I-129f petitions for fiance(e) visas are submitted to the USCIS. They are not submitted to the U.S. consulate or embassy where the foreign fiance(e) resides. I-129f petitions are directed to either the California Service Center or the Vermont Service Center for processing.

For Fall 2009, processing times at the service centers are as follows:

• California Service Center: 5 months
• Vermont Service Center: 5 months

Previously, the Vermont Service Center processed I-129f petitions faster than the CSC. Unfortunately, processing at the VSC has now slowed so that there is no discernable advantage.

Both service centers are processing at a slower rate than in the past. At one point, the CSC was processing I-129f petitions in 3 months and the VSC in under one month! Larger volume of K-1 petitions as well as budget cuts has resulted in increased processing times.

To avoid delaying the process further, it is important that filers prepare their petitions completely and thoroughly. Applications should be organized and easy to follow. Inadequate preparation will lead to either an outright denial or a request for additional evidence (RFE). While RFEs still give the petitioner to answer and can lead to the petition being approved, it can easily delay processing by an additional few months.

If you’d like assistance with the preparation of your K-1 fiancee visa petition, talk to an experienced immigration attorney now by calling 626-771-1078 or visit us at [1] www.myfianceevisa.com