LIFE & LOVE
Simplifying the K-1 Visa for Filipina Fiancés
Perhaps you know someone who asked you about this, but you simply did not happen to be interested at all. But everything changed when you met her — the one Filipina who made your life seem more colorful is now the reason why you want to file for a petition that would help her get a K1 Visa.
The K-1 fiancé visa is a document that allows fiances of U.S. citizens ( who are living in or are citizens of another country) entry to the United States, under the condition that they both intend to marry within 90 days upon the arrival of the foreign fiance in the U.S.
Once married, the foreign spouse can then apply for adjustment of her status to a permanent resident, which gives her the status of a “green card” holder — also known as lawful permanent residents (LPRs).
The process, on average, takes about 8 to 13 months. It might sound like a long and tedious procedure, but if you truly love your Filipina fiancee and want to be with her for the remainder of your days, all your efforts are going to be worth it in the end.
Is Your Filipina Fiancé Eligible for a K-1 Visa?
Under U.S. Immigration Laws, any couple who wishes to apply for a K-1 fiance visa must comply with the following main requirements:
First, one of the couples must be a U.S. citizen — not a permanent resident or a mere green card holder.
Second, both the U.S. citizen and foreign-fiance must be legally able to marry each other according to the laws of the place where their marriage shall take place (i.e., both must be single, of legal age, and with no legal impediment to marry).
Third, both must have genuine intentions to marry each other upon the foreign fiance’s arrival in the United States.
Lastly, both must have met each other in person within the last two years.
If you check all the above requirements, your fiance may be eligible for a K-1 visa interview.
What Documents Do You Need?
For the K-1 Visa interview, you and your fiance must make sure you compile the following documents:
Completed Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application)
She must have the complete form DS-160 and print out the DS-160 confirmation page.
Valid Passport
Mainly for travel and identification purposes, her passport should be valid for at least six months beyond her intended length of stay in the U.S.
Certificate of Birth
Certificate of Death
Of any of her previous spouses (if any).
Certificate of Finality Annulment
If she had been previously married, and that marriage was legally annulled.
Police Certificates
From her present country of residence and all the other countries where she used to live for six months and beyond from the age of 16.
Medical Examination Results
Evidence of Financial Support
During your interview, you might need to provide and present evidence that you are both financially capable of supporting your married life and future family. At the same time, the Consular Office may also request a Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support).
Two 2x2 Photos
Evidence of relationship
Your relationship can be proven through the following:
- Letters you sent to each other
- E-mails and other online conversations
- Photographs
- Travel itineraries for trips you went on together
- Hotel reservations
- Written statements from your family, friends, and colleagues who know about your engagement
Fees
As part of the process for a K1 Visa application, you will have to pay for the following:
- Filing of Alien Fiancé Petition, Form I-129F
- Filing of Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application Processing Fee, Form DS-160 (for each visa applicant)
- Translation and Photocopying Services
- Filing for Certificates
- Medical Examination
- Travel Expenses (from visiting offices and embassies)
What Should You Know About the Interview?
The first step when applying for a K-1 visa is to file Form I-129F with USCIS. As her American fiancee, you will be the one to file this petition. The form is then sent to the U.S. Department of State for approval.
Once approved, your Filipina fiance will receive a notification from the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines that includes the date, time, and location for her visa interview, as well as a list of required documents she needs to bring.
Typically, the interview takes place four to six weeks after the Embassy’s initial notification. That’s enough time for your Filipina fiance to collate all the needed documents for the interview.
With respect to the interview itself, it usually only takes 10 to 20 minutes. The interviewer will ask your Filipina fiancee a series of categorized questions about you, her life, your relationship, and your plan for the future.
Afterward, the interviewing officer will assess whether to grant her the visa or not. In a lot of cases, their decision is often given on the same day or shortly after the interview. In some cases, they might also ask for additional supporting documents.
Once her K-1 visa application is approved, you will have a total of six months from the date of approval of Form I-129F to send your Filipina fiance to the U.S.
A New Life With A Filipina Wife
Now that you’ve successfully gotten through the process of visa application with your fiancé, this time, it’s your married life that you can focus on.
Before officially becoming husband and wife, it’s a practical decision to decide where you get to live. Choosing a good place you can call home is important in helping you have a good start as a newlywed couple.
Your cultural differences should not get in the way of your decision-making. You must fully accept the idea of letting each other’s cultures grow in you as a couple.
Rather than let it set you apart, you should use it as a way to strengthen your bond.
Try learning her language. Be open-minded to trying new, different, and refreshing cuisine. Connect with her foreign family and friends. Visit places you’ve only seen in pictures before. Adopt the Filipino way of life.
All of these are just a few of the great experiences you’d have once you marry a Filipina! These women are truly worth the effort.
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