(K Visas) FIANCEE OR FIANCE VISAS

U.S. citizens who plan to marry a foreign national who is outside the U.S. can use this type of visa to secure a their fiance(e)’s entry into the U.S. to get married. This visa is issued for a maximum of 90 days. Once married the foreign national can apply for permanent residency.

K-1 Fiancee Visa Petition

An American citizen must file a petition, with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) having jurisdiction over the place of the petitioner's residence in the United States.

K-1 petitions are not adjudicated abroad, but the approved petition is forwarded by INS to the American consular office where the alien fiancée will apply for his or her visa.

An approved petition is only valid for a period of four months from the date of INS action, but it may be revalidated by the consular officer.


FAMILY MEMBERS

The unmarried, minor children of a K-1 beneficiary receives a "K-2" status if they are named in the petition. A separate petition is not required if the children accompany or follow the alien fiancée within one year from the date of issuance of the K-1visa. However, after the first year a separate immigrant visa petition is required.