K-1 VISA

Global Allianz Immigration consultants will prepare and file all the required forms and documents for K-1 visa.

A K-1 visa is a dual intent visa issued to the fiance or fiancee of a United States citizen to enter the United States. A K-1 visa requires a foreigner to marry his or her U.S. citizen petitioner within 90 days of entry. Once the couple marries, the foreign citizen can adjust status to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States (Green Cardholder). If a K-1 visa holder does not marry his or her U.S. citizen, petitioner within 90 days of entry, then he or she must depart the United States within 30 days. U.S. citizens who will be getting married to a foreign national in the United States may file a petition for a fiance(e) classification (K-1) for their fiance(e). You and your fiance(e) must be free to marry. This means that both of you are unmarried, and that any previous marriages have ended through divorce, annulment or death.

OVERVIEW OF THE K-1 FIANCE (E) VISA PROCESS

Obtaining the K1 visa is a multi-step process. First, the U.S. citizen will have to file a petition to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once that is approved, the foreign fiance will be allowed to complete the process to obtain a K-1 visa. The foreign fiance will provide additional documentation to the local U.S. embassy; attend a medical exam and visa interview.

1. The U.S. citizen files a Petition for Alien Fiance(e) (Form I-129F) with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS, formerly known as the INS) office that serves the area where he or she lives.

2. After USCIS approves the petition, USCIS notifies the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where the fiance lives.

3. The fiance(e) applies for a K-1 visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where he or she lives.

4. The fiance(e) enters the United States with K-1 visa status and has 90 days to marry with the U.S. citizen.

5. Following marriage, the K-1 visa holder changes status by applying for legal permanent residency (a “green card”).