Due to COVID-19 and the border shutdowns, K-1 visas have previously been put on hold but now the US realizes how unfair this was. Effective August 28, as it becomes safe to resume more consular operations at each U.S. mission, posts are authorized to give K visa cases high priority.
Full Answer
What are the steps of obtaining a K1 visa?
Ultimate guide: K1 visa process step by step
- Filing I-129F petition to USCIS. The process of bringing your foreign fiance to the US starts with filing I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé (e) with the United States ...
- Receiving NOA1. After sending I-129F Form, you will receive a notice of action (NOA1). ...
- Receiving NOA2. ...
- NVC Processing. ...
- Embassy stage. ...
- Gather Embassy Documents. ...
- Prepare for the interview. ...
What do you need to know about the K1 visa?
The Port of Entry phase for an K-1 (Fiance (e)) Visa consists of the following steps:
- Travel to and enter the United States
- Stand in line for immigration interview
- CBP immigration officer interview
- Get your luggage (baggage claim)
- Customs Check
- Exit
How many times can you apply for a K1 visa?
In general, it is best to only apply for one K1 visa. Not only will you have found last love and a lasting relationship, U.S. immigration officials can be suspicious of people who apply for more than one K1 visa. However, it is possible to apply for multiple K1 visas.
What is the difference between the K-1 and K-2 visa?
The K-1 visa is also known as the fiancé visa and is awarded to those who are entering the U.S. to legally marry a U.S. citizen. The K-2 visa is for children of the K-1 visa holders who wish to accompany their parent to the United States. The K-1 visa holder must legally marry a U.S. citizen within 90 days of their arrival in the U.S.
What does the officer decide if issuing a K-1 visa is in the national interest?
Following which, the officer decides if issuing the K-1 visa is in the national interest, the applicant poses no threat to the US, or if a denial would cause “undue hardship”.
Which country is not affected by K-1 visa?
Out of the thirteen (13) countries, Venezuela seems to be the only one that is not affected in terms of K-1 visa issuance (as long as you’re not a higher government employee).
How did Trump affect K-1 Visa statistics?
According to the official statistics, Trump’s first three years has affected the K-1 visa dramatically.
What is the public charge requirement for fiance visas?
Public charge is an existing law that says all intending immigrants must have financial support (either by themselves or sponsoring family members) so they won’t become a “burden” on the US.
What is the purpose of a consular officer reviewing an I-129F?
A consular officer has to carefully review each I-129F petition to determine if the applicant is affected by the P.P. and qualifies for an exception or a waiver.
Does USCIS have a lower tolerance for RFEs?
To make things even more strict, the USCIS now has lower tolerance for RFEs. In the past, the USCIS would issue Request for Evidence (RFE)s when your paperwork wasn’t complete to a certain standard… consider that them being “nice” because they gave you an opportunity to fix it.
Which proclamation states that nationals of several countries are subject to travel restrictions?
Nationals of several countries are currently subject to travel restrictions according to the Presidential Proclamation 9645.
Who is eligible for the K-1 visa?
A U.S. citizen can sponsor a foreign- born individual they want to marry by bringing them to the United States on the K-1 fiancé visa. The basic K-1 visa requirements to be eligible for the visa are:
What are some K1 visa questions I may be asked?
Here are some sample questions the foreign fiancé may be asked during the K-1 visa interview with the consular officer:
Can I get the K-1 visa if I’m thinking about getting married but not sure?
You really should be serious and have a strong intention to get married to your partner with the K-1 visa. If you’re on the fence, it may be better to hold off until your more sure about the relationship .
What is the minimum K-1 visa income requirement?
The minimum K-1 visa income requirement is based on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 2021 poverty guidelines. The guideline is used to qualify the affidavit of support and demonstrate that the visa sponsor is capable of petitioning for their foreign fiancé and supporting any children the sponsor has, past immigrant (s) sponsored, and the K-1 spouse’s dependents.
Can my kids come with me if I have a K-1 visa?
The good news is that under a K-1 visa, the foreign-born partner’s children can obtain K-2 visas to come to the United States. The children need to be unmarried and under 21 years old to qualify. They’ll also be able to apply for green cards after the couple gets married.
How can I prepare for the K-1 visa interview?
What USCIS is looking for are illegitimate relationships or those that are just interested in getting a green card for the United States. All foreign-born K-1 applicants will need to undergo the interview so a consular officer can evaluate their intentions. You’ll be asked questions about how you met your fiancé, what sort of wedding plans are established, your fiancé’s interests and hobbies, and more. Don’t try to answer the questions with what you think is the correct answer, but instead, always be honest and truthful. If you don’t know the answer to a question, don’t lie. Say, “I don’t know” instead. In total, the interview should last about 20 minutes. The U.S. citizen partner is not required to be at the interview. You should arrive at your interview dressed appropriately and at least 15 minutes early.
Should my kids come to the K-1 visa interview?
If the foreign-born partner has children that will also come to the United States on the K-2 visa, then they should also be present at the interview.
Apply for a K-1 Visa Now for Prioritized Processing
If you’re interested in applying for a K-1 visa to bring your fiance to the US from a foreign country, then apply now! The flood of K-1 visas may start soon and you will want your application in as soon as possible. We highly suggest you consult with an immigration professional to determine your eligibility.
Ella Bergquist
Hello! I am one of VisaPlace's many immigration news contributors. Comment below if you have any questions or comments about this article.
When does the executive order end for K-1 visas?
This executive order specifically targetted “Immigrants.”. The June 22, 2020 Executive Order “Continues” the April 22, 2020 Executive Order, but ADDS some Non-immigrant Visas. But, we will have to go a little bit before the beginning of the Immigration Ban to see why/how K-1 Visas are not being issued right now.
When will the 60 day immigration ban end?
The 60–Day Immigration Ban goes into effect tonight April 23, 2020 at 11:59 pm. This ban ends 60 days later on June 23, 2020. The title of the ban is: Proclamation Suspending Entry of Immigrants Who Present Risk to the U.S. Labor Market During the Economic Recovery Following the COVID-19 Outbreak. Purposes of the Ban: … Continue reading
Does the L visa apply to a spouse?
L visa. The Executive Order does not apply to: any lawful permanent resident of the United States; any alien who is the spouse or child of a United States citizen; any alien seeking to enter the United States to provide temporary labor or services essential to the United States food supply chain; and.
Is a K-1 visa an immigrant visa?
Technically, the K-1 uses the DS-160 Nonim migrant Visa Application, but the resulting visa and intention is to “Immigrate.” Even the US Government titles the K-1 as an Immigrant Visa and a Non-immigrant Visa .
