K1 visa applications are processed at US Consulates and embassies around the world. The process involves several petition forms and supporting documentation at each stage.
It also requires an interview with a consular officer. Applicants should be prepared to provide proof of income. Sources of income include taxable salary, hourly wages, tips, and earnings from other sources.
1. Form I-129F Petition
The US citizen petitioner must fill out this form on behalf of their foreign fiance. The form is fairly long, asking for information from the petitioner and beneficiary about themselves. The information is used to verify that the fiance(e) and petitioner are indeed in a relationship and are not engaging in fraudulent activity.
Some of the questions, specifically those in Part 2, are meant to discourage fraud by people using marriage brokers. Depending on your situation, it may be important to consult with a lawyer before filling this out.
If there are any children that will be coming with the fiance(e) after their arrival in the US, they must be included on this form as well. This will enable them to apply for derivative visas (follow-to-join) at a later date. Once the petition is approved, it will be sent to the National Visa Center for background checks on the fiance(e). The NVC will then schedule an interview at the US Embassy or Consulate that is responsible for the case.
2. Consular Interview
When you go to the interview, make sure to bring all necessary documentation, including clear, legible passport photos. Take the time to make sure your supporting documents are well organized and easy for the consular officer to read and evaluate (don’t get carried away with lengthy written explanations).
A clerk will review your packet of forms and items before you meet with the consular officer. The interview usually lasts only about three to five minutes.
The consular officer will ask questions designed to find out whether your relationship with the U.S. citizen fiance(e) is genuine. He or she may request evidence such as pictures, travel itineraries, letters from family and friends confirming your relationship, and emails or text messages between you and the U.S. citizen fiance(e).
The consular officer will also schedule and conduct your medical examination. You will be provided instructions on the requirements for this exam, including the list of authorized panel physicians.
3. Medical Examination
A visa medical examination is a critical part of the K-1 process. It is designed to ensure that the foreign fiance(e) does not pose a threat to public health in the United States and will marry within 90 days of arrival.
Each embassy will provide instructions on how to schedule your medical exam in its notice. It is important to do so well in advance of your interview appointment date, as the availability of doctors can be limited.
The examining physician will perform a head-to-toe physical exam. The examiner will ask about any underlying conditions and may also recommend additional diagnostic testing or treatment. The examining physician will follow the Technical Instructions for Panel Physicians and Consular Officers for the Medical Examination of Aliens (currently in effect) when conducting the medical exam. It is important that you tell the doctor if you have had gonorrhea, syphilis, leprosy, or tuberculosis. The doctor will also need to know if you have a chronic but well-controlled condition, such as diabetes or heart disease.
4. Travel Documents
You must have a valid passport that will remain valid for at least six months after the date of your planned entry into the US. You also need two recent US visa photographs that meet the photo requirements. You will need to complete Form DS-160, the online nonimmigrant visa application.
Both you and your fiance must have completed a medical examination. The fiance must provide proof of financial ability to support himself or herself in the United States. The sponsor must have an income that is at or above the Federal Poverty Guidelines. If you have been married before, you must provide documentation that all previous marriages were legally terminated.
You must convince USCIS and Consular Officers that you have a bona fide relationship and will marry within 90 days of entering the United States on a K1 visa. You must provide evidence of this, including pictures together, travel itineraries for trips you’ve taken together, letters from friends and family confirming your relationship, emails, and text messages between you and your fiance.
