CANADIANS - How long did you wait?

[fairysaurus 0]

Hi,

I'm the Canadian fiancé of an American who petitioned for me to go immigrate to the US. However, we're at the first stage, the form i-129F. I'm wondering how long others waited to get their form i-129f approved before moving on to the next step? Also, afterwards, do you have to go to the US and get married?

[Crazy Cat 41,975]

To satisfy the requirements of a K-1 fiance visa, the marriage must take place inside the US within 90 days of entry via the issued K-1.  Why did you choose a K-1 instead of a spousal visa?

Every couple has their own priorities, and each couple must decide which visa is better for their situation.

K-1        
    More expensive than CR-1    
    Requires Adjustment of Status after marriage (expensive and requires a lot of paperwork)    
    Spouse can not leave the US until she/he receives approved Advance Parole (approx 6-8 months)    
    Spouse can not work until she/he receives EAD (approx 6-8 months)    
    Some people have had problems with driver licenses, Social Security cards, leases, bank account during this period    
    Spouse will not receive Green Card for many months after Adjustment of Status is filed.
    A denied K-1 is sent back to USCIS to expire
  

CR-1
    Less expensive than K-1    
    No Adjustment of Status(I-485, I-131, I-765) required.    
    Spouse can immediately travel outside the US    
    Spouse is authorized to work immediately upon arrival.    
    Spouse receives Social Security Card and Green Card within 2 or 3 weeks after entering the US    
    Opening a bank account, getting a driver's license, etc. are very easily accomplished with GC, SS card, and passport.

    Spouse has legal permanent Resident status IMMEDIATELY upon entry to US.
   

 

 

[Lil bear 4,247]

14 minutes ago, fairysaurus said:

Hi,

I'm the Canadian fiancé of an American who petitioned for me to go immigrate to the US. However, we're at the first stage, the form i-129F. I'm wondering how long others waited to get their form i-129f approved before moving on to the next step? Also, afterwards, do you have to go to the US and get married?

You really need to read the K1 fiance guide on this site .. and the information about the process on the USCIS webpage. Being unaware of the process can bring some significant challenges that you do not need to face by simply becoming wise about what you are stepping into 

[SalishSea 17,916]

6 hours ago, fairysaurus said:

Hi,

I'm the Canadian fiancé of an American who petitioned for me to go immigrate to the US. However, we're at the first stage, the form i-129F. I'm wondering how long others waited to get their form i-129f approved before moving on to the next step? Also, afterwards, do you have to go to the US and get married?

Seems you did a petition without really understand the nature of this visa.   Please read and do some initial research.   It will safe you time, money, and a possible denial.

 

I-129F petitions are taking around 13 months for approval currently.

Edited June 11, 2022 by Jorgedig

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved from Process & Procedures to Progress Reports.

[Redro 4,611]

12 hours ago, fairysaurus said:

Hi,

I'm the Canadian fiancé of an American who petitioned for me to go immigrate to the US. However, we're at the first stage, the form i-129F. I'm wondering how long others waited to get their form i-129f approved before moving on to the next step? Also, afterwards, do you have to go to the US and get married?

Have you already submitted the I-129F or still preparing the form?

Instructions of the I-129F are fairly clear:

Use this petition to classify: 1. Your alien fiancé(e) as a K-1 nonimmigrant so that he or she may enter the United States to marry you and pursue adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident; 

 

You may file this petition if you are a U.S. citizen and: 1. You and your fiancé(e): A. Are legally free to marry and intend to marry within 90 days of your fiancé(e)’s admission to the United States; and B. Have met each other in person within the two years immediately before you filed this petition,

 

The entire point of the K1 visa is marry and adjust status INSIDE the US. 

 

If you are interested in getting married in Canada or another country  you should pursue the spousal visa. 

 

Currently, K1s are taking 13 months at USCIS stage. 

 

And you can see the latest timelines for K1s out of Canada if you click on "Immigration Timelines" at the top of the page. Choose K1 and then sort by Country "Canada:

https://www.visajourney.com/timeline/k1list.php?op6=All&op66=All&op7=Canada&op1=3&op2=&op3=1&op4=1&op5=5%2C6%2C8%2C10%2C11%2C13%2C14%2C15%2C16%2C17%2C18%2C20%2C21%2C22%2C25%2C26%2C27%2C28%2C108%2C110%2C111%2C208%2C210%2C211&cfl=

 

[Hopeforthebest22 1]

The USCIS received our I129F on December 31 2020 after we sent it on October 22

It was February 17 2021 we had NOA1

August 17 2021 we got NOA2 and USCIS approval

November 3 2021 from NVC it had been received

Consulate received paperwork in mid January 2022(can't remember exact date)

We submitted the DS160 on February 16 20200

The consulate booked my interview March 17 for May 4 2022

I had the wrong background check at the interview 

I submitted the correct background check on May 16th and it was received in the consulate mailroom on May 19 

Status date changed on June 15 but status remained refused

As of today status has changed to application received 

Expecting visa to be sent out within the next 1-2 days 

"Your case is open and ready for your interview, fingerprints, and required documents. If you have already had your interview, please check your status after two business days. 

For more information, please visit U.S. Consulate General Montreal."

 

 

Yes, you have to move to the United States within 6 months of your medical examine and marry within 90 days
You are also not allowed to leave the United States until you have your green card/adjustment of status completed and you always have to carry your card with you. If you leave the US without it, they can refuse you entry back into the United States.