What Are the Requirements for a Fiancé(e) Visa in Missouri?

The fiancé(e) visa, officially known as the K-1 visa, allows a foreign national to enter the United States for the purpose of marrying their U.S. citizen partner. If you are considering applying for a fiancé(e) visa in Missouri, it's essential to understand the requirements involved in the process.

Eligibility Criteria for the K-1 Visa

To qualify for a fiancé(e) visa in Missouri, both you and your fiancé(e) must meet specific eligibility criteria established by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):

U.S. Citizenship: The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen. Green card holders are not eligible to petition for a fiancé(e) visa.
Intention to Marry: Both parties must have a genuine intention to marry within 90 days of the foreign national’s arrival in the U.S.
Meeting Requirement: The couple must have met in person at least once within the two years prior to filing the K-1 visa petition. There are limited exemptions to this requirement that may apply in specific situations.
Legal Capacity: Both partners must be legally free to marry. This means any previous marriages must be dissolved through divorce or annulment before applying for the visa.

Step-by-Step Process

Understanding the process for obtaining a fiancé(e) visa is crucial. Here’s a brief overview of the steps involved:

File the Petition: The U.S. citizen must file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), along with the required documentation and fees with the USCIS.
Await Approval: After submitting the application, wait for USCIS to process and approve the petition. This can take several months.
Consular Processing: Upon approval, the case is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) and then to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the foreign national's home country for processing.
Interview: The foreign fiancé(e) will need to attend an interview at the embassy or consulate. They must bring all required documentation, including proof of the relationship and financial support from the U.S. partner.
Visa Issuance: If approved, the K-1 visa allows the foreign national to travel to the U.S. and must marry their U.S. partner within 90 days of arrival.

Required Documentation

Gathering the necessary documentation is crucial for a successful application. You will need:

Form I-129F: The completed petition form.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship: A copy of the U.S. citizen's birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate.
Proof of Relationship: Evidence showing the legitimacy of the relationship, such as photographs, correspondence, travel records, and affidavits from friends and family.
Statements of Intent: Each party’s statements affirming their intent to marry.
Financial Support Documents: Documentation proving the U.S. petitioner meets the income requirement, including tax returns and pay stubs.
Background Information: The foreign fiancé(e) must provide police clearance certificates and medical examination results.

Conclusion

Applying for a fiancé(e) visa in Missouri can be a complex process, but understanding the requirements and necessary documentation can simplify the journey to uniting with your partner. Ensure all forms are accurately completed and all necessary documents are submitted to avoid delays. For personalized assistance, consider consulting an immigration attorney to navigate the process effectively.