How can you decide processing center?

[SnowColdIce 7]

Hello Everyone, new to the forum!

 

I was wondering, USCIS has varying wait times for Visa processing centers (K1), for example Texas and California have 16.5 months wait time as of now. However Vermont for example has 5, and Potomac 14 I think.

 

Obviously we all want our cases to be approved and followed as fast as possible. But is there even a way to decide where does your application go to? For example I do not mind traveling to Vermont for 1 or 2 days just to submit my application there. (I live in FL). Or can you specify so in Form 129F? I understand patience is key and part of the process, but it just feels so off that processing centers have such a varying degree of wait times.

 

Thanks in advance!

[meladee 160]

All of the Fiance i-129F forms are processed in California (except if the US citizen  has been convicted of an offense against a minor, then it gets forwarded to Vermont eventually). Here's the source from USCIS: https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/service-center-forms-processing

 

The other places are adjudicating K-3 or K-4, so their processing times don't apply to the K-1.

 

 

Edited May 14, 2023 by meladee

[Tom.Jen 43]

8 minutes ago, SnowColdIce said:

Hello Everyone, new to the forum!

 

I was wondering, USCIS has varying wait times for Visa processing centers (K1), for example Texas and California have 16.5 months wait time as of now. However Vermont for example has 5, and Potomac 14 I think.

 

Obviously we all want our cases to be approved and followed as fast as possible. But is there even a way to decide where does your application go to? For example I do not mind traveling to Vermont for 1 or 2 days just to submit my application there. (I live in FL). Or can you specify so in Form 129F? I understand patience is key and part of the process, but it just feels so off that processing centers have such a varying degree of wait times.

 

Thanks in advance!

Unfortunately you don’t get to decide. All petitions are processed in the California service center unless the US petitioner has a serious criminal background (then it’s sent to Vermont). 
 

You file your petition via mail, not in person. 

[JeanneAdil 6,220]

for security reasons,  u would not be allowed into any service center to submit petition

u send to the address as indicated

that faciillty processes the check and mails petition to California 

u will never even walk in to give an office RFE documents or know what officer is working on your case

 

[SteveInBostonI130 3,319]

All K-1 petitions are mailed to the Texas lockbox.  They will open, verify payment, and scan the documents. 

 

As others have stated, the vast majority are assigned to California.  When the petitioner has a potential VAWA or AWA criminal background, then it goes to Vermont where it take about 10 months longer than California.

[JeanneAdil 6,220]

and understand these processing times change often making a slow one faster at times and a fast one slower at times 

it varies

it changes

 

we have no control and updates don't give any real info

u apply

u r in limbo till u get a rfe for additional info or till its approved

[SnowColdIce 7]

Thank you all, that makes total sense. I understand now.

[Ryan H 3,791]

Moved from K1 Progress Reports to USCIS Service Centers forum.