The K1 visa was originally created by the United States government in 1970 to allow our American soldiers returning home from the Vietnam War to bring their fiances back to the U.S. with them. Since that time, this so-called “fiance visa” has exploded in popularity, especially since the 1990s internet boom, due largely to the rapid growth of online dating websites. And, although this phenomenon briefly took on a dubious reputation — causing the curious term “mail-order bride” to be coined — the K1 continues to become more popular every year, and is ultimately a very practical and serious way for couples to carry on with a potentially lifelong relationship while escaping from the restrictions of their birth place.
Indeed, while recent statistics are hard to come by, one report formerly released by the U.S. government claims that couples who marry via a K1 visa are around 25% more likely to avoid divorce in the course of their relationship, compared to marriages between two U.S. citizens.
Despite this, many negative stereotypes continue to persist in regard to fiance visas, which is one of the issues our website hopes to tackle. While there are certainly some “red flags” that Americans should consider before diving in, ultimately the K1 process is very established at this point and highly regulated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The truth is that K1 visas are an extremely serious and legitimate way for American citizens to bring their loved one over to the United States, and it is employed by hundreds of thousands of Americans every single year (and growing). Whether for our military heroes serving overseas, government employees who are stationed abroad, or even English teachers, business people, foreign exchange students, or travelers who meet the love of their life while outside the USA, the K1 visa has allowed “together forever” to become a legitimate reality for millions of people blessed enough to call America their home…
Summary Of The Entire K1 Visa Application Process
- Complete the I-129F form and attachments (“Packet 1”) and mail to USCIS
- Wait for receipt confirmation (“NOA1”) from USCIS
- Wait for acceptance confirmation (“NOA2”) from USCIS (and/or deal with RFEs if required)
- Confirm your case number with the NVC by telephone
- Complete the DS-160 online form using your case number (not receipt number)
- Complete “Packet 3” and mail to the appropriate U.S. Embassy
- Schedule beneficiary interview with U.S. Embassy
- Receive K1 visa in the mail (and/or deal with 221g’s if required)
- Enter the United States before the given date
This is a simplified version of the K1 visa process, but in reality many cases must deal with delays called RFEs (Request For Evidence) or other complex issues, which is why our service greatly helps!
How To Proceed If You Wish To Order With K1 Only
- Order our K1 Visa Assistance Service whenever you’re ready
- We will inquire about your current status via email
- Depending on status, complete the appropriate visa forms with our support
- Create a folder on Google Drive and share with team@k1only.com (editing permissions, please)
- Scan and upload your completed documents for our detailed review [more info]
- Proceed to mail I-129F (“Packet 1”) to USCIS
- Ask us any other questions you have between NOA2 —> receive K1 visa
- Our AOS (Green Card) service will launch later this year
But Who Is Eligible To Apply For A K1 “Fiance” Visa?
Generally speaking, any American citizen can apply for a K1 visa on behalf of their foreign fiance; as long as both of you are single, and are legally allowed to get married, the K1 should be an option for you. That being said, over the years a financial support threshold was added to the K1 requirements in order to ensure that the American “petitioner” is able to support their fiance upon arriving to the US, which typically ends up being one of the more concerning aspects involved.
While some aspects of the K1 visa process can be frustrating, however, most couples agree that it does help to ensure the relationship is bona fide and that the various steps involved help them to more properly prepare for their future life together in the United States (and beyond).
K1 “Fiance” Visa Application Vs. CR1 “Marriage” Visa?
One of the most common questions that we receive is whether a couple should opt for the K1 visa or instead apply for a CR1 marriage-based visa. With the CR1 you must be legally married in a foreign country first before applying for the visa, and then travel to America after that. Most of the time, the K1 is a better choice because it has lower income requirements, tends to be a faster process, and simply has a larger “support” system available, among other things.
However in some countries, where the Embassies are perhaps more strict, sometimes the CR1 becomes a secondary option for couples that have struggled with being approved for a K1 visa.