K-1 Visa Processing Time

If you’re planning to bring your fiancé(e) to the United States to get married, you’ve probably already encountered the K-1 visa. The K-1 visa allows a U.S. citizen to sponsor their foreign fiancé(e) for entry into the U.S. so the couple can marry within 90 days of arrival.

But once you’ve submitted the initial petition, a big question arises: “How long will the K-1 visa processing time take?”

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the K-1 visa process, including data from USCIS on the K-1 visa processing time, common causes of delay, and strategies for minimizing wait times.

What is the K-1 visa?

The K-1 visa—commonly known as the “Fiancé(e) Visa”—allows a U.S. citizen to bring their foreign-citizen fiancé(e) to the United States for the purpose of getting married. 

Once the fiancé(e) enters the U.S. on a K-1 visa, the couple must marry within 90 days. After the marriage, the foreign spouse can apply for a green card (permanent residency) through a process called adjustment of status.

Key Requirements of the K-1 Visa:

• Only U.S. citizens (not green card holders) can petition for a K-1 visa.
• The couple must have a bona fide (real) relationship.
• They must have met in person within the past two years (with limited exceptions).
• They must both be legally free to marry.

Learn more about the K-1 visa in our comprehensive guide.

What is the purpose of Form I-129F in the K-1 visa process?

Form I-129F, officially called the Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), is the first step in the K-1 visa process. Without approval of this form, your fiancé(e) cannot apply for the K-1 visa.

The form is used by the U.S. citizen petitioner to prove that the relationship is real and that the intention to marry exists. Form I-129F formally asks USCIS to recognize the relationship and allow the foreign fiancé(e) to apply for the K-1 visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

About the K-1 Visa Process

Step 1: Prepare and File Form I-129F

As mentioned above, the K-1 visa process begins with the U.S. citizen filing Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) with USCIS. Your application package should include:

• The completed Form I-129F
• Proof of U.S. citizenship (passport copy, birth certificate, etc.)
• Evidence of a genuine relationship (this could be photos together, communication records, travel itineraries, etc.)
• Evidence that you have met each other in person at least once no more than 2 years before filing the I-129F
• Proof of intent to marry within 90 days
• Any required filing fee (check USCIS website for the latest amount)
• Additional documentation if applicable (divorce decrees, annulments, death certificates for prior spouses)

Step 2: Receive Your Receipt Notice

After submitting Form I-129F, USCIS will issue a Form I-797C (Notice of Action) to confirm they received your petition. This notice includes your case number, which you can use to track progress online.

Step 3: Attend Biometrics Appointment (if applicable)

In some cases, USCIS may require biometrics (fingerprints, photograph, signature) from the U.S. petitioner, especially if there are background check concerns.

Step 4: Respond to Any Requests for Evidence (RFE)

If USCIS needs additional information, they will issue a Request for Evidence (RFE). It’s essential to respond completely and before the deadline to avoid delaying your case.

Step 5: USCIS Processing and Petition Approval

Once USCIS approves the petition, your case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC), which then forwards it to the U.S. embassy or consulate in your fiancé(e)’s home country.

Median K-1 Visa Processing Time (in Months)

According to the latest USCIS data for fiscal year 2025, the median K-1 visa processing time is 5.7 months.

These figures come directly from USCIS’s fiscal year 2025 reporting and reflect the amount of time it takes for 50% of all applicants to receive a decision. Some applicants may hear back sooner, while others may experience a longer wait depending on the specifics of their case.

Below is the median K-1 visa processing time (in months) over the past six fiscal years:

Source: USCIS Historic Processing Times

Factors That Influence the K-1 Visa Processing Time

Several factors can cause your K-1 visa process to be faster—or slower—than the median timelines:

1. High application volume

During busy seasons (especially spring and summer wedding seasons), both USCIS and U.S. embassies tend to experience backlogs.

2. Incomplete applications

Missing documents or incorrect information can trigger RFEs, adding months of delay. Always triple-check your application before submitting.

3. Background and security checks

Both the U.S. citizen and foreign fiancé(e) are subject to background checks. If either person has a complex immigration or criminal history, additional reviews can delay the K-1 visa processing time.

4. USCIS staffing

Different USCIS service centers handle different volumes of K-1 visa applications. Processing speed can vary based on how busy a particular center is, the number of officers assigned, and seasonal surges in applications.

Strategies to Minimize Unnecessary Delays

The K-1 visa process can be lengthy and complex—but many delays are avoidable with the right preparation and attention to detail. Below are strategies to help ensure your fiancé(e) visa petition moves through USCIS, the National Visa Center (NVC), and the U.S. embassy as efficiently as possible.

✓ Double-check everything: One of the leading causes of delays is submitting an incomplete or incorrect Form I-129F. Carefully review every section of the form before submitting, and make sure you have ample evidence to prove your relationship is genuine and in good faith.

✓ Submit strong support evidence: For the K-1 visa, USCIS and the U.S. embassy must be convinced that your relationship is real and not just for immigration purposes. Make sure to include strong, supportive evidence such as:

• Photographs from different visits and time periods
• Flight itineraries, boarding passes, and hotel receipts
• Screenshots or logs of messages, video chats, emails, and call history
• Engagement photos and wedding plans
• Affidavits from friends and family affirming the relationship

✓ Respond to an RFE quickly

If USCIS sends you an RFE, don’t delay. Gather the required documents carefully and submit them before the deadline. The faster you respond—and the more complete your response—the sooner USCIS can resume processing your application.

Need help? Check out our guide on how to respond to an RFE.

✓ Prepare early for the interview

Once your I-129F petition is approved and forwarded to the embassy or consulate abroad, your fiancé(e) will need to:

• Complete Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application)
• Schedule and attend a medical exam with an authorized physician
• Gather civil documents (passport, birth certificate, police certificates, etc.)
• Attend the K-1 visa interview

Preparing these steps in advance—even before the NVC forwards your case—can cut down wait time associated with the K-1 visa processing time.

✓ Work with an immigration attorney

Although not required, having a skilled immigration attorney can significantly reduce the chances of making costly errors and ensure that your application is as strong as possible from the beginning. 

Reach out to us at Manifest Law and request a consultation.

✓ Monitor your case status

Track your case using the USCIS Case Status Online tool. If your case falls outside of the normal K-1 visa processing time for your service center, you may be eligible to submit a case inquiry to USCIS to investigate the delay.

FAQs About the K-1 Visa Processing Time

What is the current wait time for a K-1 visa?

According to the latest USCIS data for fiscal year 2025, the median K-1 visa processing time is 5.7 months. Factors that can extend timelines include high application volume, backlogs at specific embassies, missing documents, or requests for additional evidence (RFE).

How can I get my K-1 visa fast?

To speed up your K-1 visa, submit a complete and accurate I-129F petition with strong relationship evidence. Avoid mistakes that cause delays or RFEs. Prepare early for the embassy stage and, if there’s an emergency, you can request expedited processing—but it’s only approved in rare, urgent situations.

Is K-1 visa faster than green card?

Yes, the K-1 visa is usually faster if you’re not yet married. It allows your fiancé(e) to come to the U.S. in about 5 to 12 months. A marriage-based green card takes longer—often 12 to 18 months—but provides permanent residency immediately upon entry.

What is the fastest visa for fiancé?

The K-1 visa is the fastest option for bringing a fiancé(e) to the U.S. It’s quicker than a spousal immigrant visa and gets your partner here faster, though a green card must still be applied for after marriage.