High denials statistics for I-129F fiance petitions in 2017

.

2017 was one of the worst years for I-129F fiance petition denials. Statistics show that it’s harder to be approved. But the fix is still the same – submit a quality I-129f packet.

.

.

Years ago, it was easier to get your I-129F petition approved. Even though it took a long time, we still saw approval statistics 85%+ from the USCIS. So that gave some peace of mind to most people.

More recently, approval rates have crept lower and lower until now, it’s near a record low.

2017 was one of the worst years ever for I-129F fiance visa petition denial. When I say “worst year”, I mean we’ve only seen denial rates so high once before. It’s obvious that President Trump’s immigration policy and extreme vetting can’t be taken lightly.

The sharp rise of denials directly impacts YOUR I-129F CASE. Because your future marriage and life are at stake.

This sounds bad — and it is. But, increasing denial percentages don’t mean you should just give up. Instead, it just goes to show you that you need more preparation and a strong case. Because I-129F petitions that are strong, full of great evidence, and well-prepared still see easy approval (even though it takes time to process).

Like I always say, “the K-1 is a privilege, not your right” and if you treat it like that, you’re likely to see great results.

So, let me explain what the current I-129F statistics show. Then we’ll discuss what you can do about it to avoid being denied.

.

K-1 visa denials can happen at two different stages

We all talk about trying to avoid denial. However, most often we forget that denials can actually happen at two different stages of the K-1 process. First during I-129F petition processing by the USCIS and the second at the K-1 interview in the Embassy.

Normally, the K-1 visa interview gets most of the attention because that’s what everyone is scared about — where you’re face to face with someone evaluating your case (i.e. deciding your future). The officers review your case and figure out if you’re eligible for a visa. And it’s dreadful because you’re standing there almost helpless while your future hangs by their decision. The whole thing is pretty dramatic.

So, naturally the I-129F processing stage didn’t get a lot of attention. That’s because, the approval rates were higher and people didn’t worry too much about it. Again, we saw approval rates 85+% for I-129F applications in most years. But, now that’s changing.

.

Increasing I-129F petition denials statistics

Ever since 2015, I-129F rejection amounts have again gone up and up. Then after President Trump toughened up the policies on immigration in 2017, visa denials and waiting time went up even further.

You don’t have to take my word for it. Let me walk you through the USCIS publications where they reveal actual number of I-129F petitions they approve and how many of these they deny. Then we’ll compare these recent statistics with those from years ago and you’ll see what I mean.

Here’s what the USCIS tells us about the I-129F approval and denial numbers for 2017.

.

.

If you add together the “approved” and “denied” petitions, that’s the “total” number of people who’s cases they worked on during that particular quarter of 2017.

So, for example, in the second quarter of 2017, they approved 6,864 petitions (I-129F). While they denied 2,604 petitions. If you add them together, you get a total of 9,468 petitions that they processed during this quarter.

What’s the percent of denials? 2,604 divided by 9,468 which equals 27%.

Think about it… more than 1 out of 4 couples were denied. Where they spent hundreds of dollars and waited several months just to see a denial. But don’t be shocked just yet. This isn’t the record. 

Click to share this with your fiance or friends on Facebook or Twitter  

.

It was never easy to get your I-129F petition approved

The truth is that I-129F typically saw denials in the range of 11-15%. However, in some abnormal years, like 2017 and 2013, the rates were higher. 2013 holds the record for 33% denials in two consecutive quarters.

If you go back to the same USCIS publications page, you see a list of previous years rates. For every year, there’s a similar list. Rather than going through one by one, I’ll give you a summary:

.

.

This is unsettling. I mean, I’ve always viewed my fiance’s K-1 interview as the toughest part, but it looks like now the I-129F is about as difficult. And my gut feeling is that it will not get easier any time soon within Trump’s presidency.

But, what about the k-1 interview? Does it get any easier to pass there? Well, I have another article about the statistics on K-1 interview approvals. In fact, this particular article was so popular that it was featured on another law website. You can read it later, but here’s the summary:

K-1 visa interview denial rates also rose significantly. The worldwide rate of interview approval is in the low 80%. Just like the I-129F, the K-1 interview used to be easier to pass. Now, it’s even tougher.

Now, I’m really curious why the the trend is elevating to near-records. And I think you know the obvious answer.

But before we get to that, let me just explain one quick fact. When we say “denials”, these figures don’t account for appeals of denial or withdrawing of cases. But I’m willing to wager that’s a small number.

.

Why are I-129F denials trending up?

I’m not sure what happened in 2013. Maybe it was some new immigration policy that got lots of people in trouble. Perhaps some new I-129F requirement that people couldn’t match. Or interestingly, maybe I-129F denials always rise after an election year. Do you know why?

However, we do know what’s the big reason behind the 2017 denials surge.

.

President Trump orders “extreme vetting” and background checks on all immigration petitions and Department of State (Embassy). This means it’s tougher to get approved and it takes longer for everyone.

.

Criminal history is getting a lot more attention. Remember a new form I-129F was released in early 2017 that requires full disclosure of past criminal history. Perhaps many people are being denied due to some past criminal history?

.

Extra scrutiny following the 2015 San Bernardino shootings. Not surprisingly, the approvals figures began to drop after that incident.

So, that’s my hunch why the denials have skyrocketed in 2017. A combination of these three things mean slower and tougher times for us.

.

Things that WON’T improve your chances of I-129F approval

Those I-129F fiance petition denial statistics we saw include everyone. Whether you self filed, use lawyers or a filing service. I don’t have numbers to prove it, but I know for certain that using lawyers or filing services won’t improve your chances of approval. In fact, I think the opposite is true — when you self file, you pay more attention and have a better chance of approval.

So, if you think someone has the magic bullet to save your case, think again. YOU are your biggest strength. Although you may get help from an expert, it’s not a good idea to just hand over your entire case to them.

Now, you may be asking, “okay if denials are on the rise, I’ll just avoid the K visa, and just go marry my fiance. Spousal visas get approved easily, right?”

Not so fast. Remember, the USCIS and Department of State do the same background checks for all immigrant visas. So, K-1 visas and CR-1/IR-1 are placed under virtually the same scrutiny. Because both paths lead to permanent residency (i.e. Green Card). And so, they both have the same amount of “extreme vetting”. In addition, CR-1/IR-1 visas take several months longer to process than K visas.

So, it doesn’t help much to switch to a marriage visa just because denials are increasing. Instead, focus on getting better at compiling your petition and making it shine.

How do you do that? In fact, what can we learn from all of these statistics? Because we know it’s getting harder to be approved.

.

I-129F petitions with quality are still easily approved

Instead of thinking of this process as just a “visa”, think of it as a “privilege”. Take a deep breath and realize that this process is important. Your future actually depends on it. Think about it… how else will you begin your lives together? or start a family?

Have this mindset and you’ll see where I’m going.

The top causes for most people’s denials are due to a weak case. The USCIS is not as easy going as they used to be. They’re raising the bar and want to see quality. So, here are three ways to put “quality” behind your I-129f petition

.

Avoid common mistakes
There are some things couples always do that end up hurting them getting delayed, denied or RFE. Like putting 500 pages of text messages in their I-129F as proof of relationship. Please don’t do that. Other I-129F mistakes include not fully reading the instructions and forgetting to send in required documents.
.

Pay attention to ineligibilities, inadmissibilities and red flags
Ineligibilities and inadmissibilities are “technical” reasons for K-1 denial. Like, overstaying on a tourist visa may get you in trouble. So, be sure that you don’t have some documented violation. If you do, get it fixed immediately to avoid a costly denial.
.

Don’t rush to put together a weak packet just to mail it out the door 
Spend a few more days to review it. Make sure your details are correct and that you are crystal clear with your case. Check out my step-by-step I-129F guide when you’re ready. This guide will hold your hand and walk you through the process top to bottom.

If you feel the urge just to mail it out prematurely — ask yourself, would you spend a few more days to polish up your I-129F and confidently mail it out? Or would you rather rush to send a weak I-129F and then wait several months in anxiety praying everything works out?

.

These three points are important to grasp and they directly affect how your case develop. The more care you take in preparation, the better results you get. Best of all, you don’t feel anxious every moment thinking about denial. That’s because you know you did a great job on the I-129F packet. And it’s just a matter of time before approval.

.

How do these I-129F statistics affect your approval?

So, let’s get down to business. How does all of this matter to you? Should you even care if denials are increasing?

Let me clarify something first. The USCIS hasn’t introduced some new rule or requirement which is getting people denied. Nope — same rules and same requirements with a slight attention to criminal history. Even with criminal history, they’re simply asking you to supply more information. Not that it’s going to get you denied. Again, no new rule or requirement. So, what’s driving the denials?

What they are doing is ENFORCING their rules more. Meaning they’re not letting people slip by as they used to before. Like I’ve mentioned before, they’re raising the bar. In effect, what they’re saying is “prove that you want it.”

Which goes back to my motto “the K-1 is a privilege, not your right”. Treat it like that and you’ll see great results.

Again, pay attention to your I-129F, back it up with quality and good evidence. If you follow these rules and you’re eligible, then you will see approval. Want me to guide you on I-129F approval? Check out my I-129F guide. It will hold your hand and show you how to craft a winning I-129F petition.

.

What do you think about all of these statistics? Write a comment below…