Yes. However, if the fiancé(e) marries a different U.S. citizen they cannot obtain permanent residence (‘green card’) in the United States based upon this marriage. The fiancé(e) must depart the United States.
Fiance Visa
How does a fiancé(e) obtain permanent residence (‘green card’) after they enter the United States?
Once the fiancé(e) marries the U.S. citizen, then they can file an application to adjust their status with the USCIS to become a lawful permanent resident (‘green card’ holder) of the United States. The application will be processed in the United States without need for the fiancé(e) to depart.
What is a K-1 visa?
The K-1 visa, or fiancé(e) visa, is issued by the United States embassy or consulate in the fiancé(e)’s home country. K-1 visas are granted to the fiancé(e), so they can legally enter the United States with the intention of marriage to a U.S. Citizen. K-1 visas are not designed as visitor visas to be used… Read More
What are the requirements for issuance of a K-1 visa?
Both parties must be legally free to marry. The U.S. citizen and their fiancé(e) have a bona-fide intent to marry. The U.S. citizen can demonstrate an ability to financially support their fiancé(e) upon entry into the United States. The fiancé(e) has not committed certain crimes.
How is a K-1 visa processed by the United States embassy or consulate?
Upon receipt of the approved fiancé(e) petition, the United States embassy or consulate will contact the fiancé(e) and provide specific instructions regarding the K-1 (K-2 for minor children) visas. The instructions include a list of visa application forms to complete, the requirement to obtain a medical examination at a designated facility, the documentation required for… Read More
Why would the United States embassy or consulate deny a K-1 visa?
The United States embassy or consulate might deny the K-1 visa for a variety of reasons. From an administrative perspective, K-1 visas can be denied for failing to present requested documents, a divorce decree for example; incorrectly completing documents, or failing to provide adequate evidence of ability to financially support the fiancé(e). From a relationship… Read More
How long is the entire K-1 visa process?
The issuance of a K-1 visa requires processing by the USCIS, NVC and United States embassy or consulate. The USCIS and United States embassy or consulate processing times vary depending on where the petitioner resides in the United States, and the residence of the fiancé(e). The typical K-1 visa processing time is 6 to 9… Read More
How long does it take the United States embassy or consulate to issue a K-1 visa?
Once the United States embassy or consulate officer is satisfied, the K-1 visa application is approved and a K-1 machine readable visa is placed in the fiancé(e)’s passport 1 to 2 days after the interview. At that time, the United States embassy or consulate will also approve any K-2 visa applications and place the K-2… Read More
What is the K-1 visa fee at the United States embassy or consulate?
At present, the K-1 visa application fee is $350 per applicant. Each applicant must pay a separate application fee. Click here for a list of applicable fees.
For how long is a K-1 visa valid after issuance by the United States embassy or consulate?
A K-1 visa is valid for 6 months after issuance. This means that the fiancé(e) must enter the United States prior to the expiration of the 6 month period. The K-1 visa is valid for 1 entry only.