What is the K-1 visa process and how long does it take?

The K-1 visa process is an immigration process for couples who are engaged and wish to marry in the United States. The process starts when the U.S. citizen files a petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This petition must be accompanied by an affidavit of support, proof of the relationship, evidence of legal capability to marry, and other documentation. Once the USCIS approves the petition, the foreign fiancé/e is sent an Instruction Package for the K-1 visa application. This package includes documents to prove the relationship, medical exam results, and other paperwork. The fiancé/e must then file the K-1 visa application with the Department of State in their home country. After the Department of State approves the application, the fiancé/e is issued a K-1 visa. With this visa, the fiancé/e can enter the United States and marry the U.S. citizen within 90 days of arrival. After the marriage is complete, the foreign spouse can apply for lawful permanent residence. The entire process from filing the petition to entering the United States can take approximately 6-9 months. Each step in the process may take a few weeks, so it is important to plan ahead and start the process as soon as possible. Once the visa is issued, the fiancé/e must enter the United States within six months, or the visa will expire.

THELAW.TV ofrece respuestas en español a todas las preguntas sobre la ley de inmigración.

El proceso de Visa K-1, a veces llamado Visa de Noviazgo, es una herramienta esencial para los estadounidenses y los extranjeros que desean casarse en los Estados Unidos. Consiste en un proceso de tres pasos. Primero, el ciudadano estadounidense debe presentar una solicitud I-129F de visa de novio(a) al Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de los Estados Unidos (USCIS) para el ciudadano extranjero. La solicitud generalmente incluye documentos como el certificado de matrimonio, una prueba de la relación, pruebas de los medios de financiación y una foto reciente. Una vez aprobada la solicitud, el USCIS le enviará la solicitud al extranjero para que presente una solicitud para una visa de novio(a) K-1 en la Embajada o Consulado de los Estados Unidos en el país del extranjero. El extranjero deberá demostrar que cumple con los requisitos de inmigración y tendrá que pasar un examen médico y una entrevista a la entrada antes de completar el trámite de la visa K-1. Por último, el extranjero deberá asistir al Oficina de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de los Estados Unidos (USCIS) en su lugar para presentar la solicitud para la tarjeta de residencia. El tiempo total que toma el proceso de visa K-1 depende de varios factores, como el tiempo que tarde el USCIS en procesar la solicitud y el nivel de tráfico de la Oficina de Inmigración. En promedio, el proceso de Solicitud de Visa K-1 puede tardar entre 6-8 meses.

Related FAQs

Is there a minimum age requirement for a spouse applying for a marriage-based visa?
What is the processing time for a marriage-based visa application?
What documents do I need to marry someone who is not a U.S. citizen?
What is the difference between an immigrant and non-immigrant visa?
How do I file for an Adjustment of Status for my spouse?
What is a “T visa” and how do I qualify?
Is there any difference between a green card and a visa?
Can I renew my visa if I got married before it expired?
Are there any special requirements for marrying a foreign national?
What is the Family-Based Immigration process?

Related Blog Posts

Understanding the Legal Requirements for Immigration Marriage: What You Need to Know - July 31, 2023
What Happens After Getting Married for Immigration Purposes? - August 7, 2023
Immigration Law: How to Navigate the Marriage Visa Process - August 14, 2023
Immigration Marriage and the K-1 Fiancée Visa: What You Need to Know - August 21, 2023
Immigration Law: Requirements for Marriage-Based Green Cards - August 28, 2023