K-1 Refused 221(g) in Riyadh (Pakistani National) due to Jan 21 Freeze - Need Post-Freeze Approvals

[Dallas_Petitioner 0]

My fiancée had her K-1 interview yesterday (Feb 24, 2026) at the US Embassy in Riyadh. She is a Pakistani national.

The consular officer issued a 221(g) hold, explicitly citing the January 21 immigration pause for the 75 countries. However, as we all know, the K-1 is legally classified as a nonimmigrant visa and is therefore exempt from this freeze.

Has anyone from Pakistan (or any of the other 74 affected countries) had their K-1 interview after January 21 and were approved, either in Riyadh or elsewhere?

We have had a few people tell us and they were kind enough to share proof that they were issued a K-1 visa after January 21 while belonging to one of the 75 countries impacted by the Immigration Freeze.

I am putting together a packet for my local Congressman/Senator to initiate an inquiry and prove that the Riyadh embassy is misapplying the State Department's directive. Any links to timelines, redacted screenshots of recent approvals, or similar experiences would be incredibly helpful to build this case. Thank you!

[TBoneTX 49,316]

Welcome to the forum!

 

The K-1 is a "hybrid" visa -- a nonimmigrant visa with immigrant intent.

This is why it's always processed by the Immigrant Visa Unit of the consulates.

 

If the consulate has made its decision, you'll be fighting a steep uphill battle, probably fruitlessly.

Consular decisions can't be overcome by means of Congressional influence.

Realistically, expect to wait until the DoS directive is relaxed.

[wildbug100420 419]

3 hours ago, Dallas_Petitioner said:

My fiancée had her K-1 interview yesterday (Feb 24, 2026) at the US Embassy in Riyadh. She is a Pakistani national.

The consular officer issued a 221(g) hold, explicitly citing the January 21 immigration pause for the 75 countries. However, as we all know, the K-1 is legally classified as a nonimmigrant visa and is therefore exempt from this freeze.

Has anyone from Pakistan (or any of the other 74 affected countries) had their K-1 interview after January 21 and were approved, either in Riyadh or elsewhere?

We have had a few people tell us and they were kind enough to share proof that they were issued a K-1 visa after January 21 while belonging to one of the 75 countries impacted by the Immigration Freeze.

I am putting together a packet for my local Congressman/Senator to initiate an inquiry and prove that the Riyadh embassy is misapplying the State Department's directive. Any links to timelines, redacted screenshots of recent approvals, or similar experiences would be incredibly helpful to build this case. Thank you!

K1 petitions are also allowed to expire after 4 months. They may at the discretion of the embassy be extended in 4 month increments up to a year. Probably better to start over with anyone spouse visa. 

[wildbug100420 419]

2 hours ago, wildbug100420 said:

K1 petitions are also allowed to expire after 4 months. They may at the discretion of the embassy be extended in 4 month increments up to a year. Probably better to start over with anyone spouse visa. 

Meant to say a spouse visa