When’s the best time to file the I-129F petition?
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Believe or not, there are differences between how many I-129F petitions are filed throughout the year. The USCIS actually receives more K-1 petitions in the summer than the winter months. In fact, it’s more than 10% higher on average.
There are also variations of the amount of petitions approved during the year. Normally, the USCIS approves more petitions in the winter than summer months.
Notice this means more approvals happen, not necessarily that it’s easier to get approved. Here’s a look at what this means for those engaged couples looking to get their petitions over with fast.
To us, this means the “best” time to file the fiance visa is during the winter months. Keep reading to learn why.
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The USCIS gives data about petitions
The USCIS publishes statistics on immigration petitions and approval.
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Statistics are listed for petitions and approvals for all types of visas. The fiance I-129F is included. For every year it shows how many cases are received, approved, denied, pending, etc. For the latest year, the total I-129F petitions filed are 45,274. Here’s a breakdown:
- ■ Quarter 1 – 10,334 new cases
- ■ Quarter 2 – 11,276 new cases
- ■ Quarter 3 – 11,914 new cases
- ■ Quarter 4 – 11,750 new cases
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First off, I was very concerned to see that only 80% of I-129F petitions received are approved by 2020. Read about I-129F statistics.
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Noticeable trends over the years
Looking at the numbers a bit deeper; I want to focus your attention on some interesting trends discovered when comparing ALL YEARS.
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Trends of the I-129F petitions
-Less are filed during the winter months. From 4th quarter to 1st quarter (10% lower). This is exactly what the data shows
-More are submitted over the summer months. From 2nd and 3rd quarter (10% higher)
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Trends of I-129F Approvals:
-More approvals happen generally over the winter months. From 4th quarter to 1st quarter.
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So, clearly, the USCIS receives K-1 petitions throughout the year. But, there is a noticeable increase of I-129F in the busy summer times. While winter times have relatively lower numbers. It’s not a huge swing, but it’s noticeable.
I-129F approvals are usually higher at the end of the year through the winter season.
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When’s the best time to file the I-129F?
These same trends repeat every year. Again and again.
You can use this to your advantage. Although each case is processed differently, to give yourself the best chance of a quicker processing/approval, here’s a thought:
If you’re not in a hurry, then consider filing at the beginning/end of the year (or sometime in the winter) but preferably before Spring. The November-December, January-March months are good times to file.
There will be fewer couples petitioning at this time, so less I-129F backlogs. You get processed and approved quicker while the approvals numbers are higher. In effect, you have a shorter I-129F timeline.
Please remember: Each case is different. Each service center (Texas, Vermont, or California) is different. I’m offering this based on trends. There’s no guarantee that this will work for you.
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Advice on when to file the I-129F
It doesn’t make sense to wait several months for winter and then file. Think about it, would you wait months just to save a few months in processing time? No.
Rather, if you end up– or have the choice to — file in the winter, then you’re probably more likely to get approved quicker. Winter-filing gives you the best chance of a faster approval. Notice, it’s a “best chance” based on trends — not a guarantee.
There’s no doubt that some engaged couples are lucky and get approved very quickly. Then there are those who seem never to hear back from the USCIS after they filed their Fiance(e) K-1 Visa petition (I-129F). If you’re looking to make the best of it, figure out if you can time it for winter. It just might be a boost for your I-129F timeline.
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Why the difference in filing and approvals over the year?
Here are thoughts on the difference of the filing/approval situation going on.
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Why I-129F petitions are filed less in winter
-My guess is that since people travel less and probably go out of US less often in the winter, they’re less likely to meet someone and file the I-129F. Plus, no one wants to go out in the cold.
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Why more I-129F petitions are filed in summer
-On the other hand, in the summer people are out on summer vacation and traveling. Naturally, they will meet others; more filings are going on.
Makes sense to me, what do you think? Do you know another reason why?
I also fell into this typical trend. I met my fiancee during my summer vacation and filed it then.
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Why more approvals happen in the winter
1. USCIS has to prioritize the types of petitions they focus on during the year (that’s a fact). It looks like Fiance K1 Visa petitions (I-129F) get more attention during the winter.
2. It seems when the summer/autumn petitions start to pile up, the USCIS gets its act together and starts to really process the paperwork quicker. Who want’s to see a big pile of paperwork on their desks?
3. Then, I believe there’s also a USCIS policy. It feels like they need to meet a certain quota of approvals by the end of the year. They might be trying to get the approvals numbers up by the end of the quarter.
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These are speculations. The graph data is verified, but the advice of when to file is based on a good guess.
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The K-1 visa approvals and denial rates
What you just read were statistics and comparison of the I-129F approval rates. Do you want to know what kind of approvals you get at the consulate stage? read the general K-1 visa approval and denial rates.
So, when did you file? and where did you fall on this trend? Leave some comments below…
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I am happy to have found your website and will be purchasing your book very shortly as I do not want to make mistakes and want to improve my chances for acceptance for my visa to approve. I am recently divorced for a 2nd time which I realise may be a red flag. How soon would you recommend after divorce do you think I should hold off to apply?
Darlene,
Glad you’re deciding to join our program. The course definitely helps you with the red flag issues and how to “deal” with them during your I-129F phase.
Regarding the divorce timing. It really depends on individual cases. I’ve recently helped a couple who finalized the petitioner’s divorce one day and petitioned the I-129F the very next day. They had an astounding approval at the visa interview. On the other hand, I’ve known couples who waited several months after divorce but still faced resistance from the Consulate during the interview. It all depends on your individual case and how the variables affect the proof of bona fide relationship. It all comes down to when you feel you have enough strong proof of relationship that your “recent” divorce issue can be overlooked because of the strength of your bona fide relationship proof. Hope this helps! you’ll find more detailed help and steps in the I-129F course. But for now, feel free to read the answer in detail here: https://www.visatutor.com/is-my-past-divorce-a-red-flag-in-my-current-k-1-visa/
-Prem
Hi,
I filled I-129F petition for my fiance in Feb and I got receipt notice on 15th of Feb, 2019. Now it’s end of April and I haven’t heard anything yet.
so when my wife fills up the i-129f how long till we get a response? and how can we know when i can come to the USA im currently in bulgaria shes in the USA we got no idea what to do she will fill up the i-129f after she does that how long till we get any response on what do do as a next step
Hello Atanas,
After your fiance fills out and submits the I-129F, you can expect a typical waiting time of 5-8 months before hearing back from the USCIS. You can see the average timeline here: https://www.visatutor.com/i-129f-petition-uscis-case-processing-charts/
-Prem
I submitted my i129f packet more than a week ago. I included the G-1145 form. How long does it take for USCIS to acknowledge receipt? I know it arrived to their facility more than a week ago.
Thank you for your prompt response
Hi Don,
Congratulations on submitting the I-129F. It’s the first step to getting your fiance here. To answer your question, the USCIS will usually acknowledge and send a receipt after 1-2 weeks. You can read about the process the USCIS follows in much more detail here https://www.visatutor.com/i-mailed-my-i-129f-petition-whats-next/
-Prem
Hi,
please how to i get my name and my fiance’s name appear on igor’s list K1 visa timeline? My petition was transferred from Texas to California but I don’t see it on any where on the timeline.
HI Suzie,
You will have to look that up in the forum that you’re referring to. Most likely as soon as you update your profile, it’ll show up in the list. Let us know if you figure it out.
-Prem
What are the likely chances that after a rejection (because of an incorrect payment) and then a resubmission of an application (with the correct payment) that the new application will be approve? And how fast do you think it’ll get approve? If it also does get approve, is it possible to determine what service center it’ll go to after its been approve?
Hello Donny,
Incorrect fees are one of the top reasons for rejection. If you’re paperwork is returned to you, then all you have to do is fix the mistake and mail the packet back to them. The rejection has nothing to do with how you’re going to be processed by the USCIS adjudicator. The USCIS processing will depend on how well you’ve crafted your I-129F packet. If the Lockbox facility accepts it, then they will send it to the USCIS. Following which it will follow the same process that everyone else goes through. Again, rejection doesn’t affect your future processing. Also, when the lockbox facility forwards your paperwork, then they will also tell you which service center you’re headed for. You can read all about it here: https://www.visatutor.com/i-mailed-my-i-129f-petition-whats-next/
-Prem
My faince sent those forms off on 10th April to the California Service Center, until now 19th April we still have not heard any word as NOVA1. How long does it take for getting it? What should I do?
Hello Katherine,
Thanks for stopping by. Typically the USCIS will send the NOA1 1-2 weeks after you submit your I-129F petition. It’s only been 1.5 weeks so far. I would give it another week before you call them to inquire.
-Prem
My fiance and I submitted the paperwork for K1 visa on Monday Jan 31st and we received a notificaction yesterday Feb 6th via text and email saying that the case was received and that the official Receipt Notice would follow in the mail. It also said that they forwarded to USCIS California.
Is that the notification NOA1 you’re talking about? Does anyone know how long is taking in USCIS California?
Thank you very much
Hello Guillermina,
Yes, that’s your receipt letter I-797c. If you need to know processing times, take a look here: https://www.visatutor.com/i-129f-petition-uscis-case-processing-charts/
-Prem
Has anyone i129f petition been sent to Nebraska service center yet? If so how long it take yours to get approved? Thanks in advance
Hey Edwin,
Hopefully someone can reply whose case was sent to the Nebraska Service Center. But, from the processing timeline, they don’t currently show a K1. They’re showing just k-3/k4. Are you sure you’ve been at Nebraska and not one of the other ones?
-Prem
I’m sure it Nebraska Service Center because that where the send my i130 too., but mine is k3 visa too. Maybe that why they send it there! I hope this process doesn’t take long!!
I129f/K3 already Married!
Oh, that makes sense. You filed for the K-3 visa and you’re already married. Well, the same rules apply. They give the average waiting time on the processing table.
Thanks a lot I will keep you posted, if anything thanks
Hi my bf filed the petition this month oct 4 he sent it through mail but havent heard from them yet.Is it normal to take up to almost a month before receiving the NO1?
Hello Miraflor,
It’s not typical to not hear back more than 2 weeks after submitting your petition. It may mean that your petition is lost or misplaced. But, if I were you, I’d wait 1-2 weeks before taking action. The Lockbox facility may be backed up with several cases and haven’t gotten to you yet. I suspect that’s the case because the current immigration situation is getting a bit worse. So, wait 1-2 weeks before you call up the USCIS customer service line.
We filed last feb 2017 and noa1 recieve feb 10 and til now still waitig for noa2.. Is it normal?
Hello,
It seems like your case has been ongoing for about 4 months now. This is normal. Sometimes petitioners see approval quick and sometimes delayed. The historic average is hovering around 5 months depending on the service center your case is processed. You should check the USCIS processing tables to figure out your expected processing times. You can review this page https://www.visatutor.com/i-129f-petition-uscis-case-processing-charts/ to find out the most probable processing time for you. Good luck
Thanks for the info. Does USCIS not priorities active duty? My fiancee is an active duty in military..
Active duty petitioners could have requested to expedite their petitions in the past. Nowadays, it’s not advertised. However, I still believe that active duty members may request the USCIS for expedite processing. In general (I’m not entirely sure about this), if a senior member of his branch writes a letter to request a quick processing, while the petitioner is under his/her command, the USCIS may prioritize it.
Again, I’m not too familiar with this process, but I’ve known it to be true in the past.
Cheers
My fiancee and I submitted our I-129F and it was received Feb. 10th 2017. We received NOA1 Feb.14th 2017. We did our research and knew we were in for a 5-month wait, however, NOA2 came today, June 8th 2017. We are hoping it moves quickly through the NVC and the Embassy!
That’s great news Pedro. Your case was approved slightly faster than most others in the process. After the NVC approves (typically in 4-5 weeks), the Embassy should get the case. Hopefully things will go even faster. Congratulations. Keep us updated on the progress.
Hi, we submit the I-129f to Texas on first week of January 2017 then I received the i-797c notice of action on the ff week. Till then we never heard from them. How long it will takes to get the case number and approval.? We only got receipt number
Hi Tom,
First of all congrats.
Your case is in the Texas service center. Read the entire post on uscis processing times to figure out how long your case is going to take in this phase.
You will go to the USCIS processing table to get an understanding of the time period.
The NVC will assign a case # once they receive it.
Where does this show the consulate approval rates?? This is only USCIS approval rates, but it’s the consulate that is the main concern.
Hi Megan,
This post was about the filing situation and approval rates of the I-129F petition for an alien fiance.
Once the petition is approved, it is forwarded to the DHS where the US Embassy will process and interview the applicant. If you’re concerned about the K-1 visa approval rates at the US Embassy level, you can review the NIV workloads at the US Dep’t of State website.
I hope this helps clarify.
Hey, What do you think my timeline looks like? Does it matter where the “alien” fiance is from? Mine is from the UK, if that means anything! Our i129f/other forms were received March 1. Our wedding date is September 16th 2017 – all booked and everything… are we screwed?
I just looked at the processing stats, and it looks like they are showing dates instead of time taken to process… which is what you said happens if they are backlogged…. 🙁 Help!
Hi Allie,
Your “processing time” depends on the service center that receives and processes your case. Which service center is your case in? It says it in your notice of receipt I-797c.
It doesn’t matter where the beneficiary fiance(e) is located. All I-129F petitions are treated equally (save a few rare cases).
If you’ve already set a wedding date, you may have to make a “game time” decision on whether or not that date is realistic the further you are along the process. If you’re fortunate to have a quick approval then you can expect that date to stay. If processing takes longer, you may have to reschedule.
Good luck, keep in touch.
Will owing back taxes affect my approval (which I have made arrangements to pay) and would being charged with a crime but not convicted affect an approval. I filled my petition and it was received November 21st but it still has not shown me an update when I checked my status online.
Hello Sam,
Yes owing back taxes may affect your approval in the Embassy/interview phase. You’re probably going to demonstrate adequate finances while filing the I-134 Affidavit of Support. Owing back taxes (that are still unpaid at that stage) may adversely affect your interview IF you finances otherwise are not meeting the minimum.
Crimes (whether or not convicted) have to be disclosed to the USCIS. Otherwise, they will find out through other agencies while performing background checks. IF they require additional information from you about the crime incidence, they will issue an RFE.
I file i130 and i129f with the i797c from i130 filing I did on Oct 03.
I received i797c for the i129f on Oct 17 and I haven’t hear from them up to now
4Months plus.
Will it take longer because the month I file and because of the i130 too? My case is at Nebraska service center.
Hi Irene,
I see you’ve filed the I-129F for a fiance(e) in October. It may take a few months to hear back due to a backlog in processing. Why have you filed the I-130? That’s a petition for a relative. Are you married? or sponsoring your fiance and another relative?
USCIS Processing Time Information for the Texas Service Center. How do you read the chart? I do not understand. Thank You
Hello Shane,
It’s fairly straightforward to read the “processing time” chart.
Since the USCIS has tons of applications, it’ll take some time for them to get to your case. To get an idea of how long, you have to visit the USCIS website for processing time estimates.
https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/processTimesDisplayInit.do
In the “processing time information”, scroll down to see how long the “I-129F Petitions for an Alien fiance(e)” are taking.
If the USCIS is slow and backed up, they will show a specific date (for example “January 2016”) to indicate that they are just now processing petitions received on this date. To get an estimate, figure out how long ago that date was.
Otherwise, if they are meeting their target they will show a number of months of processing you can expect for your case.
i filed mine on november. they receive my package on nov. 23. i receieve a receipt the I-797C on nov. 29. since then i havent heard from them
Hi,
You should check the case processing timeline for your service center. https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/processTimesDisplayInit.do
depending on your service center, processing may be slow or faster.
I filed November 7th and we just saw it was approved January 27th on the USCIS website – you were spot on!
Hey Annie,
Great to hear you’re approved. These trends tend to repeat. Good luck.
-Prem
When it says online 5 months under the CA office processing time for K1 visas, does this mean that it takes them 5 months to process an application or it takes up to 5 months?
Thanks,
Kevin
Hi Kevin,
It means that it has been taking 5 months on average for most applicants. So, you should be expecting an approval in 5 months (give or take). Your case may take longer or shorter depending on a variety of factors.
I filed at the end of Febuary , Petition was received at the California Service Center March 3rd , as of May 12th have not heard any word ,
Don, it’s normal for you to not hear back for quite a while. Hold tight, you should be receiving word. One way to look at it: if you haven’t heard back it probably won’t mean bad news 🙂
Hey Don, I just saw your post from 10 months ago regarding your i129f. I just sent mine in and got notified that it was received on march 1. I’m trying to speculate timelines here. Did yours get approved? How long did it take?
Thanks!
-Allie
Thank you this is really good information.