K1 Visa Biometrics Requested from Petitioner, Long Wait?

[ScottyC 0]

Hey VisaJourney Community,

 

I am looking for some advice on if there’s anything I can do to get my case pushed through. I am the USC petitioner on a K1 visa application to bring my fiancé here from Argentina. I have a federal criminal conviction from 2018 that was fully disclosed on our application with certified court records. 
 

We received our NOA1 on 01-27-2025.

 

We received an I-797C requesting biometrics from the petitioner on 09-19-2025.

 

I completed the biometrics appointment on 10-17-2025. 
 

I was following the processing timelines and availability to send a case inquiry on the USCIS site. I sent a case inquiry on 02-28-2026. As of this writing we have not heard anything back. 
 

I’m wondering if anyone has experience in something similar or any suggestions as to what we can do? We feel like we are in the dark and stuck in an endless wait. Are there any steps we should take or do we just have to tough it out and wait?

 

Thanks in advance for your help!! 

[Lemonslice 5,427]

There is no way to know how long the extra security checks will take, but as long as your conviction does not fall under the Adam Walsh Act, you will eventually see progress.   [If it does fall under the AWA, then you will need a lawyer, and to consider moving elsewhere]

[ScottyC 0]

6 minutes ago, Lemonslice said:

There is no way to know how long the extra security checks will take, but as long as your conviction does not fall under the Adam Walsh Act, you will eventually see progress.   [If it does fall under the AWA, then you will need a lawyer, and to consider moving elsewhere]

Thanks for the reply, Lemonslice. The conviction was for tampering with a witness or informant, so no problems with the Adam Walsh Act. 
 

I guess all we can do is keep waiting. There is just such little data or shared experiences out there to have even an idea of how long the extra security checks will take. I knew that this would make the process take longer than a “typical” case, but I never thought it would take quite as long as it has.

[Lemonslice 5,427]

37 minutes ago, ScottyC said:

Thanks for the reply, Lemonslice. The conviction was for tampering with a witness or informant, so no problems with the Adam Walsh Act. 
 

I guess all we can do is keep waiting. There is just such little data or shared experiences out there to have even an idea of how long the extra security checks will take. I knew that this would make the process take longer than a “typical” case, but I never thought it would take quite as long as it has.

You can always request assistance from your elected representative, if it has been too long. 

 

[ScottyC 0]

7 minutes ago, Lemonslice said:

You can always request assistance from your elected representative, if it has been too long. 

 

Thanks. That’s what I had in mind as the next step if the case inquiry doesn’t work out favorably. When I submitted the case inquiry with USCIS, they sent a confirmation email that said “USCIS may require at least 60 days to process your request.” 
 

So, I’m not really sure how long is too long or when is the right time to reach out to my representative. We’re closing in on 14 months waiting now and still haven’t reached NOA2. If I wait 60 days from my case inquiry date, that would put me at the end of April (15 months wait) assuming I don’t hear anything back before then. 

Edited 6 hours ago by ScottyC

[TBoneTX 49,442]

1 hour ago, ScottyC said:

wait 60 days from my case inquiry

It's hard, but give them the chance.  You never know.

1 hour ago, ScottyC said:

when is the right time to reach out to my representative

Day 61.  Contact the immigration liaison in your Congressman's (usually) D.C. office.  There's a release form to fill out, giving them authorization to inquire on your behalf.

2 hours ago, ScottyC said:

how long the extra security checks will take

It varies by case, and the process is highly opaque.  For beneficiaries, some security checks can expire while others are in process, and the expired ones need to begin anew.  This stinks, but it's necessary.  Hang in there, keep the faith, and be sure to let us all hear the happy news when it finally comes about.