In a August 2020 press release by the U.S. Department of State indicates that as consular posts worldwide resume operations depending on local conditions, priority would be given to K visas.

It is important to note that K-1 petitions are approved with validity of four months. If the applicant was unable to apply for the K-1 visa on account of consular closures, the foreign affairs manual provides for the consular officers to extend the validity of the K-1 visa petition in increments of four months, at their discretion. The department of state notification on this subject dated August 31, 2020 can be found here.

K-1 applicants with expired petitions, if still qualified, should approach the respective consulate and seek a visa under the above provisions. This is very helpful as it eliminates the need for a new petition and the associated delays.