Is the K1 visa application process suspended?

[purpletwilight 0]

Can I start the application process for my K1 visa now or has it been shut down because of Covid?  I've heard different things, Im new to this and really want to get it started but I was told that "Immigration" has been shut down until next year.  Wasn't quite sure what that meant or if it was true.

[smile101 116]

6 minutes ago, purpletwilight said:

Can I start the application process for my K1 visa now or has it been shut down because of Covid?  I've heard different things, Im new to this and really want to get it started but I was told that "Immigration" has been shut down until next year.  Wasn't quite sure what that meant or if it was true.

They are processing applications but the embassies aren't open yet

[purpletwilight 0]

Ohhhh okay.  So I can still make the packet and mail it in to the Embassy to start the process?  I was thinking I couldn't even start to apply yet.  I really want to get this started because I think the wait will be quite long.  Especially since the virus started.

[Dale. 264]

11 minutes ago, purpletwilight said:

Ohhhh okay.  So I can still make the packet and mail it in to the Embassy to start the process?  I was thinking I couldn't even start to apply yet.  I really want to get this started because I think the wait will be quite long.  Especially since the virus started.

No you mail it to USCIS

[aaron2020 11,651]

You mail the petition to the USCIS lockbox.  The link for the address is in the instructions.  

[purpletwilight 0]

Oh yes lol.  I meant that.  Im in the United States so I send it to the Dallas lockbox I think.  I wasn't sure if I did that if it would just go in a pile somewhere or if they are actually accepting and processing them now.

[Just Paul 4,591]

52 minutes ago, purpletwilight said:

Oh yes lol.  I meant that.  Im in the United States so I send it to the Dallas lockbox I think.  I wasn't sure if I did that if it would just go in a pile somewhere or if they are actually accepting and processing them now.

USCIS will process it at California Service Center and once the petition is approved on the the NVC and eventually to the consulate.  USCIS and NVC are business as usual. As consulates get back to "regular processing" they will start accepting appointments.

[purpletwilight 0]

So I can send it to the California lockbox?  Does it matter which state you live in to which lockbox you send it?  I am from Iowa.  

[Just Paul 4,591]

6 minutes ago, purpletwilight said:

So I can send it to the California lockbox?  Does it matter which state you live in to which lockbox you send it?  I am from Iowa.  

No send it to the address on the instructions.

[geowrian 22,336]

9 minutes ago, purpletwilight said:

So I can send it to the California lockbox?  Does it matter which state you live in to which lockbox you send it?  I am from Iowa.  

You send it to the Dallas, TX lockbox. They will receive it, accept it, and send it to the California Service Center for adjudication.

 

Note that there are lockboxes, service centers, field offices, Application Support Centers (ASCs), etc. Each of these terms refers to something different.

Lockboxes just receive incoming forms, ensure the most basic checks are completed (signed, valid payment, possibly that all or most questions are at least filed out, etc.).

Service centers process forms that do not require an interview. Physical location of the filer doesn't really matter as a result.

Field offices handle cases that may require an interview, such as Adjustment of Status later in the process. A form can be handled at a service center then transferred to a field office later, if needed. These are typically local (or at least based on the form filer's zip code).

ASCs perform biometrics collection. This are also localized.

 

All I-129Fs are sent to the Dallas lockbox.

All I-129Fs for a K-1 are initially sent to CSC for adjudication. Some cases may be transferred to VSC later (usually those with certain criminal histories of the petitioner).

Once approved, the I-129F is sent to NVC to get a DOS case number.

Once NVC is done, it is sent to the embassy/consulate with jurisdiction over the alien's region and has an immigrant visa unit. There is at most one in each country.

Edited July 28, 2020 by geowrian

[purpletwilight 0]

Thank you so much!  That was really helpful to have it explained.  I really have no idea what Im doing yet. Im trying to learn and research but feeling a bit lost so far. 😁

[Greenbaum 12,259]

3 hours ago, purpletwilight said:

Thank you so much!  That was really helpful to have it explained.  I really have no idea what Im doing yet. Im trying to learn and research but feeling a bit lost so far. 😁

There are some good guides here on VJ. If you look at the top of this page you will see a blue ribbon with the word "guides" and other selections. Choose guides and then "immigration guides" which then will take you to the guides whereupon you will look for "Guides if you are engaged: ".  From there choose the link just below that and you will have all the information you need to file your I-129f, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e). Good luck and stay engaged. 

[TenderHearted 39]

12 hours ago, Dale. said:

No you mail it to USCIS

For CR-1 petitions, you can file online. K-1's are hardcopy only

 

Edited July 28, 2020 by TenderHearted

[Sunnyland 639]

Follow the guide on VJ and download the forms directly from the USCIS website.

[Cheburashka34 228]

Go to USCIS.gov/I-129F that should help answer a lot of your questions