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Posts Tagged ‘I-129f’
20th November 2010
USCIS Service Center Estimated Processing Times as of September 2010
Posted by : admin
In an effort to provide clarity to those interested in the United States Immigration process the administration of this blog routinely posts the estimated processing times of the service centers of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). USCIS is tasked with adjudicating immigration petitions and applications for those seeking visa or immigration benefits. The following was quoted directly from the official website of USCIS:
| Form | Title | Classification or Basis for Filing: | Processing Timeframe: |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-102 | Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival/Departure Record | Initial issuance or replacement of a Form I-94 | 2.5 Months |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | Blanket L | August 12, 2006 |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | E – Treaty traders and investors | 2 Months |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | H-1B – Specialty occupation – Visa to be issued abroad | August 12, 2006 |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | H-1B – Specialty occupation – Change of status in the U.S. | August 12, 2006 |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | H-1B – Specialty occupation – Extension of stay in the U.S. | August 12, 2006 |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | H-1C – Nurses | 2 Months |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | H-2A – Temporary workers | 1 Months |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | H-2B – Other temporary workers | 1 Months |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | H-3 – Temporary trainees | August 12, 2006 |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | L – Intracompany transfers | 1 Months |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | O – Extraordinary ability | August 12, 2006 |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | P – Athletes, artists, and entertainers | August 12, 2006 |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | Q – Cultural exchange visitors and exchange visitors participating in the Irish Peace process | August 12, 2006 |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | R – Religious occupation | August 12, 2006 |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | TN – North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) professional | August 12, 2006 |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | Permanent resident filling for a spouse or child under 21 | 5 Months |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for an unmarried son or daughter over 21 | 5 Months |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | Permanent resident filling for an unmarried son or daughter over 21 | 5 Months |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for a married son or daughter over 21 | 5 Months |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for a brother or sister | March 1, 2005 |
| I-131 | Application for Travel Document | Refugee or asylee applying for a refugee travel document | 3 Months |
| I-131 | Application for Travel Document | Permanent resident applying for a re-entry permit | 3 Months |
| I-131 | Application for Travel Document | Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act (HRIFA) dependent applying for advance parole | 3 Months |
| I-131 | Application for Travel Document | Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act (HRIFA) principal applying for advance parole | 3 Months |
| I-131 | Application for Travel Document | All other applicants for advance parole | 3 Months |
| I-140 | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | Extraordinary ability | 4 Months |
| I-140 | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | Outstanding professor or researcher | 4 Months |
| I-140 | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | Multinational executive or manager | 4 Months |
| I-140 | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | Advanced degree or exceptional ability | 4 Months |
| I-140 | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | Skilled worker or professional | 4 Months |
| I-140 | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | Unskilled worker | 4 Months |
| I-140 | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | Advanced degree or exceptional ability requesting a National Interest Waiver | 4 Months |
| I-140 | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | Schedule A Nurses | 4 Months |
| I-212 | Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the U.S. After Deportation or Removal | Readmission after deportation or removal | November 20, 2008 |
| I-360 | Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant | All other special immigrants | 5 Months |
| I-360 | Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant | Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) | November 20, 2008 |
| I-360 | Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant | Religious workers | 5 Months |
| I-485 | Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status | Employment-based adjustment applications | 4 Months |
| I-485 | Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status | Based on grant of asylum more than 1 year ago | 4 Months |
| I-485 | Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status | Based on refugee admission more than 1 year ago | 4 Months |
| I-526 | Immigrant Petition By Alien Entrepreneur | For use by an entrepreneur who wishes to immigrate to the United States | 5 Months |
| I-539 | Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | Change status to the F or M academic or vocational student categories | 2.5 Months |
| I-539 | Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | Change of status to H or L dependents | 2.5 Months |
| I-539 | Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | Change Status to the J exchange visitor category | 2.5 Months |
| I-539 | Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | All other change of status applications | 2.5 Months |
| I-539 | Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | Extension of Stay for F or M academic or vocational students | 2.5 Months |
| I-539 | Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | Extension of stay for H and L dependents | 2.5 Months |
| I-539 | Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | Extension of Stay for J exchange visitors | 2.5 Months |
| I-539 | Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | All other extension applications | 2.5 Months |
| I-612 | Application for Waiver of the Foreign Residence Requirement | Application for a waiver of the 2-year foreign residence requirement based on exceptional hardship or persecution | 4 Months |
| I-730 | Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition | Petition for accompanying family members of a refugee or an asylee | 5 Months |
| I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization | Based on an approved asylum application [(a)(5)] | 3 Months |
| I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization | Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student. [(c)(3)] | 3 Months |
| I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization | Based on a pending asylum application [(c)(8)] | 3 Weeks |
| I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization | Based on a pending I-485 adjustment application [(c)(9)] | 3 Months |
| I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization | Based on TPS for El Salvador [(c)(19)(a)(12)] | 3 Months |
| I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization | Based on TPS for Honduras/Nicaragua [(c)(19), (a)(12)] | 3 Months |
| I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization | All other applications for employment authorization | 3 Months |
| I-817 | Application for Family Unity Benefits | Voluntary departure under the family unity program | 6 Months |
| I-821 | Application for Temporary Protected Status | El Salvador extension | 3 Months |
| I-821 | Application for Temporary Protected Status | El Salvador initial or late filing | 3 Months |
| I-821 | Application for Temporary Protected Status | Honduras and Nicaragua extension | 3 Months |
| I-821 | Application for Temporary Protected Status | Honduras and Nicaragua initial or late filing | 3 Months |
| I-824 | Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition | To request further action on an approved application or petition | 3 Months |
| I-829 | Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions | Removal of lawful permanent resident conditions (immigrant investors) | 6 Months |
| I-829 | Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions | Removal of lawful permanent resident conditions (immigrant investors) based on PL107-273 | 6 Months |
| I-90 | Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card | Initial issuance or replacement | 3.5 Months |
| I-90 | Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card | 10-year renewal | 3.5 Months |
| I-90A | Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card | Initial issuance or replacement for Special Agricultral Workers (SAW) | 3.5 Months |
| N-565 | Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document | U.S. citizen applying for a replacement of naturalization or citizenship certificate | 6 Months |
| N-600 | Application for Certification of Citizenship | Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | 5 Months |
| N-643 | Application for Certification of Citizenship on Behalf of an Adopted Child | Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship on behalf of an adopted child | 5 Months |
| Form | Title | Classification or Basis for Filing: | Processing Timeframe: |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-102 | Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival/Departure Record | Initial issuance or replacement of a Form I-94 | 2.5 Months |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | Blanket L | 2 Months |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | E – Treaty traders and investors | 2 Months |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | H-1B – Specialty occupation – Visa to be issued abroad | July 1, 2010 |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | H-1B – Specialty occupation – Change of status in the U.S. | July 1, 2010 |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | H-1B – Specialty occupation – Extension of stay in the U.S. | July 1, 2010 |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | H-2A – Temporary workers | 1 Months |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | H-2B – Other temporary workers | 1 Months |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | H-3 – Temporary trainees | 2 Months |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | L – Intracompany transfers | 1 Months |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | O – Extraordinary ability | 2 Weeks |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | P – Athletes, artists, and entertainers | 2 Weeks |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | Q – Cultural exchange visitors and exchange visitors participating in the Irish Peace process | 2 Months |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | R – Religious occupation | 2 Months |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | TN – North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) professional | 2 Months |
| I-129F | Petition for Alien Fiance(e) | K-1/K-2 – Not yet married – fiance and/or dependent child | 5 Months |
| I-129F | Petition for Alien Fiance(e) | K-3/K-4 – Already married – spouse and/or dependent child | 5 Months |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | Permanent resident filling for a spouse or child under 21 | 5 Months |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for a spouse, parent, or child under 21 | 5 Months |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for an unmarried son or daughter over 21 | February 8, 2007 |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | Permanent resident filling for an unmarried son or daughter over 21 | 5 Months |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for a married son or daughter over 21 | 5 Months |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for a brother or sister | September 1, 2006 |
| I-131 | Application for Travel Document | All other applicants for advance parole | 3 Months |
| I-360 | Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant | All other special immigrants | 5 Months |
| I-360 | Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant | Religious workers | 5 Months |
| I-485 | Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status | Employment-based adjustment applications | 4 Months |
| I-526 | Immigrant Petition By Alien Entrepreneur | For use by an entrepreneur who wishes to immigrate to the United States | 5 Months |
| I-539 | Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | Change status to the F or M academic or vocational student categories | 2.5 Months |
| I-539 | Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | Change of status to H or L dependents | 2.5 Months |
| I-539 | Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | Change Status to the J exchange visitor category | 2.5 Months |
| I-539 | Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | All other change of status applications | 2.5 Months |
| I-539 | Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | Extension of Stay for F or M academic or vocational students | 2.5 Months |
| I-539 | Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | Extension of stay for H and L dependents | 2.5 Months |
| I-539 | Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | Extension of Stay for J exchange visitors | 2.5 Months |
| I-539 | Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | All other extension applications | 2.5 Months |
| I-612 | Application for Waiver of the Foreign Residence Requirement | Application for a waiver of the 2-year foreign residence requirement based on exceptional hardship or persecution | 4 Months |
| I-751 | Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence | Removal of lawful permanent resident conditions (spouses of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents | 6 Months |
| I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization | Based on an approved asylum application [(a)(5)] | 3 Months |
| I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization | Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student. [(c)(3)] | 3 Months |
| I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization | Based on a pending asylum application [(c)(8)] | 3 Weeks |
| I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization | Based on a pending I-485 adjustment application [(c)(9)] | 3 Months |
| I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization | Based on TPS for El Salvador [(c)(19)(a)(12)] | 3 Months |
| I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization | Based on TPS for Honduras/Nicaragua [(c)(19), (a)(12)] | 3 Months |
| I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization | All other applications for employment authorization | 3 Months |
| I-817 | Application for Family Unity Benefits | Voluntary departure under the family unity program | 6 Months |
| I-821 | Application for Temporary Protected Status | El Salvador extension | May 16, 2010 |
| I-821 | Application for Temporary Protected Status | El Salvador initial or late filing | May 16, 2010 |
| I-821 | Application for Temporary Protected Status | Honduras and Nicaragua extension | May 16, 2010 |
| I-821 | Application for Temporary Protected Status | Honduras and Nicaragua initial or late filing | May 16, 2010 |
| I-824 | Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition | To request further action on an approved application or petition | 3 Months |
| I-829 | Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions | Removal of lawful permanent resident conditions (immigrant investors) | 6 Months |
| I-829 | Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions | Removal of lawful permanent resident conditions (immigrant investors) based on PL107-273 | September 12, 1997 |
| Form | Title | Classification or Basis for Filing: | Processing Timeframe: |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-102 | Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival/Departure Record | Initial issuance or replacement of a Form I-94 | 2.5 Months |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | Blanket L | December 28, 2007 |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | E – Treaty traders and investors | December 28, 2007 |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | H-1B – Specialty occupation – Visa to be issued abroad | December 28, 2007 |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | H-1B – Specialty occupation – Change of status in the U.S. | December 28, 2007 |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | H-1B – Specialty occupation – Extension of stay in the U.S. | December 28, 2007 |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | H-1C – Nurses | December 28, 2007 |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | H-2A – Temporary workers | December 28, 2007 |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | H-2B – Other temporary workers | December 28, 2007 |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | H-3 – Temporary trainees | December 28, 2007 |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | L – Intracompany transfers | 1 Months |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | O – Extraordinary ability | December 28, 2007 |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | P – Athletes, artists, and entertainers | December 28, 2007 |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | Q – Cultural exchange visitors and exchange visitors participating in the Irish Peace process | December 28, 2007 |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | R – Religious occupation | December 28, 2007 |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | TN – North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) professional | December 28, 2007 |
| I-129F | Petition for Alien Fiance(e) | K-1/K-2 – Not yet married – fiance and/or dependent child | 5 Months |
| I-129F | Petition for Alien Fiance(e) | K-3/K-4 – Already married – spouse and/or dependent child | 5 Months |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | Permanent resident filling for a spouse or child under 21 | 5 Months |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for a spouse, parent, or child under 21 | 5 Months |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for an unmarried son or daughter over 21 | 5 Months |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | Permanent resident filling for an unmarried son or daughter over 21 | 5 Months |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for a married son or daughter over 21 | 5 Months |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for a brother or sister | 5 Months |
| I-131 | Application for Travel Document | Refugee or asylee applying for a refugee travel document | 3 Months |
| I-131 | Application for Travel Document | Permanent resident applying for a re-entry permit | 3 Months |
| I-131 | Application for Travel Document | Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act (HRIFA) dependent applying for advance parole | 3 Months |
| I-131 | Application for Travel Document | Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act (HRIFA) principal applying for advance parole | 3 Months |
| I-131 | Application for Travel Document | All other applicants for advance parole | 3 Months |
| I-140 | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | Extraordinary ability | 4 Months |
| I-140 | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | Outstanding professor or researcher | 4 Months |
| I-140 | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | Multinational executive or manager | 4 Months |
| I-140 | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | Advanced degree or exceptional ability | 4 Months |
| I-140 | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | Skilled worker or professional | 4 Months |
| I-140 | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | Unskilled worker | 4 Months |
| I-140 | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | Advanced degree or exceptional ability requesting a National Interest Waiver | 4 Months |
| I-140 | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | Schedule A Nurses | 4 Months |
| I-212 | Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the U.S. After Deportation or Removal | Readmission after deportation or removal | April 1, 2009 |
| I-360 | Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant | All other special immigrants | 5 Months |
| I-360 | Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant | Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) | April 1, 2009 |
| I-360 | Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant | Religious workers | 5 Months |
| I-485 | Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status | Employment-based adjustment applications | May 10, 2010 |
| I-485 | Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status | Under the Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act (HRIFA) | 4 Months |
| I-485 | Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status | Under the Indochinese Adjustment Act | 4 Months |
| I-485 | Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status | Under the Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act (NACARA) | 4 Months |
| I-485 | Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status | Based on grant of asylum more than 1 year ago | April 25, 2010 |
| I-485 | Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status | Based on refugee admission more than 1 year ago | 4 Months |
| I-526 | Immigrant Petition By Alien Entrepreneur | For use by an entrepreneur who wishes to immigrate to the United States | September 30, 2008 |
| I-612 | Application for Waiver of the Foreign Residence Requirement | Application for a waiver of the 2-year foreign residence requirement based on exceptional hardship or persecution | 4 Months |
| I-730 | Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition | Petition for accompanying family members of a refugee or an asylee | 5 Months |
| I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization | Based on an approved asylum application [(a)(5)] | 3 Months |
| I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization | Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student. [(c)(3)] | 3 Months |
| I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization | Based on a pending asylum application [(c)(8)] | 3 Weeks |
| I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization | Based on a pending I-485 adjustment application [(c)(9)] | 3 Months |
| I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization | Based on TPS for El Salvador [(c)(19)(a)(12)] | 3 Months |
| I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization | Based on TPS for Honduras/Nicaragua [(c)(19), (a)(12)] | 3 Months |
| I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization | All other applications for employment authorization | 3 Months |
| I-817 | Application for Family Unity Benefits | Voluntary departure under the family unity program | 6 Months |
| I-821 | Application for Temporary Protected Status | El Salvador extension | November 30, 2009 |
| I-821 | Application for Temporary Protected Status | El Salvador initial or late filing | November 30, 2009 |
| I-821 | Application for Temporary Protected Status | Honduras and Nicaragua extension | November 30, 2009 |
| I-821 | Application for Temporary Protected Status | Honduras and Nicaragua initial or late filing | November 30, 2009 |
| I-824 | Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition | To request further action on an approved application or petition | April 5, 2010 |
| I-90 | Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card | Initial issuance or replacement | March 2, 2010 |
| I-90 | Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card | 10-year renewal | October 1, 2009 |
| N-565 | Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document | U.S. citizen applying for a replacement of naturalization or citizenship certificate | 6 Months |
| N-600 | Application for Certification of Citizenship | Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | 5 Months |
| Form | Title | Classification or Basis for Filing: | Processing Timeframe: |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-102 | Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival/Departure Record | Initial issuance or replacement of a Form I-94 | 2.5 Months |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | Blanket L | 2 Months |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | E – Treaty traders and investors | 2 Months |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | H-1B – Specialty occupation – Visa to be issued abroad | July 10, 2010 |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | H-1B – Specialty occupation – Change of status in the U.S. | July 10, 2010 |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | H-1B – Specialty occupation – Extension of stay in the U.S. | June 5, 2010 |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | H-1C – Nurses | 2 Months |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | H-2A – Temporary workers | 1 Months |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | H-2B – Other temporary workers | 1 Months |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | H-3 – Temporary trainees | 2 Months |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | L – Intracompany transfers | 1 Months |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | O – Extraordinary ability | 2 Weeks |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | P – Athletes, artists, and entertainers | 2 Weeks |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | Q – Cultural exchange visitors and exchange visitors participating in the Irish Peace process | 2 Months |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | R – Religious occupation | 2 Months |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | TN – North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) professional | 2 Months |
| I-129F | Petition for Alien Fiance(e) | K-1/K-2 – Not yet married – fiance and/or dependent child | 5 Months |
| I-129F | Petition for Alien Fiance(e) | K-3/K-4 – Already married – spouse and/or dependent child | 5 Months |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | Permanent resident filling for a spouse or child under 21 | 5 Months |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for a spouse, parent, or child under 21 | 5 Months |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for an unmarried son or daughter over 21 | 5 Months |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | Permanent resident filling for an unmarried son or daughter over 21 | 5 Months |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for a married son or daughter over 21 | 5 Months |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for a brother or sister | 5 Months |
| I-131 | Application for Travel Document | Refugee or asylee applying for a refugee travel document | 3 Months |
| I-131 | Application for Travel Document | Permanent resident applying for a re-entry permit | 3 Months |
| I-131 | Application for Travel Document | Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act (HRIFA) dependent applying for advance parole | 3 Months |
| I-131 | Application for Travel Document | Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act (HRIFA) principal applying for advance parole | 3 Months |
| I-131 | Application for Travel Document | All other applicants for advance parole | 3 Months |
| I-140 | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | Extraordinary ability | December 31, 2008 |
| I-140 | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | Outstanding professor or researcher | December 31, 2008 |
| I-140 | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | Multinational executive or manager | December 31, 2008 |
| I-140 | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | Advanced degree or exceptional ability | December 31, 2008 |
| I-140 | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | Skilled worker or professional | December 31, 2008 |
| I-140 | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | Unskilled worker | December 31, 2008 |
| I-140 | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | Advanced degree or exceptional ability requesting a National Interest Waiver | December 31, 2008 |
| I-140 | Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker | Schedule A Nurses | December 31, 2008 |
| I-212 | Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the U.S. After Deportation or Removal | Readmission after deportation or removal | 4 Months |
| I-360 | Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant | All other special immigrants | 5 Months |
| I-360 | Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant | Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) | 5 Months |
| I-360 | Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant | Religious workers | 5 Months |
| I-485 | Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status | Employment-based adjustment applications | 4 Months |
| I-485 | Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status | Under the Haitian Refugee Immigrant Fairness Act (HRIFA) | 4 Months |
| I-485 | Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status | Under the Indochinese Adjustment Act | 4 Months |
| I-485 | Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status | Under the Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act (NACARA) | 4 Months |
| I-485 | Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status | Based on grant of asylum more than 1 year ago | 4 Months |
| I-485 | Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status | Based on refugee admission more than 1 year ago | 4 Months |
| I-526 | Immigrant Petition By Alien Entrepreneur | For use by an entrepreneur who wishes to immigrate to the United States | 5 Months |
| I-539 | Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | Change status to the F or M academic or vocational student categories | June 5, 2010 |
| I-539 | Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | Change of status to H or L dependents | June 5, 2010 |
| I-539 | Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | Change Status to the J exchange visitor category | June 5, 2010 |
| I-539 | Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | All other change of status applications | June 5, 2010 |
| I-539 | Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | Extension of Stay for F or M academic or vocational students | June 5, 2010 |
| I-539 | Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | Extension of stay for H and L dependents | June 5, 2010 |
| I-539 | Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | Extension of Stay for J exchange visitors | June 5, 2010 |
| I-539 | Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | All other extension applications | June 5, 2010 |
| I-612 | Application for Waiver of the Foreign Residence Requirement | Application for a waiver of the 2-year foreign residence requirement based on exceptional hardship or persecution | 4 Months |
| I-730 | Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition | Petition for accompanying family members of a refugee or an asylee | 5 Months |
| I-751 | Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence | Removal of lawful permanent resident conditions (spouses of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents | 6 Months |
| I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization | Based on an approved asylum application [(a)(5)] | 3 Months |
| I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization | Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student. [(c)(3)] | 3 Months |
| I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization | Based on a pending asylum application [(c)(8)] | 3 Weeks |
| I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization | Based on a pending I-485 adjustment application [(c)(9)] | 3 Months |
| I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization | Based on TPS for El Salvador [(c)(19)(a)(12)] | 3 Months |
| I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization | Based on TPS for Honduras/Nicaragua [(c)(19), (a)(12)] | 3 Months |
| I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization | All other applications for employment authorization | 3 Months |
| I-817 | Application for Family Unity Benefits | Voluntary departure under the family unity program | 6 Months |
| I-821 | Application for Temporary Protected Status | El Salvador extension | 3 Months |
| I-821 | Application for Temporary Protected Status | El Salvador initial or late filing | 3 Months |
| I-821 | Application for Temporary Protected Status | Honduras and Nicaragua extension | 3 Months |
| I-821 | Application for Temporary Protected Status | Honduras and Nicaragua initial or late filing | 3 Months |
| I-824 | Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition | To request further action on an approved application or petition | 3 Months |
| I-829 | Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions | Removal of lawful permanent resident conditions (immigrant investors) | 6 Months |
| I-829 | Petition by Entrepreneur to Remove Conditions | Removal of lawful permanent resident conditions (immigrant investors) based on PL107-273 | 6 Months |
| I-90 | Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card | Initial issuance or replacement | 3.5 Months |
| N-565 | Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document | U.S. citizen applying for a replacement of naturalization or citizenship certificate | 6 Months |
| N-600 | Application for Certification of Citizenship | Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship | 5 Months |
| N-643 | Application for Certification of Citizenship on Behalf of an Adopted Child | Application for recognition of U.S. citizenship on behalf of an adopted child | 5 Months |
Those seeking information about the US visa process should note that the USCIS processing times do not take into consideration processing at the United States National Visa Center nor the United States Mission, Embassy or Consulate overseas where the alien national may be processing their visa application. Consular processing times and NVC processing times generally depend upon the caseload of the US Embassy or US Consulate adjudicating the visa application.
5th August 2010
New Lockbox Facility To Receive K1 Visa Petitions
Posted by : admin
This blog routinely discusses both the US Marriage Visa and the US fiance visa as these are popular travel documents for the loved ones of Americans Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents. The Fiancee visa is generally referred to as the K1 visa while many refer to the US Marriage Visa as the K3 Visa. Strictly speaking, this is not the correct appellation as the K3 Visa is a special non-immigrant marriage visa that has been phased out through the National Visa Center’s use of “Administrative Closure”.
Those who file for a classic US marriage visa are likely to have noted that the petition was sent to a “lockbox” of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). These “lockboxes” are used to receive documentation. In a way, they are something of a clearinghouse for visa petitions as they receipt the petitions in, assign them a number, and forward the file on to the appropriate service center.
In the recent past, this was not the way in which I-129f visa petitions were submitted to USCIS. In the past, the petitioner would submit the petition directly to the appropriate service center. However, a recent announcement from USCIS confirmed that this will no longer be the procedure for filing petitions for an American fiance visa. To quote directly from the USCIS press release:
WASHINGTON – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced a change in filing location instructions and addresses for the Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) (Form I-129F). The new instructions, dated 6/14/10, are part of an overall effort to transition the intake of forms from Service Centers to USCIS Lockbox facilities. Centralizing form and fee intake to a Lockbox environment allows USCIS to provide customers with more efficient and effective initial processing of applications/petitions and fees.
Many feel that utilization of a “lockbox” facility will help streamline the adjudication process for fiancee visa petitions. Every year, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service processes a large number of fiance visa petitions. The caseload is currently rather bifurcated as these petitions are sent directly to a service center (currently there is one service center in Vermont and one in California). However, this method is rather cumbersome. Hopefully, by receiving all I-129f petitions in one centralized facility the process will be streamlined and made more efficient as cases can be sent to the service center with the capacity to handle the caseload.
For more about USCIS processing of K1 visa petitions please see: processing times.
6th May 2010
ในกระทู้ก่อนๆ เราได้อธิบายถึงขั้นตอนการขอวีซ่า เค ทรี การยื่นขอวีซ่าเค ทรี ในปัจจุบันกระบวนการขอวีซ่าเค ทรี กลายเป็นเรื่องที่เอาแน่เอานอนไม่ได้ เนื่องจาก NVC จะไม่เดินเรื่อง I129F สำหรับวีซ่า เค ทรี หากว่าคำขอ I 130 นั้นมาถึง NVC ก่อน หรือ พร้อมๆกับคำขอ I 129 F ต้องให้เครดิตกับ USCIS ที่ดำเนินการคำขอ I 129F และ I 130 รวดเร็วพอๆกัน อย่างไรก็ตามสำหรับคนที่ต้องการวีซ่าคู่สมรสแบบด่วน การพยายามของคุณอาจนำไปสู่สถานการณ์ที่คุณไม่อยากให้เกิดขึ้น
NVC ได้เคยบอกไว้ว่าจะหยุดดำเนินการคำขอ I 129F ในกรณีที่กล่าวไว้ด้านบน ซึ่งกรณีเช่นว่านี้ทำให้บุคคลที่แต่งงานกันภายใต้เขตอำนาจรัฐใดๆเพื่อขอวีซ่าคู่สมรสในเขตอำนาจสถานทูตในรัฐนั้นๆเป็นไปได้ยากขึ้น ภายใต้กฎเกณฑ์ที่ทำให้เกิดวีซ่า เค ทรี จะต้องดำเนินการขอวีซ่าในสถานทูตในเขตที่ที่คู่สมรสนั้นได้สมรสกัน ซึ่งเรื่องนี้ทำให้คู่สมรสหลายๆคู่สามารถ เลือกเขตอำนาจว่าจะขอวีซ่าผ่านทางประเทศใด ตัวอย่างเช่น ถ้าคู่สมรสอยากจะขอวีซ่าผ่านสถานทูตในอิตาลี ก็สามารถทำการสมรสในอิตาลีเพื่อให้มั่นใจได้ว่าเรื่องจะถูกดำเนินการที่อิตาลีแน่นอน
ในขณะนี้เป็นเพราะว่าอนาคตของวีซ่าเค ทรี ยังไม่แน่นอน ก็มีความเป็นไปได้ว่าการเลือกเขตอำนาจสถานทูตจะเป็นอดีตไป หมายความว่า วีซ่าถาวรเช่น CR1 และ IR1 อาจจะถูกส่งไปที่สถานทูตที่คู่สมรสต่างด้าวมีสัญชาติและสถานทูตและกงสุลมักจะดำเนินการคำขอของผู้มีสัญชาติที่ไม่ใช่ของประเทศตนโดยมารยาท และหากว่าไม่สะดวกก็จะส่งเรื่องไปยังสถานทูตที่ต้องเป็นผู้ดำเนินการ
หวังว่าการเปลี่ยนแปลงในครั้งนี้จะไม่เป็นปัญหาใดๆ นั่นหมายความว่า ตราบใดที่ USCIS ยังเดินเรื่อง I-130 ได้เร็ว ก็ดูเหมือนว่า NVC จะปิดเรื่อง เค ทรี และทำให้เป็นการป้องกันไม่ให้เกิดการเลือกเขตอำนาจสถานทูต สำหรับคู่หมั้นต่างด้าวในประเทศ เช่น พม่า กัมพูชา การเปลี่ยนแปลงนี้อาจทำให้เกิดความยากลำบากเนื่องจากประเทศทั้งสองมีระบบราชการที่ทำให้เกิดความยุ่งยากมากๆกับสตรีสัญชาติของตนที่แต่งงานกับชายอเมริกัน
สำหรับข้อมูลเพิ่มเติมว่านโยบายของ NVC จะส่งผลต่อการขอวีซ่าคู่หมั้นอย่างไร โปรดดู K1 visa
4th May 2010
ในกระทู้ก่อนๆ เราได้พูดกันถึงเรื่องกฎภายในของ NVC ที่เปลี่ยนไป NVC ประกาศว่าให้มีผลตั้งแต่ วันที่ 1 กุมภาพันธ์ 2553 NVC จะไม่ดำเนินการเกี่ยวกับคำขอ I 129F ที่เกี่ยวกับวีซ่าคู่สมรสอีกต่อไปหากว่า คำขอ I-130 มาถึง NVC ก่อนหรือพร้อมกับคำขอ I 129F มีคนที่สงสัยว่าจะมีผลต่อผู้ขอวีซ่าอย่างไร สำหรับคนที่จะขอวีซ่า เค ทรี ผลของประกาศนี้สำคัญมากเพราะในหลายๆเคส NVC จะเรียกให้ผู้ที่ต้องการขอวีซ่าคู่สมรสถาวรขอวีซ่าคู่สมรสเช่น IR1 หรือ CR1 แทนที่จะเป็นวีซ่าทางด่วนแบบ เค ทรี อย่างไรก็ตามมีบางคนข้องใจว่าเรื่องนี้จะมีผลต่อวีซ่าคู่หมั้นอย่างไร
เพื่อขอวีซ่าคู่หมั้น บุคคลสัญชาติอเมริกันต้องยื่นคำขอ I-129F สำหรับวีซ่าเค วัน เมื่อคำขอได้รับการอนุมัติแล้ว จะถูกส่งต่อไปยัง NVC เพื่อตรวจสอบทางความมั่นคง หลังจากที่ตรวจสอบเสร็จเรียบร้อย จะถูกส่งต่อไปยังสถานทูตสหรัฐหรือกงสุลสหรัฐที่มีเขตอำนาจ ซึ่งก็อาจจะมีความสับสนเกิดขึ้นเนื่องจากบางคนอาจจะเข้าใจว่าคำขอ I 129F นั้นถูกยกเลิกสำหรับกรณีวีซ่าคู่หมั้นด้วย ซึ่งเรื่องนี้ไม่เป็นความจริงเนื่องจากการยกเลิกคำขอ I 129F นั้นเกิดขึ้นเฉพาะกับกรณีวีซ่า เค ทรี ไม่ใช่ วีซ่าเค วัน การเปลี่ยนแปลงที่ว่าไม่มีผลกับการขอวีซ่าเควันแต่อย่างใดเพราะกฎนี้มีขึ้นเพื่อเปลี่ยนแปลงการขอวีซ่าเค ทรี โดยเฉพาะ
ข้อดีของการพัฒนาในครั้งนี้ก็คือ NVC สามารถนำทรัพยากรบุคคลที่ดูแลเรื่องคำขอ I 129F สำหรับวีซ่าเค ทรี มาใช้ดูแลวีซ่าถาวรหรือวีซ่าคู่หมั้นก็เป็นได้ นั้นหมายความว่า ในความคิดเห็นของผู้เขียนนั้น ขั้นตอนการดำเนินการของวีซ่า เค วันนั้นค่อนข้างมีประสิทธิภาพยู่แล้ว และ NVC มักใช้เวลาไม่นานในการดำเนินการวีซ่าเค วัน ในเคสส่วนใหญ่ที่ดำเนินการโดยสถานทูตสหรัฐ ประจำประเทศไทย จะมีระยะเวลาการรอประมาณ 2 สัปดาห์ระหว่างที่ คำขอ I 129F ได้รับอนุมัติแล้วโดย USCIS และถูกส่งต่อจาก NVC มายังสถานทูต สำหรับคนทั่วๆไปก็เป็นระยะเวลาที่รอได้ และในกรณีวีซ่าถาวร ขั้นตอน NVC อาจจะนานขึ้นนิดหน่อยเนื่องจาก NVC ต้องการเอกสารมากขึ้นสำหรับวีซ่าถาวร เมื่อเทียบกับวีซ่าไม่อพยพ
For more information in English please see K1 visa or Fiance Visa Thailand.
1st May 2010
On this blog, we try to provide up to date information regarding the processing time estimates of certain family based, and in limited instances non-family based, United States Immigration Petitions.
Below are the current processing time estimates from the USCIS Service Center in California as of February 28, 2010:
| I-129F | Petition for Alien Fiance(e) | K-1/K-2 – Not yet married – fiance and/or dependent child | 5 Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-129F | Petition for Alien Fiance(e) | K-3/K-4 – Already married – spouse and/or dependent child | 5 Months |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for a spouse, parent, or child under 21 | 5 Months |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for an unmarried son or daughter over 21 | July 09, 2005 |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for a married son or daughter over 21 | May 24, 2002 |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for a brother or sister | March 02, 2001 |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | Permanent resident filling for a spouse or child under 21 | June 02, 2007 |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | Permanent resident filling for an unmarried son or daughter over 21 | March 02, 2003 |
| I-131 | Application for Travel Document | All other applicants for advance parole | 3 Months |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | E – Treaty traders and investors | 2 Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | L – Intracompany transfers | 1 Month |
The following are processing time estimates for the USCIS Vermont Service Center as of February 28, 2010:
| I-129F | Petition for Alien Fiance(e) | K-1/K-2 – Not yet married – fiance and/or dependent child | 5 Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-129F | Petition for Alien Fiance(e) | K-3/K-4 – Already married – spouse and/or dependent child | 5 Months |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for a spouse, parent, or child under 21 | 5 Months |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for an unmarried son or daughter over 21 | February 13, 2009 |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for a married son or daughter over 21 | January 23, 2009 |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for a brother or sister | January 16, 2009 |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | Permanent resident filling for a spouse or child under 21 | November 05, 2008 |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | Permanent resident filling for an unmarried son or daughter over 21 | February 27, 2009 |
| I-131 | Application for Travel Document | All other applicants for advance parole | 3 Months |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | L – Intracompany transfers | 1 Month |
|---|
These estimates should not be viewed as accurate for each individual case as each case is unique and some cases take more time to process through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and others may take considerably little time to process through the Service Center. In any case, the assistance of a US Visa Lawyer can be helpful to clients as an authorized representative is entitled to correspond with USCIS on behalf of clients and can thereby streamline the overall visa process.
It should be noted that these estimates do not include the time that it takes to get the case processed through a US Embassy or US Consulate overseas. For those processing a Thai case, it usually takes about 6-8 weeks to process through the US Embassy Thailand.
For further information please see: Fiance Visa Thailand.
18th March 2010
For regular readers of this blog, it is probably no surprise that some of the most recent USCIS Service Center processing time estimates are being put up as a courtesy to readers and the immigrant community at large. However, we have begun adding other visa category processing time estimates as there may be those in Thailand interested in either the L1 visa for intracompany transferees or the E2 visa for those trading in the United States under the US-Thai Treaty of Amity.
The following are the processing time estimates from the California Service Center as of January 31, 2010:
| I-129F | Petition for Alien Fiance(e) | K-1/K-2 – Not yet married – fiance and/or dependent child | 5 Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-129F | Petition for Alien Fiance(e) | K-3/K-4 – Already married – spouse and/or dependent child | 5 Months |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for a spouse, parent, or child under 21 | 5 Months |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for an unmarried son or daughter over 21 | June 23, 2005 |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for a married son or daughter over 21 | May 23, 2002 |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for a brother or sister | January 16, 2001 |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | Permanent resident filling for a spouse or child under 21 | April 02, 2007 |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | Permanent resident filling for an unmarried son or daughter over 21 | February 02, 2003 |
| I-131 | Application for Travel Document | All other applicants for advance parole | 3 Months |
| I-212 | Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the U.S. After Deportation or Removal | Readmission after deportation or removal | 4 Months |
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | E – Treaty traders and investors | 2 Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | L – Intracompany transfers | 1 Month |
The following are the processing time estimates for the Vermont Service Center as of January 31, 2010:
| I-129F | Petition for Alien Fiance(e) | K-1/K-2 – Not yet married – fiance and/or dependent child | 5 Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-129F | Petition for Alien Fiance(e) | K-3/K-4 – Already married – spouse and/or dependent child | 5 Months |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for a spouse, parent, or child under 21 | 5 Months |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for an unmarried son or daughter over 21 | October 15, 2008 |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for a married son or daughter over 21 | October 15, 2008 |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for a brother or sister | January 16, 2009 |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | Permanent resident filling for a spouse or child under 21 | August 27, 2008 |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | Permanent resident filling for an unmarried son or daughter over 21 | January 09, 2009 |
| I-131 | Application for Travel Document | All other applicants for advance parole | 3 Months |
| I-212 | Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the U.S. After Deportation or Removal | Readmission after deportation or removal | 4 Months |
|---|
| I-129 | Petition for A Nonimmigrant Worker | L – Intracompany transfers | 1 Month |
|---|
Please note that these estimates are for USCIS processing only and do not include processing time for an application at the National Visa Center or at the US Embassy or US Consulate that will ultimately adjudicate a foreign national’s visa application. Please be advised that recent changes implemented by NVC may have a dramatic impact upon the overal K3 Visa process, but these policies should not effect the processing of a K1 visa.
For information about assisting a loved one with US visa obtainment please see: Thai Girlfriend Visa.
7th March 2010
K3 Visa Thailand: Administrative Closure Leads to Less “Forum Shopping”
Posted by : admin
In a few previous posts of this blog we discussed the current posture of the K3 visa process. At present, K3 visa processing is becoming increasingly erratic as the National Visa Center will no longer process I-129f petitions for K3 visas if the underlying I-130 application arrives before, or at the same time as, the I-129f. It is a credit to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service’s (USCIS) diligence that they are processing I-129f applications as well as I-130 applications in a quick and efficient manner. However, for those looking for expedited marriage visa benefits this efficiency could end up creating an unwanted situation.
The National Visa Center has stated that they will “administratively close” aforementioned I-129f applications. This could lead to a difficult situation for those couples who specifically got married in a jurisdiction in order to process the foreign spouse’s visa application in that jurisdiction’s US Embassy. Under the provisions of the statute creating the K3 Visa, the visa must be processed by the Embassy in the country where the marriage took place. This allowed many couples to “Forum Shop” for the country where they wished the process their visa. For example, if a couple wished to process a visa application in Italy, they could ensure that the K3 visa application would be processed in Italy simply by getting married in Italy.
Now, because the future of the K3 Visa remains uncertain, there is a distinct possibility that visa interview “forum shopping” will become a thing of the past. That being said, Immigrant visa applications for documents such as the CR1 visa and the IR1 visa could be sent to the foreign spouse’s country of Nationality as Embassies and Consulates only process third country nationals as a courtesy and if inconvenient will send the application to the Post that must process the application.
Hopefully, these recent changes will not result in problems, but it remains to be seen if this will be the case. That being said, so long as the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service continues to process the I-130 in such a quick manner, it remains likely that the National Visa Center will continue closing K3 cases and thereby forestalling the aforementioned practice of forum shopping. For those foreign fiancees in countries such as Burma (Myanmar) or Cambodia this change in policy could cause hardships as both of these countries’ bureaucracies can make it extremely difficult for a native born woman to marry an American man.
For information about how NVC policy may affect fiance visa processing please see: K1 visa.
2nd January 2010
The K3 visa from Thailand in 2010
Posted by : admin
For those interested in a detailed analysis of the K-3 Marriage visa please see: K3 visa Thailand. For general US Immigration information please see: US Visa Thailand.
K3 Visas in 2010
It is a new year in both Thailand and America and this author felt that this would provide a perfect opportunity to discuss the K3 visa and the obtainment process in 2010. At present, there is no reason to believe that the K3 visa process will dramatically change. That being said, Comprehensive Immigration Reform will likely be a major issue in the coming months and US Family Visas will probably be effected by any changes to the United States Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Since any commentary regarding future changes to the process would simply be an exercise in speculation it may better to simply explain the current process and processing times in order to facilitate more informed decision making on the part of future applicants and petitioners.
Currently, the K3 visa application is submitted after the submission of an initial I-130 application. At present, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) estimates that an I-129f application (the application that must be submitted in order to obtain a K3 visa) will be processed in approximately 5 months. This figure is slightly misleading as a K3 application requires that one include a copy of the Notice of Action 1 receipt for the initial I-130. It usually takes a minimum of one week after I-130 submission to receive a Notice of Action 1 receipt. Therefore, one should take this into consideration when making plans and timing calculations regarding the K3 visa for a Thai spouse.
K3 visas are processed through the National Visa Center in a manner similar to K1 visa applications. The application is then sent to the United States Embassy in Bangkok where the applicant (or their attorney of record) is notified that they can submit an application and request a visa interview.
The major difference between the K1 visa and the K3 visa is the fact that the K3 visa is a 2 year multiple entry visa where the K1 visa only provides the bearer with 90 days of lawful status in the United States. They are both dual intent visas in that they allow the bearer to have both non-immigrant and immigrant intent. This could be viewed as a benefit as it does not require the Consular Officer interviewing the applicant to analyze the applicant’s intentions through the prism of section 214b of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Section 214b is commonly cited by Consular Officers when denying applications for a US tourist visa or other non-immigrant visa categories.
21st December 2009
US Visa Processing Times: K1, K2, K3, K4, CR1, CR2, IR1, IR2
Posted by : admin
The United States Visa Process can be extremely confusing particularly when it come to United States Family Immigration. Below are the processing time estimates promulgated by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). We post these processing times on this blog as a courtesy to those thinking about filing an Immigration petition or with a petition currently pending. To learn more visit the USCIS website.
These are the current processing time estimates for the USCIS California Service Center
| I-129F | Petition for Alien Fiance(e) | K-1/K-2 – Not yet married – fiance and/or dependent child | 5 Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-129F | Petition for Alien Fiance(e) | K-3/K-4 – Already married – spouse and/or dependent child | 5 Months |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for a spouse, parent, or child under 21 | 5 Months |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for an unmarried son or daughter over 21 | January 23, 2005 |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for a married son or daughter over 21 | May 23, 2002 |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for a brother or sister | September 09, 2000 |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | Permanent resident filling for a spouse or child under 21 | November 02, 2006 |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | Permanent resident filling for an unmarried son or daughter over 21 | November 02, 2002 |
| I-131 | Application for Travel Document | All other applicants for advance parole | 3 Months |
| I-212 | Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the U.S. After Deportation or Removal | Readmission after deportation or removal | 4 Months |
These are the processing time estimates for the Vermont Service Center of USCIS:
| I-129F | Petition for Alien Fiance(e) | K-1/K-2 – Not yet married – fiance and/or dependent child | 5 Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| I-129F | Petition for Alien Fiance(e) | K-3/K-4 – Already married – spouse and/or dependent child | 5 Months |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for a spouse, parent, or child under 21 | 5 Months |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for an unmarried son or daughter over 21 | April 16, 2007 |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for a married son or daughter over 21 | June 05, 2006 |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | U.S. citizen filing for a brother or sister | June 19, 2007 |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | Permanent resident filling for a spouse or child under 21 | June 12, 2006 |
| I-130 | Petition for Alien Relative | Permanent resident filling for an unmarried son or daughter over 21 | June 05, 2006 |
| I-131 | Application for Travel Document | All other applicants for advance parole | 3 Months |
| I-212 | Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the U.S. After Deportation or Removal | Readmission after deportation or removal | 4 Months |
|---|
It should always be remembered that these processing times are merely estimates and cannot be definitively relied upon. Every case is unique and processes in its own time based upon the unique facts of the case. That being said, the above figures fairly accurately reflect the amount of time it takes to obtain a decision from USCIS. For those processing through the US Embassy Bangkok, it should be noted that the above figures do not take into account Consular Processing as the Embassy is under the jurisdiction of the American State Department and not the Department of Homeland Security.
Although the K1 visa remains the fastest family based visa category, it does not confer lawful permanent residence upon entry like the IR1 or CR1 visa. This can also be said for the K3 visa as it is classified as a non-immigrant dual intent visa and therefore requires the alien to adjust status after entering the USA.
For previous figures please see: US visa processing times.
7th June 2009
American Visa Thailand: K-1 Visa Application
Posted by : admin
The K-1 Application: Frequently Asked Questions
A very frequently asked question with regard to the K-1 Fiance Visa is: how do we apply for a K-1 Visa? US Immigration procedure is a somewhat difficult to understand for those who have never dealt with the application process. This post will briefly provide details about the K-1 application, where it will be filed, and use of an Immigration attorney.
A common misconception held by many American Citizens is that a visa applicant can simply apply for the K1 Visa at the US Embassy directly. It is easy to understand why people believe this particularly in light of the fact that this is essentially the procedure for obtaining a US tourist visa. In the case of K1 visas this, however, is not the case. One must first file the K-1 visa application with an office called the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service, or USCIS for short. The application is then routed to the National Visa Center and remitted to the American Embassy in Bangkok.
There are so many forms, which should be used?
Many people are belabor under the myth that the US Immigration process is a very straightforward process. In reality, because US Immigration law is statute driven it can be quite complex to the point of being byzantine. The rules governing how and where things must be filed and the order in which petitions ought to be filed can be fraught with difficulty for the laymen. In the case of the K1 visa, the correct application form that should be used is the I-129f. This should not be confused with the I-129 petition form. Withing this application form, there are many questions that a couple will need to confer about. Recent statutory changes like IMBRA and the Adam Walsh Act have created new restrictions with regard to who is allowed to petition for a K-1 visa. The I-129f is the crux of the fiance visa application, but there are more government forms that must accompany this application along with supporting documentation that must be used to prove the legitimacy of the relationship.
Where do we file the K1 visa application?
The location that one should file a K1 application depends upon where the US Citizen’s residence in the United States is located. Another misunderstanding involves a belief that aK1 application can be filed at a local USCIS office. In most cases this is not correct. There are two Service Centers for US Citizens wishing to file a K1 application, one is in Vermont and the other is in California. The location for filing the application depends heavily upon the US Citizen’s state of residence.
Should we use an attorney to file a K-1 visa application?
Retaining the services of an attorney is a decision that each couple should decide on their own. That being said, a great deal of the administrative burden can be lifted by retaining attorney assistance. An attorney or law firm with an office in the home country of the fiancee can be even more beneficial because the attorney can deal with the fiancee’s issues at the US Embassy in real time.
(Nothing Contained herein should be thought of as an appropriatealternative to personalized legal advice from a competent attorney. No attorney/client relationship should be assumed to have been created by merely reading this post.)
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