K1/k3

[smiths]

My fiance and I filed our K-1 application back in March 2009 at the Vermont Service Center and I notice that they are so backed up, that they are still trying to process applications from November 2008!!!

What is the process of just getting married and then applying for the K3 Visa? Is there a difference and how does this work?

Any assistance would really be appreciated. Thank you!

[nichole]

Vermont is actually approving February K1 petitions right now. VSC is much slower on K3 petitions and are working on Nov/Dec K3s. You would still have to file in Vermont and would end up farther behind. Interestingly California Service Center is about 4 months ahead of VSC on K3s right now.

VSC is averaging around 130 days to approve. It goes up and down. Last year in March, VSC only took us about 50 days (K1) and was ahead of CSC by two months. Now CSC is faster.

If you haven't started getting all your documents ready for the Embassy stage, you could get those done so you'll have a faster turnaround once you get the I129F approval. There's applications to fill out, police certificates, Affidavit of Support, copies of tax returns, employment letters, etc.