Visa Processing

K-1 VISA - FOR FIANCÉ(E)S

How do I apply?

The first step in applying for a fiancé(e) visa is for the U.S. Citizen fiancé(e) (the petitioner) to file a petition on Form I-129F with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) having jurisdiction over his/her place of residence in the U.S. Note: The petition can only be filed with the USCIS in the U.S.; it cannot be filed at this Embassy.

What happens to the approved petition?

The approved petition is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) in New Hampshire for additional processing before being forwarded to the Embassy or Consulate having jurisdiction over the fiancé(e) visa applicant's place of residence.

How long will the application take to process?

The period of time it will take to process the application will vary with each individual's circumstances. When filing the petition, form I-129F, with the USCIS, your fiancé(e) should ask how long the petition will take to be approved.
Note: A petitioner may search for the status of a pending case on line at the USCIS website.

When will I have my visa interview at the Embassy scheduled?

Once the Embassy receives the petition, it will contact the applicant and send an information packet. When the applicant has collected all the documents specified in the Instruction Package, they should notify the Embassy by returning form IV-F04 ( former WRW1) certifying that all required documents have been obtained. On receipt of the WRW1 the Immigrant Visa Section will advise the applicant concerning the scheduling of the appointment for the formal visa interview.

Can I work in the U.S.?

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may grant permission for the fiancé(e) visa holder to take up employment in the U.S. before the marriage takes place. To obtain employment authorization, file form I-765 with the USCIS Service Center which covers the place of residence in the U.S after arrival there. Questions concerning employment should be directed to USCIS.

For detailed information on the immigrant visa interview please click here.