What Are the Documents Required for a K-1 Visa?

What is the K-1 Visa?

The K-1 fiancé(e) visa allows you to bring your fiancé(e) from abroad to the U.S. so you can get married within 90 days of their arrival. After you tie the knot, your spouse can then apply for a green card to stay in the U.S. permanently. 

To get started, you’ll need to submit a few important documents that prove your relationship, confirm eligibility, and show you can financially support each other.

Why are Documents So Important for a K-1 Visa?

Every document in your K-1 visa application tells an important part of your story—it’s proof of your commitment, eligibility, and preparedness for this process. Missing or incomplete paperwork can lead to frustrating delays and, in some cases, denials. The necessary K-1 visa documents are essential for building a well-organized application, which the U.S. Department of State noted in 2022 led to an overall K-1 visa approval rate of about 87%.

Taking the time to gather and organize your paperwork now will pay off, helping ensure a smoother, more successful K-1 visa journey.

Your K-1 Visa Document Checklist: What You’ll Need

Wondering, “How do I prepare my K-1 visa documents?” Here’s a complete checklist to help ensure everything is ready for your application. Each item here is crucial for proving your eligibility and commitment to your fiancé(e), bringing you one step closer to starting your new life together. Let’s walk through each requirement:

1. Proof of U.S. Citizenship for the Petitioner

The U.S. citizen sponsoring the K-1 visa needs to show proof of citizenship. You can use any of the following documents:

• A valid U.S. passport
• Birth certificate from the U.S.
• Naturalization certificate
• Certificate of Citizenship from USCIS

2. Evidence of a Genuine Relationship

To demonstrate your relationship is authentic, you’ll need to include documents that show a real and lasting connection. Important documents include:

• Photos of you and your fiancé(e) taken over time, showing the progression of your relationship
• Travel receipts (flights, hotels) from trips to visit each other
• Statements or letters from family and friends who know you as a couple and can vouch for your relationship
• Communication records like emails, messages, or call logs from the past two years

3. Proof of Termination of Any Previous Marriages

If either of you has been married before, you’ll need proof that those marriages have been legally ended. This could include:

• Divorce decrees
• Death certificates if a former spouse has passed away
• Annulment records

These documents are required to show that both of you are legally free to marry each other.

4. Financial Support Evidence (Form I-134)

To make sure your fiancé(e) won’t need public assistance, the U.S. sponsor needs to demonstrate financial stability. Required items include:

• A completed and signed Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support)
• Most recent tax returns
• Bank statements that show available funds
• Pay stubs and an employment letter verifying current income

5. Medical Exam and Police Clearance

The foreign fiancé(e) must provide proof of a clean bill of health and a clear background. Required documents include:

• Police clearance certificates from their current country and any other country they’ve lived in for six months or more since age 16
• A sealed medical examination report from a U.S.-approved doctor (this is typically required before the visa interview)

6. Additional K-1 Visa Supporting Documents

Finish your K-1 visa application with these last items:

• Two passport-style photos of both the U.S. citizen and foreign fiancé(e)
• DS-160 confirmation page printed after submitting the form online
• Proof of visa fee payment (this is usually checked at the visa interview)

Common Challenges in Compiling K-1 Visa Documents

Gathering K-1 visa documents isn’t always straightforward. Here are some challenges applicants often face:

• Missing or Hard-to-Find Records: Some records, like birth or divorce certificates, can be tricky to locate, especially if they are from another country. If you’re unable to obtain a specific document, you may need to submit notarized statements from people who can confirm the information.
• Translation Requirements: If any documents are in a language other than English, they must include a certified translation. The translation must be accurate, complete, and certified by a professional translator.

For help overcoming these common challenges, Rozas Immigration marriage and family visa attorneys offer support at each step, from finding missing records to ensuring all documentation meets K-1 visa requirements.