When a United States citizen wishes to bring their foreign fiancé to the country one of the most common questions they will have is “How long does the process take?” The length of time the K-1 visa process takes varies depending on the individual circumstances of the couple and their relationship. Speak with a fiancé K-1 visa lawyer in New York City for more information and skilled assistance.
What is the K-1 Visa?
The K-1 visa, commonly referred to as the fiancé visa, is designed for United States citizens who want to bring their foreign fiancé to the U.S. to get married. The visa allows the foreign fiancé to legally enter the country for a 90-day period, during which the couple must get married. After they are married the foreign fiancé can begin the application process for adjustment of status and get their green card.
To qualify for the fiancé visa both the U.S. citizen and foreign fiancé must meet certain requirements. Consider the following criteria.
- The sponsoring fiancé must be a U.S. citizen
- Both fiancés must intend to marry within 90 days of the foreign fiancé’s admission to the country
- Both fiancés must be legally free to marry
- The fiancés must have met in person at least once in the last 2 years
What is the Timeline for the K-1 Visa Process?
Every case is different so there is no telling how long it will take to obtain a K-1 visa. However, the process generally takes about 10 to 15 months from start to finish. The timeline may be longer or shorter depending on various factors.
Below is a general outline of the required steps to obtain a fiancé visa and the approximate time each one will take.
- File form I-129, the Petition for Alien Fiancé: 6 to 8 months
- NVS (National Visa Center) processing: 2 to 4 weeks
- Visa interview: 3 to 5 months
- Receipt of visa: 1 week
After the visa is approved and received the foreign fiancé has four months to travel to the United States. Upon their entry to the country, the couple has 90 days to get married.
On the lower end, couples may be able to obtain a K-1 visa in as little as 8 months, but most are issued closer to the year mark. Individual circumstances and administrative processing times will impact the timeline.
Do I Need an Immigration Lawyer?
While it is not required to obtain representation from an immigration lawyer during this process it can prove greatly beneficial. Immigration law can be complex and overwhelming so having an advocate with a deep understanding of the ins and outs can help you navigate the process with confidence and ease. Reach out to a skilled immigration attorney for more information on the K-1 visa process and what you can expect in regard to the timeline.
