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Immigrant Visas

Fiancee Visas

K-1 Fiance(E) Visas

General Steps for K-1Visa Processing 

1. According to U.S. immigration law, the I-129F for Alien Fiancé(e) must be filed with and approved by one of the BCIS (Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services) offices in the U.S. The petition must be filed with the BCIS district office having jurisdiction over the petitioner’s current or intended residence in the U.S.

  • The I-129F Petition for Alien Fiancé may not be filed or approved by overseas BCIS offices or U.S. Embassies and Consulates.
  • In order to file an I-129F Petition the petitioner must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Information regarding the procedure for filing an I-129F Petition and documents to be submitted can be found on the BCIS webpage at www.immigration.gov.   

2. The approved I-129F Petition will be forwarded to the appropriate U.S. Embassy and the petitioner will be notified of the I-129F Petition approval.
3. Once the Embassy receives the approved petition, the Consular Section will schedule the beneficiary for an appointment to receive information about the next steps and documents required at the interview.
4. If the visa is approved on the day of the interview, it will be issued the next immigrant visa interview day. 
Please Note: The American Citizen petitioner may not attend the interview with his or her fiancé(e).
5. Reconsiderations (221-g, temporary denials). When a beneficiary receives a temporary 221-g visa denial, this usually means that he/she was asked to provide additional information. As soon as the requested information is collected, the beneficiary should contact Consular Section to schedule a follow-up appointment. 

K-2 Visas for Children of Alien Fiancé(e)

All children (under 21 years old and unmarried) of an alien classified as a K-1 should be listed on the I-129F Petition for Alien Fiancé. Children also must be present at the interview.

After Entry into the U.S. on a K-1 Visa

  • The marriage must take place within 90 days of admission into the United States.
  • Following the marriage, the alien spouse must contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and apply for change of status to that of an immigrant spouse.
  • The alien fiancé(e) must apply for work authorization with the USCIS.