What happens after your Fiance visa case (I-129F) is approved
Approval of your Fiance visa petition (I-129F) is just half the journey. Take a deep breath. Here’s how you prepare for the final K-1 visa interview…
Nothing compares to the feeling when your Fiance visa petition (I-129F) is approved. It means you’re one step closer to being with your fiance. The USCIS has given their “O.K.” for you to apply for a K-1 visa.
While excitedly looking at that (I-797) letter in your hands now, are you picturing your fiance landing at the airport now? you standing there with flowers to greet him or her?
That day isn’t far away. Want to make sure that all comes true? (see what happens when you file your I-129F to the USCIS. What do they do with your forms?)
Steps after I-129F approval
After an I-129F petition approval, there are still 2 major steps remaining. Let’s walk through them step by step. Because it’s important to get them right otherwise, instead of a quick, painless approval — you’re going to see major delays or denial.
Let’s see an overview at the process after your I-129F petition is approved. Here are the three main steps:
- (1) USCIS forwards approved Fiance visa Petition. The USCIS reviews, processes and validates your I-129F petition for an Alien Fiance. After all RFE issues have been dealt with, they approve your case. It’s then sent to the National Visa Center (NVC, still in the US) for processing.
- (2) NVC Processes Case. The NVC performs background checks and assigns a case number. They send your case overseas to the selected US Consulate with all your case details.
- (3) US Consulate/Embassy processes case. This Consulate, Post or Embassy performs the final processing, criminal checks and interview before a K-1 visa is granted. This is where it really counts. The “final exam” before you’re approved.
After approval of I-129F by the USCIS
So, let’s go back and look at the first step. Following several months of waiting (and feeling like they forgot about you), the USCIS finally informs you that they’ve approved your I-129F Fiance visa petition.
Depending on your preferences, you get notified in different ways. Then they immediately forward your approved case to the National Visa Center (NVC).
- Email, text message. You’re alerted in your email inbox or by text message. If you choose case status updates, the USCIS informs you of a “post decision activity”. In it, it says that the USCIS approved your fiance visa petition.
- Mail. You’re mailed an approval Notice of Action I-797 (NOA) with details of your fiance visa petition. The rest of the letter describes how the case is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC). Tip: keep this notice safe, you’ll need it when you file the Adjustment of Status (I-485) after marriage.
An I-129F approval is not a K-1 visa approval
Before we get too far ahead, let’s cover an important clarification. Getting your petition approved by the USCIS doesn’t mean your fiance already has the K-1 visa. These are two very different things.
The petition approval is only half the journey. It means your case has being accepted for K-1 visa eligibility. Honestly, this was the “easy” part.
The remainder of the K-1 visa process involves security checks and documents of the foreign beneficiary. The results of which gets decided at the visa interview at the Consulate. That’s the “tough” part.
So, let’s get back to the process. What happens when your case is completed by the USCIS and it’s received by the NVC?
The National Visa Center (NVC) processes case
This NVC reviews your case following approval of the I-129F. Their main job is to give a fresh look to your case, perform background checks, input your details into the Department of State’s database, and finally assign you a case number.
You’re not actively required to do anything during the entire NVC process.
It’s not glorious and unfortunately that’s why petitioners don’t follow much through this process. That’s a huge mistake.
It’s very important for you to keep track and make sure your case is in and out of the NVC in a timely fashion.
What the NVC does
- 1. Receives and reviews your case
- 2. Assigns a case #
- 3. Performs background checks (yet, again)
- 4. Forwards your packet to a US Embassy overseas where your fiance has an interview
- 5. Mails you an approval notice that your case has been sent abroad
Your duty is to follow up with the NVC. Be warned that many times entire petitions are “lost” either in transit or at the NVC. Don’t risk waiting several months to realize something is wrong.
The US Embassy processes case
At this point, your approved I-129F petition makes your foreign fiance eligible to apply for a K-1 visa.
The final leg of the Fiance K-1 visa journey is the Consulate phase. The Consulate repeats much of the same process in terms of background checks and eligibility verification. However, they’re much more in-depth.
How the US Embassy processes your K-1 case
- 1. Receives and Processes. The embassy receives your case, reviews it and performs even more security checks. Your name and your fiance’s name are matched against databases. When all is complete, they take the next step.
- 2. Send K-1 visa packet. They mail out (or email) the K-1 visa packet to the beneficiary fiance. Your foreign fiance is invited to apply for the K-1. The packet contain instructions for the steps to take. At this point it becomes a K-1 application (not an I-129F anymore).
- 3. The foreign beneficiary collects all required documents and applies for a K-1 visa, including:
- ✦ Supporting documents (Passport, birth certificates, etc.)
- ✦ DS-160 (filed online)
- ✦ Police Clearance
- ✦ Medical Exam Report
- ✦ Affidavit of Support (I-134)
- ✦ Proof of Relationship
- ✦ Visa payment receipt
- ✦ Much more…depending on your situation (for example, divorce documents).
- 4. Schedule interview. When you’re done gathering paperwork, you schedule an interview. This is the dreaded K-1 visa interview. Where you’re face to face with someone who decides your fate. The beneficiary gets interviewed with questions regarding eligibility and relationship. Any and all criminal history (petitioner’s) is discussed.
- 5. K-1 visa approval or denial. The officer makes a decision on the K-1 visa application (approval or denial). All documents will be considered and your bona fide relationship evaluated.
If everything is in order, the visa application is approved. In the following days, you receive a visa packet with your passport/visa and sealed medical exam results. Your fiance can literally take the next flight to the US.
If there is a problem in the interview, there can be denials. We don’t want that. Because a denial means you repeat the entire process — totally starting from scratch: months of more agonizing waiting, fees, and another interview.
And worse, no guarantee you’ll get approved next time. Many times, the same problems get couples denied the second time.
How to get a K-1 visa approval
Consider the K-1 interview similar to a college final exam. You’ve studied all year for this one chance to graduate. You should go in there 100% confident that you’re going to be approved. You know how much it means to both of you.
Now, I have to tell you some bad news. Denial rates have gotten more frequent over the years due to “extreme vetting” and tighter immigration policies. The K-1 visa is not “easy” as it used to be and definitely not quick anymore.
Professionals, lawyers or anyone else cannot pick up the phone and get you an approval. You really have to earn this yourself by virtue of documents and a genuine relationship. Even one missing document can be an excuse for a delay/denial.
Take the lead and make sure you get approved. All my readers agree that my step-by-step online tutorial helped them the most. Where you go at your own pace in a guide that holds your hand through each step. What to do, how to gather documents, how to prepare for the interview and pass without a problem.
No guessing, no confusion. Just plain-English steps to follow even if you have red flags (you know… age difference, quick relationship, etc.). It’s all based on actual laws and procedures for all countries.
Plus, a ton of insider tips (that I’ve picked up over the years) to boost your chances of a quick, solid approval.
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Recent Comments from readers…
April 23, 2019 at 12:05 am on Do I need a job to file for a K-1 visa?I don't understand why you said I have pass 2...
Hi Prem
I had my visa come through today and although i haven’t asked directly, I just wanted to say what great content you have and to thank you for it, it is very clear and detailed. Great work.
Thanks
Ben
Ben,
Awesome news. I’m glad things went well… but please share how the experience was. What questions were asked? paperwork? any major issues? and how long was the entire process?
Thank you, and I look forward to reading your experience.
-Prem
Hi,
so I got my NOA2 on Mar.19th 2019, now i filled out form i-134 for financial prove, but thing is i don’t know where to sent it ?, my fiancée is in Iraq, should she just take it with her to the interview ? or ?
Hello Ahmed,
the I-134 is sent to the beneficiary. He/she will take it by hand to the K-1 visa interview. You can learn how to prepare the i-134 here: How to prepare the I-134 form
-Prem
HI PREM MY COMMENT IS ALMOST SIMILAR TO YOUR READER ARTHUR. I RECEIVED MY APPROVED 129F JAN.31/19 WITH 4 MONTHS VALIDITY. AFTER A MONTH, I HAVEN’T HEARD ANYTHING FROM NVC. I TRIED TO CONTACT THEM BY E MAIL AND CALL AND FINALLY GOT MY CASE NUMBER THEY CREATED. ITS OVER 6 WEEKS NOW AND KEEP ON E MAILING THEM INQUIRING IF MY CASE IS MOVING FORWARD. THEY GAVE ME REPLY STATING “YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED ONCE THIS CASE IS FORWARDED TO THE ASSIGNED US EMBASSY/ CONSULATE GEN.” MY CONCERNED HERE IS THE TIME SENSITIVITY OF THE CASE (VALIDITY) AM I STILL ON THE NORMAL PROCESSING OF THE NVC? WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE CAUSE OF DELAYS?
Manuel,
Yes, the NVC typically takes 4-6 weeks to process cases and assign a case number. You’re not out of normal ranges.
-Prem
I received a notice of action for my I129F on12/20/2018. The notice stated it was approved and would be sent (NVC) It is now 03/11/2019 and I haven’t heard anything. Whenever I call the (NVC) I get a recording that they are busy and to try back later. I have no idea if my stuff has got lost or if they ever worked on it or was denied. Help.
Arthur,
I replied to your earlier comment as well. But in general, you should try to give the NVC a call early mornings to avoid the backlog. Have they responded to your emails?
-Prem
Dear Prem,
I received my Notice 797 receipt and contacted the USCIS, they assure me my application is on normal processing time. Should she or myself submit any documents in the meantime? And how should I go about my affidavit for support? Old and recent paystubs with a signed letter from my employeer?
Sorry for the questions, just worried!
– Don
Don,
You mention the 797 form — which is an approval notice — yet you say you’re asking the USCIS for processing times? Let me know what exactly you mean. Something doesn’t make sense, friend.
In the meantime, you don’t have to gather up the I-134 AOS documents unless you’re close enough to the date when you need them. You never know when the interview is going to be held. Give us more clear information so we can help.
-Prem
Hi my 129f case is ready and its complete one month and my lawyer say you sholuld to wait for email now i sholud to wait aur i take next step i am very confused
Hello Aisha,
If your I-129F is filed you must wait for them to process the case. You can find out here the exact steps that happen behind the scenes https://www.visatutor.com/i-mailed-my-i-129f-petition-whats-next/
You can also see the waiting time estimates here https://www.visatutor.com/i-129f-petition-uscis-case-processing-charts/
-Prem
Hi prem,
We recivied our approval and the nvc sent us the confirmation number and said that they have transferred the case to the embassy in egypt, we did the ds-160 and made an account on ustraveldocs.com and we also paid the visa. After that we tried to schedule the appointment but on the website it said there are currently no appointments available it is so frustrating and we dont know what should we do, please advise, should we try to schedule an expidated interview date? On our approval notice the expiration date is april 4th so we dont have that much time left, thanks in advance.
Hey Andrew,
It’s typical for US Embassies to be backed up and not have dates available for the interview. Don’t panic. It’s normal. You will simply have to log in routinely to see when slots open up. It’s also not a problem if the I-129F “expiration” date is coming up. You will simply have to get it revalidated by contacting the US Embassy. You can find out all about it here https://www.visatutor.com/how-to-extend-your-i-129f-validity/
-Prem
Hi prem, i got an email from the nvc say that NVC will now forward the petition to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Cairo, Egypt. few days later i check my case state on ceac.state.gov and have this massage READY jan 10, 2019
Your case is ready for your interview when scheduled at the U.S. Consular section. If you have already scheduled an appointment for an interview, please prepare your documents as directed in your appointment letter and appear at the consulate on the appointed date and time. Otherwise, please wait until you have been notified of your interview appointment. Additional information about how Immigrant Visa interview appointments are scheduled can be found at: http://nvc.state.gov/interview. I’m so confused right now should i go ahead and schedule the interview or the nvc already did, we didnt receive any interview date yet, also we emailed the embassy in Cairo and they said that they didnt receive the file at post yet even though on the nvc website it is saying that the embassy has the case please let us know what should we do now. Thanks
Hey Maria,
your I-129f case file may be in transit right now to the US Consulate in Cairo. In any case, the NVC no longer has anything to do with your case. Once the US Embassy receives the case, you will have to start the process and gather your documents. Until you get the email/invitation from the Cairo US Consulate, it seems they do not want you to proceed with any steps. You can check out my step by step guide to prepare for the K-1 visa interview here https://visatutor.thinkific.com/
-Prem
Hey!
Hope ur doing well,
I’m planning to go To US with my B1/B2 that I’ve got it before starting the K1 visa and never been in US for holidays been in US for work only, Few times , i wanna spend my New year and my birthday in there .. planing To stay for 2 weeks .. i’ve Work ties to go back.. but i’m Scared that will cause any problem For my interview.. how the consult will see it my travel and all .. i’m Really scared and need some insight.. happy new year in advance
Hey Mana,
Thanks for reaching out. If you’re approved a b1/b2 visa, then you’re free to fly into the US. Whether or not Customs/Border protection allows entry is another matter. If they see you’ve got an active I-129F petition, there’s a chance they’ll object to the entry. You can read more about it here question # 4 https://www.visatutor.com/5-things-you-must-know-about-the-fiance-visa/
You can also read an in-depth guide about tourist visa denials or denials of entry by CBP. https://www.visatutor.com/do-tourist-visa-denials-affect-my-k-1-visa/
As you’ll read in both of these articles, unless you have some sort of inadmissibility, it doesn’t really affect your future K visa if you’re denied a visitor b1/b2 visa or entry by Customs.
-Prem
Hi Prem,
Thank you so much for all the super helpful information.
I have a question regarding Proof of relationship.
During the I-129F petition, we already included documents for proof of relationship.
However, you again listed Proof of relationship as required document during the K-1 process.
How are the documents different between these 2 stages?
Or do we submit the same thing again?
Hi Heather,
Thanks for reading the website. In terms of proof of relationship, it’s best to include the Proof in both the I-129F and bring it along to the K visa interview. The Embassy is more concerned about proof of relationship than the USCIS is. In fact, you can read about it here
https://www.visatutor.com/fiance-visa-lessons-after-helping-thousands-of-couples/
under “what you should do more of”. The proof that you bring to the interview doesn’t necessarily have to be the same that you submitted in your I-129F. If you have fresher evidence, you can take those along to the interview.
-Prem
Hey Prem,
Yes, the only issues I have, I was arrested 10 years ago for shop lifting. case went to a misdemeanor and withheld.
Hi Samantha,
Unfortunately, that may be the reason for your delay. Again, there’s really no way to quicken the process if it’s due to a security background check. I suggest you follow up weekly with them and submit an inquiry often. That’ll be the best you can do in the meantime until this wraps up.
-Prem
Hey Prem
I just have one question regarding my k1 visa. The NVC sent me a mail on Nov 27 stating they sent the i129f to the embassy and when I checked after a week on the https://ceac.state.gov/ceacstattracker/status.aspx website my case shows ‘READY’ but I still didn’t receive any instructions from the embassy to proceed to the next step. So shall I proceed to the next steps like filling the DS-160 form and schedule appointment or wait the embassy to contact me? Thanks for your help
Hello Sofonias,
If the status reads “ready” then you don’t have to wait for the letter. You can go to the USEmbassy.gov website and download the K visa instructions on your own and continue with the process. Good luck and comment on the website about your status when you get a moment.
-Prem
Hi Prem, I wrote to you recently regarding my case and I am son frustrated and losing hope. I applied for the I129F visa in February 8, 2018 for my fiancee in England. I received the receipt saying they received my application two weeks after. Seven months passed and I decided to submit an inquiry and learnt that my case is delayed pending background check. Its 10 months now and still no information on the status of the case, whether my background check is ok or if they need additional information. Should I be worried.
Hey Samantha,
I’m sorry to hear you’re having delays with the I-129F processing. Hmm, 10 months is a lot and out of the ordinary for all cases. If they claim that it’s due to a pending background check, then I’m afriad there’s really no way to speed it up. Tell me, do you know any reason why they may be holding him up with a background check? any criminal history? travel to target locations around the world? educated with a security sensitive background? etc. etc.
Also you may want to get your local senator or representative involved. They can usually light a fire.
-Prem
Hello prem,
Finally after one year we got our approval for our k1 visa from uscis, now the mail said that the case has been transferred to the nvc and that the nvc will mail us when they transfer the case to the embassy. I’m a little confused because I’m not aware of the steps of the nvc phase and I’m hoping that you can help. When I get the case number what should I do with it? We got the approval on December 4th so it’s almost 10 days ago, I’m about to call them or email them within a week to get my case number but What does the case number do for me? Is it for taking the interview appointment in the embassy? Also until now nobody asked us about the affidavit of support papers and I’m not sure how should I submit them, does my fiancé take this application (I-134) with him to the interview or the nvc will ask us to send it to them before the interview? Also I heard that can I submit this application after he arrives to the us is that true? One last question do you think it’s a good idea that I go with my fiancé to the interview if I’m able to? Our case will be transferred to the American embassy in Cairo Egypt
Sorry for asking too many questions but we waited a whole year for the approval and I don’t wanna do any mistakes we wanna be done and get married
Thanks in advance
Hey Andrew,
Congratulations on the I-129F approval. Although I’m very surprised it took a year. Generally it takes 5-8 months. In any case, I guess all that matters is that you’re approved.
The NVC will process your case and give a case #. You will use that number from herein out to identify your case. You can begin the DS-160 and other procedures with it. But you will generally have to wait until the Embassy is “ready” with your case before you can begin the big stuff like medical exam, Police Clearance, and all of that. For now, hang tight, you will get a chance to use the case # shortly.
The I-134 is submitted at the K visa interview. I suggest you read about it on my website. I wrote a ton about it and a bunch of helpful information. It’s important to be prepared with it for the interview. https://www.visatutor.com/k-1-fiancee-visa-affidavit-support-form-134/
Also, you’re welcome to accompany the fiance if the Embassy policy allows it. You should check with them first on their website or by emailing them.
Hope this has helped, Drew. Good luck and let us know what happens
-Prem
We are thankful for Prem for the guide he created for the I29F Petition. We were able to create a solid paper work hence we were approved earlier than expected with no RFEs. Without the guide we would be lost, it teached us how to create and organize the petition. The guide was helpful and we followed the instructions given. Thank you so much.
Hey please help me out I got the email from nvc that they sent my file to the US embassy in Islamabad. Should I wait for them to reach out to us regarding medical exam or we can go ahead and fill out the visa from dc 160 or they said they will take several weeks to send Islamabad so what the step?
Hello Suno,
Please check your case status on the CEAC website to see if they’re ready for you to proceed. If they’re ready for you, you can proceed.
-Prem
So my fiancé and I have gotten approved for the I-129F form. Our paperwork has made it through to the NVC and then on to the Is Embassy in London. He has already went for his medical exam but they needed permission to obtain his medical records and his doctor is taking forever to send them off. His medical exam was October 29th, 2018. It is currently
December 10th, 2018. We have waited on his doctor to gather the correct paperwork for over a month and our expiration date is the 21st of December 2018. He has since made his interview date, but we are afraid of not being approved at the interview because the lack of medical records his doctor has failed to provide. There is a way that we can get our dead line extended but we have not been assigned a consular at this moment in time. What should we do about this? Is there something we can do? He has called his doctor numerous times about sending the documents off to the Embassy but they haven’t done anything about it. How would we go about getting our expiration date for our approval extended?
Hello Destiny,
That’s a common issue to be waiting for results, paperwork, etc. It’s not a big problem. Getting your I-129F extended (revalidated) is quick and you can do it yourself. Follow my guide here and you’ll be taken step by step how to contact the embassy and request an extension
https://www.visatutor.com/how-to-extend-your-i-129f-validity/
-Prem
First i want to say that theres hope. Very discourage because our process took almost a year. Everything was approved and my fiancee and her son arrived in US. Its been about 3 week and our wedding date is set for december. My only problem is i did not receive any information. I did not recive a checklist for things to do after they enter the US. Yes i know we mist get married in 90 days but what else is it? I heard theres a form. I heard theres more fees. Im calling and researching and can not find any concrete information. I hoping you can help me. Thank you for your time.
Jason
Hey Jason,
Yes, I know it can get confusing with all the different forms, procedures, terms and so on. For the fiance K-1 visa process after entry, the main process is adjustment of status (K visa). That’s your way of showing the government that you got married and you’re ready to have her file for a green card.
While this application I-485 is processing, your fiance cannot travel outside the US or work until getting her EAD/AP card. Read all here https://www.visatutor.com/how-soon-can-i-travel-work-after-entry-on-a-k-1-visa/
These are the two main things you should know for her and her son.
-Prem
Aloha Prem,
We got letter from USCIS showing its approved. NVC send our case to US Embassy. I check my case state on ceac.state.gov and have this massage READY 10-Oct-2018
Your case is ready for your interview when scheduled at the U.S. Consular section. If you have already scheduled an appointment for an interview, please prepare your documents as directed in your appointment letter and appear at the consulate on the appointed date and time. Otherwise, please wait until you have been notified of your interview appointment. Additional information about how Immigrant Visa interview appointments are scheduled can be found at: http://nvc.state.gov/interview .
We created DS-160 application, but have not submitted it yet and have not schedule the appointment yet. We was waiting for Embassy to send us the K-1 packet, but still have not received it yet.
We just went back to check the status again. It shows following:
20-Nov-2018 Your Case has been returned to the National Visa Center(NVC). Please contact NVC for further information. http:nvc.state.gov/ask. For more information, please visit Travel.State.Gov.
I called NVC, they have not received the case back yet, but they will returned our case back to USCIS once they receive it. We are stuck now. We don’t know what to do. Do you know what should we do now? Just wait for USCIS to contact us? Please advise. Thank you very much!
Hello Cindy,
That’s an interesting situation. I’m not sure what happened there. Why did the Embassy return your case to the NVC? did you contact the Embassy and find out? The only thing I can think of is if the NVC forwarded the wrong details to the Embassy and they returned it pending the correct documents. If that’s the case, then you should keep calling the NVC to get updates. Let us know what this is about. It’s the first time I believe I’ve heard anything like this.
-Prem
Hi Prem,
I just wanted to tell everybody that I finally got my I-129F petition for my finance approved by Immigration! It took almost 8 months, but by using your guides and getting answers to my questions I got it approved without an “RFE.” Thanks so much Prem for your help and your website has excellent information with videos, examples, information, updates, and stories of success stories. Mine has been one of them and anybody out there who is still waiting, remember it took me 8 months, so there is still hope. Now, I am studying his information to help my finance prepare for her interview. It is hard being patient, but well worth it when it gets approved. If I can follow these steps and get mine approved, then so can you. Thanks Prem for all of your help and information provided on this website. I hope my little story will help others with their K1 Visa’s as well.
Thanks
Drew
Thanks for sharing your success, Drew. That’s fantastic to hear you’re approved. You’re right, it’s stressful and the waiting time is overwhelming, but the happiness is worth it. Thanks for sharing and let us know how your interview goes.
-Prem
Hello, i got letter from NVC in 30 Oct 2018 say that NVC will now forward the petition to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Cairo, Egypt. few days later i check my case state on ceac.state.gov and have this massage READY 04-Nov-2018
Your case is ready for your interview when scheduled at the U.S. Consular section. If you have already scheduled an appointment for an interview, please prepare your documents as directed in your appointment letter and appear at the consulate on the appointed date and time. Otherwise, please wait until you have been notified of your interview appointment. Additional information about how Immigrant Visa interview appointments are scheduled can be found at: http://nvc.state.gov/interview . after that i create DS-160 application and i print out the confirmation page then i made profile on http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ and i paid the visa fee and i scheduled interview appointment but i didn’t receive mail or requirement letter . please confirm that im going to the right way
Hello Mina,
Yes, from the sound of it, you’re proceeding correctly. Be sure to download and get the checklist from the US Embassy website and get the documents listed. You don’t have to wait for the physical invitation to come in the mail. The letter the Embassy mails to you is the same one you can download.
-Prem
Thank you prem for all of this information…wouldn’t be able to file in a right way without this information…but there is one more i want to know that I didn’t find here or couldn’t is that do we need original NOA2 for any purpose i mean to show it somewhere? Because we haven’t gotten our NOA2 yet and our case is in beneficiary reside country. Thanks in advance
Hello Adeel,
You can keep the NOA2 safe for yourself. You can bring a copy along to the interview. You will also need a copy for your Adjustment of status. But for now, I suggest you store it safely.
-Prem
Thanks Prem
Your articles are always very explicit and it makes things easier for some of us. Thanks for the time you take to make us understand and prepare during this distressing process.
Thanks Alio,
I’m glad you find them useful in the distressing process. What is the latest with your case so far?
-Prem
My fiancé and I have waited 5 months for the approval yet we still haven’t gotten any word for uscis. Is there anything I can do to speed things up?
Hey Destiny,
I know it’s very depressing to wait several months and feel like they forgot about you. For most people, there’s no way to expedite the I-129F processing. The best you can do is to avoid delays. You can read further here https://www.visatutor.com/preventk1delays/
The other is — if you’re curious — to know what the USCIS is actually doing at this point, you can read about it here and why they take so long…https://www.visatutor.com/i-mailed-my-i-129f-petition-whats-next/
Overall you can expect a 6-7 month wait as you can see lots of other couples talk about it here: https://www.visatutor.com/i-129f-petition-uscis-case-processing-charts/
Hope this helps
-Prem
Greetings to all on this wonderful Journey,
I wish everyone lots of luck. I had never before heard of the k-1 process until I was calling the consulate overseas. I met my fiancé through a family friend and when I met him and got to know him I fell in love like many of you have done with your SO. I filed the K-1 petition in July and after an RFE in March because of lack of my passport photo and letter of intent we were then approved in March. By the time NVC reviewed our forms and the consulate received the hardcopy of the petition from NVC our interview date was the 1st week of May 2018.
So my fiancé goes to his interview and feels confident about each question and response and as well as that we have tons of evidence to back up our relationship. At the conclusion of the interview he asks them, “ Did I pass the interview”? Instead of a response he was handed a 221g yellow form and was left speechless. The Consulate Officer told him that the visa was refused at this time but that they were going to take everything for further review and then get back to him. The CO kept his passport and told him to fill out online where he would like to retrieve his passport when Administrative Processing is over.
Meanwhile in the US, I’m sitting here anxiously at work waiting for his call on FB messenger and after 2-3 hrs I started to feel uneasy. When he told me the type of response that was given at the conclusion of the interview I felt so sick and faint I left work at lightning speed. We talked about what happened as we both felt scared and were trying to fight tears. After speaking to my fiancé I called Prem, the superhero, and he was able to reassure me and told me to keep checking with NVC to see what their updates was over the coming days and to call or e-mail the consulate with reference to our receipt# in the calls and e-mails. My goodness everyone, speaking to Prem really helped me. It was like he threw a bunch of water on a fire. I called the NVC that day and the people on the phone are very sympathetic and understanding the words they used are so comforting I didn’t feel like I was speaking to a complete stranger thousands of miles away from CA. The NVC told me to stay on top of contacting the Consulate for definite answers. From fri-sun I kept emailing the consulate and I tried to get answers for the heck a 221(g) yellow form is, the purpose of not being given clear answers from the CO, if my fiancé passed the interview, ect. I think a total of seven emails went back and forth the next couple days. But in the last e-mail the consulate admitted that he was supposed to pick up not only his passport, but my documents, and his VISA 🙂 and after reading that in the e-mail on the NVC website the status changed to ‘Issued’.
I felt like I had won my life back
.
So now I am preparing for his soon arrival and our wedding ceremony in July 2018.
I will say this to everyone. Yes the process does cost a bit. I was fortunate that my fiancé paid for his airline tickets, police clearance/medical/visa. I am paying for the wedding and AOS/work permit. Even though I’m on a tight budget and can’t have the wedding of my dreams like many others in this process I’m still at peace because I found my soulmate. Someone I can’t live without and my future only exists with him in my life together in each other’s presence. I never knew that I was ready for marriage until we met.
After our wedding later on when we’ve saved enough we’ll have a small party, take a trip, ect. But my advice to everyone is to stay strong. Keep loving each other and don’t let any negativity about the process get between you and your fiancé. I’m so glad we both were capable of doing so. And for sure, you’ll be approved across the board as well.
P.S. my fiance’s Consulate is in Fiji and wishing all love, approval, and wedding bells.
Hey AD,
Thanks for sharing your story. I remember when you and I first started talking, it was still in your early stages where you had just sent in your paperwork. And now it’s been so many months and you two are already done and almost married. I’m glad you shared your story.
It’s easy to realize two things after reading your story: (1) we all have some level of difficulty and emotional battles to face in the K visa process because of the long distance relationships and the hectic immigration system (2) research and preparations go a long way. I know you were very diligent in researching, preparing, and contacting the Embassy to get the case 100% complete if something came up.
So, congratulations… it’s well deserved.
For anyone reading this, I’d also ask them to share their own stories, emotions, and struggles in their K visa process. Let’s get this done together. That’s why I made this website!
-Prem
Hi! I received an email containing my reference case number, that the petition is now at my local US embassy. Also, it mentioned about my upcoming immigrant visa interview. can i now make an appointment schedule at the US embassy using the email letter sent or do i still have to wait for the “physical” letter to arrive?
Hello Aimie,
usually you can being scheduling your medical, PCC, and all other requirements with your case #. You can print it out yourself and use this document. The one they mail you will be similar to the one you can download from the USEmbassy.gov website.
-Prem
Hello!
On may 10th my fiancé and I were approved our I129F K1 visa.
What is next… do I need to contact the NVC now or wait?!?
My fiancé works on cruise ships here in America and is due to return back next week. We don’t know if he should stay home in his country or return to ships until our NVC letter arrives…. HELP!
Hey Alicia,
Congratulations on the approval. As you’ve read in this article, you don’t contact the NVC right away. You must give 2-3 weeks for them to get the delivery and process it before they can issue you a case #. I know it’s very exciting, but you have to wait a few more weeks before taking the next step.
If you read the timeline, you will see that the NVC takes roughly 4-6 weeks to process your case. The Embassy will take another 2 weeks to get the case. So, try to figure out from that timeline when you should start making a move or decide to stay home or not.
-Prem
Hello,
Our I-129f petition was approved on January 31st and is due to expire on May 31st, we thought it would take long for the Dublin Embassy to send out our visa packet so I visited my fiancee in the U.S. for a few weeks. I have all my documents ready and my medical on the 17th May. They said it takes 7-10 days for the results to come back so I’m estimating May 28th/29th to submit my letter of readiness. Is this OK as everything will be done and ready and submitted before the expiration date or should I apply for an extension? If I need to apply for an extension how do I go about doing that in Ireland?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Hello Mae,
Congratulations on the approval. I’m curious — why’d you wait so long to begin the K-1 application process. I see you got approved by the end of January. That means if the NVC was done by the beginning of March, then the Embassy should’ve had your case by mid March. This means you could’ve filed a while back — almost 2 months ago. But, regardless there’s no harm done. I’m assuming that’s the time you spent with your fiance here in the US?
In any case, yes, you’re allowed to ask for an extension. Quite honestly, there’s no problem with just emailing the US Embassy and informing them that you’re still intending to apply for a K-1 visa and that your I-129F is going to expire soon. Ask for an extension (if need be) and you should be able to easily get it. From my experience, they’re very easy with I-129F extension requests. They will give you another 4 months (typically) to keep going with the K-1. In which case, you’ll already be done with it.
Hope this helped
-Prem
Hey there,
my i-129F got approved. I know the medical exam asks about previous incidences of self-harm. My fiance was in a severely battered abusive relationship that ended 6-7 years ago, and due to duress she had cut herself on that one ocassion. She successfilly completed treatment with a Doctor and was discharged accordingly. She will take a letter stating she is of no harm to herself and that she has no mental disorder. I hear that is important for the case officer to see.
Have you seen/heard of these issues in the medical phase with other applicants? I am told that so long as she is in good health today and has supporting documentation, she should be just fine.
That is the only ? on her side of the coin. I have a single misdemeanor possession of marijuana criminal conviction. My petition got through, and I know they look for more serious crimes.
Any chance her medical issue and my one blemish on my record can cause grounds for denial? My understanding is that they want to make sure it is a bonafide relationship (which we have mountains of evidence of) as well as that the Beneficiary won’t be a harm to the public or a public charge (which she isn’t she will have medical and professional character references).
Thanks!
Hello Amit,
Thanks for discussing your issue, and I’ll try my best to shed light on the topic. When your fiance has the medical exam, at the physician’s discretion, they may ask her a few questions to evaluate mental health. If there’s a reason for the physician to suspect that there may be some psychological issues, then they may ask further questions or refer her to a specialist.
The physician may or may not see the scars and may or may not ask about it. However, it’s important for your fiance to bring the supporting documentation to show to the physician that she has been treated for this before. My hope is that the physician will take everything into account and give her a ‘clean bill of health’.
Furthermore, once the medical is completed, the physician jots down notes on the exam and anything they’d like to disclose to the Embassy. At which point, it’s up to the discretion of the Consular officer how they would like to proceed with implementing their recommendation.
All in all, to me it seems like if her psychological health is good at this point in time, then it’s no need to worry about the medical exam. Especially since she has supporting documentation to prove she’s fit. But it’s your obligation and responsibility to disclose the information to the physician and Embassy if they inquire about the past. I hope this helps clarify the issue. let me know your thoughts
-Prem
Thank you so much ??? I’m feeling better now after I read all your ans. Thank you very much?? Godbless you❤️❤️
So it could be possible me and my child can go to US together? I read some articles online that the k2 wl wait for one year or more before they follow On u in US is that true?
Hello Sherlyn,
The K-1 and K-2 visas are usually issued together. So, your child will be able to come with you to the US. The 1-year issue you read about was an option you have if you want to delay your child coming to the US (for any reason). It’s an option, not the rule. If you want to read about the K-2 process, see here https://www.visatutor.com/fiancee-k-1-visa/k2-visa/
and you can read about the optional k-2 following to join https://www.visatutor.com/k2-visa-follow-join/
-Prem
Hi I just want to ask help ,,my fiance filed a petition to me and to my our child and we got a approved but we found out later on that the I-129f of my fiancé submitted is he accidentally didn’t put the name of our child ,so what should we do ..
Hello Sherlyn,
You’re allowed to include children for a K-2 visa after submitting the I-129F. All you would need to do is submit the DS-160 for each child, pay visa fees, get medical/pcc, etc. for the children after informing the US Embassy that there are children you’d like to include in your case. You can read about the K-2 situation here https://www.visatutor.com/fiancee-k-1-visa/k2-visa/
-Prem
Hi ! This is Mia again )
I have another question and I didn’t see anything about it on this website..
Well , I have 5 years old kid.
Do I need to take my kid with me on interview? Because no one answered my question and we have to travel to another country for interview , I just wanted to to know so I need to take kid with me there..
What do I need to know after I-129F was approved, when I have kid (K1-k2 )
Hey Mia,
All K-2 children are required to submit the DS-160 and pay visa fees. Usually, they’re required to attend the interview. Unless the US Embassy instructions specifically tell you that they’re not required to attend, you should assume your child/children must attend.
You can find the k-2 section here https://www.visatutor.com/fiancee-k-1-visa/k2-visa/
keep in mind, the PCC may or may not be required depending on age. However, the medical is usually required regardless of age. Again, all of the specific instructions are spelled out for your particular US Embassy.
-Prem
I know I have to wait 5-7 months next month will be three months that we have waited. What do I do if we do get approval?
Hi Destiny,
After I-129F approval, you can follow the steps according to this guide to schedule the interview. You will wait for NVC processing, then Embassy processing, and begin the process on your own. All of this is explained above.
-Prem
I read that after 50-75 days you need to call and do a verbal check on your case status. Is this true?
Hi Destiny,
You’re not required to verbally check any case status. After your case has been approved by the NVC, you can check the status online through the CEAC website. However, you may want to jump ahead and get your case # by calling the NVC after the USCIS has approved your case. Is that what you’re referring to?
-Prem
They have lost my case after the approval, so I waited another 4 months for the NVC to get it. Now it is 10 days they got it, but we still have no case number.
Hello ,
My case was approved in November 2017 and I have no update ever since. I contacted the USCIS and the NVC hundred times and still nothing.
I call them on weekly basis and they tell me to wait a month for the answer, I do wait but again nothing happens.
In February the NCV said they contacted the USCIS and USCIS said that they have emailed the notice in February 12, but after a month I call the USCIS and they tell me they haven’t sent anything to NVC yet.
Hello An,
Sorry to hear that. Didn’t they say before that they knew you got approved and sent everything over? Now, there’s no development and they’re pointing fingers at each other? Well, the best I can say is that it’s most likely lost somewhere. Did you happen to save a copy of your I-129F?
I would suggest you give them a call and speak to the highest tier officer to get this sorted once and for all. Keep in mind an approved I-129F petition is valid for only 4 months. Your I-129F approval could have expired already, so use that as an “urgency” situation to get them to act. They will most likely have to extend the approval. Let us know what happens.
-Prem
Hi Prem,
Two questions,
Do you have an estimate time form when the Interview and the approval of yhe K1?
Txs
Alicia
Hi Alicia,
You will see all about the time estimate here: https://www.visatutor.com/fiancee-k-1-visa/fiancee-k-1-visa-process/k1-visa-timeline/
or if you’re wondering about the i-129F processing, see here: https://www.visatutor.com/i-129f-petition-uscis-case-processing-charts/
Let me know if that didn’t answer your question
-Prem
Yes, they said I should wait. It was my approval notice, which they send you ater somw 5-7 months .
Thank you.
Hi Anna,
I see you got approved but they never “got” your paperwork. Just send in a copy of your approval letter and wait until they respond. Hopefully, they’ll resume processing.
Remember, it’s your case. You have to see this through. The agencies may get “lazy”. So be sure to keep tabs on them. If they don’t respond soon, contact them again.
-Prem
Yes they contacted me saying they dont have my case (NVC) and they will contact USCIS to see where my case is.
Great. Please keep us informed!
Hi,
I got an email from NVC after contacting them. They said they contacted USCIS and they said the case is on its way to NVC.
Nice work, Kristan.
I’m glad you followed up and made them work. So, now at least you know your case is safe and on it’s way. Thanks for reaffirming my motto: “it’s your case and your future”. It’s all up to you. No one else puts in the time, energy or dedication to your case like you will.
Cheers and let us know when the NVC gets it.
-Prem
Hello,
My issue was that after USCIS approved my case I didn’t have any update after 2.5 month. I contacted NVC as advised here, and they had no idea where my case was. They didn’t even get it. They asked to send them the approval notice and they will notify me in 15 days time.
Is this just delay, or something might be wrong.
Thanks,
An
Hi An,
That’s hard to tell if it’s a delay or something is wrong. I even suspect that it may be lost in transit. Send the NVC the approval letter at once so they can track it down. It could even be that they’re backed up and haven’t actually looked at your case yet. Either way, after you send them your letter, they can track it down. Let us know what develops after you send it.
-Prem
Hi,
Thanks for your reply.
And in case it is lost, should I start everything from the beginning or will they just consider my approval notice and go on from there?
I sent them the notice , they said they would update me in 15 days.
Hi An,
It’s unlikely that your case is lost. However, it’s a rare possibility. In all likeliness, the packet is just sitting on someone’s shelf waiting to be picked up.
However, if in case it is lost, you’re not under obligation to resubmit your paperwork because it wasn’t your fault. Just send your approval notice to the NVC and they’ll run the process there.
You’ll have to wait for the NVC to respond. Secondly, just to make sure… you got an approval notice i-797, correct? it wasn’t a receipt, right I-797c?
-Prem