Tying the Knot? How the Fiance Visa Can Help

Are you thinking about bringing your significant other from another country to the United States? One option to consider is the Fiance Visa (also known as a K-1 visa). This type of visa allows a U.S. citizen to bring their foreign fiancé to the United States for the purpose of getting married.

One of the main benefits of the Fiance Visa is that it allows you and your significant other to be together in the United States while you plan for your wedding and future together. The process of applying for the Fiance Visa can be a bit time-consuming and requires a bit of paperwork, but the end result is worth it.

To be eligible for a Fiance Visa, you must be a U.S. citizen and your fiancé must be a foreign national. You must also have met in person within the last two years, and be able to prove that you have a bona fide relationship. Additionally, you must be able to provide proof of sufficient income to support your fiancé during their stay in the United States.

The process for applying for a Fiance Visa usually takes around six to nine months, but it can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the processing time at the U.S. embassy or consulate where your fiancé will apply. (Due to the COVID pandemic, processing times have doubled and couples are experiencing lengthy waiting periods for visa interviews.) It's important to keep in mind that the process can be delayed if there are missing documents or other issues with the application.

Overall, the Fiance Visa is a great option for U.S. citizens who are in a serious relationship with a foreign national and want to bring them to the United States. It allows you to be together while you plan for your future, and can be a great way to start your life together in the United States.

It's worth mentioning that after getting married the foreign national spouse will have to apply for adjustment of status in order to obtain a green card.

Another important aspect to consider when applying for a Fiance Visa is that if your fiancé has children under the age of 21, they can also be included in the application and be issued a visa to come to the United States with your fiancé. This is known as a K-2 visa. It's important to note that the age cut-off for children to qualify for a K-2 visa is under 21 years old, and they must be unmarried.

It's also worth noting that the children will have to apply for adjustment of status after the marriage and the parent gets the green card.

It's important to include the children in the application process as early as possible, as their visas will be linked to your fiancé's visa and will expire at the same time. This means that the children must enter the United States before the expiration date on their visa or they will have to reapply for a new one. This can be an extra step in the process but it can also be a way to ensure the whole family stays together.