K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa
A K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa allows a foreign national fiancé(e) of a US citizen to enter the United States for the purpose of getting married. It enables the couple to legally marry and apply for permanent residency.
Benefits of the K-1 Visa
Note: The K-1 visa holder must marry their US citizen petitioner within 90 days of entry into the US.
Application Process for a K-1 Visa
To apply, the US citizen petitioner must file Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)) with USCIS. Once approved, the fiancé(e) can apply for the K-1 visa at a US Embassy or Consulate in their home country.
Visa Fees and Processing Time
Applicants must pay a non-refundable visa fee, and processing times vary based on location and individual circumstances. It's recommended to apply well in advance of the planned wedding date.
Validity and Adjustments
A K-1 Visa is valid for single entry and allows the holder to stay in the US for up to 90 days. After marriage, the fiancé(e) can apply for adjustment of status (Form I-485) to obtain a green card and permanent residency.
Important Considerations
K-1 Visa holders must marry their US citizen petitioner within 90 days of entry into the US. Failure to do so may result in the need to depart the US and potential immigration consequences.
The Process
Step 1 - Complete the I-129F form
Complete the I-129F Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) form online.
Step 2 - Pay the visa application fee
Pay the non-refundable visa application fee.
Step 3 - Schedule a visa interview
After paying the fee, schedule a visa interview appointment at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
Step 4 - Gather required documents
Collect the necessary documents, including your passport, photograph, evidence of relationship with your fiancé(e), proof of intention to marry within 90 days of entering the US, and any other supporting documents.
Step 5 - Attend the visa interview
Attend your scheduled visa interview at the embassy or consulate. Be prepared to answer questions about your relationship and your plans to marry in the US.
Step 6 - Submit biometric information (if required)
Depending on your country of application, you may need to provide biometric information such as fingerprints and a photograph at the embassy or consulate.
Step 7 - Wait for visa processing
After the interview, your application will undergo processing. The time it takes to process varies by location and other factors.
Step 8 - Receive visa decision
You will be notified of the decision on your visa application. If approved, your passport will be returned to you with the visa stamp, allowing you to travel to the United States on a K1 Fiance visa.
Step 9 - Get married in the US
Once in the US, proceed to get married within 90 days of entry as required by the K1 Fiance visa regulations.
