Given the recent slowdown in I-130 processing, should we file for K-3?

[sviva 0]

I-130 NOA1: 2024-09-25

 

Hello,

 

Recently, the estimate on the USCIS website for our I-130 application jumped from 5 months to 89 months. This seems to be corroborated by the graphs on VisaJourney which show a pretty significant increase in processing times over the last few months.

We were hoping to receive the CR1 visa by the first few months of 2026, but given this increase, that is seeming less likely.

Checking the USCIS website, they are saying 80% of I-129F cases are completed in 8 months. Given these circumstances, would it be prudent to file an I-129F for K-3 ASAP? Would this have a reasonable likelihood of getting us closer to the goal of entry into the US in early 2026? Or would it just be a waste of money?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

 

Thank you in advance,

Sam

Edited April 16 by sviva
estimate increased again from 8 to 9 months

[Crazy Cat 43,431]

The cost for an I-129F when filed after an I-130 is $0.00.  You can file one, but there is no guarantee it will speed up the I-130.  The I-130s I have seen lately are processed in about 16-17 months.  I'd say you are about half way there.

Edited April 16 by Crazy Cat

[wildbug100420 236]

53 minutes ago, sviva said:

I-130 NOA1: 2024-09-25

 

Hello,

 

Recently, the estimate on the USCIS website for our I-130 application jumped from 5 months to 89 months. This seems to be corroborated by the graphs on VisaJourney which show a pretty significant increase in processing times over the last few months.

We were hoping to receive the CR1 visa by the first few months of 2026, but given this increase, that is seeming less likely.

Checking the USCIS website, they are saying 80% of I-129F cases are completed in 8 months. Given these circumstances, would it be prudent to file an I-129F for K-3 ASAP? Would this have a reasonable likelihood of getting us closer to the goal of entry into the US in early 2026? Or would it just be a waste of money?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

 

Thank you in advance,

Sam

K3 is hardly ever issued anymore. Maybe mid 2026 is a more realistic expectation 

[sviva 0]

18 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

The cost for an I-129F when filed after an I-130 is $0.00.  You can file one, but there is no guarantee it will speed up the I-130.  The I-130s I have seen lately are processed in about 16-17 months.  I'd say you are very close to a decision. 

Thank you for your response. I didn’t realize it was free for this case, so that’s very helpful info.

 

3 minutes ago, wildbug100420 said:

K3 is hardly ever issued anymore. Maybe mid 2026 is a more realistic expectation 

Thanks for your response. Do you know why K3 isn’t issued anymore? Is it because nobody applies for it or because USCIS doesn’t approve it fast enough in most cases?

 

A few followup questions:

If I do file I-129F but the I-130 gets approved beforehand, what happens to the I-129F? Is it canceled somehow automatically?

Are I-129Fs filed for a K3 processed in the same way as those filed for a K1? In other words, are K1 statistics on VJ also applicable to the K3 process? 

[Crazy Cat 43,431]

3 minutes ago, sviva said:

Thank you for your response. I didn’t realize it was free for this case, so that’s very helpful info.

I made an edit to my comment.  I think you are about half way to a decision. 

[Boiler 46,813]

When the 1 130 is approved the I 129f is closed