The U.S. K-1 visa (fiancé(e) visa) : Thorough explanation
23 Aug 10:51
K-1 visa(fiancé(e) visa)
The K-1 visa is granted to a foreigner who is engaged to a U.S. citizen and desires to dwell in the United States following their marriage. The method is exclusively open to US citizens who want to apply for a K-1 visa for their overseas fiancée(e). Marriage with fiancée(e) within 90 days of arriving in the United States is required when applying for the visa. The K-1 visa permits you to enter the United States, but if the fact of marriage is not recognized within 90 days, you will be deported. K-1 visas expire 90 days after they are obtained, and no extensions are permitted for any reason.
To enter the United States with a K-1 visa, the U.S. citizen applicant must satisfy the following conditions.
- Proof of Citizenship in the United States
- Evidence of a face-to-face contact with the fiancé(e) during the last two years
- Marriage is legal in this relationship.
- Intention to marry within 90 days after entering the country with the fiancé(e).
You must also complete and submit a Resident Registration I-129 (petition) for your foreign fiancé(e). You must also offer specific proof of the foregoing when submitting the petition (picture, letter, letter from a mutual acquaintance, etc.).
TRAVELING TO THE UNITED STATES?
Do You Have U.S. ESTA VISA Travel Authorization? If You Have ESTA Application, Check if it is Still Valid!
Proof of U.S. citizenship
If a U.S. citizen was born in the United States, a copy of his or her birth certificate is recognized as proof of citizenship. It comprises information on the state of birth or a valid US passport. Attach a copy of your Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or valid U.S. passport to your Form I-129F if you have naturalized as a U.S. citizen.
Proof of face-to-face meeting with fiancé(e) within the past 2 years
A image that captures the closeness between two individuals is strong evidence that they met in person. Photos should be as near as feasible to each other and taken within the previous two years. Please include a picture printout with digital data.
The relationship is legally marriageable
A U.S. citizen and a foreign fiancé(e) must have papers proving that they are lawfully married. If either partner has previously been divorced, he or she will be required to present a copy of his or her family record or divorce decision paperwork to demonstrate that the marriage is legal. If the document is not in English, please provide an English translation and a translator’s certificate.
A death certificate must also be given to USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) if either of you has a deceased previous spouse.
TRAVELING TO THE UNITED STATES?
Do You Have U.S. ESTA VISA Travel Authorization? If You Have ESTA Application, Check if it is Still Valid!
Intention to marry within 90 days of the fiancé(e)’s entry into the country
Although the K-1 visa is valid for six months from the date of arrival into the United States, the couple must marry within 90 days of arriving. It is advised that wedding planning paperwork and documentation reserving a wedding location be filed since they will be considered as documents showing the approaching marriage.
A letter from a mutual acquaintance or friend attesting to their close connection is likewise accepted as a legitimate document stating their wish to marry.
Foreign fiancé(e)s admitted to the United States on a K-1 visa may apply for permanent residency (green card) by filing a “I-485” together with their marriage. Please visit the US Department of State’s K-1 visa page for further information on the application process.
TRAVELING TO THE UNITED STATES?
Do You Have U.S. ESTA VISA Travel Authorization? If You Have ESTA Application, Check if it is Still Valid!
