Commonly asked Questions about the K1 Visa

▪ Once approved, how long is the I-129F Petition valid for and what happens if it expires before the Fiancee's K1 Visa interview?

Approved I-129F Petitions are valid for four months. Once they expire, they may be revalidated by a Consular Officer at the embassy of record, prior to the Fiancee K1 Visa interview.

▪ Once the K1 Visa Fiancee Visa is issued, how long does the fiancee have to enter the United States?

A K1 Fiancee Visa is valid for a period of six months and, generally, may only be used for one entry into the United States.

▪ Will the fiancee be able to work once he/she enters the United States on a K1 Visa?

Yes. Once the fiancee enters the United States on a K1 Visa, he/she may immediately apply for a Work Authorization Permit. However, since the fiancee must re-apply for a Work Permit after the filing of an Adjustment of Status (which is required after the marriage), we generally recommend waiting to apply for a work authorization until after the marriage takes place.

▪ Can the fiancee's children come to the United States prior to the marriage?

Yes. The children are eligible for K2 Visas which would allow them to accompany the fiancee or follow the fiancee within 6 months of visa issuance. If the children do not apply for a K2 Visa, they may also be eligible for a K2 Visa after the fiancee is married as long as the children apply within 1 year of the Fiancee's K1 Visa issuance.

▪ Can U.S. Citizens apply for more than one K1 Visa Petition?

A U.S. Citizen may not petition for more than one K1 Visa at a time. However, if the marriage from a prior K1 Visa does not take place and the fiancee leaves the U.S., the U.S. Citizen may again petition for the same fiancee or another one in the future.

▪ Is the K1 Visa issued immediately following the embassy interview?

Each embassy has its own unique procedures. Some issue the K1 Visa the same day and others process it within a few weeks and have it mailed by courier.

▪ Can a Permanent Resident use the K1 Visa Procedure?

No. Unfortunately, this benefit is only available to U.S. Citizens and you must be a U.S. Citizen to be eligible to file for a K1 Visa Petition.

▪ Does it matter what state I live in if I want to use the Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Pettys to help me get a Visa for my fiancée?

No. Our offices can assist any US Citizen and most Residents living in all fifty states, which includes:

Alabama	Indiana	Nebraska	South Carolina
Alaska	Iowa	Nevada	South Dakota
Arizona	Kansas	New Hampshire	Tennessee
Arkansas	Kentucky	New Jersey	Texas
California	Louisiana	New Mexico	Utah
Colorado	Maine	New York	Vermont
Connecticut	Maryland	North Carolina	Virginia
Delaware	Massachusetts	North Dakota	Washington
Florida	Michigan	Ohio	West Virginia
Georgia	Minnesota	Oklahoma	Wisconsin
Hawaii	Mississippi	Oregon	Wyoming
Idaho	Missouri	Pennsylvania
Illinois	Montana	Rhode Island