The fiancé visa, also known as the K-1 visa process, allows U.S. citizens to bring their foreign fiancé(e) to the United States for the purpose of getting married. 1. Eligibility:
The petitioner (U.S. citizen) must be eligible to sponsor a fiancé(e), including being legally free to marry and having met the fiancé(e) in person within the last two years.
The U.S. citizen files Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
USCIS reviews the petition, conducts background checks, and may request additional evidence.
Once approved, USCIS sends the petition to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.
The NVC forwards the approved petition to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the foreign fiancé(e)’s home country.
The foreign fiancé(e) applies for a K-1 visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate by submitting Form DS-160 and undergoing a medical examination.
The foreign fiancé(e) attends a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. The consular officer assesses the relationship’s legitimacy and eligibility for the K-1 visa.
If approved, the foreign fiancé(e) receives the K-1 visa to travel to the United States.
The foreign fiancé(e) travels to the United States within the validity period of the K-1 visa.
– The U.S. citizen and foreign fiancé(e) must marry within 90 days of the foreign fiancé(e)’s entry into the U.S.
- Adjustment of Status:
The foreign spouse can file for adjustment of status (Form I-485) to obtain permanent residency.
- The K-1 visa is a single-entry visa, and the foreign fiancé(e) must marry the U.S. citizen petitioner within 90 days of arrival.
- Failure to marry within the required timeframe may lead to the foreign fiancé(e) being out of status.
If you are ready to start the process of filing a fiance visa, book a consultation with our offices, so we can review your case.
