A fiancé visa, also known as a K-1 visa, is a nonimmigrant visa that allows the fiancé of a United States citizen to enter the country. The purpose of this visa is to allow the couple to marry within 90 days of the foreign individual's arrival in the United States. The K-1 visa process can be rather complicated, but Davis & Associates is here to help you jump through the required hoops in order to obtain your much-needed fiancé visa.
The Requirements For Obtaining a Fiancé Visa
In order to be eligible for a fiancé visa, you must meet the following requirements:
# The couple must have met in person within the past two years. Exceptions to this requirement may be made for cultural reasons or extreme hardship.
# Both the U.S. citizen and the foreign national must be legally able to marry, and must have no legal limitations to their marriage.
# The couple must have a true intention to get married within 90 days of the foreign individual’s arrival in the United States.
# The U.S. citizen must be able to provide adequate financial support for their fiancé and any dependents.
# The foreign individual must pass a medical examination and be admissible to the United States under all applicable laws.
How Does Applying for a Fiancé Visa Work?
The first step is for the U.S. citizen to file a petition for a K-1 visa with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This petition must include evidence of the couple's relationship, such as pictures, emails, and letters.
After the petition is approved by USCIS, it will be forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC), where the foreign national will begin the process of applying for the actual K-1 visa. The NVC will review the case in order to ensure that all requirements have been met. They will then schedule an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the foreign individual's home country.
What Happens During the Interview?
During the K-1 visa interview, the foreign individual will be asked to provide evidence of the couple's relationship, as well as proof that they meet all other requirements for the fiancé visa. If the foreign national is found to be eligible for the K-1 visa, they will be issued the visa and will be able to travel to the United States. Upon arrival, they will have 90 days to marry their U.S. citizen fiancé and apply for adjustment of status to become a permanent U.S. resident.
Final Thoughts
A fiancé visa allows the fiancé of a U.S. citizen to enter the country in order to marry within 90 days of the fiancé’s arrival. To be eligible for a K-1 visa, the couple must meet a variety of requirements.
