The K-1 visa allows fiancés of qualified US citizens to immigrate to the United States. Transnational marriages have become increasingly common with the development of international trade and tourism. Unsurprisingly, the popularity of the K-1 visa has also risen sharply. This article provides an overview of what aspiring K-1 applicants need to know: the main qualifications and benefits of this type of immigration visa.

1. Primary qualifications for K-1 applications.

has. Citizenship. The fiancé or fiancée must apply for a visa as a United States citizen. The petitioner cannot, for example, be a US green card holder.

b. legitimate relationship. The couple must prove that marriage is the real reason the non-citizen is applying to enter the US Totally inappropriate reasons for applying include I) a social trip to the United States, ii) sightseeing, and iii) business. The US government requires engaged parties to submit proof that they have legitimately fallen in love and intend to marry. This evidence often includes photographs, emails, text messages, letters, phone records, and affidavits.

against in person requirement. The spouses must see each other in person at least once within the two years immediately prior to the submission of their application. Online videos, phone calls, and emails are not enough, although these types of interactions can serve as evidence of a legitimate relationship.

d. free to marry. Both sides of the engaged couple must be free to marry. Neither fiancé nor fiancée can be married or have a pending divorce during the application process. As a practical matter, any divorce proceedings must be finalized well in advance of the K-1 application.

me. financial ability. The parties must be able to support themselves financially in the United States without assistance from the US government. The US citizen usually submits proof of income and executes a security against the non-citizen which becomes a financial burden on the US government. If the non-citizen lacks financial resources, other US citizens may need to post security finances on behalf of the non-citizen.

F. opportune marriage. The couple must be ready to marry immediately upon the non-citizen’s entry into the US The non-citizen may remain in the US for 90 days prior to the marriage. If the parties do not marry within this 90-day period, the non-citizen must leave the US. In the absence of marriage, the K-1 visa holder cannot apply for an extension of time, cannot adjust their status To obtain a green card, you cannot stay in the US through work and you cannot stay in the US on any other type of visa, regardless of educational status.

The requirements for a K-1 visa may seem strict, but most legal partners satisfy them with relative ease.

two. Notable Benefits of K-1 Immigration.

has. The children also come. K-1 visa holders may bring their children who are 21 years of age or younger to the US. The type of visa for children is called K-2 and allows the parent and children to enter the United States at the same time. Children of non-citizens do not need to wait in their home country to complete the marriage.

b. Green Card and Work Permit. The non-citizen can apply for a conditional green card and work permit as soon as he marries his fiancé(e). This means that the non-citizen can stay in the United States and work while she is married to the US citizen. The conditional green card holder can then apply for a permanent green card (10 years) and remain in the United States indefinitely.

against Children can work and go to school. Children who arrive on K-2 visas can stay in the United States with their noncitizen parent, obtain work permits, and attend US public schools.

d Citizenship. Often, the non-citizen and her children may eventually become US citizens.