When you and your foreign-born fiancé are planning a future together in the United States, the K-1 visa is a crucial step to make that dream a reality. This visa allows your partner to come to the U.S. so you can get married and start your life together.
At Namona, we specialize in family immigration law and are here to guide you through every step of the process. Whether you’re just starting or need help with your application, our experienced team is here to support you.
Who Can Apply for a K-1 Visa?
A K-1 visa is designed for foreign fiancés of U.S. citizens who wish to marry in the United States. Here’s a quick rundown of the basic requirements:
Foreign Partner Must Be Outside the U.S.: Your fiancé must live outside the United States.
Eligibility to Marry: Both partners must be legally free to marry.
Recent In-Person Meeting: You must have met your U.S. partner in person within the last two years.
Clean Criminal Record: Your fiancé should not have serious criminal convictions.
Children’s Visa: If you have children, they must be under 21 to qualify for a K-2 visa.
Do You Qualify for a K-1 Visa?
To be eligible for a K-1 visa, you and your U.S. partner must show that you’ve met face-to-face in the past two years. Here’s how you can prove it:
Photos Together: Pictures of both of you together.
Travel Proof: Airline tickets, hotel receipts, or passport stamps showing travel dates.
Military Orders: If applicable, orders or letters detailing leave from military service.
Remember, after arriving in the U.S., you must marry within 90 days. If you don’t, your fiancé will need to return to their home country.
Requirements for the U.S. Sponsor
To sponsor a K-1 visa, the U.S. citizen must:
Be a U.S. Citizen: Prove citizenship with documents such as:
A U.S. birth certificate
An unexpired U.S. passport
A Certificate of Naturalization
Requirements for the Foreign Partner
For the foreign partner, the requirements include:
Living Outside the U.S.: Must reside outside the U.S. and be legally free to marry.
Meeting Documentation: Provide various documents such as:
Passport
Birth certificate
Police clearance
Military records, if applicable
Once the K-1 visa is approved, your fiancé has six months to enter the U.S. After arriving, you must marry within 90 days to maintain the K-1 visa status.
Need Help Deciding on the Right Visa?
Choosing the right visa can be overwhelming. At Namona, our family immigration law firm is dedicated to making this process as smooth as possible. Whether you need help with the K-1 visa or are considering other options, our team is here to offer expert advice and support. Let Namona be your trusted partner in making your family’s immigration journey successful.
