How to Obtain a K-1 Visa
A K-1 visa is an entry permit into the United States for a foreign citizen who has met a U.S. citizen within the past two years and plans to marry that American citizen shortly after arrival. All of the tools you need to prepare your own application are online, and with care and attention, you can do it without the need for a lawyer.
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Instructions
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Create a folder or binder and keep copies of everything you send or receive from the U.S. Customs and Immigration Services.
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Download and print USCIS Forms I-129F and G-325A from the USCIS web page for forms (See Resources).
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Compile the I-129F package. You'll need:
--A signed, dated cover letter with the type of visa you are applying for and a table of contents itemizing everything in the packet
--USCIS forms I-129F (U.S. citizen only) and G-325A (both applicants)
--A passport-style photo with your full name printed on the reverse side attached to the G-325A form
--Signed declarations from both applicants indicating your intent to marry within 90 days of entering the U.S.
--A letter indicating when and how you met (U.S. citizen only)
--Extensive proof that you met within the past two years and are a legitimate couple, such as plane tickets or passport stamps, dated photographs, e-mails and phone bills
--A copy of the U.S. citizen's birth certificate or all pages of the passport
--A check or money order for $425 (as of April, 2010) made payable to USCIS: US Immigration Services. -
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Mail the packet to your local USCIS service center (See Resources). You will receive a NOA-1 form from the USCIS indicating your packet was received. When approved, a NOA-2 form will be mailed to you. Processing times will vary based on the service center. Subscribe for email status updates on the USCIS website. The foreign fiancée will be contacted with an interview time abroad shortly after the NOA-2 notice arrives.
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Complete the USCIS I-134 form--available for download from the USCIS website--and copy supporting documents such as proof of residency/citizenship, employment and earnings. Send this along with copies of the I-129F packet and NOA-2 notice to your foreign fiancée.
Foreign Fiancée
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Contact your local U.S. consulate, inform them you are applying for a K-1 visa and need them to provide you with the request forms to obtain a letter of good conduct from your local law enforcement agency and a list of USCIS approved doctors in your area.
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Request your law enforcement letter and visit a USCIS-approved doctor for a health exam, where you'll receive a sealed copy of the results.
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Go to your scheduled meeting with copies of the I-129F packet and NOA-2 notice plus completed USCIS forms DS-230, DS-156, DS-156K, DS-157, FS-257A, and sworn statement, two passport-style photos, sealed medical exam, law enforcement letter, original and a copy of birth certificate, originals and copies of any documents related to previous marriages, death of former spouse and military service and passport. Your fiancée does not need to be present. After some questions, the visa should be approved on the spot. You'll leave your passport at the consulate and it will be returned to you by messenger with your visa a few days later.
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Tips & Warnings
All documents provided to the USCIS must be in English, or translated by a certified translator.
