New Report: K-1 Visa Processing Times Improve, But Issuances Remain Low

The K-1 fiancé visa has long been a key pathway for U.S. citizens to bring their foreign partners to the United States. A new report from Boundless found shifting trends in K-1 visa processing, issuances, and the top countries of origin for applicants.

Key Findings from the Boundless Report

1. Processing times are improving. After peaking at 13.9 months in 2023, K-1 visa processing times dropped to 8.5 months in 2024 and 6.1 months in early FY2025. USCIS improvements, including digital filing and automation, have helped reduce backlogs.
2. K-1 visa issuances remain below pre-pandemic levels. Only 19,825 K-1 visas were issued in 2023 — a 7% decrease from 2022 and far below the 35,881 issued in 2019 before the pandemic.
3. Approval rates are up. USCIS approved 56,382 I-129F petitions in 2024, the highest in 12 years. Meanwhile, the denial rate fell to 27.8% in 2023, down from a peak of 37% in 2022. Note: An approval means USCIS has approved Form I-129F, but the visa isn’t guaranteed. The case moves to the U.S. consulate for further review. An issuance means the K-1 visa is granted after an interview and background checks.
4. Shifts in K-1 visa issuances by country:
   • The Philippines remains the top country for K-1 visa issuances, but numbers fell 44% from 2022.
   • Mexico saw a 40% increase, becoming the second-largest source of K-1 visas.
   • Ukraine and Russia dropped out of the top 10, likely due to war-related disruptions and U.S. consular closures.
5. The top U.S. states for K-1 visa holders are California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois, which accounted for 34% of all applicants in 2024.

What’s Next for K-1 Visa Processing?

While processing times have improved, K-1 visa issuances remain low, and geopolitical factors continue to shape where applicants come from. Future policy changes could also impact K-1 visa trends, particularly under the new Trump administration.

For a deeper dive into the latest K-1 visa trends, read the full Boundless report.

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