K1 Visa Application Process.
- Complete Form DS-160.
- Schedule the US Fiance visa interview.
- Complete medical examinations.
- Compile your document file.
- Attend visa interview.
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. ...
Can someone work on a K1 visa?
In practice, taking advantage of this right is more difficult than it sounds—close to impossible, in fact. As a K-1 visa holder, you can work in the U.S. only if, after entering, you apply for and receive a work permit. This is known by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
How long is a K1 visa good for?
The K1 visa is good for 6 months and allows you to enter the United States only one time. The K1 approval from the USCIS is good for 4 months, which means the visa must be issued within 4 months of your USCIS approval.
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 are the requirements for a K-1 visa?
To apply for a K-1 visa, the foreign partner must live outside of the United States, be legally free and able to marry, have met the U.S. citizen partner in person within the last two years, and not have been convicted of serious crimes.
Can I apply for K-1 visa by myself?
The law does not require that you use an immigration attorney to complete K-1 petition documents such as the Form I-129F. Here is what the USCIS says about this at www.USCIS.gov: You can file USCIS forms yourself, but many people choose to have help.
How much does a K-1 visa cost?
The government filing fees for getting a K-1 visa is $800 or $2,025 for the K-1 visa and the “Adjustment of Status” form required to transfer from a K-1 visa to a green card after arriving in the United States. This does not include the typical cost of the required medical examination, which varies by provider.
How long does it take to get approved for K-1 visa?
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.
Do I need a lawyer to file for K-1 visa?
How an Attorney can Help with Your K1 Fiancé Visa. While USCIS does not require you to have an attorney in order to process your fiancé visa, having an experienced immigration attorney can help immensely.
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.
How much income do I need to sponsor a K-1 visa?
If the sponsor's household size is only them and their future spouse, then the income requirements to receive a K1 visa must be a minimum of $17,240 annually after deductions in 2021. This number goes up if the household is larger, such as if the sponsor has one or more children.
Can a fiancé visa be 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.
What is the 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.
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.
How hard is it to get a K-1 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.
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 much does a 90 day fiance visa cost?
All About the K-1 Visa | Fiance Visa | 90 Day Visa It costs $535. The medical examination, which costs around $200, but the price may change depending on the medical service center. The actual K-1 visa application. It costs $265.
Which is faster spouse or fiance visa?
Application Process and Timeline for Fiancé(e) and Spousal Visa. If your main goal is to get to the U.S. as quickly as possible, then the K-1 fiancé(e) visa is likely the fastest option. But if your goal is to get an actual green card as soon as possible, then a marriage-based visa will be quicker.
What percentage of fiance 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 much does a k2 visa cost?
The K-2 has several costs attached to it including: The I-129F filing fee of $535. A possible biometrics fee of $85. A possible fee from the embassy of $265.
What Are the Documents Required for a K1 Visa Application?
Here are the documents that you should submit when applying for a K1 visa:
How to Apply for the K1 Visa?
The fiancé visa application has a few steps that both fiances must follow. It must be first initiated by the US citizen. The US citizen must obtain permission from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to bring and sponsor their foreign citizen fiancé to the US.
How Much Does it Cost to Apply for a K1 Visa?
It costs $265 to apply for a K1 visa. The amounts vary by year as well as by country due to different relationships that the US has with other countries, but the main categories for which you will be asked to pay fees are as follows:
What is the Visa K1 Processing Time?
The K1 visa processing time may vary from weeks to months. It does not have a definite length of processing time. It is most likely that it will take a few months, so plan ahead for any delays if you are planning the wedding in the US.
How Long is the K1 Visa Valid?
The K1 visa is valid for 4 months but you can extend for up to 6 months. Despite the fact that the K1 visa might be valid for this length, the couple is expected to be married within 90 days of the foreign citizen’s entrance in the US.
Can my Children Accompany me to the US With a K1 Visa?
If the foreign citizen has unmarried children under 21 years old, they can accompany the foreign citizen to go to the US for the marriage. The children of the K1 visa holder can travel to the US with a valid K-2 visa.
What Are the Next Steps After Marriage?
If the foreign citizen obtains a K1 visa and the couple gets married in the US within 90 days, then the process to adjust status to a permanent one begins. This means that the foreign citizen will become a Legal Permanent Resident of the US by getting a spouse visa.
How to apply for a K-1 Fiancé Visa
If you and your fiancé are eligible for a K-1 fiancé visa, you can apply by following this four-step K-1 visa process.
K-1 Fiancé Visa FAQs
No. But it will be much harder to prove that your relationship is legitimate if you are not engaged before you apply.
Conclusion
Filing for a K-1 fiancé visa can be complicated, but working with a good immigration attorney can make it easier. If you can't afford the attorney fees for your K-1 visa application, we may be able to help. If you are eligible, our free web app will walk you through the process and help you prepare and file your application with the U.S.
What Is a K1 Visa?
A K1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows a U.S. citizen's fiancé to enter the United States for up to 90 days. After marriage to a U.S. citizen, a K1 visa holder can apply for a green card to become a permanent legal resident of the United States.
How long does it take to get a visa for a wedding?
Delaying your marriage. This must take place within 90 days of entering the United States. If your marriage is delayed for any reason, you might need to file for an extension.
How long does it take to get a K1 visa?
A K1 visa allows you to enter the United States once during a six-month period. You and your fiancé must make wedding plans quickly to meet the 90-day deadline this visa grants. You and your children want to move to the U.S. For many K1 visa applicants, permanent residence in the United States is the ultimate goal.
What is the G-1145 form?
G-1145 form to your application. This e-notification form is optional and authorizes the USCIS to communicate about your application by email or text.
What is Packet 4?
Schedule a physical examination. Packet 4 explains how the beneficiary should get and schedule the required exam. In addition to a complete medical examination, this should also include proof of all vaccines prior to an official interview. Request a copy of the DS-3025 form that the doctor completes, and keep this on file.
How long is a K1 visa valid?
There is no firm deadline for applying for a K1 visa, but you should plan to apply several months in advance. Once you file the petition, it is valid for four months. If circumstances prevent its approval during this time, you can apply for an extension.
How long do you have to sign a letter to marry on a K1 visa?
Both the petitioner, or the U.S. citizen, and the beneficiary, or the foreign national, should sign this statement. It should confirm that you intend to marry within 90 days of receiving a K1 visa.
How long is a K1 visa valid?
The petition is valid for a period of four months from the date of USCIS action, and may be revalidated by the consular officer.
What is an I-129F?
USCIS Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiance (If you have unmarried children who are under 21, they are eligible to accompany you, but only if they are listed on this form)
How long do you have to marry a US citizen?
You must marry the U.S. citizen within 90 days of entering the U.S. Once the marriage has taken place in the U.S., you must apply to adjust your status to permanent resident.
Can a minor get a K2 visa?
Your unmarried, minor children derive K2 nonimmigrant visa status from you as long as the children are named in the K1 US fiance visa petition. A separate petition is not required if the children accompany or follow you within one year from the date of issuance of the K1 visa. Thereafter, a separate immigrant visa petition is required. They may also be eligible to take up employment during their stay in the U.S. They may seek permanent residence based on your marriage to a U.S. citizen.
Who will give instructions for medical exam?
Medical examination (you will receive instructions from the NVC or the consulate on completing the medical exam)
Can you get copies of divorce decrees?
Copies of any divorce decrees, death certificates, or annulment decrees if either you or your fiance have been previously married
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.
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.
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.
Where to send I-129F?
The NVC forwards the approved Form I-129F to the U.S. Embassy or consulate where your fiancé (e) will apply for a K-1 nonimmigrant visa. This is generally the U.S. Embassy or consulate where your fiancé (e) lives. The U.S. Embassy or consulate notifies you when the visa interview for your fiancé (e) is scheduled.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What is the form for a K1 visa?
The Form I-129F is the initial form that is filed by the U.S. citizen petitioner. This form is filed with USCIS is called the “Petition for Alien Fiancé (e).” Along with this form, it is important to include several documents proving that you satisfy the K1 visa requirements (that the petitioner is a U.S. citizen, that the parties intend to get married within 90 days of the K1 visa beneficiary’s entry to the U.S., that the parties have met in person within the last 2 years, and that both parties are free to marry). You can learn more about the Form I-129f here.
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What is a G-28?
The Form G-28 is the Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative . This form is required if you will be working with an attorney. The G-28 is signed by you and your attorney. This form allows your attorney to submit applications and petitions on your behalf. The G-28 also allows your attorney to represent you before USCIS. You can learn more about the G-28 here.
What is the purpose of the I-485?
The Form I-485 is the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This is the form that the K1 visa beneficiary must file after they arrive in the U.S. and marry their U.S. citizen fiancé. The purpose of the I-485 is to adjust from non-immigrant status to permanent resident status. You can learn more about the Form I-485 here.
What is DS 160?
The Form DS-160 is the Online Nonimmigrant visa application. After the Form I-129f is approved by USCIS, you must file the Form DS-160 to apply for your K1 visa. This Form is completed and filed by the K1 visa beneficiary (foreign fiancé). You can learn more about the DS-160 here.
What is the I-765?
The Form I-765 is the Application for Employment Authorization. As a K1 visa beneficiary, you are eligible to apply for work authorization upon your arrival to the United States. You are also eligible to apply for work authorization after marrying your U.S. citizen fiancé and applying for your adjustment of status. To apply for work authorization, you file the form I-765 with USCIS. You can learn more about the Form I-765 here.
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What determines the type of student visa you need?
Your course of study, the school you plan to attend, or the exchange program you will be with will determine the type of student visa you will need.
What is ESTA in travel?
Fill out the (ESTA) online application. ESTA determines the eligibility of a visitor to travel to the U.S. under the VWP.
What is an F-1 visa?
F-1 visa classification is for a full-time international student pursuing academic studies.
What is transit C visa?
Transit C visa classification is for foreign nationals traveling through the U.S. to another country and stopping briefly in the U.S. as part of their travel to the next foreign destination.
What happens if you violate your work visa?
If you violate the terms of your work visa, it could be revoked. You could be deported, arrested, or denied re-entry into the U.S.
Can an international student apply for a student visa?
An international student can apply for a student or exchange visitor visa only after being accepted by a school certified in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Students’ records are kept in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Learn more about SEVP and SEVIS, and about the SEVIS fee.
