Prior to 1970, there was no way for a United States citizen to bring a girlfriend or boyfriend to America prior to marriage. The couple would have to marry abroad and then wait for the foreign spouse’s I-130 visa petition to be approved. The process was long and resulted in lengthy periods of separation for newlyweds.
In the 1970’s, the United States Congress created the K1 visa, which allows a foreign fiancee to enter the US for 90 days in order to marry a United States citizen. After marriage, the K 1 visa holder can then apply for a CR-1 conditional permanent resident visa (”green card”) and, later, apply for US citizenship.
In order to receive a K1 visa, the US citizen must file an I-129F petition at a USCIS service center which, if approved, will be forwarded to the foreign embassy or consulate where the citizen’s fiance lives for further processing.
Visit our K1 Visa section for comprehensive and detailed information regarding the fiancee visa process. The site is sponsored by Millie Cavanaugh, Esq., an attorney offering immigration services, including K1 visa processing, throughout the United States. The Cavanaugh Law Office offers free consultations for immigration issues. Contact us today!