Preparing for the k-1 visa - How long?

[NavyGirl 0]

Hello everyone Hope you are all great!

I just got back from a trip to see my "boyfriend", I'm a british citizen and he is a US citizen stationed in Washington.The day before I was due to leave he proposed!! Was the sweetest thing ever and took me completely by surprise Now I'm back in the UK and we're starting up on k1 paperwork. I have filled out my G-325A and preparing to send it to him with copies of my flight tickets,boarding passes,pictures I have of us ect . Obviously as he's still filling out his part lol we haven't filed as of yet but once filed ,can anyone give me an idea roughly how long it takes to come through? I understand with him being in the navy and having some sort of security clearance it may take a little longer but generally how long does it take? Also the interview how does that work? Do I have to fly over there for it? As we we're hoping once the visa comes through I will fly out for our wedding then obviously stay for aos. We are hoping for a December wedding if all is well with the visa, we can't arrange anything until my fiance finds out when exactly he can have leave from the navy as we will be going to his hometown for the wedding so his family can attend, so if someone could give me an idea that would be wonderful!

Edited September 4, 2014 by NavyGirl

[christeen 966]

I would love to help... But your font hurts my eyes and I am not up on reading cursive... Perhaps you will get more responses if you use a print and one more easily readable? Good luck

[NavyGirl 0]

Sorry have changed it

[christeen 966]

Thanks! Much easier... welcome to the forum... When you say December, I hope you are not thinking December of this year? As that is not a realistic timeline... As a general rule, the k1s take 7-9 months from filing to visa issuance... Sometimes you get lucky with a quick uscis approval, but then the rest takes another 4 months minimum... You will interview in your home country... I would say a more realistic timeline if you are able to get all your paperwork in by the end of September is April-June timeframe...

Read up on the K1 visa guides at the top of the page to familiarize yourself with the process..

Any he is now your Fiancé not boyfriend as there is no boyfriend visa... Good luck

[sweet cakes 326]

Hello everyone Hope you are all great!

I just got back from a trip to see my "boyfriend", I'm a british citizen and he is a US citizen stationed in Washington.The day before I was due to leave he proposed!! Was the sweetest thing ever and took me completely by surprise Now I'm back in the UK and we're starting up on k1 paperwork. I have filled out my G-325A and preparing to send it to him with copies of my flight tickets,boarding passes,pictures I have of us ect . Obviously as he's still filling out his part lol we haven't filed as of yet but once filed ,can anyone give me an idea roughly how long it takes to come through? I understand with him being in the navy and having some sort of security clearance it may take a little longer but generally how long does it take? Also the interview how does that work? Do I have to fly over there for it? As we we're hoping once the visa comes through I will fly out for our wedding then obviously stay for aos. We are hoping for a December wedding if all is well with the visa, we can't arrange anything until my fiance finds out when exactly he can have leave from the navy as we will be going to his hometown for the wedding so his family can attend, so if someone could give me an idea that would be wonderful!

When you mail out your G-325a, do include a signed "Letter of Intent to Marry" and 2 passport-type photos. More helpful resource when you click on "Guides" and "Example forms" at the blue header atop any VJ page.

As for the time frame, Christeen is correct. Considering there won't be any major medical or background check issues, it can take some time in the range she mentioned.

For more embassy-phase details, check out the UK regional subforum for the pinned topic, London K1 complete guide: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/99-united-kingdom/

Edited September 4, 2014 by sweet cakes

[Harpa Timsah 13,260]

Start by reading this: http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1flow

[d3adc0d3 186]

Each case is different, there can be road blocks, snags, issues getting paperwork, documents, or background checks, etc.

My case took about a year and a half, others have been issued in under a year. It's very much variable, but I would recommend expecting it to last about a year from your date of file. There are a ton of guides, and posts which address most questions, so don't forget to use the search (It says Google Custom Search, but that's a site search).

If you're super nervous about the process and your case is straight forward there is RapidVisa and other paperwork services which you can pay to use that will streamline the confusing process. RapidVisa charges $375, for the K1 (I used them and I'm happy with their service). If your case is complicated (criminal history, previous K1 visa refusals, etc), I'd recommend getting an immigration attorney.

Good Luck!

[2ndMessiah 184]

It is unfortunate you didn't know at the time you could have stayed in the US, married there and filed an I130 and I485. But you went home, so follow Harpa's link and enjoy a minimum of 12 months separation this process causes.

In saying that...

Congratulations on your proposal and all the best in the future.