If you have a fiance in the US, you are more likely to relocate to the US to be with them after your wedding. This calls for you to start early preparation for your settlement by getting the visa to do your wedding and stay in the US after your wedding.
With the K1 visa, you can achieve the above. Read on for more details on how it works, including how to apply for and use it to plan and execute your dream wedding in the US.
What is the K1 visa?
The K1 visa grants a US citizen’s fiancé the privilege to reside in the US for 90 months after entry through the border crossing. After entry into the US with this visa, you should get married within the 90 validity days of the visa, failure to which the foreign fiancé should leave the country. This visa will also lose its validity following a broken engagement before the marriage.
K1 Fiance Visa Eligibility Criteria
Like any other immigration process, the K1 visa application features strict eligibility requirements as determined by USCIS and the federal government. These requirements include:
- Engagement with a US citizen
- Have an intention of marrying within 90 days of entering the US
- Proof of relationship before the engagement
- Marry according to the US laws
- You and your US fiancé must have met at least once in the previous two years.
- Termination of previous marriages
Documents You Need For K1 Visa Application
Every K1 visa application requires the following documentation; FORM DE-160, FORM I-129F, a valid passport, death or divorce certificates to prove annulment of previous marriages, medical examination, police clearances, FORM I-134 (evidence of financial support), two passport-style photographs, payment receipts and evidence of your relationship. If uncertain of the documents to submit, liaise with an immigration attorney for guidance on your specific application.
The Application Process For K1 Visa
The K1 fiancé visa application process comprises the following steps:
Fill Form I-129F
The US citizen fiancé will sponsor the K1 fiancé visa petition with the USCIS by filling out form I-129F petition and a check to the Department of Homeland Security. While submitting this, the sponsor’s fiancé will include their proof of citizenship and passport photo. Thirty days after submission, the USCIS will give feedback on receiving your case or issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) where they need more evidence.
Fill Form DS-160
The fiancé in the abroad country will need to fill out form DE-160, an online Nonimmigrant Visa application, after which the USCIS will notify them of their interview. During the interview, they should provide the confirmation page for successful application and bring a copy of the information in the filing of form I-129F.
US Entry And Marriage
Following your visa approval, you will have up to 4 months to enter the US, and your 90 days will start as soon as you arrive. The K1 fiancé visa does not allow status transfer to another immigrant; hence after marriage, start the Adjustment of Status process.
The K1 Fiancé Visa Works
Applying for a K1 fiancé visa will make your dream to unite with your fiancé and have your wedding in the US possible. Therefore, follow the above guidelines to apply for the visa as you draw closer to your dream wedding.
