Fiance Visa Overview

How Do I File for a Fiance Visa?

If you are a U.S. citizen engaged to someone from another country, you may be wondering how to bring your fiance to the United States to get married. The answer is the K-1 Fiance Visa, which allows your fiance to enter the country for 90 days to marry you. This article will guide you through the fiance visa process, including eligibility requirements, application procedures, and timelines.

Eligibility Requirements for a K-1 Fiance Visa

In order for your fiance to be eligible for a K-1 Visa, as a petitioner, you must meet the following requirements:

• You are a U.S. citizen
• You and your fiance intend to marry within 90 days of your fiance’s arrival in the United States
• You have met your fiance in person at least once within the past two years
• You and your fiance are free to marry (i.e. not already married to someone else)

Fiance Visa Process: How to Apply

• Step 1: File the I-129F Petition
  The first step in the fiance visa process is to file the I-129F petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form establishes your relationship with your fiance and provides evidence of your eligibility for the fiance visa. You must provide supporting documentation, such as proof of your U.S. citizenship, evidence of your relationship with your fiance, and proof of your fiance’s eligibility for a K-1 visa.

• Step 3: Apply for a K-1 Fiance Visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
  Once your petition is approved, the NVC will forward your case to the U.S. embassy or consulate in your fiance’s home country. Your fiance must apply for a K-1 visa at the embassy or consulate, providing additional documentation such as medical exams and police certificates. Your fiance must also attend an interview at the embassy or consulate.

• Step 4: Wait for Visa Approval
  After the interview, the embassy or consulate will make a decision on your fiance’s visa application. If approved, your fiance will receive a K-1 visa in their passport, allowing them to travel to the United States.

• Step 5: Enter the United States and Get Married
  Once your fiance has received their K-1 visa, they can travel to the United States and enter the country. They must marry you within 90 days of their arrival in the United States. After the marriage, your fiance can apply for an adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident.

Fiance Visa Process Timelines

Planning and allowing plenty of time for the fiance visa process is important. The fiance visa process can take several months to complete, depending on the processing times at each stage. USCIS processing times for the I-129F petition can vary from several weeks to several months, and embassy or consulate processing times for the K-1 visa application can also vary.

The K-1 Fiance Visa is a valuable option for U.S. citizens who want to bring their foreign fiance to the United States for marriage. By following the fiance visa process and meeting the eligibility requirements, you can successfully obtain a K-1 visa for your fiance.