Hi there,

I'm new to this website, and would like some help on my own immigration journey. I'm a UKC and I've been with my USC for 3 years now, we got engaged this year in February; and we're looking into the K1 visa.

Could someone give me a hand on the timeline it is takes from start to finish? I know this varies from person to person, but if I could have an idea how long this could take, then we can plan our new future together. I plan on moving to the US and get married there.

Also could someone just clear this up with me? Am I right in thinking that once I am granted my K1 visa to get married, is that visa valid for up to 6 months for me to enter the US to then start my 90 days of getting married? So if I get it granted in January, do I have until July to get into the US and then my timer of 90 days starts?

I'm sorry about all the questions, any help would be hugely appreciated!

Thanks guys!

Roughly 8-10 months. Immigration is a 2-step process. First the I-129F petition is filed by the USC fiancé(e) - and that takes 4-5 months to be approved. After that, you'll be invited to apply for the visa, and that takes another 4-5 months to be approved.


Correct. The visa is valid for 6 months from the date of your medical - not from the date of issue... so plan accordingly and don't have the medical too soon!


Correct. The usual caveat applies: don't book or pay for anything (including air fare) until such time as you are much farther along in the process. Where US immigration is concerned, flexibility is the key to success.

Ian

Thanks Ian, you're a star!

So the I-129F petition costs about $340 to get filled doesn't it? Do you pay for that as you send it off? Or is that something you pay for before filling it in?

I assume it is only certain doctors you can go to get a medical? Is there a list somewhere to state which doctors you can get it done by and how much is the medical?

Sorry again for all the questions!

Robyn

The check for the I-129F payment goes with the form. Instructions at Homepage | USCIS.

The doctors are at a place called Knightsbridge. Details should be on the US Embassy London website.

Rene

Thanks Rene.

I just had a look at that, looks like as soon as I get given a date for my interview in London, I can phone the doctors up and arrange my medical at least 4 days before the interview so it's ready for the embassy? That's good to know.

We're hoping to start the process of the K1 in a couple of months when we both have a fair bit of money saved up. Or when I next come over to the US which is in February for 3 weeks. That will be awesome!

Thanks again guys!

Robyn

You can book the medical as soon as you have an LND case number, which NVC assigns after the I-129F gets approved. The embassy will NOT assign an interview date until they receive your medical results, so don't be waiting to hear from the embassy first!

If you'll be making a trip to the USA before filing the I-129F, you also have the option of getting married on that trip, and then doing a spouse Immigrant visa. That way, you become a US PR as soon as you use the visa, without having to do the Adjustment of Status as with the K-1.

Rene

Oh I thought you get given an interview date and then make an appointment for the medical yourself?

My dad would be completely against me getting married that quick, plus it isn't enough notice for everyone to come. But thanks for that, we had thought about that in the past. The K1 seems the best route for us and plus we don't fancy getting married and then be a part again.

You do make the medical appointment yourself, but you do that first, and then when the embassy has the results, plus your visa application and notice of readiness, THEN they schedule your interview date.

Rene

Hi guys,

Just an update, me and my USC fiancé are in the process of filling out the first part of the K1 visa. We're super excited to start this journey!

Is it still taking about 8-10 months for the whole process? Also after being married how long does it take for me to get a Green Card so I can start working? With regards to the Green Card am I free to leave the USA to visit family back in the UK? Or do I have to wait several years to become a citizen? (how long after I'm married can I apply for citizenship?) so many questions so many thanks again for your time!

Robyn

Yes.


After marriage, you must apply for a green card - a process called Adjustment of Status. It usually takes 6-7 months to get a green card after applying. However, you don't need a green card to work. As part of the adjustment paperwork you can apply for employment authorization (EAD) and that takes about 60-90 days to arrive. There is no cost to apply if you apply concurrently with the adjustment paperwork. You should plan on being out of work for a minimum of 4 months (assuming you marry within one month of entering the US).


Once you get a green card, yes. However, as part of the adjustment paperwork you can apply for travel authorization known as Advance Parole. It also takes 60-90 days to come once you apply. There is no cost to apply if you apply concurrently with the adjustment paperwork. Once you have the AP documents in your hands, you can travel outside the US. Do not, under any circumstances whatsoever, leave the US without the AP document. If you do, your adjustment will be deemed abandoned, you'll be stuck outside the US with no way back in, and you'll have to start the visa process over again from scratch to get a spouse visa.


The length of marriage has almost nothing to do with citizenship. If you are married to a US citizen, then before you are eligible to apply for citizenship you must 1) be married to a USC for a minimum of 3 years; and 2) have a green card for a minimum of 3 years. You are allowed to apply 90 days prior to both conditions being met.

Ian

Hi Ian,

One can file the N-400 up to 90 days before the 3rd anniversary of becoming a PR, but my understanding is that the marriage must be the full 3 years old at the time of filing the N-400.

Rene

Hi Cutetiger,

Your last post was August 2015. Ate you saying you're just now filing out the I-129F?

Rene

Thanks for your reply Ian! Much appreciated.

So once we get married I can apply for my Green Card; Adjustment of Status, which means I can also apply for employment authorization(EAD) and Advance Parole (AP)at the same time at no extra cost. Which means hopefully after 60-90 days I am free to leave the USA and work freely?

Many thanks, Robyn

Yes. As soon as you have AP and EAD in hand.

Rene

Hi Rene,

Yeah we're only getting around to filling it out. We wanted a bit of money behind us first and I wanted to make sure I had a full time job first to save up, we also wanted to be together in person to start it off.

Better late than never