K-1 Fiancé Visa
The K-1 visa, frequently called the fiancé visa, is a visa for someone that is engaged to a U.S. Citizen. The visa allows the foreign partner to come to the US and get married to their citizen fiancé within 90 days of arrival. This article describes how to apply for the K-1 visa, and some things you should consider when applying.
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Step 1: Make sure you and your spouse are eligible for a K-1 visa.
Check out this tool I’ve created to help you determine your eligibility:
Step 2: File Form I-129F along with Supporting Documents
The purpose of this form is to prove that your relationship is valid. Complete this form and mail it with your supporting documents to the USCIS Dallas Lockbox:
U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS
Attn: I-129F
P.O. Box 660151
Dallas, TX 75266-0151
FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
USCIS
Attn: I-129F (Box 660151)
2501 South State Highway 121 Business
Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067-8003
Supporting Documents for your I-129F include:
Proof that the sponsoring fiancé is a U.S. citizen
This could be a copy of their passport, certificate of naturalization, or birth certificate
A copy of the foreign fiancé’s passport
Evidence that the relationship is real, for example:
pictures together
pictures with each others’ family and friends
travel itineraries with receipts for trips taken together
Flight confirmations for times when you visited each other
letters from family and friends confirming the relationship
emails or text messages between the partners
The couple must prove they have met in person at least once within the two years before submitting the I-129F. Evidence of this includes flight bookings, hotel itineraries, pictures, emails, text messages, etc.
Each partner must sign a sworn statement explaining the nature of their relationship and stating they intend to get married within 90 days after the foreign partner arrives in the U.S.
The sponsored/foreign fiancé should submit their I-94 record, found here
1 passport-style photo of the U.S. citizen fiancé
1 passport-style photo of the foreign partner
Step 3: Receipt Notice & Potential Request for Evidence
Within 30 days for filing the I-129F, you should receive a receipt notice from USCIS. They may also send you a Request for Evidence (RFE), if they need more information.
Step 4: Submit Form DS-160 & Receive Interview Appointment
If the I-129F is approved, the petitioner (US citizen partner) will receive an approval notice and the case will be sent to the Department of State. The sponsored (foreign) partner will receive a notice from the U.S. Embassy in their home country with the date and location of their visa interview along with a list of required documents.
Then, the sponsored partner must complete the State Department’s online DS-160 form (called the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.) Once submitted, make sure to print the confirmation page.
The State Department will require the following documents:
From the Sponsored Fiancé:
2 passport style photos
Birth certificate
Valid, unexpired passport
Police clearance obtained from all countries of residence for more than 6 months since the age of 16
Sealed medical exam form obtained through physician abroad who is authorized by the State Department
From the U.S. Citizen Fiancé:
Form I-134, Affidavit of Support
Most recent tax returns
Copy of the approved I-129 package originally filed with USCIS
Step 5: Interview
The foreign partner will attend their interview typically about 4-6 weeks after the embassy’s initial notice. Often, the officer will make a decision on the case shortly after the interview. If they need more information, they will request that it be sent to the U.S. consulate.
Step 6: Arrival in the US and Marriage!
Once approved, the sponsored fiancé will have 6 months form the date of approval of the initial I-129F form to travel to the United States.
After the sponsored fiancé arrives in the U.S., the couple has 90 days to get married, and then should file for a green card.
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