It is a long and difficult process to get approved for a K-1 visa, sometimes known as the “fiancé” visa. The K-1 visa is a means for a New Jersey resident to get citizenship for their partner by marrying them, but it is a highly complex process, and there is always a chance that a K-1 visa application will be denied.
What to know about K-1 visas
There are many pitfalls and barriers to successfully completing a K-1 visa. The K-1 applicant cannot be married to anyone else, either domestically or internationally. They also must go through an extensive vetting process with a background check, an interview and more. The applicant has to convince the immigration officer that the relationship is real and not just for the sake of the visa process.
The applicant and their partner need to get married within 90 days of the applicant’s arrival to the U.S. That time period is strict, and failing to get married within 90 days means they must leave.
Being patient and thorough
Successfully navigating through this process is rare, both because there are so many complicated administrative steps and also because there are many instances of attempted fraud. Because the end result is American citizenship, which is often seen as highly valuable, some people attempt to go through the process to gain it without the intention of a long-term marriage.
It is not straightforward to get through the K-1 process. There is a lot of paperwork to complete, and all steps must be finished in a strict timetable for the application to be complete. This is not the easiest or simplest way to become a citizen, but it has the advantage of speed for those who are in a long-term relationship and planning to marry.
