How to apply for a K-1 Fiancé Visa
- File Form I-129F. The first step in the application process is for the U.S. ...
- File Form DS-160. Once USCIS approves your Form I-129F petition, USCIS will transfer your case to the U.S. ...
- Attend your visa interview and pay the visa fee. Your visa interview will take place at the U.S. ...
- Come to the United States and get married! ...
Full Answer
How long does K1 visa for fiance take to process?
So, the NVC normally receives and approves your petition (for K1 visa) quickly – usually 2 weeks. Sending the approved case files to the US Embassy in your fiance (e)’s country takes long. Expect this entire step to take 1 month. . . The foreign US Embassy receives the case and begins to process.
What is the procedure for getting a K1 visa?
K1 Visa Process. Here are the main steps involved when applying for a K-1 fiance visa: Step 1. USCIS Filing. 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 $535. Step 2.
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.
How can I obtain a K-1 fiance visa?
K-1 Visa Process
- Petition for Fiancé (e) You must file for Form I-129F with the USCIS, so that you and your fiancé (e)'s relationship is recognizable.
- Visa Application. Once your approved visa application is sent to the DOS, the DOS will then forward your form to the U.S. ...
- Inspection at a Port of Entry. ...
- Adjustment of Status. ...
How much does a K-1 visa cost?
K-1 Visa Cost The total cost for a K-1 visa is roughly $1000. Here is a breakdown of K-1 visa costs: The government's required fee for Form I-129F is $535. An applicant may pay with a money order, cashier's check, or personal check.
How do I get a K1 fiancé visa?
How to apply for a K-1 Fiancé VisaStep 1: File Form I-129F. ... Step 2: File Form DS-160. ... Step 3: Attend your visa interview and pay the visa fee. ... Step 4: Come to the United States and get married!
How long does a K1 fiancé visa take to approve?
After filing the required I-129F form, Petition for Alien Fiancé with USCIS, there are several steps to acquiring the K1 fiancé visa. However, the processing times vary but on average, it takes approximately 6 to 9 months to obtain a K1 visa.
What documents are needed for a fiancé visa?
The documents you'll need for your fiancé(e) visa applicationProof of citizenship for the U.S. citizen fiancé(e)Copy of sponsored fiancé(e)'s passport.Evidence of terminated marriages, where needed.Proof of meeting within 2 years of applying.Evidence of legal name change, where applicable.More items...
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 money do you have to make to sponsor a 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 ...
Which is faster fiancé visa or spouse?
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.
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.
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.
Is K-1 visa easy to get?
K1 Fiance Visas are generally preferred (over the Marriage Visa and K3 Marriage Visa) as the visa of choice for engaged international couples as they are considered the easiest, quickest, and least expensive route.
How many photos do I need for K-1 visa?
If you are applying for an immigrant visa, using Form DS-260, you must provide two (2) identical photos at your immigrant visa interview. Your photos must be: Printed on photo quality paper. 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in size.
Do you have to be engaged to apply for a fiancé 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.
What is the easiest way to bring a fiancé to USA?
If you are a U.S. citizen, you may bring your fiancé(e) to the United States to marry and live here, with a nonimmigrant visa for a fiancé(e) (K-1). An I-129F fiancé(e) petition is required.
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.
Do you have to be engaged to apply for a fiancé visa?
Do you have to be engaged to apply for a K-1 fiancé visa? Yes! To qualify for a K-1 visa, the US citizen and their partner must be engaged. As part of the application, each partner must submit evidence confirming their intent to marry after the K-1 fiance's arrival in the US.
Can my fiancé visit while waiting for K-1 visa?
Visiting Before Filing a K-1 Petition If they haven't already filed this petition, then the U.S. government will have no record of your planned wedding, and you shouldn't have any trouble visiting the United States on a temporary visa (such as a tourist 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.
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.
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.
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 to get a K1 visa?
Initially, you must apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by filing Form I-765 to USCIS. If approved, you are allowed to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) and even work for the period of time that your K1 visa is valid.
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.
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 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.
How long does it take to get married on a K1 visa?
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. This process begins by filing Form I-485.
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 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 to obtain the fiancé visa?
The process and subsequent obtaining of the K-1 visa for the United States includes the following requirements:
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.
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.
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.
What is a K-1 visa?
NOTE: For an overview of the entire K-1 Fiance Visa process, please see the K-1 Fiance Visa Flowchart.#N#What is a K-1 Fiance Visa?#N#A K-1 Visa (also known as a Fiance Visa) is a nonimmigrant visa Visa issued to the fiancé (e) of a United States citizen. The K-1 Visa allows the visa holder to enter the United States for up to 90 days during which time they may get married and file for Adjustment of Status (to obtain a "green card" and become a Legal Permanent Resident of the US). After filing for Adjustment of Status they may reside in the US beyond the 90 day K-1 Visa validity while their Adjustment of Status application is processed. While the K-1 Visa is legally classified as a non-immigrant visa, it usually leads to important immigration benefits and is therefore often processed by the Immigrant Visa section of United States Embassies and Consulates worldwide. If the non US Citizen fiancé (e) has a child (under 21 and unmarried), a K-2 non-immigrant visa may be available to him or her. Be sure to include the names of the children on the I-129F petition.#N#Who is Eligible to File?#N#U.S. citizens who will be getting married to a foreign national in the United States may petition for a fiancé (e) classification (K-1) for their fiancé (e). You and your fiancé (e) must be free to marry. This means that both of you are unmarried, or that any previous marriages have ended through divorce, annulment or death. You must also have met with your fiancé (e) in person within the last two years prior beginning the K-1 Visa petition process (filing the I-129F). This requirement can be waived only if meeting the non US Citizen's fiancé (e) in person would violate long-established customs, or if it would create extreme hardship on the US Citizen.#N#Forms Needed to File for a K-1 Fiance Visa:#N#1. I-129F#N#2. G-1145 (optional)#N#The above forms can be filled out on your computer and printed. Make sure you sign and date them as required. Anything you cannot fit by typing, you can handwrite (very neatly) in black ink in the blank instead. You should always verify the current forms at www.uscis.gov.#N#Assembling the I-129F Package: Checklist#N#Forms and Documents (follow these assembly instructions. All supporting documents must be in English or be translated as noted here .):
What to send to my fiance after I-129F?
What to send to your fiance once the I-129F is approved (Receive NOA2): 1. A copy of the entire I-129f package ( that you made when you sent the petition in) and a copy of information that you sent back due to an RFE ( if you received one ).
How to write a passport photo for a foreign fiance?
One passport-type photo (see specification ) of the foreign fiance. Write the full name of the foreign fiance on the back. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag "Photo of (insert foreign fiance name) ". Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding I-129F.
How to create proof of meeting in past 2 years?
To organize this information you can create a single typed page with the following elements: (1) Title the page 'Evidence of In-Person Meeting in the last 2 years'; (2) A description of how you met (same as you stated in Part 2 Question 53-54 of your I-129F); (3) A list of the evidence you are providing; (4) Your printed name, signature and date . Following this declaration page, provide the evidence you listed (click here for examples).
Can I marry my fiancé?
You and your fiancé (e) must be free to marry. This means that both of you are unmarried, or that any previous marriages have ended through divorce, annulment or death. You must also have met with your fiancé (e) in person within the last two years prior beginning the K-1 Visa petition process (filing the I-129F).
When you marry a K-1 nonimmigrant, do you become an immediate relative?
When you marry your U.S. citizen petitioner within 90 days of admission as a K-1 nonimmigrant, you become an immediate relative. Immigrant visas for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens are always immediately available.
How long does it take to get a green card if you are a K-1?
citizen petitioner within 90 days of being admitted as a K-1 nonimmigrant. You are called a “derivative applicant.” You must remain unmarried in order to be eligible for a Green Card. You should apply for a Green Card at the same time or after your K-1 nonimmigrant parent applies for a Green Card. For more information on derivatives and eligibility for adjustment of status, please see USCIS Policy Manual Volume 7, Part A, Chapter 6, Section C, Subsection C - Derivatives.
How to apply for a waiver of inadmissibility?
You may apply for a waiver of inadmissibility or other form of relief by using Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility and Form I-212, Application for Permission to Reapply for Admission into the United States after Deportation or Removal. If a waiver or other form of relief is granted, USCIS may approve your application for a Green Card if you are otherwise eligible.
How long does it take to get a green card after being admitted to the US?
After being admitted to the United States as a K-1 nonimmigrant and marrying the U.S. citizen petitioner within 90 days, the alien spouse can then apply for lawful permanent resident status in the United States (get a Green Card). This page provides specific information for aliens in the United States who want to apply for lawful permanent resident ...
How long does it take to get an I-485?
You are physically present in the United States at the time you file your Form I-485; Within 90 days of admission to the United States, your K-1 nonimmigrant parent entered into a bona fide marriage with the U.S. citizen petitioner; You are eligible to receive an immigrant visa;
How to apply for employment authorization for a pending I-485?
Generally, when you have a pending Form I-485, you may apply for employment authorization by filing a Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
Can an alien marry a non-K-1?
U.S. immigration law allows a U.S. citizen to petition for a alien fiancé (e) to obtain a K-1 nonimmigrant visa to travel to the United States and seek admission. Within 90 days after being admitted as a K-1 nonimmigrant, the alien must enter into a bona fide marriage with the U.S. citizen who filed the Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé (e), ...
