Seeking Realistic Bogotá K-1 Timelines

[Gi0logy 0]

Hi everyone, I’m tracking my K-1 case out of Bogotá and would love to hear about your real-world timing for the remaining steps.

 

Here’s my timeline so far:

• I-129F Sent: 09-26-2024

• USCIS Receipt (NOA1): 10-04-2024

  • California Service Center

• I-129F Approved (NOA2): 03-12-2025

• NVC Case # Assigned: 05-20-2025

• Case in Transit to Consular Section (CEAC): 05-20-2025

 

I'm now waiting on next steps which should be as followed:

• Packet 3 received
• Interview Date Scheduled at Bogotá Embassy
• Visa Issued
• Visa Received
• Date of Entry

 

My question:
For those of you who went through the Bogotá K-1 process, what was your timeline for each of these stages? In particular:

• How long from “In Transit” to “At the Consular Section” and then to “Documentarily Qualified/Packet 3 Received”?

• After submissions were complete, how long until your Interview Date was scheduled?

• From interview to Visa Issued and back to you?

• And finally, how long until you were able to enter the U.S.?

 

Any insights or specific date ranges you experienced would be incredibly helpful as we decide whether my fiancée should remain in Argentina or return to Venezuela while we wait. Thanks in advance!

Edited May 20 by Gi0logy
Wrong date

[TBoneTX 47,095]

Welcome to the forum!  Your country-specific thread is moved from the K-1 Process forum to the Mexico/Latin/South America regional forum, to be among a higher concentration of potential respondents.  People should be along to help.  Good luck during your process!

[dys2024 1]

Hello,

When the NVC sent you the case number, was it with your packet 3 or a different email. I also got an email on 5/20/2025 with my case number. How long after receiving your case number did it take to receive the packet 3 email? Did you wait to submit your DS-160?

[Gi0logy 0]

18 hours ago, dys2024 said:

Hello,

When the NVC sent you the case number, was it with your packet 3 or a different email. I also got an email on 5/20/2025 with my case number. How long after receiving your case number did it take to receive the packet 3 email? Did you wait to submit your DS-160?

Hey! We're basically in the exact same spot.

We got our case number on 5/20, and the next day (5/21), our CEAC status changed from “In Transit” to “Ready.” So now we’re just waiting on the Packet 3 email from the Bogotá embassy.

Even though I’m working with a lawyer, the step-by-step hasn’t been super clearly laid out, which has been frustrating — so honestly, ChatGPT has been my best guide in navigating this.

Here's what I’ve learned so far:

• Once your CEAC shows “Ready,” the case is with the embassy.

• You should not submit the DS-160 or pay the $265 fee until you receive Packet 3. That email will include exact instructions and a link to register through ais.usvisa-info.com.

• Packet 3 also includes medical exam details, including a list of approved doctors and what to bring.

ChatGPT mentioned that it’s technically possible to schedule the medical exam before receiving your official interview date — as long as you have Packet 3 and your DS-160 confirmation. Some Reddit users have done it successfully in Bogotá, but I’m holding off until Packet 3 just to be safe and avoid any issues with the doctor’s office.

Here's the rough timeline I’m working with:

Step	Approx. Date
Packet 3 Email	June 7–14
DS-160 + Fee Paid	By June 15
Medical Exam	Late June
Interview Assigned	Late June–Early July
Interview Day	Mid to Late July
Visa Delivery	Late July
U.S. Entry	Late July / Early August

 

Let me know if you get Packet 3 — I’ll do the same. Always helpful to compare notes since timelines can vary a bit. Best of luck to you both!

Edited May 24 by Gi0logy