K1 Visa Interview Questions - Fiance Visa Questions

What is the K-1 Visa?

The K-1 visa, often called the fiancé(e) visa, is an immigration pathway for foreigners who are engaged to U.S. citizens. This guide provides an overview of the application process, common questions, eligibility, and costs.

The K-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for the foreign fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen. This visa allows the fiancé(e) to travel to the United States to marry the sponsor within 90 days of arrival. After the marriage, the foreigner can apply for an adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident.

Eligible children of K-1 visa applicants may also apply for K-2 visas to accompany their parents to the U.S.

K-1 Visa Eligibility

The K-1 visa requires applicants to meet criteria similar to those of immigrant visas before being allowed entry. The following conditions must be met to qualify for a K-1 visa:

Approved Petition: The U.S. citizen sponsor must submit Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), which USCIS must approve.
Eligible to Marry: Both the U.S. citizen and foreign fiancé(e) must be legally eligible to marry at the time of the petition.
The 2-Year Meeting Rule: U.S. immigration law requires the couple to meet in person within the past two years and provide evidence. Exceptions are rare and granted only in cases of extreme hardship or cultural reasons.

K-1 Visa Application Process

Step 1: Filing the Petition

The U.S. citizen sponsor must file Form I-129F with USCIS to initiate the process. Once approved, the petition is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC), which assigns a case number and sends the case to the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Step 2: Applying for the Visa

The foreign fiancé(e) receives a notification from the NVC and must gather the required documents for the K-1 visa application, including:

A valid passport.
Completed Form DS-160.
Birth and police certificates.
Evidence of financial support.
Proof of the relationship.

Step 3: Attend the Fiancé Visa Interview

The K-1 visa interview is a major step in the process. Consular officers often ask questions to verify the authenticity of the relationship.

Common K-1 Visa Interview Questions

Examples of common K-1 visa interview questions are:

Personal Questions for Fiancé Visa Interview

What is your full name?
What is your date of birth and place of birth?
Where do you currently reside, and what is your occupation?
Do you have siblings? If so, what are their names, and where do they live?
Have you ever been married or engaged?
What hobbies or activities do you enjoy in your free time?

Relationship History Questions

How did you and your fiancé meet, and when?
Who introduced you to your fiancé, or how did you first connect?
When did you start dating?
When did your relationship become serious?
Can you share details of any trips or vacations you’ve taken together?
What special dates or anniversaries do you celebrate as a couple?
Have you and your fiancé exchanged gifts or letters? Can you describe some?
Can you show evidence of the time spent together?

Questions About Family and Friends

Have you met your fiancé’s family? If so, when and where?
What are the names of your fiancé’s parents?
What are the names of your fiancé’s siblings?
Did your fiancé meet your family? What was their reaction?
Have your friends met your fiancé, and how do they feel about your relationship?
Did you attend any family gatherings, celebrations, or events together?
How does your fiancé’s family communicate with you?

Wedding and Future Plans Questions

When and where are you planning to get married?
Do you have a finalized wedding venue and date?
Who will attend your wedding? Have you invited family and friends?
Where do you plan to live after your marriage?
What are your fiancé’s goals in the U.S., and how do you plan to support each other?
Are you aware of your fiancé’s current financial situation?

Costs Involved in the K-1 Visa Process

The K-1 visa process includes several fees, such as:

Filing Form I-129F (petition for sponsorship).
Nonimmigrant visa application (Form DS-160).
Medical examinations.
Cost for supporting documents and translations.
Cost of travel to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Fees for filing Form I-485 to adjust status after marriage.

Frequently Asked Questions About the K-1 Visa

What is a fiancé visa (K-1) and who is eligible?

The K-1 visa allows a foreign fiancé of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States for the purpose of getting married. Eligibility includes a genuine intention to marry within 90 days of arrival.

Can my fiancé work in the U.S. while on a K-1 visa?

Once in the U.S., your fiancé can apply for employment authorization, but it may take several months to receive approval.

What happens if we don't get married within 90 days on a K-1 visa?

If the marriage doesn't take place within the 90-day period, the fiancé must leave the United States, and the K-1 visa holder may be subject to removal.

How long does a K-1 visa take?

The processing time for a K-1 visa ranges from one to two years, but this can vary depending on several factors, including processing delays, staffing shortages, or administrative hurdles.

How long can I stay in the U.S. on a K-1 visa?

The K-1 visa allows the foreign fiancé(e) to stay in the United States for 90 days from the date of entry. During this period, the couple must marry to fulfill the visa requirements.

What evidence do you need for a K-1 visa?

Required evidence includes proof of U.S. citizenship, a valid passport, relationship evidence, termination of prior marriages, and Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support).

What happens if my K-1 visa is denied?

If your K-1 visa is denied, you can challenge the decision, reapply, opt for a spouse visa, or speak to an immigration attorney.

How do I prove my relationship is real for a K-1 visa?

Proving the authenticity of your relationship involves providing personal statements, records of communication, media and receipts, and joint financial documents.

Who attends the K-1 visa interview?

Only the foreign fiancé(e) must attend the K-1 visa interview. The sponsor usually does not attend but should remain available to communicate during the process if additional information is requested.

Can my fiancé's children come to the U.S. with a K-1 visa?

Yes, unmarried children under the age of 21 can accompany the K-1 visa holder to the U.S. under the K-2 derivative visa.

What is the process for obtaining a green card after entering on a K-1 visa?

After marriage, the K-1 visa holder must file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to obtain a green card and remain in the U.S.