K-1 Visa
The K-1 visa, also known as the fiancé(e) visa, is a non-immigrant visa that allows the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States for the purpose of marriage. Here’s a breakdown of the K-1 visa process:
Eligibility
- You must be a U.S. citizen.
- You and your fiancé(e) must have met in person within the past two years.
- You and your fiancé(e) must intend to marry within 90 days of their arrival in the U.S.
Process
- Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) (Form I-129F): The U.S. citizen files this form with USCIS, along with supporting documents like evidence of your relationship, proof of meeting in person, and financial documents.
- Interview and Visa Issuance: If the petition is approved, the foreign fiancé(e) will be scheduled for an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. They will need to attend the interview in person and provide additional documents.
- Entry to the U.S.: If the visa is approved, the foreign fiancé(e) can enter the U.S. and marry their U.S. citizen sponsor within 90 days.
- Adjustment of Status: After the marriage, the foreign spouse can apply to adjust their status to that of a lawful permanent resident (LPR), also known as a green card holder.
Important Notes
- The K-1 visa is valid for 90 days. If the marriage does not take place within this timeframe, the foreign spouse must leave the U.S.
- There is a two-year rule associated with the K-1 visa. This means that the foreign spouse cannot apply for U.S. citizenship until two years after their marriage.
- The K-1 visa process can take several months to complete, so it’s important to start the process well in advance of your planned wedding date.
Frequently Asked Questions
A K-1 visa, also known as a fiancé(e) visa, allows the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States for the purpose of marriage.
- You must be a U.S. citizen.
- You and your fiancé(e) must have met in person within the past two years.
- You and your fiancé(e) must intend to marry within 90 days of their arrival in the U.S.
- The U.S. citizen files a Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) (Form I-129F) with USCIS.
- If approved, the foreign fiancé(e) schedules and attends an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- If the visa is approved, the foreign fiancé(e) can enter the U.S. and marry within 90 days.
After the marriage, the foreign spouse can apply to adjust their status to that of a lawful permanent resident (LPR), also known as a green card holder.
The K-1 visa process can take several months to complete, so it's important to start the process well in advance of your planned wedding date.