
Do all K1 visas require administrative processing?
Some visa applications require further administrative processing, which takes additional time after the visa applicant's interview by a Consular Officer. After You Receive a K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa
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
What happens if my K1 visa expires?
■ Nothing, really. As long as you postmark the I-129F before it expires, you will be fine. Expiration of the form doesn’t affect processing as long as you mail it in time. If for any reason you can’t get a K-1 visa interview date within the 4 months, you should let the Embassy know you’re still intending to apply.
Should I use K1 or CR1 visa?
There are two very important points to note, though. If the host country allows same-sex marriage, then both the fiance K-1 visa or the CR1/IR1 are viable. However, if the host country doesn’t recognize gay marriage, then you may use the fiance K visa there discreetly.

What is the income limit for K-1 visa?
In dollars and cents, this means that you must have stable earnings of at least $16,910 per year for a two-person household (in 2019) to qualify as financial sponsor for a fiancé(e) visa petition, and you must have stable earnings of at least $21,137 per year for a two-person household to qualify as financial sponsor ...
What is the minimum income requirement for K-1 visa 2022?
Overall, your stable earnings need to be at least $16,910 per year in order to support a household with two people. On the other hand, when the fiancé becomes a permanent resident, you would have to earn at least $21,137 every year. These are the minimum requirements.
Do you need proof of income for K-1 visa?
You will be required to provide your U.S. federal income tax return and your proof of current employment. The tax return must be for the most recent tax year. If you can't provide tax return for the required period, you will need to provide an explanation.
What is the minimum income to sponsor an immigrant 2021?
For example, in 2021, a sponsor in the U.S. mainland would need to have income (or assets) of at least $33,125 to cover a petitioner who lives alone and is sponsoring one immigrant and two children (that is, a total of four people).
How much money do I need to make to sponsor an immigrant 2022?
The most common minimum annual income required to sponsor a spouse or family member for a green card is $22,887. This assumes that the sponsor — the U.S. citizen or current green card holder — is not in active military duty and is sponsoring only one relative.
Why would a K-1 visa be denied?
The petitioner does not meet the necessary requirements. The foreign national does not meet the necessary requirements. The relationship seems suspicious or fraudulent. The U.S. citizen does not meet the necessary income requirements.
Do I need a job for K-1 visa?
Having a job or income isn't required at any point during the K-1 visa process. But you must still be able to pay all fees and find a joint sponsor for the I-134 Affidavit of Support. Not meeting financial requirements is one of the leading causes of K-1 visa denial at the interview.
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 long does fiancé visa take 2022?
approximately 9 to 12 monthsAs of March 2022, K-1 visa processing took approximately 9 to 12 months (USCIS time to process Form I-129F). Click here to see exact ranges based on your service center. In addition to that, it takes between three to four weeks to receive notice from the National Visa Center with further instructions.
What happens if you don't meet financial requirements for spouse visa?
Normally you need to meet a five-year residence requirement but the residence requirement can be extended to ten years before you can apply for indefinite leave to remain if you have not met the financial requirement (and still do not meet the financial requirement).
Do I need income to sponsor my spouse?
In most cases, there isn't an income requirement to sponsor your spouse or partner or dependent child. You only need to show that you have enough money to meet the income requirements if: you're sponsoring a dependent child that has 1 or more dependent children of their own, or.
Can unemployed U.S. citizen file for spouse visa?
5 attorney answers. She can certainly petition for you. However, she will need to establish that she has an income of 125% of the poverty level for her household size. IF she cannot satisfy the requirement on her own she will need a co-sponsor who is a U.S. citizen...
What are the requirements to be a sponsor for an immigrant?
All sponsors must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, be at least 18 years old, and be living in the United States (including territories and possessions) when they file the affidavit of support.
What is the poverty guidelines for immigration?
These poverty guidelines are effective beginning Mar. 1, 2022....Sponsor's Household Size100% of HHS Poverty Guidelines*125% of HHS Poverty Guidelines*2$18,310$22,8873$23,030$28,7874$27,750$34,6875$32,470$40,5875 more rows•Mar 1, 2022
What is the income requirement for I 134?
Required Cash Value of Assets on Form I-134 However, the necessary minimum income for his household size is $35,000.
How much does a co sponsor have to make for immigration?
The minimum required income for most sponsors is 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size and location. For a couple who live in the 48 contiguous states (mainland United States) and have no children, the required minimum annual income is currently $21,137.
What Do I Do If I Do Not Meet The K1 Visa Income Requirements?
Instead, consult with an immigration lawyer, who can review your case and help you determine the best path to take. It is best to wait and have a plan that will work rather than apply and be denied late in the K1 visa process due to a lack of sufficient income to be considered a sponsor.
What is a stable gross income?
A Stable Gross Earnings That Are More Than 100% Above The Federal Poverty Guidelines
Do you have to earn income to get a K1 visa?
K1 visa sponsors are also required to earn their income in the United States rather than from a foreign country. There are exceptions to this rule, such as if you are completing work for your U.S. based employer (i.e., a temporary overseas assignment provided by the DoDfor a U.S.-based government contractor). However, if you are employed in another country, then your income is not likely to be considered stable once you return to the United States.
What is stable income?
Stable Income: “Stability” plays a major role in the USCIS decision process. Income derived from active employment, Veteran Administration benefits, retirement pensions, and Social Security are all stable forms of income, but income gained from unemployment is not. If the sponsor’s income is determined to not be “stable” by USCIS, there is a good chance that the visa request will be denied.
Is Rapidvisa a law firm?
No part of this post should be considered legal advice, as RapidVisa is not a law firm. This content is provided free of charge for informational purposes only. If anything herein conflicts with an official government website, the official government website shall prevail.
Can you apply for spousal visa with cash?
For spousal visas or those seeking to adjust status (green card), cash or assets which are readily liquidated can be applied towards the income requirement. Typically, if the sponsor is a U.S. citizen, the assets must be worth at least three times the amount required from the poverty guidelines. However, if you are a green card holder, ...
How to determine if you qualify for a K-1 visa?
To determine if you meet the K-1 visa income requirements, you’ll first need to know your household size. Generally, your household includes you and any dependents. Add together your current dependents and the intending immigrants. If your fiancé has children that will accompany, they must be included in the calculation.
What is the income requirement for an alien fiance?
In short, the U.S. citizen petitioner (person who filed Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé) must have current income that at least 100% of the poverty guidelines. For the current year’s guidelines, refer to the HHS poverty guidelines. It is updated each year so that you can easily look up the requirements.
What is the I-134 form?
Do not confuse Form I-134 with Form I-864, Affidavit of Support. Form I-134 is to be used in conjunction with the K-1 visa.
What is your current income?
Your current income is your “expected” total income from all sources for the current year. Your current individual income may be different than it was last year. It may include sources of income in addition to your employment. Your total individual income includes:
Can a foreigner get a green card if they are married?
Once married, the foreign national may apply for a green card through adjustment of status. Green card applicants who are applying on the basis of a K-1 entry are generally subject to the public charge rule.
What Is a K-1 Visa?
K-1 visas allow U.S. citizens to bring foreign-born fiances into the country. A nonimmigrant classification, the K-1 visa is good for a period of 90 days. At that point, the foreign national must get married to the person who filed the application or exit the country.
What form do I need to apply for a K-1 visa?
If a citizen wants their application to be approved, they must submit a Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, on behalf of their non-citizen fiance. The purpose of this form is to demonstrate that the K-1 recipient will not have to rely on public benefits to afford to live in the U.S.
Does Medicaid count toward total income?
Note that public benefits such as food stamps, SSI, Medicaid, and CHIP do not count toward your total income. However, in the event that you fail to reach the minimum income requirement, you may be able to use other assets in order to meet the guidelines.
What should I know before applying for a K-1 visa?
You should read the Rights and Protections pamphlet before your visa interview to learn about your rights in the United States relating to domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse and protection available to you . The consular officer will verbally summarize the pamphlet to you during your interview. Additionally, K-1 visa applicants will be provided with any existing criminal background information on their U.S. citizen fiancé (e)s that USCIS received from other government agencies during processing of their Form I-129F petitions.
How Long Will It Take to Get My K Visa?
For Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé (e), you can visit the USCIS website for the status of your petition.
What do you need to present to a consular officer for a visa interview?
During the visa interview, applicants will be required to present evidence to the consular officer that they are not likely to become a public charge in the United States. You may present evidence that you are able to financially support yourself or that your U.S. citizen fiancé (e) is able to provide support.
What are some examples of ineligibilities for a visa?
Examples of these ineligibilities include: drug trafficking; overstaying a previous visa; and submitting fraudulent documents.
What is an I-134 form?
Evidence of financial support ( Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, may be requested)
Can I apply for a K visa for my child?
No. Your eligible children may apply for K-2 visas based on the approval of Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé (e), that your U.S. citizen fiancé (e) filed on your behalf, but your U.S. citizen fiancé (e) must list the children on the petition. Separate visa applications must be submitted for each K-2 visa applicant, and each applicant must pay the K visa application fee.
Do you open a sealed K-1 visa packet?
Embassy or Consulate. It is important that you do not open the sealed packet.
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.
What can you use 1/3 of the dollar value of?
You can use 1/3 of the dollar value of certain assets, such as real estate, stocks and bonds.
Can you use joint sponsor in lieu of income?
In certain cases, you may be able to use a joint sponsor or assets in lieu of income. Please call us for specifics on your situation.
Do all K-1 visas meet the requirements?
Not everyone will meet the K-1 visa requirements. Check your eligibility with our K-1 visa eligibility calculator. Note that USCIS and consular officers are different and some countries may have additional requirements.
How much does a K-1 visa cost?
Visa applicants must use a U.S. government-approved physician. Costs can vary significantly based on the country and doctor but run $50 to $300 in most countries.
How much does it cost to file an I-485 for a child?
However, a child applicant who is under age 14 and filing with the I-485 application of the parent receives a reduce fee of $750.
How much does it cost to file an I-129F?
When filing Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé, with USCIS, you must submit a filing fee of $535. This starts the process. Once you’ve paid this fee, it is typically several months before there are additional K-1 visa costs. If your fiancé has children that will accompany him or her, there is no additional fee at this point.
How much does it cost to get a green card after marriage?
The USCIS fee for the application plus biometrics runs $1,225.
Mandatory Fees
The following chart breaks down both the fees you must pay directly to the government — in most cases, that’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Other Potential Costs
Beyond direct government fees and the medical exam fee, there are other green card costs to keep in mind:
What income do you need to sponsor a spouse?
Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard, and you are sponsoring your spouse or minor child, you need to have an income of 100 percent of the Federal poverty line for your household size.
How much income do you need to be a joint sponsor?
A: To qualify as a joint sponsor, you must demonstrate that your income is at least 100 percent of the current Federal poverty guideline for your household size. The Federal poverty line is updated annually and can be found above and on Form I-864P, Poverty Guidelines.
What percentage of poverty is required for a joint sponsor?
You must meet either 125% of the poverty guidelines, or meet the asset requirement. If unable to do either, you will need a joint sponsor.

Stable, US-based Income
Utilizing Assets
- For spousal visas or those seeking to adjust status (green card), cash or assets which are readily liquidated can be applied towards the income requirement. Typically, if the sponsor is a U.S. citizen, the assets must be worth at least three times the amount required from the poverty guidelines. However, if you are a green card holder, the assets must be five times the amount re…
Specific Challenges
- Self-Employed
Sponsors who work for themselves face additional income requirements. Since they are not on a “traditional” career path (and usually can’t get a letter from their employer), those who are self-employed must show bank account records going back at least six months and copies of their IR… - Expatriates and Domicile
Another challenge at this stage of the visa process also faces American sponsors who have lived outside of the U.S. for an extended period of time. For those who are self-employed (common among this demographic), the U.S. tax returns and bank account forms noted previously are stil…
Income Requirements For Fiance (K1) and Spousal (CR1) Visas
- As noted previously, the annual gross income of K-1 fiancé visa sponsorsmust be equal to or greater than 100% of the federal poverty guidelines. For individuals seeking to secure CR1 spousal visas or adjust their status to lawful permanent residency (green card), that threshold increases to 125%. Also note that living in Hawaii or Alaska increases ...
Contiguous Us
- (including Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam and Mariana Islands) *(Including all currently and previously sponsored aliens)
K-1 Visa Income Requirements
Determining Your Household Size
- To determine if you meet the K-1 visa income requirements, you’ll first need to know your household size. Generally, your household includes you and any dependents. Add together your current dependents and the intending immigrants. If your fiancé has children that will accompany, they must be included in the calculation. To determine your household size, add together the foll…
Proving You Meet The Income Requirement
- Once USCIS approves Form I-129F, the National Visa Center may ask the petitioner to submit additional documents, including Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, on behalf of the foreign fiancé. Use Form I-134 to support a visa applicant and show they have sufficient financial resources while in the United States. In short, it’s reassurance for the U.S. government that the f…
Green Card Income Requirements
- Once married, the foreign national may apply for a green card through adjustment of status. Green card applicants who are applying on the basis of a K-1 entry are generally subject to the public charge rule. USCIS will make a determination if the applicant will likely become a public charge at any time in the future based on certain criteria. USCIS will evaluate applicant’s educati…