What do I do once I receive my K-1 Visa?

If you are issued a K-1 visa, the Consular Officer will give you your passport containing the K-1 visa and a sealed packet containing the civil documents you provided, plus other documents prepared by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. 

It is important that you do not open the sealed packet. Only the DHS immigration official should open this packet when you enter the United States. As the K-1 visa holder, you must enter the U.S. either before or at the same time as any qualifying children holding K-2 visas.

With your visa, you can apply for a single admission at a U.S. port of entry within the validity of the visa, which will be a maximum of 6 months from the date of issuance.You must marry your U.S. citizen fiancé(e) within 90 days of your entry into the United States.

Contact us today to speak with an immigration lawyer about applying for a fiancé(e) visa.

How long will it take to get my Fiancé Visa?

For the Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), you can visit the USCIS website for the status of your petition. Once your case has been received from the National Visa Center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire (NVC) by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that will process it, the length of time varies from case to case according to its circumstances. 

Some cases are delayed because applicants do not follow instructions carefully or supply incomplete information. (It is important to give us correct postal addresses and telephone numbers.) Some visa applications require further administrative processing, which takes additional time after the visa applicant's interview by a Consular Officer.

Contact us today to speak with an immigration lawyer about applying for a fiancé(e) visa.

Do I need a "Medical Examination"?

Yes. In preparing for the interview, applicants will need to schedule and complete a medical examination. Before the issuance of an immigrant or K visa, every applicant, regardless of age, must undergo a medical examination which must be performed by an authorized panel physician. You will be provided instructions regarding medical examinations from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply for your visa, including information on authorized panel physicians. 

See Medical Examination for more information, including a list of panel physicians by country, and frequently asked questions.

K visa applicants are encouraged to get the vaccinations required under U.S. immigration law for immigrant visa applicants.  Although such vaccinations are not required for K visa issuance, they will be required when adjusting status to that of legal permanent resident following your marriage. Applicants are therefore encouraged to fulfill these vaccination requirements at the time of the medical examination. See Vaccination Requirements for IV Applicants for the list of required vaccinations and additional information.

Contact us today to speak with an immigration lawyer about applying for a fiancé(e) visa.