What Is A K-1 Visa?

A K-1 Visa, also known as a Fiancé(e) Visa, is a nonimmigrant Visa issued by the United States government to a foreign national engaged to a U.S. citizen. It allows the foreign national to enter the United States for the purpose of getting married to the U.S. citizen within 90 days of arriving in the country. After the marriage, the foreign national can apply for a green card to become a permanent resident of the United States.

The process of obtaining a K-1 Visa involves several steps. First, the U.S. citizen must file a petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of the foreign national. The petition must include evidence of the relationship, such as photos, emails, and other documentation. The U.S. citizen must also show that they have met the foreign national in person within the past two years, or demonstrate that a waiver of this requirement is necessary.

Once the petition is approved by the USCIS, it is forwarded to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the foreign national’s home country. The foreign national must then complete the Visa application process, which includes an interview at the embassy or consulate, as well as submitting various documents and undergoing a medical examination. If the Visa is granted, the foreign national can travel to the United States and get married within 90 days.

There are a few requirements that must be met in order to qualify for a K-1 Visa. The U.S. citizen and foreign national must be legally able to marry and must have a bona fide intention to marry. The U.S. citizen must also be able to support the foreign national financially and must meet certain income requirements.

The K-1 Visa is a single-entry Visa, which means that the foreign national must use it to enter the United States within a certain time frame. If they do not, they will need to apply for a new Visa. Once the foreign national enters the United States, they must marry the U.S. citizen within 90 days. If they do not, they will be required to leave the country.

After the marriage, the foreign national can apply for a green card to become a permanent resident of the United States. This process involves submitting an application to the USCIS and attending an interview at a local USCIS office. If the application is approved, the foreign national will receive a green card and can live and work in the United States indefinitely. Read more.

It is important to note that the K-1 Visa is only for the purpose of getting married to a U.S. citizen. It is not a Work Visa, and the foreign national is not allowed to work in the United States until they have obtained a green card.

In summary, a K-1 Visa is a nonimmigrant Visa issued to a foreign national engaged to a U.S. citizen. It allows the foreign national to enter the United States for the purpose of getting married to the U.S. citizen within 90 days. After the marriage, the foreign national can apply for a green card to become a permanent resident of the United States. The process of obtaining a K-1 Visa involves several steps, including filing a petition with the USCIS, completing the  Visa application process at a U.S. embassy or consulate, and applying for a green card after the marriage.

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