Getting a K-1 Visa in 2023: Everything You Need to Know

If you want to marry a U.S. citizen and move to America, the K-1 visa may be your ticket. Also known as the fiancé(e) visa, this special visa allows the foreign fiancé or fiancée of an American citizen to enter the U.S. for the purpose of marriage.

The process can seem daunting, but this guide breaks it down step-by-step. Here’s what you need to know about getting a K-1 visa in 2023.

We’re an award-winning San Diego, California law firm with 50+ years of experience in immigration law.Talk to an immigration attorney at Feldman Feldman & Associates PC  by calling 1-619-299-9600 today.

Proving Your Relationship is Legitimate

The government wants proof your relationship is real, not just a sham to get a green card. Be ready to provide:

• Plane tickets, boarding passes, hotels and photos showing you’ve met your fiancé(e) in person within the past 2 years.

• Chat logs, call records, social media posts showing consistent communication after first meeting.

• Anything else proving an ongoing relationship – letters, emails, gifts exchanged.

ID and Citizenship Documents

Have these key documents ready to include in your application:

• Your valid passport. Make sure it’s current and not expiring soon.

• Your birth certificate showing citizenship details.

• Any national ID card from your home country.

Your fiancé(e) will need their:

• U.S. passport.

• U.S. birth certificate or naturalization certificate.

Police Certificates of Good Conduct

For any country where you lived for 6+ months in the past 10 years, get a police certificate showing you have a clean criminal record.

Medical Examination by Approved Doctor

Schedule a medical exam with a certified civil surgeon. They’ll test for any issues that could disqualify you from getting a K-1 visa.

Financial Documents Proving Means of Support

Your fiancé(e) must show they can financially support you once you move to America. Submit:

• Tax returns and W-2s

• Pay stubs from employer

• Bank statements and investment accounts

• A letter from their employer

Complete Key K-1 Visa Application Forms

Accurately fill out:

• Form I-129F Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)

• Form DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application

• Form I-134 Affidavit of Support

Pay the Filing Fee

Be ready to pay by money order, credit/debit card, etc.

Provide Supporting Documents

In addition to the above, have these ready to submit:

• 2 Passport Photos

• Flight Itinerary for Interview

• Certified English Translations of Any Foreign Documents

• Divorce Decrees If Either of You Were Previously Married

The K-1 Visa Application Process

Once you’ve gathered all required documents, here is the step-by-step process:

1. Your fiancé(e) files Form I-129F with USCIS and supporting evidence.

2. USCIS reviews and approves the visa petition. This can take 3-5 months.

3. Your case gets sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.

4. NVC will provide instructions to complete the DS-160 form and submit financial evidence.

5. Once NVC processing is done, you get contacted to schedule a visa interview.

6. Attend the in-person visa interview at the U.S. Embassy with all your documentation.

7. If approved, your K-1 visa is issued within a few days after the interview.

8. You have 6 months to enter the U.S. on the K-1 visa.

9. Marry your fiancé(e) within 90 days of arriving in America.

Next Steps After Arriving in U.S. on K-1 Visa

Congratulations, you made it to America! Now:

• Get married within 90 days and obtain a certified marriage certificate.

• Apply to adjust status to permanent resident by filing Form I-485.

• Complete further medical exams, biometrics, and a green card interview.

• Once you’ve filed for a green card, you can also apply for a work permit while you wait for approval.

Why You Need an Experienced Immigration Attorney

Trying to get a K-1 visa without professional help is extremely risky. The paperwork is complex and the government denies applications for simple mistakes.

To avoid headaches and increase your chance of success, hire an experienced immigration attorney in San Diego. They can:

• Review your case and determine if you qualify.

• Help compile and prepare the strongest application.

• Make sure all forms are filled out properly.

• Respond to any Requests for Evidence (RFEs).

• Represent you at your visa interview.

Selecting an Immigration Attorney in San Diego, California

Feldman Feldman & Associates PC is a top-notch immigration law firm in California. If you are in need of an immigration attorney, contact us by calling 619-299-9600 today.