The K1/K2 Visa Process - Outline
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The K1 visa enables US Citizens to bring their foreign fiance(e)s to the United States in order to get married.
The K2 visa allows unmarried children (under age 21) of the fiance(e) to move to the US as well.
The K1 visa is not an end in itself. It is only a single step in a procedure for obtaining permanent residency (a green card) based on a marriage to a US Citizen after entry. The steps involved in immigrating to the US via a K1 visa can be generally described as follows:
- The US Citizen files the I-129F petition for the foreign fiance(e). Approval by BCIS ( INS) in the United States is required before the fiance(e) may apply for the K1 visa. The petition phase is very straightforward. Approval timelines vary thru the Service Centers, anywhere from one to as long as six months.
- After the I-129F has been approved, the fiance(e) has 4 months to obtain the K1 Visa at the US Consulate in the foreign country. This time period can be extended by a consular officer if required. The visa application process is generally similar in all countries, but each Consulate will vary a bit in their requirements. Every K1 applicant will have a unique story to tell about how they got their visa.
- Once you have the K1 Visa it is good for one entry into the United States within 6 months. A K2 may enter up to one year after the K1, but a K2 may not enter the U.S. prior to the K1.
- Once in the United States, you have 90 days to get married
- Immediately after marriage, you must apply for an Adjustment of Status, Form I-485, to become a permanent resident. You will also apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), and "advance parole" in case you want to travel outside the United States and re-enter before getting your green card.
.....And then...
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You may wait a year or more to be interviewed for "Conditional" Permanent Resident status (green card).
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After two more years, you apply to have the "Conditional" status removed.
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Further on down the road, you can apply to become an American citizen (naturalization).
Updated February 22
Quick Links to each chapter:
Introduction / References and Links
Appendix...(Definitions of terms, form numbers, abbreviations)
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