what do i need to get a fiance visa

What are the documents needed for a fiance visa?

• birth certificate
• certificate of naturalization, if applicable
• A copy of the alien fiance’s passport

Full Answer

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

More items...

How can I apply for a fiance visa?

citizen fiancé

• An Affidavit of Support ( Form I-134 ). The Affidavit of Support is a binding legal document in which the U.S. ...
• Recent tax returns. You are only required to provide the most recent return, but it is a good idea to provide returns for the past three years.
• Proof of your relationship with your foreign fiancé. ...

What is the filing fee for a fiance visa?

The I-129F Filing Fee ($535) As of 2021, the total Fiance visa filing fee to the USCIS is $535. It should be payable to the US Department of Homeland Security. Check the USCIS latest fees for the current amount.

What are the requirements for a Spouse Visa?

US spouse visa requirements

• US spouse visa requirements. To meet the US spouse visa requirements, the couple must be in a relationship that is legally recognized as a marriage in the jurisdiction where the ...
• Non-US spouse living outside the US. ...
• Fiance visa from outside the US. ...

How much money do you need to make to get a fiancé 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 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?

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 hard is it to get a fiancé visa approved?

It's true: most people who apply for a K-1 visa are successful. In fact, according to statistical reports published by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), about 74% of fiancé(e) visas were approved in 2020.

How long is 2022 fiancé visa?

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.

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.

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.

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).

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 much does a k1 fiancé 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 long does it take for a fiancé visa to be approved 2021?

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.

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 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.

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.

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. ...

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.

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 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 are the documents needed for a fiance visa?

Below we have included a detailed checklist indicating what documents are needed for a fiance visa. For clarity, we have organized them by the fiance visa forms they need to be filed with.

What are the required US fiance visa forms?

In order to apply for a fiance visa USA, you will have to fill out a number of US fiance visa forms. Below is a list of the forms you will have to file, together with a brief explanation of the purpose that each of these fiance visa forms.

How many times can a fiance meet in person?

Proof that you and your fiance have met in person at least once within the past two years: one of the most important fiance visa requirements is that the alien fiance and the US citizen fiance have met in person at least once within a 2-year period.

What is a fiance visa?

The foreign national fiance fills out this US fiance visa form, which requires personal information about the applicant, and is completed and submitted online. Its purpose is to establish that the fiance is not inadmissible to the United States.

How long does it take to get a work permit with a K-1 visa?

While you are technically eligible to apply for a work permit with your K-1 fiance visa, the turnaround process for approving I-765 applications is around two months, meaning that by the time your work permit application is approved, you will likely no longer be eligible to apply with your fiance visa.

What evidence do you need to file a tax return?

Please submit evidence of any debts or loans, unpaid taxes, etc.

Can a US citizen sponsor a foreign national on a fiance visa?

The sponsoring fiance must be a US citizen. Lawful permanent residents cannot sponsor a foreign national for a fiance visa as per the US fiance visa requirements .

What information does the consular officer ask for?

The consular officer may ask for additional information, such as photographs and other evidence of a bona fide relationship with the U.S. citizen.

What happens if I file an I-129F?

Once USCIS approves the I-129F petition, the U.S. Department of State will have additional fiancé visa requirements. USCIS will transfer the case to the National Visa Center (NVC). The beneficiary (foreign fiancé) will need to submit the following items to the NVC or U.S. embassy that is requesting them:

Can a permanent resident file a K-1 visa?

The first step toward obtaining a K-1 visa is for the U.S. citizen to file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé. Unfortunately, a permanent resident cannot file Form I-129F. Therefore, the petitioner must either become a U.S. citizen through naturalization or get married outside the United States and then petition the spouse for an immigrant visa.

Is it worth getting a green card for a fiancé?

The journey through all the fiancé visa requirements can be exhausting at times. But if you’ve found the right partner, it’s totally worth it. Fortunately, the entire journey to a green card (and U.S. citizenship) is spread out. You don’t have to do everything at once. Plus, CitizenPath is here to make it easy and affordable. Get started on your fiancé visa petition.

Does USCIS require I-129F?

USCIS may require additional items based on the petitioner’s answers in Form I-129F. For more detailed guidance on evidence, read evidence to submit with Form I-129F. When you prepare your petition through CitizenPath, we will generate personalized filing instructions based on your specific situation. In addition to a ready-to-sign petition, you’ll know exactly which items to submit in your petition package. We even guarantee your success.

What proof is needed for citizenship?

documentary proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a copy of a birth certificate or passport)

How long does it take to get a green card after marriage?

(Or, the non-citizen can simply leave after 90 days.) The adjustment of status process does not require leaving the United States for the required green card interview.

What is a K-1 visa?

The fiancé visa, or K-1 visa, is a nonimmigrant (temporary) visa issued to the fiancé of a U.S. citizen in order to enter the U.S. for the purpose of getting married. By Ilona Bray, J.D.

Where does the USCIS send the petition to?

USCIS will then forward the petition to the National Visa Center for handling, after which the file will be transferred to the U.S. embassy or consulate having jurisdiction over the fiancé's place of residence.

What are the exceptions to the USCIS meeting requirement?

Certain exceptions to the meeting requirement may be made for cases of religious tradition or extreme hardship to the U.S. citizen, but you'll need to prove to USCIS that you truly merit this exception.

What is the form for alien F iancé?

This is done by mail, using USCIS Form I-129F, Petition for Alien F iancé.

How long do you have to take a passport photo before you can petition?

a passport-style color photo of each of you, taken within the 30 days before submitting the petition.

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: ...

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.

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.

How much money do you need to make to support two people?

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.

How many K1 visas were issued in 2017?

There were a total of 35,000 K1 visas issued back in 2017, so a good number of people are trying to move to the United States with the love of their life. Even still, you have to meet some requirements to obtain a fiancé visa as the sponsoring U.S. fiancé.

Do I have to submit an I-134 for a second marriage?

For the first income requirement submission, you will have to submit the I-134 Affidavit of Support whereas, for the second time, you’ll have to submit the I-864 Affidavit of Support . But the adjustment of status will only occur if you didn’t marry within 90 days of the fiance’s arrival to the U.S.

Fiancé Visa (K-1 Visa)

The fiancé visa, formally known as a K-1 visa, is a method used for foreign citizens engaged to a U.S. citizen to enter the United States for the specific purpose of marrying that U.S. citizen. Once married, the foreign spouse must go through a process called “adjustment of status” if he or she wants to obtain a green card.

Marriage Visa (CR-1 or IR-1)

A marriage visa can mean different things to different people. We’ll explain it as a method for a foreign citizen married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to enter the United States with an immigrant visa to live permanently in the U.S. as a permanent resident (green card holder).

Fiancé Visa or Immigrant Visa: The Best Choice

To determine which path is best for you — fiancé visa or immigrant visa — depends on many factors and is a personal decision. Here are several issues to consider:

Fiancé Visa or Marriage Visa

These are just a few of the issues that a couple must evaluate when deciding on the fiancé visa or marriage visa. For many immigrant couples, speed is an important consideration, especially given the long wait times that are often involved with the immigration process. Before you begin, check the USCIS processing times for each petition.

About CitizenPath

CitizenPath provides simple, affordable, step-by-step guidance through USCIS immigration applications. Individuals, attorneys and non-profits use the service on desktop or mobile device to prepare immigration forms accurately, avoiding costly delays.