K1 Fiance Visa

When David asked me to marry him in July 2009, I had already been researching the best way to get him over to the U.S. The quickest and most practical way is called the “K1 Fiance Visa.” This would allow him to enter the U.S. to marry me within 90 days of arrival and then adjust status to get a green card. After a few years, he’ll be eligible to get U.S. citizenship if he wants.

The process is pretty long and arduous, although every step is worth it to see my love! Here’s a basic rundown:

1) I file the initial petition, called, “I-129F” to the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) at my service center in Vermont (already done)

2) USCIS sends me NOA1, “notice of action,” stating that they have my case and put it in line to be processed (already done)

3) NOA2, or when USCIS approves my petititon

4) Petition forwarded to the National Visa Center, who do FBI name checks on David and I

5) Petition forwarded to the London consulate

6) London consulate sends more forms for David to fill out, including two different packets and I send affidavits of support showing my bank account, letters from my employer, and proof that I make 125% of the poverty line

7) David has a medical exam in London to confirm no debilitating health diseases

8 ) David has an interview with US immigration officers to determine the authenticity of our case and relationship

9) David (pending approval) gets the visa! He will have six months in which to enter the United States and upon arrival, 90 days in which to marry me : )

…

All in all, the process takes an average of 6-9 months, although people have been known to take more than a year. One of my friends on the visajourney.com forums has been waiting for her fiance to be approved for over two years! We’re not hiring a lawyer because our case isn’t complicated and hundreds of people go through this process without issue.

After David gets here, he has to file for an “Adjustment of Status” in order to get a green card, which will take another 3-6 months. He won’t be able to leave the U.S. during this time except in cases of extreme emergency. I really wanted to go the Caribbean for our honeymoon, but we’re sticking with Hawai’i because of this.