It might be difficult to keep up with all of the marriage visa options in the United States, but knowing what kinds are available will make the process go more smoothly and guarantee that you select the best visa in USA for marriage.
Let’s look at the plenty of visa in USA for marriage that are offered in the country.
What Are the Types of Visa in USA for Marriage?
1. K-1 Visa (Fiancé(e) Visa)
The fiancé (e) visa, also known as the K-1 visa in USA for marriage, was created for foreign people who are engaged to American citizens and want to get married here.
With this visa, the foreign fiancé (e) can come to the United States and get married to their spouse within 90 days of landing.
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- Eligibility Requirements
Both the American citizen and the foreign fiancé (e) must fulfill certain standards to be eligible for a K-1 visa.
The American citizen has to be a lawful resident of the country and have at least one in-person meeting with their fiancé (e) in the previous 24 months.
In addition, within 90 days of the overseas fiancé(e)’s arrival in the United States, both parties must prove that their relationship is sincere and that they plan to tie the knot.
- Application Process
To petition for an alien fiancé (e), the U.S. citizen must submit Form I-129F to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
After approval, the petition is sent for additional processing to the foreign fiancé (e)’s home country’s U.S. embassy or consulate.
Before the visa is approved, the fiancé (e) must then go through a medical exam, submit extra paperwork, and attend an interview.
Read: Is there any age limit for study in the USA?
2. K-3 Visa (Spouse Visa)
- Eligibility Requirements
The U.S. citizen spouse must have submitted a Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) on behalf of their spouse for the couple to be eligible for a K-3 visa in USA for marriage.
They also need to be lawfully married. The K-3 visa is designed to shorten the duration of a spouse’s separation by permitting the foreign spouse to enter the country while their application for an immigrant visa is being processed.
- Application Process
To apply for a K-3 visa,
one must submit Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)) to USCIS together with proof of marriage and the Form I-130 petition that is currently pending.
The petition is sent to the American embassy or consulate for additional processing when it is accepted.
After that, the foreign spouse will show up for an interview and submit any other paperwork that may be needed.
CR-1/IR-1 Visa (Spouse Visa)
- CR-1 vs. IR-1 Visa
Similar in nature, the CR-1 and IR-1 visas are meant for varying lengths of marriage.
Couples who have been married for less than two years at the time of visa issue are eligible for the CR-1 visa.
Conditional resident status is granted under this visa in USA for marriage; to remove the conditions after two years, the couple must file a joint petition.
For couples who have been married for 2 years or more, the IR-1 visa offers condition-free immediate permanent resident status.
- Application Process
The USCIS Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) must be submitted as part of the CR-1/IR-1 visa application procedure.
The petition is sent to the American embassy or consulate for additional processing when it is accepted.
The foreign spouse will have to go through a medical checkup, produce more papers, and attend an interview.
Bottom Line
You may speed up the process by selecting the type of visa in USA for marriage that best suits your needs and taking the required actions.
