K-1 USCIS processing times / deadlines

[Mariia-02 1]

Hi everyone!

My boyfriend and I applied to USCIS and got our NOA1 on February 14th. Because of some circumstances, we’re thinking about submitting an Expedite Request, since it might really help us. But USCIS says the processing time is about nine months, and from what I’ve seen on forums, approvals seem to be taking roughly that long. We’re a bit unsure about whether to go ahead with an Expedite Request.

 

If anyone has recently received NOA2, could you please share how long it took for your K-1 visa to be approved? Any insight would be really appreciated!

[Crazy Cat 45,361]

The average processing time for Visa Journey members (I-129Fs at California) is about 245 days.  I'm not sure an expedite would gain you much time, but the US citizen is free to request one if you have grounds to do so.  Good luck.

 

[Edward and Jaycel 2,174]

57 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

The average processing time for Visa Journey members (I-129Fs at California) is about 245 days.  I'm not sure an expedite would gain you much time, but the US citizen is free to request one if you have grounds to do so.  Good luck.

 

 

In addition, manage your expectations as an expedite for a K-1 petition is one of the most difficult to get approved by USCIS. There are very few reasons they even consider.

[OldUser 10,522]

What would be your reason for expedite, @Mariia-02? Like one lawyer likes to say "Why should your case be processed faster than others"?

[Mariia-02 1]

14 minutes ago, OldUser said:

What would be your reason for expedite, @Mariia-02? Like one lawyer likes to say "Why should your case be processed faster than others"?

I live in Ukraine, where the war is still going on and the front lines are getting closer. We didn’t know before about the Expedite Request and the possibility of faster processing, but now we want to try it.

[OldUser 10,522]

1 minute ago, Mariia-02 said:

I live in Ukraine, where the war is still going on and the front lines are getting closer. We didn’t know before about the Expedite Request and the possibility of faster processing, but now we want to try it.

Give it a try. Typically there should be hardship for US citizen due to health issues for expedite to be considered.

 

Safety first. As far as I know, Ukrainians can get away from war by going to Europe.

[OldUser 10,522]

Here is few similar threads. I don't think they got expedites:

 

 

So realistically, moving to Europe or other part of Ukraine is a much better plan than hoping for an expedite to be granted. Even if expedite is granted somehow, it wouldn't solve safety situation. It's not like USA is going to send helicopter to rescue you from warzone. Just leave to safety whenever you can.

 

Edited Tuesday at 02:14 PM by OldUser

[smilingstone 757]

Unlikely you will get the expedite, but it is free to try. 

 

If you are really in danger, you should seek asylum in the EU while your K1 processes. You will be waiting a while, expedite or not. 

[OldUser 10,522]

11 hours ago, smilingstone said:

Unlikely you will get the expedite, but it is free to try. 

 

If you are really in danger, you should seek asylum in the EU while your K1 processes. You will be waiting a while, expedite or not. 

I'd say not asylum, but refuge. I think majority of Ukrainians are admitted as refugees to Europe as of today.