The fiance of a U.S. citizen can enter the United States in K-1 visa status, but this does not immediately grant them a green card that allows them to live and work in the United States. There are further actions that need to be taken by both the U.S. citizen spouse and his or her overseas-based fiance.
Next Steps to Take Upon Your Fiance’s Arrival in the U.S.
Once the fiance arrives in the U.S., there are two important things to do immediately.
Get Married
K-1 visas are only valid for 90 days, after which the holder must obtain their marriage-based green cards. Hence, they must not delay the ceremony and get married to their U.S. citizen spouse within 90 days of their arrival.
File the Application
After the marriage between the overseas-based fiance and U.S. citizen spouse has been consummated, they must then file an application for adjustment of status to permanent resident. This is done by submitting form I-485 to the USCIS, also called the Green Card application.
Tips to Make the Process More Seamless
There are things that can be done to make the process faster and more seamless. Here are some tips:
Bring a Copy of Medical Paperwork
One of the requirements to obtaining a K-1 visa, which the overseas-based fiance already has, is a medical exam. It will be helpful to bring a copy of the existing medical results to the United States to submit with the I-485 form.
A medical exam is also required in a marriage-based green card application. Hence, having it on hand in the U.S. and submitting it to immigration for the second time will make the process faster and avoid delays.
Be Prepared for an Interview
Recently, immigration has begun scheduling K-1 I-485 applications for immigration interviews. It would be helpful for newly-married couples applying for a green card to be prepared for the interview, which will be held at their local field office.