FIANCÉ/E GREEN CARD APPLICATION

If you are a non-U.S. citizen engaged to an American citizen and planning to get married in the United States, you might be eligible to apply for a Fiancé/e Green Card. This card allows the foreign fiancé/e to enter the U.S. and marry their American partner within 90 days of arrival. Once married, the foreign fiancé/e can then apply for permanent residency and eventually become a U.S. citizen. In this article, we will explore the process of applying for a Fiancé/e Green Card and the steps you need to follow.

What is a Fiancé/e Green Card?

A Fiancé/e Green Card, also known as a K-1 visa, is a temporary visa that allows a non-U.S. citizen fiancé/e to enter the United States and marry their American citizen partner. This visa is valid for 90 days, during which the couple must marry. Once married, the foreign fiancé/e can then apply for an adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder).

The Fiancé/e Green Card is a popular option for couples who are planning to get married in the United States but do not have enough time to go through the traditional marriage-based immigration process. It allows the couple to be together in the U.S. while completing the necessary paperwork to obtain permanent residency.

How to Apply for a Fiancé/e Green Card

Applying for a Fiancé/e Green Card involves several steps. The process begins with the U.S. citizen filing a petition, Form I-129F, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This petition serves as evidence that the couple intends to get married within 90 days of the foreign fiancé/e’s arrival in the U.S. The USCIS will review the petition and, if approved, will send it to the appropriate U.S. consulate or embassy for further processing.

Once the petition is approved, the foreign fiancé/e will be required to undergo a medical examination and attend an interview at the U.S. consulate or embassy in their home country. During the interview, the officer will assess the legitimacy of the relationship and the couple’s intent to marry. If the officer is satisfied, the foreign fiancé/e will be issued a K-1 visa, allowing them to travel to the United States.

Once in the U.S., the couple must get married within 90 days. After the marriage, the foreign fiancé/e can then apply for an adjustment of status by filing Form I-485 with the USCIS. This application includes supporting documents such as proof of the marriage, financial records, and medical examinations. If approved, the foreign fiancé/e will receive a conditional Green Card, valid for two years. The couple will then have to apply to remove the conditions within the 90-day period before the expiration of the card.

Obtaining a Fiancé/e Green Card requires careful planning and following the necessary steps. It is important to gather all the required documents, attend interviews, and meet the deadlines to ensure a smooth process. Remember, this article only provides a general overview, and it is recommended to consult an immigration attorney or seek advice from the official USCIS website for specific details and guidance tailored to your situation. Good luck with your Fiancé/e Green Card application and congratulations on your upcoming marriage!