K‑1 Fiancé(e) Visa: Bringing Your Loved One to the U.S.

In order to bring your fiancé(e) to the U.S., you will need to go through the following steps:

• I.

  Filing Petition for Foreign National Fiance(e) with supporting documents with USCIS.

  The process of bringing your fiancé(e) to the U.S. starts from filing Petition for Foreign National Fiance(e) with USCIS by the U.S. citizen. The purpose of this form is to establish the legitimacy of the relationship. You will be required to submit comprehensive package emphasizing the legitimacy of your relationship that includes photos together, signed affidavits from friends, love letters, copies of emails, phone calls logs, and so on. After USCIS approves the petition, it will be sent to the National Visa Center for processing. The National Visa Center will assign you a case number and send your petition to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where your fiancé(e) lives.

• II.

  Applying for Visa

  The NVC (National Visa Center) will mail you a letter when it sends your fiancé(e) case to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Once you receive this letter, you need to inform your fiancé(e) to prepare for the interview. In preparing for the interview, your fiancé(e) will need to schedule and complete a medical examination which must be performed by an authorized panel physician. In addition to the medical examination, applicants will be required to present the proof that U.S. citizen has sufficient income to support his fiancé(e). The foreign national must also submit evidence that she had not been convicted of any serious crimes, and that she has no prior immigration violations.

  
  

  During the interview, the Consular Officer will review visa application again to ensure that fiancé(e) is admissible to the U.S. If all documents were submitted and security check was cleared,the officer will make a final decision whether to give you K1 visa or not.

• III.

  After You Receive a K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa

  When you are issued a K-1 visa, the Consular Officer will give you a passport containing the K-1 visa and a sealed packet containing the documents you provided before, plus other documents prepared by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. It is important that you do not open the sealed packet. Only the Department of Homeland Security immigration official should open this packet when you enter the United States.

  
  

  You must enter the U.S. within 6 months from the date of visa issuance.

• IV

  Entering the United States - Port of Entry

  A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to the U.S. port-of-entry and request permission to enter the United States. You should be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have authority to permit or deny admission to the U.S. Upon arrival at the port-of-entry, be prepared to present to the CBP officer your passport with visa and your unopened/sealed packet containing your documents.

  

  

  
• V.

  Marriage to the U.S. citizen

  Upon entering the U.S. on a K-1 Visa, you must get married to the U.S. citizen within 90 days. Once you get married, you may apply for permanent residence and remain in the U.S.

  
  

  If the marriage does not take place within 90 days, fiancé will be required to leave the United States. Fiancé(e) status automatically expires after 90 days. It cannot be extended or changed to different non-immigrant status. If your fiancé(e) does not depart, he or she will be in violation of U.S. immigration law. This may result in removal (deportation) and/or could affect future eligibility for U.S. immigration benefits.