How to Get Unmarried Partner Visa USA: Guide to K1 Visa

How to get an unmarried partner visa USA: Are you in a relationship with a U.S. citizen but unsure how to join them in the United States? The K-1 nonimmigrant visa, also known as the Fiance Visa, might be your answer. This nonimmigrant visa allows foreign fiances of U.S. citizens to enter the country to marry within 90 days. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the K-1 visa, from application costs to eligibility criteria. We’ll also explore the common reasons for unmarried partner visa USA denials and the steps involved in the application process. 

Section	How to get an Unmarried Partner Visa USA?
What Is a K-1 Visa?	– Nonimmigrant visa for foreign fiances of U.S. citizens. -Allows entry to marry within 90 days.
Processing Time	Estimated 3-6 months for Form I-129F; 8.8 months according to USCIS.
K-1 Visa Eligibility	– Must intend to marry within 90 days.- U.S. sponsor must meet income requirements.
Ineligibility Reasons	Already married, inadequate income, criminal record, past immigration violations, etc.
Application Steps	1. Form I-129F: U.S. citizen files the petition. 2. Form DS-160: Sponsored fiance completes the visa application. 3. Interview: At the US Embassy/Consulate; decisions are often made on the same day.
Costs Breakdown	– Total estimated cost: USD 800.- Form I-129F fee: USD 675, medical exam: ~USD 200, visa application: USD 265.
2-Year Rule	Couples must prove they met in person within two years prior to applying.
Post-Arrival Steps	Must marry within 90 days and apply for a marriage-based green card afterward.

What is Unmarried Partner Visa USA or K-1 Visa?

How to get unmarried partner visa USA? The K-1 visa, also known as the fiance visa, is a nonimmigrant visa that allows the foreign fiance of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States with the intent to marry within 90 days of arrival. This visa is specifically designed for couples who have a genuine relationship and plan to formalize their union in the U.S. Once married, the foreign spouse can apply for an adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). 

To qualify for a K-1 visa, both partners must show their intention to marry and prove that they have met in person at least once within the two years before applying. The K-1 visa process involves several steps, including filing a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), completing a visa application, attending an interview, and meeting specific income requirements. Thus, the K-1 visa is a pathway for couples to unite in the U.S. and begin their lives together.

How to get an Unmarried Partner Visa USA?

The application process involves several steps, from your partner filing a petition to attending an interview at a U.S. Embassy. Here we have explained it step by step :

1. U.S. Citizen Partner Files Form I-129F: Your U.S. citizen partner starts the process by filing Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiance) with USCIS.
2. Wait for USCIS Approval: Processing time for Form I-129F typically takes 3-6 months.
3. NVC Processing: Once approved, your case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.
4. Complete Form DS-160: You’ll need to fill out the online nonimmigrant visa application (Form DS-160).
5. Pay the Visa Fee: The current fee for a K-1 visa is 265 USD.
6. Gather Required Documents: Prepare the following documents:
   • Valid passport
   • Birth certificate
   • Police clearance certificates
   • Medical examination results
   • Evidence of relationship with your U.S. citizen fiance
   • Proof of your U.S. citizen fiance’s  ability to financially support you
   • Photographs
7. Attend Visa Interview: Schedule and attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country.
8. Wait for Visa Processing: After the interview, wait for the embassy to process your application. This can take several weeks.
9. After Receiving Your Visa: Once you receive your K-1 visa:

• Travel to the U.S. within its validity period (usually 6 months).
• Marry your U.S. citizen fiancé(e) within 90 days of arrival.
• Apply for adjustment of status (Form I-485) to become a permanent resident.

Eligibility Requirements to get K-1 visa

To apply for a K-1 visa, you must meet specific eligibility requirements. Here we have stated important eligibility requirements related to K-1 Visa:

• You must be legally free to marry.
• You must intend to marry your U.S. citizen fiance within 90 days of entering the U.S.
• You and your partner must have met in person within the last two years (with some exceptions).

K-1 Visa Total Costs Involved 

Now that you are aware of how to get an unmarried partner visa USA it would be better if you have information regarding the costs involved too. The total cost for a K-1 fiance visa is about USD 800. Here’s how that breaks down:

1. Form I-129F Fee: This is the main application fee, which is USD 675. You can pay this with a money order, cashier’s check, or personal check. If you file at a USCIS lockbox, you can also pay by credit card using Form G-1450. Make checks payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

2. Medical Exam: After your Form I-129F is approved, the foreign fiance must complete a medical exam. This usually costs around USD 200, but it can vary depending on the provider.

3. K-1 Visa Application Fee: There’s also a visa application fee of USD 265. This fee is typically paid during the interview at the embassy, but check the instructions provided by the embassy for specific details.

4. Additional Costs: Remember that these fees don’t include extra costs like translating or photocopying documents and getting essential papers, such as your birth certificate. Getting a K-1 visa is just the first step. After you marry, you’ll need to know how to apply for a marriage green card to become a permanent resident in the U.S.

Must Read: How to Apply for USA student visa?

What Is the 2-Year Rule for a K-1 Visa?

The 2-year rule is an important part of the K-1 visa process. It ensures that the relationship between the U.S. citizen and the foreign fiance is real. This rule requires couples to show proof that they have met in person at least once in the two years before they submit Form I-129F.

This doesn’t mean you need to have been together for two years; it just means you need to provide evidence of a physical meeting before applying.

Online meetings, video calls, and phone chats do not count as meeting in person. However, there are some exceptions. If meeting in person would go against cultural or religious beliefs, or if it would be very hard for the foreign fiance, the rule may not apply.

If you and your fiance haven’t met in the last two years, you can ask for a waiver. This request should be included with Form I-129F and should explain why the meeting was difficult or impossible.

Why Choose the K-1 Visa?

The K-1 visa is often faster and simpler than other options for unmarried partners. It’s generally quicker than a marriage-based immigrant visa and allows you to enter the U.S. sooner. Here are the important benefits of a K-1 fiance visa:

• Fast process: Usually takes about 8-9 months from application to approval.
• Marriage in the USA: You can have your wedding anywhere in America.
• Work permission: You can apply for a work permit after arriving in the US.
• Quick path to green card: You can apply for a green card without leaving the USA after marriage.
• Open to all couples: Same-sex couples can use this visa too.
• Children can join: Unmarried children under 21 may be eligible for K-2 visas.
• Easier cultural transition: You can adjust to American life before getting married.
• Simpler green card process: Adjusting status after marriage is often smoother for K-1 visa holders.
• Potentially lower overall costs: When considering travel and time expenses, it might be cheaper than other options.
• Less intensive interview: The visa interview often focuses mainly on proving your relationship is genuine.

FAQs on How to Get Unmarried Partner Visa USA

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