Approximately nine to twelve months after submitting your petition, the fiancé (e) visa timeline progresses with these phases:
- NVC processing – Within two weeks after receiving your petition, the NVC will assign a case number to it. ...
- U.S. embassy or consulate processing – In about two weeks, the U.S. embassy or consulate will send your fiancé (e) information to apply for a K-1 visa and prepare for a visa interview and exam.
How long before filing fiance visa?
Before filing for a fiancé visa, a couple must typically have seen each other in person within the previous two years. The foreign partner applying for the fiancé visa must marry their U.S. citizen partner within 90 days of entry, or depart the United States.
How long does it take to receive a fiance visa?
How long does it take to get fiance visa approved us? The exact K-1 fiancé processing times can vary, but many applicants are able to enter the United States within 6 to 9 months. There are multiple steps and the process is handled by multiple agencies from (USCIS) to the National Visa Center to the U.S. Department of State.
What are the steps of the Fiance 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 are the requirements for a fiance visa?
To be eligible for a fiancé visa, the law requires that you:
- intend to marry a U.S. citizen,
- have met your intended spouse in person within the last two years (though this can be waived based on cultural customs or extreme hardship), and
- are legally able to marry.
How long does it take for a fiance visa to be approved 2022?
approximately 9 to 12 monthsHow long does a fiance visa take? As of March 2022, K-1 visa processing took approximately 9 to 12 months (USCIS time to process Form I-129F).
How long does it take for a fiance visa to be approved?
7 monthsThe processing time for a K-1 fiancé visa application currently averages 7 months. Note this does not include the time from when your application is approved to your interview date, which differs based on the country you're applying from.
What percentage of fiancé visas are approved?
In 2015, during the Obama Administration, the USCIS approved about 99 percent of all fiancé(e) visa petitions. By late 2018 this figure had fallen to around 67 percent. The lower the fiancé(e) visa approval rate descends, the more attractive a marriage-based green card application is going to look.
How can I speed up my fiancé visa?
You can generally request expedited processing by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833) or by asking Emma after you have obtained a receipt notice.
Which is faster fiancé visa or spouse?
If the goal is for the couple to be together in the U.S. as soon as possible, the K-1 visa is most likely the fast path. From the date of filing to the date of admission to the U.S., it will take approximately 5-10 months on a K-1 fiancé visa. On the other hand, the marriage visa may take 10-16 months.
Do fiancé visas get denied?
There are various reasons why a consular may deny a K1 visa petition, including but not limited to: The petitioner does not meet the necessary requirements. The foreign national does not meet the necessary requirements. The relationship seems suspicious or fraudulent.
Is it hard to get a fiancé visa?
So Is it Difficult to Apply for a K1 visa? The approval of the K1 visa may vary from case to case according to circumstances, and in most cases can be denied or delayed simply because of the applicant's fault for not being able to provide the correct information or follow instructions.
Why would a fiancé visa be denied?
Reasons for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to deny or reject K-1 visa applications include a suspicious relationship, ineligibility to marry, insufficient income, or no plans to marry within 90 days. Of course, fraudulent applications also result in a fiancé(e) visa rejections or denials.
How long does it take for a fiancé visa to be approved 2021?
approximately 8 to 11 monthsAfter filing Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé, it may take approximately 8 to 11 months to obtain a K-1 visa. It may be shorter for some and longer for others. As explained, the K-1 processing time can vary based on the agencies that adjudicate the many steps.
Why would a fiancé visa be denied?
Reasons for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to deny or reject K-1 visa applications include a suspicious relationship, ineligibility to marry, insufficient income, or no plans to marry within 90 days. Of course, fraudulent applications also result in a fiancé(e) visa rejections or denials.
How long does it take to bring spouse to USA 2022?
Average time -- Five to 14.5 months (as of early 2022) for approval of the Form I-130, and additional time depending on individual circumstances. Summary of the Process -- The U.S. citizen starts the process by filing a Form I-130 with USCIS, either online or by mail.
Can my fiancé visit while waiting for K-1 visa?
Can my fiancé visit me in the US while waiting for a K-1 fiancé visa? Yes – your fiancé may visit the US, so long as they have a valid B-1/B-2 visa or ESTA. However, your fiancé should expect more scrutiny at the border.
How long is a fiancé's work authorization valid?
In this case, your fiancé (e)’s work authorization is valid for only 90 days after his or her entry into the U.S. Your fiancé (e) may also apply for work authorization at the same time he or she applies for a Green Card. In this case, your fiancé (e) can file Form I-765 together with the Form I-485.
Who notifies you when the visa interview for your fiancé (e) is scheduled?
The U.S. Embassy or consulate notifies you when the visa interview for your fiancé (e) is scheduled.
What is the form for alien fiancé?
You file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé (e) according to the form instructions. This form asks USCIS to recognize the relationship between you and your fiancé (e).
What form do I need to get married?
If you are a U.S. citizen who wants to bring your foreign fiancé (e) to the United States in order to get married, you will need to file a Form I-129F, Petition For Alien Fiancé (e). This is the first step to obtaining a K-1 nonimmigrant visa for your fiancé (e). The K-1 nonimmigrant visa is also known as a fiancé (e) visa.
What happens if you marry your fiancé after 90 days?
This may result in removal (deportation) and could affect their future eligibility for U.S. immigration benefits. However, if you marry your fiancé (e) after the 90 day period, you may file a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.
How long does it take to get a green card if you are married?
If your fiancé (e) marries you within 90 days of being admitted to the United States as a K-1 nonimmigrant, he or she may apply for lawful permanent resident status in the United States (a Green Card). If you have already married, plan to marry outside the United States, or your fiancé (e) is already residing legally in the United States, ...
Who determines if a fiancé qualifies for a K-1 visa?
The DOS consular officer determines whether your fiancé (e) qualifies for the K-1 nonimmigrant visa.
How long does it take to get a K1 visa?
In other cases, couples have waited for a year or two to secure a K-1 visa. In many cases, the process takes between six months and a year, although this is only a rough estimate. It is important to keep in mind that the non-US partner cannot live or work in the US until the K 1 Visa Fiancée Visa is in hand. In fact, the couple cannot get married in the US until the K1 visa has been secured.
How to get a K1 visa for a married couple?
In order to secure a K1 Visa as quickly as possible, gather up your documentation and submit USCIS form I-129F as soon as you decide to get married. Check and double-check the application form for errors and omissions, as these can delay in the process. If there is anything in either partner’s background that could make obtaining a K-1 Visa difficult, consult with an immigration attorney before submitting the application, to get advice about how to reduce any delays. Within two to three weeks after filing, the US applicant will generally get a first Notice of Action (NOA), indicating that the K-1 application has been opened. Some time after this, the applicant will get a second notice, indicating that the K 1 Visa Fiancée Visa application has been approved.
Can a non-US couple get married in the US?
When a couple decide to get married and one partner is a US citizen while another partner is a foreign national, the couple can get married in the US and can secure a green card for the non-US partner by filing for a Fiancée Visa or K-1 visa. Many couples in this situation wish to be married quite quickly, but the processing times for a Fiancée Visa can vary widely.
What is a fiancé visa?
Fiancé (e) visas are issued to the fiancé (e) of a citizen in order for them to enter into the country and subsequently get married. In order to establish this classification, the U.S. citizen in the relationship must file an I-129 Petition for Relative or Fiancé (e) with USCIS.
How long does it take to get married on a K-1 visa?
Has the K-1 visa been issued? At this point, the foreign fiancé (e) is able to enter the U.S. and has 90 days from the point of arrival to get married to the U.S. sponsor. From there the foreign-born spouse can prepare for an adjustment of status to permanently work and live in the country.
How long does it take for USCIS to process a petition?
Within two to three weeks of submitting the form, the USCIS will send the petitioner (U.S. citizen) notice of receipt to confirm that it has received the petition. The USCIS will review the form and may also notify the petitioner if they need additional information and documentation to process the petition.
What is the I-129F form?
The form must be submitted along with all required supporting documents. I-129F form is used to establish the relationship between the U.S. citizen and the foreign fiancé ( e).
How long does it take to get an I-129F?
Both the receipt of notice and adjudication of the I-129F form takes around 5-7 months. However, it could be longer, especially if the petition is not filed correctly or there are certain missing items. It is best to pay attention to details when filing the form so you can avoid unnecessary delays.
How old do you have to be to marry?
The two of you must be legally eligible to marry in the United States. This means you both are at the legal age to marry, which is at least 18 years old. Also, there must be proof that neither of you is currently in a valid marriage to another person.
Can I get a fiancé visa if I'm already married?
This process can take several months for an i-130 approval and an additional year for an approved immigrant visa. Notice that these processes are in fact very different so you cannot apply for a fiancé (e) visa if you are already married. An immigration attorney can better explain your options if you’re in this situation.
How to obtain the fiancé visa?
The process and subsequent obtaining of the K-1 visa for the United States includes the following requirements:
What is the K-1 fiancé visa?
The K-1 visa is used by the fiancé (e) to enter the USA to marry a U.S. citizen. The period of time established by law to carry out the marriage is 90 days maximum.
How to notify USCIS of a K-1 visa?
If the applicant is moving it is important that they notify USCIS by phone 1-800-375-5283 or by email.
What questions are asked in a K1 visa interview?
Some of the most frequently asked questions in the K1 visa interview are whether you have been married before and where you live. Also if the applicant has been convicted or prosecuted for a crime.
How to verify a K-1 visa?
The processing time of the fiancé K-1 visa can be verified in the letter that the Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) sends to the applicant. That is after the agency receives the request and reports having received the documents sent by the embassy.
What is a K-1 visa?
The K-1 visa is one of the most requested types of American non-immigrant visas.
How much is the K1 visa fee?
Complete and file Form I-129F and pay the filing fee of $ 535. The K1 visa application form can be paid by check or money order made out to: Department of Homeland Security. If you do it by credit card, you must fill out form G-1450.
How long does it take to get a fiance visa?
How does the fiance visa work? Undergoing the fiance visa process will allow you to come to the United States within 6 months of the visa approval. Once you enter the US, you will have 90 days to marry your fiance. Once you are married, you can apply for lawful permanent residence and thus obtain the right to live and work in the United States. Your fiance visa application on its own does not entitle you to a green card. However, foreign nationals married to US citizens can, through their marriage, eventually become full US citizens.
How long to get a fiance visa to the USA?
With COVID-19 restrictions, this processing time has been extended, and it may take upwards of 20 months for an approval of your fiance visa.
How to get a fiance visa subsidiary K-2 visa?
Their names must be included in Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiance. They must remain unmarried and under 21 in order to receive a nonimmigrant K-2 visa. K-2 visa holders cannot enter the United States before the K-1 fiance visa holder.
Can you work on a fiance visa?
Theoretically, as the fiance of a US citizen, you have the right to work during the 90 days before you and your partner get married. However, in order for you to work, you have to file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. It will routinely take USCIS upwards of two months to process the application, meaning that by the time you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), you may no longer be eligible to work because your nonimmigrant K-1 status will have expired.
What is the next step in the K-1 visa process?
The medical exam, the next step in the K-1 fiance visa process, will determine whether the foreign national is inadmissible to the United States on health-related grounds , such as drug addiction or communicable diseases that are a threat to public safety. The exam will be conducted by an approved medical practitioner.
Can a green card holder file for a fiance visa?
If your partner is a lawful permanent resident, you can get married and then apply for a marriage-based immigrant visa, but you cannot apply for a fiance visa.
How long does it take for a USCIS visa to be approved?
The time it takes from USCIS approval of Form I-129F to the time a visa is ultimately issued to the foreign fiancé at a United States consulate is typically a few months, but as with the processing of the initial Form I-129F, the timeline could be longer for some applicants.
How long does it take to get married on a K-1 visa?
The United States citizen and foreign fiancé get married within 90 days before the expiration of the K-1 visa; and
What does a foreign fiancé do at the consulate?
Foreign fiancé appears at United States consulate for an interview, bringing supporting documentation to demonstrate the validity of the engagement to a United States citizen;
How to bring a foreign fiance to the US?
United States citizens who wish to bring a foreign fiancé to the United States must go through an extensive immigration process with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Both the United States citizen and his or her foreign fiancé will not only submit numerous forms and supporting documentation but also appear for interviews.
Can an immigration lawyer slow down the process?
One small error can slow down the entire process, so the timeline is often case-specific. Individuals who work with immigration lawyers can significantly reduce the chances that errors will slow down the process . Making mistakes on complicated USCIS forms is not uncommon, but with the help of a legal professional, such errors are often avoided.
What is the K-1 fiancé visa?
The K-1 visa allows the foreign-born fiancé of a U.S. citizen to travel to the United States to marry their partner within 90 days of arrival. The foreign spouse can then apply for a marriage green card.
How long does it take to receive a notice of action from USCIS?
Two to three weeks after mailing your petition, you will receive a notice of action (NOA1) in the mail indicating USCIS has received your petition. You do nothing at this step.
How much does a K1 visa cost?
The United States citizen sponsor files the K1 visa petition with USCIS by mailing the completed I-129F petition package along with a check to the Department of Homeland Security for $510.
What happens if a foreign partner doesn't have a passport?
Passport - If the foreign partner doesn't already have a passport, he or she will need to acquire one.
How long does it take to get an I-129F?
The current processing time for Form I-129F (“Petition for Alien Fiancé”) is 8-10 months, plus 4-6 weeks to receive an interview notice.
Which type of petition gets approved faster?
Petitions that are easy to move through and approve tend to get approved faster.
Who will review my visa?
If you work with an immigration attorney, or a fiancé visa agency , they will carefully review your situation to verify that you meet all of the requirements.
Steps Of The US Fiance Visa Process
A Fiance Visa (category K1, K2) allows an unmarried American petitioner to bring over a foreign partner to the US for marriage.
What Are The Steps To Apply?
The first step is to ensure the US Citizen and the foreign beneficiary qualify for the K visa. Of the several requirements, the two most-important are: to have personally met face-to-face within the last 2 years, and be free to marry (single, divorced, widowed, annulled, etc.).
The Fiance K Visa Interview
To prepare, the applicant must gather proper documents before scheduling and appearing for the interview. Among the important ones are: The DS-160 online form, the Medical exam report, the Police Clearance, a valid passport, birth certificate, and the I-134 Affidavit of Support.
The Green Card Process
An approved visa allows the beneficiary to travel, with a single-entry visa, to the US and marry their engaged petitioner. The marriage must happen within the US and the allotted 90 days. If both of these rules aren’t followed, it could mean deportation or voidance of the K visa.
Timing of The K-1 Fiancé Visa Application Process
- Getting a K-1 visa is a multi-step process. The U.S. citizen must start off the process by filing United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé, available for free download from the USCIS website. Take a look at these tipson comple…
Timing of U.S. Entry and Marriage to U.S. Citizen
- Once the K-1 visa has been issued by the consulate, the foreign fiancé can enter the United States and marry the U.S. citizen who filed the I-129F petition. The visa will be valid for U.S. entry for six months from the date it was issued. Once the fiancé enters the United States, the marriage must take place within 90 days from the date of entry. But if you plan to apply for a green card, it'…
Can A Lawyer Help?
- Engagement to a U.S. citizen does not necessarily mean that the foreign fiancé is entitled to a K-1 visa. An experienced U.S. immigration attorney can guide you through the entire process make sure it goes smoothly and quickly (or, as quickly as possible given the bureaucracy you're dealing with).