K1 Visa - How long does it take to be approved?

[Shane & Erica 0]

Hi everyone,

Firstmost, many thanks for reading and answering my enquiries to my dilemma!

I'm a Singaporean and my fiance is a U.S citizen who is currently traveling with me in Asia.

Could I ask how long does it takes for the K1 Visa to be approved, and does that differs across different nationalities? Also, is that anything we can do to expedite the process, or least, to ensure a smooth processing by providing all if not more information than required to support our case.

Also, would it be beneficial for us to get married first in Asia, then switch to applying for the CR-1?

I've been reading mixed comments that K1 takes a long time from a min of 3 months to 6 or even 12 months to be approved. Also, CR-1 generally seems to take least 9-12 months for approval based on what I read so far.

We would very much like to stay together and not be separated for 6-12 months, and ideally be in States soon together as he has been traveling and away from US for 2 years (except for a 3 months visit with me last year).

[Lilay 87]

Hi!

Me and my fiance were also inbetween the CR1 and K1. We chose K1, mostly because we prefer to be away from eachother while engaged rather than being married. And K1 is a lot cheaper, it is definitely faster to get.

As for the first question, I also would like to know what makes the process go faster But as far as I've read on VisaJourney, USCIS wants easy to understand, not a lot but enough evidence to show that you have seen eachother in the past two years. We made sure to put post it notes on almost every page explaining what the evidence is about, and also highlighted the important parts. We thought it would make it all easier for the officer (hopefully).

[Shane & Erica 0]

Thanks Lilay for your speedy reply!

May I ask, how long since have you applied for K1?

I did read somewhere in VisaJourney forums that K1 is debatable more expensive in the longer run due to more application fees though... (Read here for more dteails - http://www.visajourney.com/content/compare). Meanwhile, all the best to you my dear!

Edited March 31, 2014 by Shane & Erica

[Lilay 87]

Thanks Lilay for your speedy reply!

May I ask, how long since have you applied for K1?

I did read somewhere in VisaJourney forums that K1 is debatable more expensive in the longer run due to more application fees though... Meanwhile, all the best to you my dear!

Thank you, I'd be happy if I can help!

It's been a week and we're waiting for our NOA1! Hopefully we'll get it soon.

Now that I researched about it, I guess you're right about the cost and I'm sorry to give you wrong information. On a website that I've read, it says that K1 is about 6 months faster but costs $ 800 more! I guess the choice depends on whether the time or the money difference is more important for you.

And if you have any other questions, feel free to ask! Good luck with your desicion!

Best wishes <3

[HK12 273]

On a website that I've read, it says that K1 is about 6 months faster but costs $ 800 more!

Keep in mind that even though the K1 is pretty fast right now, it may slow down as USCIS shifts their attention to other petition types. That happened when I applied back in 2012. At that time, K1's and spousal visas were being processed at almost the same speed, but with a K1 visa, you still have to apply for AOS afterwards and you cannot work for a few months after entering the US. And yes, it is more expensive.

[baron555 934]

Could I ask how long does it takes for the K1 Visa to be approved, and does that differs across different nationalities?

Yes certain countries, especially those known to harbor terrorists, generally have longer periods of AP at the Embassy level than do others.

Also, is that anything we can do to expedite the process, or least, to ensure a smooth processing by providing all if not more information than required to support our case.

Read the Guides, Follow the Example Forms, read the stickies.

Also, would it be beneficial for us to get married first in Asia, then switch to applying for the CR-1?

Your choice.

I've been reading mixed comments that K1 takes a long time from a min of 3 months to 6 or even 12 months to be approved.

Yep

Also, CR-1 generally seems to take least 9-12 months for approval based on what I read so far.

Yep again.

We would very much like to stay together and not be separated for 6-12 months,

Plan for it.

and ideally be in States soon together as he has been traveling and away from US for 2 years (except for a 3 months visit with me last year).

Then make a decision and get your petition filed.

[TBoneTX 45,498]

*** Thread moved from K-1 Process forum to the K-1 Case Progress subforum. ***