A K1 visa allows someone intending to marry a US citizen to move to the US and obtain a permanent green card. The US citizen must sponsor the immigrant and provide detailed information. After approval, the immigrant undergoes a medical exam and interview. There is a strict timeline to follow, and after getting married, the non-resident can apply for a status adjustment. If all goes well, the immigrant can work and live freely in the US and apply for US citizenship after three years.
A K1 visa, also known as a fiance visa, is a card that will allow someone intending to marry a US citizen to move to the United States and eventually obtain a permanent green card and live as a legal resident of the United States.
To obtain a K1 visa, the US citizen must sponsor the immigrant to come to the US by filling out a Form I-129F, which is submitted to the Immigration Services along with detailed information about both applicants. This information includes proof of previous relationship, lack of criminal record, and proof that both parties are not currently married.
After the initial application is approved, the immigrant must undergo a comprehensive medical examination in his or her home country and then attend an interview session with US Embassy staff in his or her country. The interviewer can ask questions about the couple’s relationship and look at documentation including photos, emails, and letters between the couple and their family members. If the applicant is approved, he will receive approval for the K1 visa and will be able to travel to the United States immediately.
Once the K1 visa has been approved, there is a strict timeline that applicants must follow. The non-resident has six months to enter the United States before the expiration of the K1 visa. Once she moves in, the couple has 90 days from the time they move in to get married. If the immigrant fiancé has children who will be coming to the US, K2 visas will be issued, instead of the K1 visa.
After the couple is married, the non-resident can apply for a “status adjustment,” which will change his K1 visa to a conditional permanent resident and be issued a temporary green card. At this point, the couple and any children, if any, will have a more in-depth interview with the immigration officers, where personal questions may be asked to ascertain whether the report is valid. If the official has serious doubts about the legitimacy of the couple, the immigrant may risk losing his permanent resident status and will have to return to his country of origin.
However, if all goes well, the immigrant will be verified as a legitimate spouse and will be able to work and live freely in the United States. Three years after filing the temporary green card, he will be able to apply for US citizenship if he wishes. All in all, it can take up to 5 or 6 years from the time of applying for a K1 visa to eligibility for US citizenship.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
