How To Get A K-1 Fiance Visa - Step By Step Guide
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 in 90 days or less. After
that, the newly married spouse can apply for permanent residence (a “green card”) based
on marriage.
Step 1: Form I-129F
The first step for an eligible couple is for the U.S. citizen fiancé to file Form I-129F
with USCIS. This form aims to prove the validity of the relationship.
The following supporting documents should be attached to the completed form as evidence:
* Proof of citizenship for the U.S. citizen fiancé (copy of a passport, certificate of
naturalization, or birth certificate) * Copy of the sponsored fiancé’s passport
* Proof of the legitimacy of the relationship (photos, correspondence, sworn statements
from friends and colleagues, etc.) * Proof of having met in person at least one
time within the two years prior to filing the form (flight itineraries, hotel itineraries,
photos, correspondence, etc.) * Sworn statements, written by and signed
by each partner, with a brief description of the nature of the relationship and an intent
to marry within 90 days of the sponsored fiancé’s arrival in the United States. It’s generally
best to provide the original signed statements and keep copies for your records.
* A copy of any Form I-94 arrival-departure record previously issued to the sponsored
fiancé. * One passport-style photo of the U.S. citizen
fiancé and one passport-style photo of the sponsored fiancé.
The government’s required fee for Form I-129F is $535.
After the form and supporting documents are filed at the appropriate address, USCIS will
typically send a receipt notice within 30 days.
USCIS may also send a Request for Evidence (RFE), if they need more information. Once
Form I-129F is approved, USCIS will send an approval notice.
Step 2: Form DS-160 and Interview
At this point, USCIS hands off the case to the U.S. Department of State. Within about
30 days after the I-129F form is approved, the sponsored fiancé will receive a notice
from the U.S. embassy in their home country, including the date and location of their visa
interview and a list of required documents.
DS-160 Next, the sponsored fiancé should complete
the State Department’s online DS-160 form (technically called the “Online Nonimmigrant
Visa Application”). This is the actual K-1 visa application, and it’s very important
to print the confirmation page once the form has been submitted online.
The State Department then requires the following documents:
SPONSORED FIANCÉ DOCUMENTS * Two passport-style photos
* Birth certificate * Valid, unexpired passport
* Police clearance obtained from all countries of residence of more than six months since
the age of 16 * Sealed medical exam form (obtained through
physician abroad who is authorized by the State Department)
U.S. CITIZEN FIANCÉ DOCUMENTS * Affidavit of support (Form I-134)
* Most recent tax returns * Proof of relationship (copy of the approved
I-129F package originally filed with USCIS)
INTERVIEW The visa interview takes place at the nearest
U.S. embassy or consulate in the sponsored fiancé’s home country, usually about 4–6
weeks after the embassy’s initial notice.
The visa fee of $265 is usually paid at the interview—but it’s important to review
specific instructions regarding time and place of payment, included in the embassy’s interview
notice, which can vary by home country.
The interviewing officer will typically make a decision on the case either the same day
of the interview or shortly afterward. If they need additional evidence, they will request
that it be submitted directly to the U.S. consulate.
Once requirements are met and the K-1 visa is approved, the sponsored fiancé is given
a total of six months from the date of approval of the initial I-129F form to travel to the
United States.
Upon arrival, the couple must get married within 90 days, or the sponsored fiancé will
lose their K-1 status. If the couple decides not to get married, the sponsored partner
will not be eligible to remain in the United States and is required to leave the country
right away.
It takes 6-9 months (7 months on average) for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
(USCIS) to process Form I-129F (technically called the “Petition for Alien Fiancé”),
and an additional 4-6 weeks for the agency to send an interview request at the nearest
U.S. embassy or consulate.
To learn if you’re eligible for a k-1 fiance visa, watch the link on your screen, and if
you’d like to learn more about K1 fiance visas, check out the resource articles listed
in our description.
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