K1 Fiance Visa: Waiting for NVC Case Number -Concerned About NOA2 Expiration, etc...

[PipeStretcher 0]

Hi everyone, I’m looking for guidance on my K-1 fiance visa timeline. I wanted to leave this post as a last resort because I have done research throughout reddit/youtube/facebook groups and I get all different answers. My Fiance is in the PH. I am the petitioner in US. I have used this youtube video as a guide for me but then apparently doing more research there are different ways to go about it. 

 

One reddit user says for k1 users you will not get any welcome letter/email. you will get K1FTP letter before submission of DS 160, is this true? I am so confused. 

 

USCIS/Petition Timeline:

• NOA1 (I-129F received by USCIS): Jan 21, 2025

• NOA2 (Approval notice): Sept 26, 2025 (expires Jan 26, 2026)

NVC/DOS Timeline:

• Case sent to DOS: Nov 18, 2025

• Current NVC processing update (as of 8-Dec-25): working on cases received Nov 24, 2025

• I have not received a case number or welcome letter yet

• CEAC portal (IV/NIV), no access because I do not have my case number

Current Situation/Concern:

• I’ve submitted multiple public inquiry requests. Each response says my case has been received by NVC but has not been entered into their system yet.

• I’m concerned because my NOA2 expires Jan 26, 2026, and there’s a long wait time for NVC to create my case.

• I want to know if I’m at risk of my NOA2 expiring before my case is created and what steps I can take to avoid any issues.

Questions for the community:

1. Has anyone experienced a similar delay with a K-1 where NOA2 was close to expiration?

2. Can NVC still create a case after NOA2 expiration if it was sent within the valid period?

3. Are there steps I can take to ensure my NOA2 remains valid while waiting for the case number?

I heard that NVC does not send welcome email/letter and that I would receive a K1FTP instead?? Maybe I can start filling out the DS160 for my partner, and then my fiance can submit it when the time comes? Also do I track CEAC using Non immigrant or an immigrant visa?