Love is mysterious, and sometimes deeply frustrating. People typically do not control who they fall in love with or when they start to feel that profound attachment. Someone who joins an online forum dedicated to an unusual hobby might eventually establish a deep connection with someone living on the other side of the world.
Other times, people might meet in person due to travel for work or fun. Maybe they have maintained a close camaraderie with someone who attended their college as an exchange student. Those who love someone who lives abroad may eventually reach the decision that getting married and living together is the next logical step for their relationship.
How does a citizen who falls in love with someone living in another country bring them to the United States for marriage?
By securing a K-1 visa
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) oversees numerous visa programs that help people in a variety of different unique circumstances. Those who have a romantic partner living in another country might be eligible for a special visa intended for fiancés.
The applicant generally needs to be a United States citizen, as opposed to a permanent resident or visa holder. The fiancé living abroad must meet the background check and medical standards established for all immigrants.
The citizen applies for a K-1 visa from the USCIS. They may have to provide information validating their relationship. Travel records, copies of electronic communications and even photographs of the fiancé together can help support the claim that there is a bona fide relationship between the fiancés.
If the USCIS affirms the legitimacy of the relationship and the foreign national fiancé meets the necessary standards, the USCIS may provide a K-1 visa. This visa only allows for short-term entry into the United States.
It lasts for 90 days. The couple must take prompt action to solemnize their relationship by legally getting married or risk the removal of the foreign national fiancé from the country. After their marriage, the spouse who is a citizen of another country can apply for a conditional green card. Provided that the marriage lasts at least two years, they can eventually apply to remove the conditions from their green card. Eventually, they may also qualify for citizenship.
Utilizing the existing K-1 visa program to take an international romance to the next level requires patience and specialized knowledge. Those who have assistance when seeking visas, adjusting status and pursuing naturalization may improve their chances of legally bringing a fiancé to live permanently in the United States.