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📝 K-1 Visa for Green Card through Marriage
Foreign nationals who wish to join their fiancés in the United States can obtain a Green Card through the K-1 Visa. This visa type is for those applying on behalf of their fiancé, who is a U.S. citizen, to enter the U.S. and marry.
📄 What is the K-1 Visa?
The K-1 Visa allows individuals who are in a fiancé relationship with a U.S. citizen to enter the United States and get married within a specified period. After marriage, the foreign fiancé can apply for a Green Card to obtain permanent residency.
📄 Application Process
The application process for the K-1 Visa involves several steps, with each requiring attention to detail and the submission of correct documents. The process is directly influenced by the completeness and accuracy of the applicant's documents.
The first step of the process requires the U.S. citizen to file Form I-129F on behalf of their fiancé. This form, along with supporting documents proving the authenticity of the relationship, is submitted to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once submitted, USCIS reviews the application and begins the approval process, which can take anywhere from 3 to 5 months, depending on the volume of applications.
Once Form I-129F is approved, the petition is forwarded to the appropriate U.S. consulate. The foreign fiancé will be invited for an interview, which typically involves questions about the relationship and the applicant’s personal details. The interview process usually takes several weeks, and biometric procedures are also performed at this stage.
Once the process is successfully completed, the fiancé can enter the U.S. on the K-1 Visa. However, after entry, the couple must marry within 90 days. After the marriage, the foreign fiancé can apply for a Green Card to obtain permanent residency.
During the application process, it is crucial to provide the correct documents, including proof of the relationship, a valid passport, application forms, and any additional required paperwork.
📄 Rights Granted by the K-1 Visa
K-1 Visa holders must marry within 90 days of entering the U.S. After marriage, the foreign spouse can apply for a Green Card, granting them permanent resident status. The visa holder is expected to maintain legal residence in the U.S. and provide evidence that the marriage is legitimate.
📄 K-1 Visa and Family Members
The K-1 Visa is only valid for the fiancé of the applicant. If the applicant has children, they will need to apply for a K-2 Visa. The K-2 Visa allows the children of the fiancé to enter the U.S. and stay with the family, and they can apply for permanent residency after the marriage is finalized.