How to apply for a K-1 Fiancé Visa
- Step 1: File Form I-129F. The first step in the application process is for the U.S. citizen fiancé to prepare and file...
- Step 2: File Form DS-160. Once USCIS approves your Form I-129F petition, USCIS will transfer your case to the U.S.
- Step 3: Attend your visa interview and pay the visa fee. Your visa interview will take place at the U.
Full Answer
How long will it take to get a fiance visa?
How long does a Fiance K-1 visa take? On average, the total processing time goes anywhere from 5-10 months (from I-129F petition to K-1 or K-2 visa approval). The best way to approxima te how long your petition takes is to look at averages for similar cases.
What are the requirements to get a fiance visa?
The fiance visa UK requirements in 2022 are as follows:
- The application must be submitted from outside the UK
- There must be an intention for the applicant and sponsor to marry in the UK
- There must be an intention to settle in the UK
- The fiance visa UK financial requirement must be satisfied
- The fiance visa UK relationship requirements must be satisfied
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.
What documents are needed for a fiance visa?
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Birth certificate
- Police certificates for current country of residence and any country where sponsored fiancé (e) lived for more than 6 months
- Evidence of financial support (the Affidavit of Support may be required)
- Proof of relationship with U.S. ...
- Fee payment
How long does it take to get a fiancé visa?
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 is the fastest way to get a fiancé visa?
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.
What is the requirements to get fiancé visa?
Understanding the requirements for a K-1 fiancé 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.
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.
Can you get a fiancé visa without meeting?
You Must Meet Two-Year Meeting Requirement Prior to Filing Fiancé(e) Visa Application. During the two years before you file the Form I-129F Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), you must meet your fiancé(e) in person. Keep a close eye on the calendar.
How hard is it to get a K1 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.
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 ...
How much income do you need for a K-1 visa?
$17,240 annuallyIf 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.
Why would 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.
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.
How often do fiancé visas get denied?
According to those statistics, approximately 20,000 K-1 fiancées/fiancés every year are denied visas when they go to their interviews at the embassy. This is nearly 40% of the total number of K-1 visa applicants. And while eventually many of them are able to overcome the initial denial, some do not.
Can you rush a fiancé visa?
While there is little one can do to expedite the K1 fiancé visa, there are measures you can take to make sure that the process is not hindered. To smoothen out the process and be diligent about filing correctly and fulfilling all requirements on time.
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.
How long does it take for a K-1 visa to be approved?
The processing time for a K-1 visa application currently averages 7 months. This does not include the time from when the government approves your application to your interview date, which differs based on the country you're applying from.
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 ...
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.
Can a spouse get a K-3 visa?
Nonimmigrant visa for spouse (K-3) - It is important to note that application for the nonimmigrant visa for spouse (K-3) who married a U.S. citizen must be filed and the visa must be issued in the country where the marriage took place. After the visa process has been completed, and the visa is issued, the spouse can travel to the United States to wait for the processing of the immigrant visa case. Two petitions are required: Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130, and Petition for Alien Fiancé (e), Form I-129F. Learn more.
Can I get same sex visa as opposite sex spouse?
Same-sex spouses of U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), along with their minor children, are now eligible for the same immigration benefits as opposite-sex spouses. Consular officers at U.S. Embassies and Consulates will adjudicate their immigrant visa applications upon receipt of an approved I-130 or I-140 petition from USCIS. ...
How long does a fiancé stay in the US?
Fiancé (e) status automatically expires after 90 days and cannot be extended. Your fiancé (e) must leave the United States at the end of the 90 days if you do not marry. If your fiancé (e) does not depart, they will violate U.S. immigration law.
How long does it take to get married to your fiancé?
Filing for Your Fiancé (e) Generally, you may file this petition if you and your fiancé (e): Are legally free to marry and intend to marry within 90 days of your fiancé (e)’s admission to the United States; and. Have met each other in person within the two years immediately before you filed this petition, unless you establish that either: ...
Can I file an I-130 for my spouse?
You may also file this petition if you have filed or are filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative on behalf of your spouse and want them to enter as a nonimmigrant to await the immediate availability of an immigrant visa and to file for adjustment of status.
What Is a “Fiancé (e)”?
Under U.S. immigration law, a foreign-citizen fiancé (e) of a U.S. citizen is the recipient of an approved Petition for Alien Fiancé (e), Form I-129F, who has been issued a nonimmigrant K-1 visa for travel to the United States in order to marry his or her U.S. citizen fiancé (e). Both the U.S. citizen and the K-1 visa applicant must have been legally free to marry at the time the petition was filed and must have remained so thereafter. The marriage must be legally possible according to laws of the U.S. state in which the marriage will take place.
Do the Same Income Requirements Apply to Form I-134 as Apply to Form I-864?
No. The 125 percent of the federal poverty guideline minimum income requirement, the most recent year's tax return, and other requirements only apply when Form I-864 is needed. Applicants presenting Form I-134 will need to show that their U.S. sponsor's income is 100 percent of the federal poverty guideline.
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 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.
Where to file I-129F?
Note: Form I-129F cannot be filed at a U.S. Embassy, Consulate, or USCIS office abroad. After USCIS approves the petition, it is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC will give you a case number and send your petition to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where your fiancé (e) lives.
How long do you have to meet a foreign citizen?
In general, the foreign-citizen fiancé (e) and U.S. citizen sponsor must have met in person within the past two years. USCIS may grant an exception to this requirement, based on extreme hardship for the U.S. citizen sponsor to personally meet the foreign-citizen fiancé (e), or, for example, if it is contrary in the U.S. citizen sponsor’s or foreign-citizen fiancé (e)’s culture for a man and woman to meet before marriage.
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 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.
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 pay USCIS lockbox fee?
When filing at a USCIS lockbox facility, you may also pay by credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. If you pay by check, you must make your check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
What is the evidence of citizenship?
citizenship: A copy of your birth certificate, issued by a civil registrar, vital statistics office, or other civil authority showing you were born in the United States; A copy of your naturalization or citizenship certificate issued by USCIS or the former Immigration and Naturalization Service;
What is a copy of a passport?
passport; or. An original statement from a U.S. consular officer verifying you are a U.S. citizen with a valid passport; Evidence you or your fiancé legally terminated any previous marriages (if applicable): Divorce decre e; Annulment order ; or. Death certificate for prior spouse;
Where to file I-129F?
File Form I-129F at the USCIS Dallas Lockbox facility.
What is considered non-paper material?
Anything that contains electronic chips and batteries (such as musical greeting cards) or any non-paper materials such as CD-ROMS, DVDs, toys, action figures, or thumb drives. We will not accept these types of materials. However, we will accept photographs or copies of these items;
Can I submit a checklist with I-129F?
Please do not submit this checklist with your Form I-129F. It is an optional tool to use as you prepare your form, but does not replace statutory, regulatory, and form instruction requirements. We recommend that you review these requirements before completing and submitting your form. Do not send original documents unless specifically requested in the form instructions or applicable regulations.
Is biometrics fee refundable?
When you send a payment, you agree to pay for a government service. Filing and biometric service fees are final and non-refundable, regardless of any action we take on your application, petition, or request, or if you withdraw your request. Use our Fee Calculator to help determine your fee.
How do they make a decision?
We cover details on how to prepare an expedite request later in this article… but if you were to send one, how do they evaluate it?
What is expedite USCIS?
First, the USCIS grants an expedite if there’s a risk of Severe Financial Loss to a company or person if the immigration benefit is not granted within normal processing timeframes. This is usually more appropriate for employment or student categories, not normally for K visa procedures.
Why is expedite not applicable for fiance visa?
This is usually not applicable to fiance visas because normally there’s no urgency or national interest attachment to anyone’s petition.
How long does it take for NVC to process a petition?
NVC – You can request the NVC to expedite your processing, if you’re currently at this stage. However, this is generally unnecessary as the NVC typically spends only 4-6 weeks to process petitions, anyway.
What happens if the USCIS denies your request?
You must proceed according to their decision and further instructions. If they deny your request, the case is handled as normal and there are generally no negative effects. There’s also nothing further required on your part.
How to write an I-129F?
Draft a statement which has a cover letter and supporting documents. In your cover letter, start with a large title in the middle which clearly states that this packet is a “I-129F [or K visa interview] expedite request”.
What is an expedited request?
An “expedite request” is a formal request made to the USCIS, NVC, or US Embassy by an applicant in order to request quicker processing due to a qualified criteria. There are several criteria which may apply to you. If you feel you qualify for one or more of these, send a prepared packet with statements, supporting documents, ...
How Does a Fiance Visa Work?
If your fiance is granted a K-1 visa, you must get married within 90 days of their entry to the United States .
Who Is Eligible for a Fiance Visa?
A K-1 visa will allow you to bring your foreign spouse to the United States. However, you must meet eligibility requirements. You may apply for a fiance visa if:
How Much Does a Fiance Visa Cost?
In total, you can expect a fiance visa application to cost about $2,025. However, additional fees may apply. Between filing fees, the medical exam, and legal counsel, the entire process of applying for a fiance visa can cost up to $5,000.
What if a Foreign Fiance Has Children?
Unmarried children under age 21 may accompany a parent traveling to the United States on a fiance visa. The only requirement is that they be legally recognized as the petitioner’s children. Children of an alien fiance may enter the U.S. on a K-2 visa. Children eligible for a K-2 visa include:
What if You Don’t Get Married?
If for whatever reason, you do not marry your fiance within the allotted 90-day period, your fiance will need to leave the country immediately when the K-1 visa expires. Any dependants will also lose their visa status and have to leave the country.
What is a K-1 visa?
A K-1 visa, also called a fiance visa, is issued to a fiance of a United States citizen. It grants an immigrant lawful entry into the country to marry the U.S. citizen petitioner. Eligibility requirements, fees, and time limits apply, and you’ll need to know them before filing the K-1.
How long does it take to get a fiance visa?
From start to finish, it can take about a year to get a fiance visa. Processing times may vary. Errors, conflicting information, or missing documents resulting in a request for evidence may delay your application process.
