The petitioner of a K-1 visa must:
- Be a United States Citizen. The U.S. ...
- Be Legally Free to Marry. If the petitioner was ever married before, he or she must provide proof that any such marriage has been legally terminated through death, divorce, ...
- Intend to Marry Within 90 Days. ...
- Have Physically Met the Fiance Within 2 Years. ...
- Meet the Income Requirement. ...
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. ...
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
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.
What is the difference between the K-1 and K-2 visa?
The K-1 visa is also known as the fiancé visa and is awarded to those who are entering the U.S. to legally marry a U.S. citizen. The K-2 visa is for children of the K-1 visa holders who wish to accompany their parent to the United States. The K-1 visa holder must legally marry a U.S. citizen within 90 days of their arrival in the U.S.
What is the purpose of a K-1 visa?
The fiancé(e) K-1 nonimmigrant visa is for the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a United States (U.S.) citizen. The K-1 visa permits the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) to travel to the United States and marry his or her U.S. citizen sponsor within 90 days of arrival.
How long does it take for a K-1 visa to be approved?
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 do you have to stay married on a K-1 visa?
90 daysWhat Is a K-1 visa? A K-1 visa — also called a fiancé visa — allows the engaged partner of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States, as long as the couple gets married no more than 90 days later. The newly married spouse can then apply for permanent residence (a “green card”) based on marriage.
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 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 long does K-1 visa take in 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.
Who qualifies for 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.
What happens at a k1 interview?
Preparing for the K-1 Visa Interview In fact, your interview may only last 15 to 30 minutes. It's not an interrogation. It's a chance for the consular officer to personally interact with you to confirm the validity of the K-1 visa application and collect any necessary information to complete the application.
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 a K-1 visa hard to get?
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.
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.
Which is faster spouse or 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 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.
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 is a K-1 visa?
The K-1 Fiancee Visa is a special purpose temporary non-immigrant visa. It gives the foreign national Fiancee of a U.S. Citizen the opportunity to enter the United States so that he or she can marry the U.S. Citizen. The wedding must take place no later than 90 days from the date of the foreign citizen Fiancee (e)’s entry into the U.S., after which the foreign citizen spouse may apply for legal permanent residence through the Adjustment of Status process instead of returning home.
What form do I need to file for a K-1 visa?
To begin the K-1 visa process, the U.S. Citizen Fiancee must file a Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancee, with the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS).
What is the final step in the K-1 visa process?
In most cases, the final step of the K-1 visa process is the in-person Fiancee visa interview. The foreign national Fiancee will be interviewed by a consular officer who will determine if the couple’s relationship is legitimate. Approval of the petition is at the discretion of the consular officer. He or she may approve the request, ask for additional information or documentation, or deny the K-1 visa outright.
Is an adjustment of status required for a K-1 visa?
While filing an application for Adjustment of Status (AOS) within the 90 day K-1 visa period is strongly recommended, it is not required. It is important to remember, however, that once the 90 day period expires, the K-1 visa holder will be out of status.
Can USCIS approve an initial application?
In some cases, the USCIS is not able to approve the initial application. If this happens, USCIS may request additional documentation or deny the application.
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 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.
What is DS 160?
Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application is used for US nonimmigrant visas and in this case for the K1 visa too. The form will inquire on your personal information as well as reasons why you are planning to go to the US. When you submit it, you will get a confirmation page and code.
How to get a K1 visa?
To get a K1 visa, your U.S. citizen fiancé must file a Form I-129f on your behalf in addition to other steps discussed below. Your U.S. citizen fiancé is the petitioner (person filing the petition) and you (the person getting the K1 visa) are the beneficiary (person benefiting from the petition).
How long does a K1 visa last?
on a K1 visa by filing a Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization). If you apply for work authorization before getting married to your U.S. citizen fiancé, then the work authorization will expire 90 days after your admission to the U.S.
What is the first step in the K1 visa process?
The first step in the K1 visa process is to make sure you satisfy the K1 visa requirements. Two requirements that you should pay particular attention to are the listed below:
How long does it take to marry a K1 beneficiary?
A signed statement from the K1 visa beneficiary and the U.S. citizen petitioner expressing each person’s intent to marry the other within 90 days of the K1 visa beneficiary’s entry to the U.S.
What happens after you get your K1 visa?
At the Port of Entry (POE) you will likely be questioned by Customs and Border Protection regarding the purpose of your entry to the United States.
Where to interview for K1 visa?
The next step is for the K1 visa beneficiary to attend a K1 visa interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy in their home country.
Can you meet on a K1 visa?
One exception to the physical meeting requirement is if meeting each other in person would violate strict and long-standing customs of the K1 visa beneficiary’s culture or social practice. If you plan to rely on this exception, you should present evidence supporting the existence of these customs (such as letters from religious officials). You should also provide evidence from family members and friends attesting to the fact that you are complying with these customs.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Can I file a K-1 visa after it has expired?
Generally, if DOS returns a Form I-129F to us after it has expired, we will allow it to remain expired. However, you may choose to file a new Form I‑129F.
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 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.
Form I-129F Cost
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.
K-1 Visa Cost
Form I-129F is a petition; it isn’t the actual application for a K-1 visa. Once USCIS approves the I-129F petition and moves the case the U.S. embassy or consulate, your fiancé may apply for a K-1 visa through the embassy or consulate. He or she will file Form DS-160 which includes a nonimmigrant visa application processing fee of $265.
Medical Exam Cost
The immigration medical exam is a required step before the consular office will issue a K-1 visa. 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.
Other Costs
Other costs may include translation and photocopying charges, fees for getting the documents required for the visa application (such as passport, police certificates, birth certificates, etc.), and travel expenses to the U.S. embassy or consulate for an interview.
Adjustment of Status Cost
If your future spouse plans to stay in the United States after marriage, he or she will need to apply for permanent residence (green card). The foreign national must file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, as soon as possible to remain in status. The USCIS fee for the application plus biometrics runs $1,225.
Total K-1 Visa Costs
For the purposes of obtaining a K-1 visa, the total fees are approximately $850-$1010 for the petition, visa application and medical exam. When including the costs for adjusting status to permanent resident, the total fees are closer to $2,075-$2,325.
