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Visa and Passport Guide: K-1 Fiancee/Fiance Visa

Type: Immigration Visa

General Information:
The K-1 Visa allows for the Fiancée/Fiancés of US citizens to enter the United States with the intention of marrying. The US citizen must file a statement with Customs and Immigrations Services on behalf of the foreign fiance(e) who plans wishes to enter the US. The marriage must take place within 90 days of the fiance/e’s entrance into the United States.

Minor children of fiancées are eligible to apply for K-2 visas, which permits them to accompany the fiancées. Spouse and children of US citizens may apply for K3/K4 visas, since the Legal Immigration and Family Equity Act (LIFE) was signed into law in 2000.

Eligibility Requirements:
The K-1 Visa applies to both Fiancée and Fiancé of United States citizens:
- Fiancée: A woman to whom a man is engaged to be married.
- Fiancé: A man to whom a woman is engaged to be married.

Until the marriage is officially recognized, the fiance(e) remains a non-immigrant. A non-immigrant is a foreign national seeking to temporarily enter the United States for a specific purpose. The original 90-day admission cannot be extended; after the marriage takes place, the fiance may apply for a Green Card through Marriage.

Documents:
-A fully completed and signed DS-156 Application Form.
-A fully completed and signed DS-157 Form .
-One recent passport size photograph 50mmX 50mm (2” x 2”) with a white or off-white background. -A passport valid for travel for at least six months after the date of entry in to the U.S.

In addition to the documents required for an immigration visa, K-1 seekers should also consider bringing the following:
-Letter from employer or organization sponsoring your visit to the US
-Invitiation letter from US company or host
-Proof of correspondences with U.S. purchasers, contacts, or companies
-Evidence of transportation and/or lodging arrangements
-Bank transactions from the previous 6 months
-Business licenses and incorporation documents

Where Can I Apply?
Applicants for immigration visas should apply at whichever American Embassy or Consulate currently has jurisdiction over their place of residence. OFten applying for a visa while abroad complicates the procedure, and makes it harder to meet qualifications.

Government Forms and Applications:
DS-156: Visa Application (Online)
DS-157: Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application
DS-158: Contact Information and Work History

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