K-1 Visa

Step-by-Step Guide on How to File for a K-1 Visa for your Foreign Fiance(e)

Download the Following Forms:

1. I-129F

2. G-325a

The above forms can be filled out on your computer and printed. Make sure you sign and date them as required. Anything you cannot fit by typing, you can handwrite (very neatly) in black ink in the blank instead. You should always verify the current forms at http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis.

Assembling the I-129F Package: Checklist

Forms and Documents (follow these assembly instructions. All supporting documents must be in English or be translated as noted here.):

1. Payment as required by USCIS. Use a personal check so you can track the payment. Money Orders are also accepted.

2. Cover Letter (see example). Should include a description of what your are petitioning for (I-129F), a table of contents (list everything in the packet). If you need additional room to explain your case, attach a separate sheet (list the attachment on the cover sheet). Make sure to sign and date the cover sheet.

3. Form I-129F: Petition for Alien Fiance(e) (see example)

4. Declaration of how you met in person in the last two years. This should be a single typed page attachment regarding question 18 of the I-129F. Make sure to sign and date it.

5. Original statements (from both the US Citizen and foreign fiance) certifying an intent to marry within 90 days of entering the US on a valid K-1. (see example)

6. Proof of having met in past two years. (click here for examples)

7. G-325A (all four pages) filled out by the US Citizen signed and dated (see example)

8. One passport-type photo (see specification) of the US Citizen. Write the full name of the US citizen on the back. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag “Photo of “. Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding G-325a.

9. G-325A (all four pages) filled out by the foreign fiance(e) signed and dated (see example)

10. One passport-type photo (see specification) of the foreign fiance(e). Write the full name of the foreign fiance(e) on the back. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag “Photo of (insert foreign fiance(e) name) “. Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding G-325a.

11. Copy of the Birth certificate (front and back) for the US Citizen or a copy of ALL pages of the US Citizen’s passport issued with a validity of at least 5 years or a copy of the US Citizen’s naturalization certificate (front and back). This is used to establish citizenship.

12. Copy of final Divorce Decree(s) or Certificate(s) for the US Citizen and/or foreign fiance(e) if either has been previously married. If the previous marriage of the US Citizen and/or foreign fiance(e) ended due to the death of their spouse then include a Copy of Death Certificate(s) documenting that fact.

13. Proof of Legal Name Change if either the US Citizen and/or foreign fiance(e) is using a name other than that shown on the relevant documents. You must give USCIS copies of the legal documents that made the change, such as a marriage certificate, adoption decree or court order.

14. In regards to Section C Question 2, if applicable provide certified copies of all court and police records showing the charges and dispositions for any specified conviction(s) (in accordance with the IMBRA). See section 9 of the I-129f instructions for more information.

Documentary Proof of Having Met in Person in the Past Two Years and an Ongoing Relationship:

Use as many of these items are possible. There is no minimum,

but the more you can provide the less likely you are that you will receive an RFE.

1. Copies of all airline boarding passes, train passes, itineraries, hotel receipts, passport stamps (make sure you can read the dates on the stamps), and other documentary evidence that you have met within the last two years. You may want to highlight or place post-it notes indicating the dates and locations on the copies (to make the adjudication easier) for the person reviewing your file.

2. Color Photo’s of you and your fiance(e) together. Make sure you write your names, date, and location on the back of every photo. Provide two to five photo’s. If you only have a single copy of the photo, then make a color copy and send that. If it is a digital photo, have it printed at a company such as kodakgallery.com. You can also make duplicates of photo’s at your local photo store (Walgreeens, CVS, etc). Place photo’s in a plastic bag or photo sheet and label the sheet. Note that you may not receive originals of photo’s back.

3. The following items will not typically show proof of having met in the last two years however will show proof of an ongoing relationship: Copies of phone bills, cell phone bills, emails (you can edit personal info with a marker), letters (edit personal info also), stamps on the letters (to document the date they were sent), and other written documentary proof. Provide a reasonable amount; two to four of each type. Pick a range of dates up to and including the present. You can also include a copy of engagement ring receipt (this is something that is a big optional – do not worry if you do not have a ring yet!)

Mail the I-129F Package to the USCIS

Section 12 of the I-129F instructions lists where you should mail the completed form(s). If you live in the United States this will be the Service Center with jurisdiction over the petitioner’s place of residence. Mail the package with return receipt requested / delivery confirmation. Send via USPS.

IMPORTANT!

Make TWO copies of the entire package before you send it in. This includes the money orders too. You want to have a perfect replica of the package you are sending in. All Forms that you submit must be originals with original signatures. Supporting Evidence that you submit may be photocopies. Retain ALL original supporting Evidence since the USCIS has the right to check them by issuing an RFE (Request For Evidence). If you receive an RFE, follow the direction exactly, and make two copies of what you sent back. During any future interviews the USCIS may also want to examine the original supporting evidence.

What to send to your fiance(e) once the I-129F is approved (Receive NOA2):

1. A copy of the entire I-129f package (that you made when you sent the petition in) and a copy of information that you sent back due to an RFE (if you received one).

2. Send all originals of the documentary proof that you submitted for the I-129F to your fiance(e) for their interview at the embassy.

3. Send an original letter affirming your desire to marry your fiance(e) and your continued support of the K-1 Visa. Sign and date the form. This will be similar to the letter you provided with the I-129F, but dated much closer to the interview (it will have most likely been several months since you submitted your I-129F).

4. I-134 Affidavit of Support form. Ensure it is signed, with all required supporting evidence. Begin collecting the required information ahead of time, as it can often take several weeks to collect it all.

5. You will likely need at a minimum (for the above form) two to three of your most recent pay stubs and a signed letter from your employer listing you job title, start date, your salary, and the status (full-time) of your position. Begin collecting these ASAP after your NOA2 arrives. You will also probably want to include other evidence such as your banking information and other assets as required by the I-134. Specifically you will need at least 2 of the 4 options mentioned in Section II-Supporting Evidence of the I-134. See this FAQ for more tips and ueful information on the Affidavit of Support Form.

6. A copy of the NOA2 that you received in the mail.

7. Proof of your ongoing relationship. This needs to be taken to the interview! Include photos, travel documents, emails, etc from between the time you filed and present (NOA1 date-now).

Examples: Copies of phone bills, cell phone bills, emails (you can edit personal info with a marker), letters (edit personal info also), stamps on the letters (to document the date they were sent), and other written documentary proof. Provide a reasonable amount; two to four of each type. Pick a range of dates up to and including the present. You can also include a copy of engagement ring receipt (this is something that is a big optional – do not worry if you do not have a ring yet!)

ขั้นตอนการขอวีซ่า
คู่หมั้น
ขั้นตอน NOA 1 NOA 2
ที่อเมริกา
ขั้นตอน NOA 1 รู้จักตัวแฟนจริง ๆ ก่อน แล้วแฟน (US
citizen เท่านั้น) ส่งเอกสาร อยู่รัฐไหนส่งที่ไหน ,
ส่งอะไรบ้าง
ค่าธรรมเนียมเป็น Check หรือว่า Money oder เท่านั้น ดูหน้า 4 ข้อ 13 ค่ะ ให้
USCIS ที่อเมริกาเท่านั้น
ดูรายละเอียดการส่ง ได้ที่นี้
(ต้องเคยเจอกันจริง ๆ ถึงจะส่งเอกสารได้) ประมาณ 1 อาทิตย์ขึ้นไป US
citizen จะได้รับ Receipt Notice (NOA 1)
จาก USCIS ดูตัวอย่าง NOA1 ที่นี้ค่ะ
ขั้นตอน NOA 2 เรื่องอนุมัติ -
หลังจากที่ส่งเรื่อง – ขึ้นอยู่กับเอกสารการดำเนินการของแต่ละศูนย์
ว่าจะใช้เวลานานเท่าไหร่บอกไม่ได้ แต่เมื่ออนุมัติทาง US citizen จะได้รับApproval Notice (NOA 2)
จาก USCIS ดูตัวอย่าง NOA 2 ที่นี้ค่ะ

ขั้นตอน Case number ที่อเมริกา
ทาง
USCIS ก็จะส่งเรื่องที่อนุมัติแล้วต่อไปยัง NVC แล้วทาง NVC ก็จะออกหมายเลข
Case Number ให้
แล้วเขาก็ส่งจดหมายแจ้งให้ทาง US citizen 1 ฉบับว่าจะส่งเรื่องไปไทย
เพื่อให้คู่หมั้นได้ทำเรื่องสัมภาษณ์

ขั้นตอน Packet 3 ที่ไทย
เมื่อเราได้รับ จดหมายแจ้ง และ Packet 3
Form จากทางกงสุลแล้ว เราก็ทำเรื่องขอวันสัมภาษณ์โดยส่งทางไปรษณีย์ เอกสารที่ต้องส่งมีดังนี้1.
Cover letter ระบุไปว่าอยากสัมภาษณ์เมื่อไร เพราะเรามีเหตุผลอะไร
2. ก็อปปี้ NVC case number ให้แฟนส่งมาให้ค่ะ
3.
เช็คลิส เซ็นต์ด้านหลังเลยค่ะ
4. DS-230 กรอกแล้วเซ็นต์ได้เลยนะคะ
5.
รูปสองใบ
6. ก็อปปี้หน้าแรกพาสปอร์ต
ที่อยู่ในการส่ง
Consulate
section
U.S. Embassy Bangkok
95 Wireless Road
Bangkok 10330
(scheduling
an interview for K1 visa)
ส่ง
แล้วก็อีเมลล์ไปถามดุค่ะตัวอย่าง
email
address: visasbkk@state.gov
Subject
: 2nd IV Inquiry BNKxxxxxxxxx (SURNAME(ของเราระบุตามใบเคสนัมเบอร์ค่ะ))
ราย
ละเอียดที่ต้องลงในย่อหน้าแรกของอีเมล์

To IV unit,

My
Application data;
Name: Full name
(TelMadxx-xxxx-xxxx, e-mail:
xxx@hotmail.com)

Petitioner name: Mr….
Case No: BNKXXXXXXXXXX (K1 for Thai
National or K3 for Thai National)

เนื้อหาก็ตามเรื่องที่เราติดต่อ
ค่ะ ตย. เช่น
I submited the required document for scheduling an
interview on….by…

At your earliest convenience, Could you
please inform me of the status of my interview schedule?

Thank
you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Full Name
เรา
สามารถเขียน Cover letter เพื่อระบุขอวันสัมภาษณ์ได้
แต่ทางกงสุลจะให้ไหมก็แล้วแต่
และหากส่งไปแล้วนานไม่มีข่าวคราวก็ติดต่อกงสุลค่ะ visasbkk@state.gov วิธีการค่ะรูปที่ใช้ต้องเปิดใบหูทั้งสองข้างคลิกอ่านที่นี้ค่ะ
ขั้นตอน
Packet 4 ที่ไทย

หลังจากนั้นประมาณ 10 วัน (ตามที่เพื่อน ๆ
โพสไว้) ก็จะได้รับ packet 4 (ในนั้นจะแจ้งวันเวลาให้เราไปสัมภาษณ์)

และ
เมื่อเราทราบวันเวลาในการสัมภาษณ์แล้วเราก็ทำเตรียมเอกสารในการสัมภาษณ์ไว้
พรางได้เลยค่ะ มีเอกสารอยู่ 3 ชนิดที่เราควรจะเตรียมก่อนวันสัมภาษณ์ซัก
15-30 วันค่ะ เพราะว่าเอกสาร 3 ชนิดนี้มีวันหมดอายุค่ะ คือ ใบรับรองตำรวจ (มีอายุ 1 ปี
(อ้างอิงจากเวบของ VJ) ) ใบตรวจสุขภาพ (มีอายุ 1 ปี) ค่าธรรมเนียมวีซ่า
(มีอายุ 1 ปี)

ขั้นตอน สัมภาษณ์ ที่ไทย
เอกสารที่ใช้ในวัน
สัมภาษณ์
ของเรา (ทุกชนิด) ควรนำเอกสารต้นฉบับไปด้วย
(หากว่าใครต้องการแปลก็แปลเองรับรองเองได้ค่ะ)

ของแฟนมีI-134 form
ที่ต้อง Notarized ส่วน Tax return และ W-2 เป็นสำเนาได้ และใช้
“ปีปัจจุบันเท่านั้น” เข้าไปอ่านใน Instruction ได้นะคะ
เอกสารที่แนบมีอะไรบ้าง
- I-134 ให้ธนาคารรับรองและสามีเซ็นรับรอง
-
จดหมายการรับรองการทำงานของสามี
- tax return ย้อนหลัง 3 ปี
(แต่เขาใช้เพียง 2ปี ย้อนหลังค่ะ)
- เอกสารด้านการเงิน เช่น
บัญชีธนาคาร, หุ้น, เงินเดือน, เอกสารการเป็นเจ้าของบ้าน
แล้วก็สำเนาไอดีของสามี และสำเนาพาสปอร์ต
เอกสาร
เพิ่มเติมสำหรับคนที่มีกิจการเป็นของตัวเอง
Form 8879 – IRS
E-file Signature Authorization, Department of the Treasury Internal
Revenue Service
Form 8879 – California e-file Signature
Authorization for Individuals
เป็นภาษีทั้งสองฉบับ,
ฉบับที่สองเค้าบอกถึงรายรับ รายจ่าย ของธุรกิจค่ะ เพราะมีเรื่อง
Depreciation, Profit & Lost from business, Itemized Deduction, Self
Employment Tax (เอกสารทั้งสองชุดนี้ก็รับรองเอกสารเหมือนกันค่ะ)
ส่วน
บัญชีเงินฝาก แฟนพี่ส่งมาสองอันเหมือนกัน
บัญชีส่วนตัว
บัญชีของ
ธุรกิจ ค่ะ
อื่น ๆ ก็มี
Form
I-134
สำเนาพาสปอร์ต หน้าแรก และหน้าที่เข้าออกประเทศไทย
เอกสารการ
หย่า ทั้งสองครั้งกรณีที่แต่งงานแล้ว อันนี้ certified true copy by Notary
Public ค่ะ
เอกสาร Support น่ะ ที่เป็นตัวจริงและต้อง Notarized
น่ะก็คือ I-134 ค่ะ
ส่วนเอกสารอื่น ๆ
ที่แนบน่ะ
เป็นตัวจริง
ใบ
รับรองจากที่ทำงาน
จดหมายรับรองของธนาคาร
สำเนาได้
Statement
Tax return
W-2
หมายเหตุ
แฟนเราหรือว่าเราสามารถติดตามเคสห
ลังอนุมัติได้ โดยติดต่อ NVC ได้ ด้วยการโทรหรือว่าอีเมล์ก็ได้ที่นี้ค่ะ

เนื่อง
จากวีซ่าคู่หมั้นเป็นวีซ่าประเภท Single ซึ่งมี อายุ6
เดือน และเมื่อมาถึงอเมริกาก็มีเวลาในการตัดสินใจเพื่อแต่งงานอีก 90
วัน หากว่าไม่แต่งงานก็ต้องกลับไทย

US citizen
สามารถช่วยดำเนินการเรื่อง “การขอหมายเลขประกันสังคม” ยืนยันที่นี้ค่ะ ได้
ก่อนที่คู่หมั้นจะมาถึงอเมริกา
Steps to Bringing your Fianc(e) to the US through the K-1 Visa

Step 1: File a petition with the USCIS on behalf of your Fianc(e)
You, the US citizen, must file the Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) (Form I-129F) with your local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office. to see the additional documents you need to file the petition.

Note: You cannot file this petition at an embassy, consulate or U.S. immigration office abroad.

Tips: Instead of waiting in long lines at the USCIS field office make an appointment online at USCIS Website.

Step 2: The Fiancé(e)’s obtains a visa at a US consulate at his/her home country
After the USCIS approves the petition, it
sends the petition to the embassy or consulate where your fiancé(e) will
apply for a K-1 non-immigrant visa. Once approved he/she will get a
visa stamped on their passport and will be ready to come to the United
States. to see the required documents your fiancé(e) will need while applying for the visa at a US consulate in his/her home country.

What Happens and What to Do After Getting the Fiancé(e) Visa?

Once you’ve received the K-1 Visa
successfully you are ready to enter the United States. Following are
some important information and steps for you and your fiance to follow
through on after entering the United States.

Step 3: Entering into the United States
After getting the fiancé(e) visa, your
fiancé(e) enters the United States through a U.S. immigration
port-of-entry. The U.S. immigration official gives your fiancé(e)
instructions on what to do at the the port of entry.

Step 4: Get Social Security Number

Your fiancé(e) can apply for a social
security number card. There are many advantages of having a social
security number card the sooner the better.
A permanent resident of the United States needs a Social Security number to:

• Work in the United States
• Conduct business with a bank or financial institution
• Pay taxes or to be claimed on a tax return
• And for other purposes not listed.

Refer to the Social Security Website for further instructions

Step 5: Get Married
As per the condition of the K-1 Visa you and your fiancé(e) must get married within 90 days of his/her arrival.

Step 6: Apply for Permanent Residency (Green Card) by Filing Adjustment of Status (AOS/I-485)
If your spouse plans to work and stay in the US, after marriage, he/she must file Form I-485
Application to register as permanent residence or to adjust status
with the USCIS office that serves the area where you live in the United
States. You must fill out the Affidavit of Support, Form I-864, with the USCIS for your spouse’s application to become a lawful permanent resident (LPR).

File the following 2 forms at nearest USCIS Field Office:

• Download Form I-485 – Application To Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
• Download Form I-864 – Affidavit of Support

Step 7: Remove Conditions on Permanent Status for Your New Spouse
The permanent residence you have received
through this marriage is conditional, which means your new spouse’s
green card will expire in 2 years. You’ll have to file the I-751
petition in order to remove this conditional status.

Find Out More On Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence

Conditional Permanent Status Overview

After your marriage, your new spouse will initially receive conditional
permanent residence status for two years. Conditional permanent
residency is granted when the marriage is less than two years old at
the time of adjustment to permanent residence status. The difference
between you and an unconditioned permanent resident is that your
permanent resident status will expire in two years from when it was
given, unless you successfully petition to have the condition removed.
As a new couple you need to file the Form I-751 during the 90-day
period immediately before the second anniversary of the date your alien
spouse was granted conditional permanent residence.

You will be sent a letter from the USCIS Department of the decision on your petition.

Failure to file Form I-751, Petition
to Remove the Conditions on Residence, will result in termination of
permanent residence status and initiation of removal proceedings.

Download Form I-751
– Petition for a conditional resident who obtained status
through marriage to apply to remove the conditions on his or
her residence.

Note: You
may file this petition even if the marriage has ended or the spouse
has subsequently died. Refer to the Form I-751 for more information and
additional instructions on filing requirements.

Download I-751 Form – Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence

Required Documents of the Sponsor for K-1 Petition
Documents Required of the United States
citizen who is petitioning his/her fiance to
come and live in the U.S. The following needs to be provided at the
USCIS field office when filing for petition.

1. Form I-129F Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)
   If your fiancé(e) has unmarried children who
   are under 21, they are eligible to accompany your fiancé(e), but only
   if they are listed on this form.
2. Evidence of Your U.S. Citizenship
   Your original U.S. birth certificate, your
   U.S. passport, your Certificate of Naturalization, or your Certificate
   of Citizenship. (Please see USCIS Form I-129F for information on the use of copies.)
3. 2 G-325A Forms Biographic Data Sheets
   Completed and signed G-325A Forms, one with your information and one with your fiancé(e)’s.
4. Color Photos of You and Your Fiancé(e)
   One color photo of you and one of your fiancé(e) taken within 30 days of filing
   Find out more about photograph specifications
5. Prior Marriage Nullification Documents
   A copy of any divorce decrees, death
   certificates, or annulment decrees if either you or your fiancé(e) have
   been previously married.
6. Permission to Marry
   Proof of permission to marry if you or your
   fiancé(e) are subject to any age restrictions. (For instance, in some
   U.S. states, you must receive special permission to marry if you are
   under the age of 16.)

Required Documents For K-1 Visa Application
The following documents should be provided by
your fiancé(e) to the US consulate in his/her home country while
applying for the K-1 Visa.

1. A passport valid for travel to the
   United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond
   the applicant’s intended period of stay in the United
   States.
2. Valid Birth certificate
3. If applicable, divorce or death certificate of any previous spouse for both the applicant and the petitioner
4. Police certificate from all places lived since age 16
5. Medical examination (vaccinations are optional, see below)
6. Evidence of financial support – Form I-134 Affidavit of Support may be requested. (Should be sent by American sponsor.)
7. Two Non-immigrant Visa Applications, Form DS-156 (A Form DS-156, prepared in duplicate.)
8. One Non-immigrant Fiancé(e) Visa Application, Form DS-156K
9. Two nonimmigrant visa photos
   (each two inches 50 X 50 mm square, showing full face, against a light background)
10. Evidence of a fiancé(e) relationship – i.e. photos of engagement.
11. Payment of fees

The consular section at the embassy or
consulate where you, the fiancé(e) of an American citizen, will apply
for a visa, will tell you about any additional specific requirements
that you need to fulfill to complete your visa application, such as
where you need to go for the required medical examination.

Note: The
consular officer may ask for additional information according to the
circumstances of the case. Documents in foreign languages should be
translated.

Tips: Take
clear, legible photocopies of civil documents, such as birth and
marriage certificates, to the interview. Original documents can then be
returned to you.

Where Should I File the Petition?

If you are filing
for your fiancé(e), file this petition at the Service Center with
jurisdiction over your area of residence.

If you are filing for your fiancé(e) and
live outside the United States, submit this petition to the Service
Center with jurisdiction over your last place of residence in the U.S.

If you are a U.S. citizen, and are using
this form to bring in your wife or unmarried child under the LIFE Act,
file this petition at:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
P.O. Box 7218
Chicago, IL 60680-7218

>> Find out more about the LIFE Act
>> Find a USCIS Office next to you

Vaccination Requirements

All applicants for
immigrant visas are required to have the following vaccinations (if
appropriate for age, medical condition, or medical history):

1. Mumps
2. Measles
3. Rubella
4. Polio
5. Tetanus and diptheria toxoids
6. Pertussis
7. Influenza type B
8. Hepatitis B
9. Varicella
10. Pneumococcal

Note: As
a fiancé(e) you are not required to fulfill this requirement at the
time of your medical examination for a fiancé(e) visa. However, you may
want to do so. These vaccinations are required when you adjust status
to permanent residence following your marriage.

Extending the Petition

The Form I-129F
petition is valid for four months from the date of approval from USCIS.
Consular officers can extend the validity of the petition (revalidate
the petition) if it expires before the processing of the visa
application is completed.

What if my visa is denied? How can I appeal?

If your petition
for a fiancé(e) visa is denied, the denial letter will tell you how to
appeal. Generally, you may appeal within 33 days of receiving the
denial by mail. Your appeal must be filed on USCIS Form I-290B. The
appeal must be filed with the office that made the original decision.
After your appeal form and a required fee are processed, the appeal
will be referred to the Administrative Appeals Unit (AAU) in
Washington, DC. (Sending the appeal and fee directly to the AAU will
delay the process.)

Fees – How much will it cost?

Fees are charged for the following services:

• Filing an Alien Fiancé(e) Petition, Form I-129F – $190USD
• Filing I-130 – $190USD
• Medical examination (costs vary from post to post)
• Fingerprinting fees (if required)
• Other costs may include translation and
  photocopying charges, fees for getting the documents required for the
  visa application (such as passport, police certificates, birth
  certificates, etc.).
• Filing Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status
  $325USD plus $70 biometrics services fee if
  you are 14 years of age or older. If you are under 14 years of age, the
  fee is $225 with no biometric services fee. If you are 79 years of age
  or older, the fee is $325 with no biometrics services fee.
• If applicable, $275USD for Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence