Are you an Indian citizen who plans to marry a US citizen and live in the United States? If yes, then you need to apply for a K1 visa. A K1 visa, also known as a fiancé visa, is a nonimmigrant visa that allows a foreign fiancé(e) of a US citizen to enter the United States and get married within 90 days of arrival. In this article, we’ll discuss the requirements, process, and application of K1 visa India.
Requirements for K1 Visa India
Before applying for a K1 visa, both the US citizen petitioner and foreign fiancé(e) beneficiary must meet certain requirements:
US Citizen Petitioner Requirements
- The petitioner must be a US citizen, not a permanent resident or green card holder.
- The petitioner must be legally able to marry according to the laws of the state where the marriage will take place.
- The petitioner must have met the beneficiary in person within the two years preceding the filing of the K1 visa petition, unless meeting in person would violate cultural or social customs, or create extreme hardship.
- The petitioner must meet the minimum income requirements to provide financial support to the beneficiary, or have a joint sponsor who can meet the income requirements.
Foreign Fiancé(e) Beneficiary Requirements
- The beneficiary must be a foreign national residing outside the United States.
- The beneficiary must be legally able to marry according to the laws of their country and not have any legal impediments to marriage.
- The beneficiary must have the intention to marry the petitioner within 90 days of arrival in the United States.
- The beneficiary must pass a medical examination and obtain a police certificate from every country where they have lived for more than six months.
Process for K1 Visa India
The process for K1 visa India involves several steps:
Step 1: File Form I-129F Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)
The US citizen petitioner must file Form I-129F Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the United States. The petitioner must include evidence of meeting the requirements, such as proof of US citizenship, proof of meeting in person, and proof of financial support. USCIS will send a Notice of Action (NOA1) to the petitioner to acknowledge receipt of the petition.
Step 2: USCIS Processes the Petition
USCIS will review the petition and may request additional evidence or information. If the petition is approved, USCIS will send a Notice of Action (NOA2) to the petitioner, and forward the petition to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.
Step 3: NVC Processes the Petition
The NVC will send the approved petition to the US Embassy or Consulate in India. The beneficiary will receive instructions to complete Form DS-160, apply for a visa, and attend a visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate. The beneficiary must also undergo a medical examination and obtain a police certificate.
Step 4: Visa Interview and Approval
The beneficiary must attend a visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in India. The beneficiary must bring the required documents, such as passport, visa application fee receipt, Form DS-160 confirmation page, and all supporting evidence. If the visa is approved, the beneficiary will receive the K1 visa within a few days.
Application for K1 Visa India
To apply for a K1 visa India, follow these steps:
Step 1: File Form I-129F Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)
As mentioned earlier, the US citizen petitioner must file Form I-129F Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) with USCIS in the United States.
Step 2: Gather Supporting Evidence
The petitioner must gather supporting evidence to prove they meet the requirements, such as a copy of their US passport, photos of the petitioner and beneficiary together, proof of meeting in person, and proof of financial support.
Step 3: USCIS Processes the Petition
USCIS will review the petition and may request additional evidence or information. If the petition is approved, USCIS will send a Notice of Action (NOA2) to the petitioner, and forward the petition to the NVC for further processing.
Step 4: NVC Processes the Petition
The NVC will send the approved petition to the US Embassy or Consulate in India. The beneficiary will receive instructions to complete Form DS-160, apply for a visa, and attend a visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate. The beneficiary must also undergo a medical examination and obtain a police certificate.
Step 5: Visa Interview and Approval
The beneficiary must attend a visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in India. If the visa is approved, the beneficiary will receive the K1 visa within a few days.
Conclusion
In conclusion, applying for a K1 visa India involves several steps and requires both the US citizen petitioner and foreign fiancé(e) beneficiary to meet certain requirements. It’s important to carefully follow the application process and provide all necessary documents and evidence to increase the chances of approval. With proper preparation and guidance, you can successfully obtain a K1 visa and start your new life together in the United States.
