US K-1 Visa For My Thai Fiancee
There are a lot of things you need to know before applying for a US K-1 Visa for your Thai fiancée. You need to understand what a K-1 visa is, how to obtain it, and what to expect during the application process in Thailand. There are many documents you will need to submit, including your Thai fiancée's vaccination certificate and a criminal background check.
What is a K-1 Fiancee Visa?
Obtaining a US K-1 Fiancee Visa is one of the fastest ways to become a permanent resident. It is a temporary (nonimmigrant) visa that allows a foreign national to temporarily visit the United States and then get married in order to stay permanently. If the foreign national decides to stay permanently, they will need to submit additional applications to adjust their status. In addition, their K-1 visas will only be valid for two years. If they marry within that time, they can then apply for a marriage visa, which is an immigrant visa that will grant them permanent residency.
USCIS requires applicants to provide proof that they intend to marry in the U.S. The best evidence is a letter from one or both parties discussing their intended marriage. Letters from friends and family can also prove that the couple plans to marry in the U.S.
Financial Requirements for K-1 Visa
A K-1 visa is a type of visa that a foreign fiancee may apply for to marry a U.S. citizen. These visas are issued by the Department of State and are a step in the process of permanent residency. After a successful marriage, the couple may apply to adjust their status in the U.S., making their new partner a permanent resident.
One of the primary requirements for a K-1 visa is that the US petitioner must provide financial support for the fiancee. This is based on the petitioner's income, which must be at least 125% of the poverty line in the US. You can refer to the K-1 Visa Financial Requirement table. There are different income requirements for military personnel and for petitioners living in Hawaii or California.
K-1 visa applicants must have been in a true relationship for at least two years. They can show proof of this by providing photographs, text messages, shared bank accounts, and other supporting documentation. These documents also help the USCIS establish the identity of the couple and the reason for traveling to the US.
K-1 Visa Application Process in Thailand
The first step in the US K-1 Visa Application Process for my Thai fiancee is to send the petition to the US Embassy in Thailand. A consular officer will review the petition and determine whether it is approved or not. After the petition is approved, the US Embassy in Thailand will forward it to the US Consulate in Bangkok or Chiang Mai for adjudication.
The US Embassy will then send your Thai fiancee a packet 3 which contains the application form and fee. She should complete the packet and pay the required fee. She will then have a visa interview scheduled. At this point, you may want to hire a professional lawyer to help with the process. A lawyer will be able to prepare documents, obtain a police clearance certificate, obtain a medical exam, and help with the interview.
Once the USCIS approves the petition, the fiancee must attend the US Embassy interview for a K-1 visa. The Consular officer will either confirm approval or ask for more documents. Once the fiancee presents all required documentation, the US Embassy/Consulate in Thailand will issue the K-1 Visa. After receiving the visa, your Thai fiancee will be required to adjust their status within 90 days.