There are many benefits to applying for a K-1 visa, which is open to any foreigner set to marry an American citizen (who is a permanent resident of the US). One of them is that the waiting period is typically shorter than immigration visa petitions that are marriage based. With a K-1 visa, you can also file Form I-765 and get a work permit. Not only that, with a K-2 dependent visa, your children can also go with you to the US as long as their names appear on the petition for fiance visa.
Requirements for a K-1 Fiance Visa
Before you apply for a K-1 Fiance Visa, you must first determine your eligibility. One of the required conditions is that you and your fiance can enter into legal marriage without violating any US law or that of your country. The marriage should also be set within 90 days when you arrive in the US. Your reason for going to the US should be to get married with your fiance who is a US citizen. Another condition for eligibility states that you should have met your fiance within the last two years. However, there are also exceptions to this condition such as violating certain customs when you meet in person or the meeting would bring inconvenience to your and your partner.
Tips when applying for a US visa
The one to file for a K-1 fiance visa petition to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) should be your fiance who is a US citizen. The needed forms and documents include the following: USCIS Form I-129F (petition for alien fiance), evidence of your fiance's US citizenship such as a birth certificate, passport, certificate of citizenship or naturalization, and two (2) Form G-325A Biographic Data Sheets that should be filled out by you and your fiance, as well as a separate color photo of you and your fiance (within 30 days when filing the petition). If you or your fiance has been married before, you or your fiance must present divorce papers, death certificates, or annulment decrees to make sure that you're not violating any law. In case of age restrictions, any proof of permission to marry should also be submitted along with the visa petition.
Before you apply for a K-1 fiance visa, make sure that you're eligible and that all requirements are in hand. Consult an immigration lawyer who can walk you through the process.
