they give me. Wow "pressure-sensitive adhesive visa"...what a description! It sounds fancy! Hmm I thought I DID post this in the Canada forum...

This is the K1 forum. The portal simply groups topics by the flag that the OP shows in their profile.

One caution, the CBP officer makes the call about allowing the K1 not to be used. You won't know for sure until you are standing there in front of them.