Bringing Your Fiance to the U.S. with a K Visa
If you’ve fallen in love with someone from another country, the K visa can help them come to the United States. The K1 visa allows your fiance or fiancee to enter the U.S. So, you can get married within 90 days. If they have children, the kids can come too with a K2 visa.
How to Get a K Visa
The process to obtain a K visa starts when the U.S. citizen fills out Form I-129F, which is submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You need to prove that you plan to marry within 90 days of your fiance or fiancee’s arrival. Additionally, you must show you’ve met in person at least once in the two years to qualify for the K1 visa.
Exceptions for K Visa Applicants
Sometimes, there are special cases where you don’t have to meet in person before filling. For example, if meeting causes “extreme hardship” (like health problems) or goes against important traditions in your fiance or fiancee’s culture, you might get a waiver.
After the K Visa Petition is Approved
Once USCIS approves the form, the paperwork goes to the U.S. consulate on your fiance or fiancee’s country. They will go to an interview to make sure they are allowed to come to the U.S. If everything goes well, they will get their K1 visa, and their children will get K2 visas if needed. After they arrive, you must get married within 90 days.
Why You Might Need a Lawyer
Even though the K visa process seems easy, problem can come up that might keep your fiance or fiancee from entering the U.S. A lawyer can help make sure everything is done correctly so you can be together.
Post provided by: Attorney Charles Conroy
