First, the VSC announced that the processing times I-129F K-1 Fiancée petitions had decreased from seven to five months. It announced the processing time for immediate relative petitions is current. Next, the VSC announced changes to the adjudication of I-129F K-1 petitions. The validity dates on approvals has been changed from 90 days to four months minus 1 day. The VSC also stated that it will no longer accept affidavits that the couple has met in the past two years to support K-1 petitions. Instead, it will require a showing that the petitioner and beneficiary actually met by way of passport stamps, travel itinerary, and receipts. The VSC also announced that all I-130s filed by petitioners residing outside the United States in countries without USCIS offices must file with the Chicago lockbox facility. The VSC announced that guidelines for requesting expediting processing of I-130 petitions before a local embassy or consulate are currently open for public comment.
