People may obtain K-1 fiance visas when U.S. citizens wish to marry a noncitizen.  K-1 fiance visas benefit couples who intend to live in the U.S.  After the K-1 beneficiary’s admission into America, the couple must marry within a particular timeframe.  After entering the U.S., the beneficiary becomes eligible to request work authorization.     

Are a K-1 Beneficiary’s Children Allowed to Immigrate to the U.S.?

Yes.  U.S. law authorizes a K-1 parent’s child to apply for a K-2 visa (DS-160 Form).  The K-1 parent may apply for the child’s visa at the same time as the parent’s application.  Each child must file a separate DS-160 visa application.   

What is the Process to Obtain a K-1 Visa for a Fiancé or Fiancée?

The U.S. citizen begins the process by filing the I-129F Form.  By regulation, the U.S. citizen does not need to file a separate I-129F Form for each K-2 child.  Unfortunately, Congress does not authorize a permanent resident to pursue K-1 status for a fiancé.  See INA § 101(a)(15)(K)(i).

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) will either approve or deny the I-129F Form.  If USCIS approves the I-129F Form, then USCIS will alert the National Visa Center (“NVC”).  The NVC will work with a consulate to begin the visa process (“consular processing”).  After receiving an approved I-129F petition, the consulate will contact the K-1 beneficiary about starting the visa application process.  The consulate may request an I-134 Form to determine if a visa applicant may become a public charge after moving to the U.S.    

May LGBTQ Couples Apply for K-1 Visas?

Yes.  American law authorizes K-1 visas for same-sex couples.  For applicants living in nations hostile to LGBTQ persons, regulation requires sensitivity to danger applicants may encounter.  See 9 FAM 502.7-3(C)(7)b.

Can K-1 Parents and K-2 Children Apply for Permanent Residency?

After the wedding, the K-1 parent may apply for permanent residency (“status adjustment”) on a conditional basis.  The K-1 parent and K-2 children apply for permanent residency while physically in the U.S.  USCIS grants conditional residency if the marriage existed for less than 2 years before USCIS approved the I-485 Form.

What Happens if the Consulate Denies the K-1 or K-2 Visa Due to Ineligibility? 

Congress designates many reasons (“inadmissibility”) why a consulate may not issue a visa.  See INA § 212(a).  Consulates refer to INA § 212(a) inadmissibility as visa ineligibility.  During the application process, consulates examine visa applications for ineligibility issues.  Fortunately, Congress allows noncitizens to request a waiver from some ineligibility bars.  However, for some INA § 212(a) ineligibility issues, U.S. law does not offer a waiver.   

When a waivable ineligibility occurs, the visa applicant may file an I-601 Form to request a waiver.  If USCIS approves the I-601 Form, then the consulate may issue the visa.  In contrast, if USCIS denies an I-601 Form, the legal ineligibility will prohibit the consulate from issuing the visa.