The K visa process exists for one main reason. To allow a U.S. citizen to bring a fiancé(e) to the United States to get married, and then complete the green card process from inside the U.S. without the fiancé(e) leaving again.
That is the K 1. The K 2 is for eligible children who will immigrate as dependents of the K 1.
This guide lays out the process end to end, including required documents, interview logistics in Brazil, and a major document completeness rule taking effect July 1, 2025.
What the is K1 visa
A K 1 is a nonimmigrant visa issued to the foreign fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen. The purpose is to enter the United States, marry the U.S. citizen petitioner, and then apply for lawful permanent residence through adjustment of status using Form I 485 with USCIS.
A K 1 is not a green card. It is not permanent status by itself. It also does not permit a fiancé(e) to enter and simply live in the U.S. indefinitely without marrying and filing the green card application.
K 2 visas for children
K 2 visas are for the unmarried children of the K 1 applicant who are under 21.
Key timing rule: eligible children may accompany the K 1 parent to the United States, or follow later, but generally must apply within one year of the date the K 1 visa was issued to the parent.
Another strict travel rule: dependents cannot enter the United States before the principal K 1 beneficiary enters.
Each K 2 child requires their own DS 160 and their own MRV fee payment.
Basic K 1 eligibility requirements
A K 1 case typically starts with the U.S. citizen petitioner. The core eligibility requirements include:
- Both parties must be legally free to marry (any prior marriages must be terminated by divorce, annulment, or death).
- The couple must have met in person within the past two years (with limited exceptions in specific circumstances).
- The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen, and must file Form I 129F with USCIS.
Step 1: Filing Form I-129F with USCIS
The process starts when the U.S. citizen files Form I-129F with USCIS. This petition establishes eligibility and intent to marry.
After approval, USCIS forwards the case to the National Visa Center (NVC) for consular processing.
Step 2: NVC Processing and Case Transfer
Upon receipt, NVC assigns a case number and sends it to the appropriate U.S. Consulate or Embassy handling immigrant visas for interview scheduling.
The petitioner will receive notification when the case is transferred for consular processing.
Step 3: Consulate Instructions, DS-160, MRV Fees, and Scheduling
Before scheduling an interview:
- Beneficiaries receive instructions from the Consulate or Embassy on document preparation.
- All applicants (K 1 and K 2) must complete their DS-160 online forms.
- Each applicant must pay their MRV fee; fee payment is coordinated during scheduling.
For dependents applying together, biometrics registration processes may include MRV fee payments via authorized platforms.
Step 4: ASC Registration and Biometrics (Required Before Interview)
Applicants must register with an Application Support Center (ASC) for biometric data collection prior to their consular interview.
ASC also handles passport return logistics post approval, offering pick-up or home delivery options that are typically available for a limited time window after visa issuance.
Step 5: Medical Exam With Authorized Panel Physician
Applicants must undergo a medical exam by an authorized panel physician before visa issuance.
Key points:
- The exam date affects visa validity—generally valid for up to 180 days from that date but can vary.
- Applicants must enter the U.S. before visa expiration.
- Vaccination compliance is mandatory; failure can result in inadmissibility per statutory requirements.
Step 6: Interview at U.S. Consulate or Embassy
Visa interviews occur at designated U.S. Consulates or Embassies responsible for immigrant visas in the applicant’s region or country of residence.
Applicants should arrive prepared with all required documents organized in originals and copies as instructed by consular guidance.
Electronic devices are often prohibited in interview areas; plan accordingly.
Visa approval is not guaranteed; applicants should avoid making irreversible plans until after issuance.
Required Documents for K 1 and K 2 Visa Interview
Applicants should prepare:
- DS-160 confirmation pages
- Valid passports plus photocopies
- Birth certificates or adoption decrees where applicable
- Divorce decrees or death certificates terminating prior marriages
- Police certificates from current and previous countries of residence
- Military records if applicable
- Evidence supporting bona fide relationship
- Translations of any documents not in English
Document organization following consular standards helps avoid delays.
After Entry to the United States: Marriage and Adjustment of Status
Once admitted on a K 1 visa:
- Marry within 90 days.
- File Form I-485 with USCIS to adjust status to lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
Adjustment of status has its own requirements including evidence submission, biometrics appointment, and possible interviews separate from consular processing steps.
Inadmissibilities and Waivers Overview
Certain factors can make applicants inadmissible:
Examples include:
- Fraudulent documents
- Prior immigration violations like overstays
- Criminal history involving moral turpitude or drug trafficking
- Prior removal/deportation orders
- Failure to provide required vaccinations
Waivers may be available depending on circumstances; consular officers determine eligibility case-by-case based on established legal grounds such as INA sections addressing inadmissibility periods and requirements.
FAQs
What is the purpose of the K 1 visa?
To allow a foreign fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States, marry within 90 days, and apply for lawful permanent residence through adjustment of status using Form I‑485 with USCIS.
Who qualifies for a K 2 visa?
Unmarried children under age 21 of a principal K 1 applicant who will immigrate as dependents accompanying or following them but not entering before them.
What are basic eligibility requirements?
Both parties must be legally free to marry; have met in person within past two years (exceptions rare); petitioner must be a U.S. citizen filing Form I‑129F establishing bona fide relationship.
What are main steps from filing to interview?
File Form I‑129F → USCIS approval → NVC case assignment → Case sent to appropriate Consulate/Embassy → DS‑160 completion → MRV fee payment → ASC biometric registration → Medical exam → Visa interview → Visa issuance if approved.
What documents are needed at interview?
Passports, DS‑160 confirmations, birth certificates/adoption papers, proof terminating prior marriages if any, police clearances, military records if applicable, relationship evidence, translations where necessary—all organized neatly in originals and copies as per instructions.
What important rules apply regarding medical exams and visa validity?
Medical exams by authorized physicians are mandatory; visas typically valid up to 180 days from exam date but can be shorter depending on case specifics; entry into US must be before expiration; vaccination proof is required by law or risk inadmissibility.