During your K-1 Visa process, it’s important to be as careful and prepared as possible to increase your chances of approval. However, there are a few common mistakes couples make during their application process that can be easily avoided. Here are 4 important tips you can keep in mind while preparing your application.

1. Make Sure You Meet the Eligibility Requirements
   When applying for a K-1 Visa, you and your partner must show enough evidence to prove that you both meet the eligibility standards established by USCIS. Failing to do so is one of the most common reasons why couples may receive visa denials. To be eligible :
   
   • You and your fiancé(e) must prove that you intend to marry each other within 90 days of your fiancé(e)’s entry to the United States. You need to provide proof of your wedding plans. Your engagement alone is not sufficient proof.
   • You (the petitioner) need to be a U.S. citizen. Being a permanent resident is not enough.
   • You must have met your partner at least once during the two-year period before applying for the K-1 Visa. Exceptions can be made in case circumstances or religious/cultural reasons prevent this meeting from happening.
   • You must prove that you and your fiancé(e) are legally allowed to marry each other.
2. Fill Out Form I-129F Carefully
   In order for your fiancé(e) to apply for a K-1 Visa, you need to fill out Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), and submit it to USCIS. Mistakes, even small ones, like forgetting to sign the form, can lead to a delay or a denial of your petition. Don’t worry, though, because this online app will make sure you don’t skip any questions by mistake or forget to include required cover letters and extra documents with your petition. After you’re done filling out your information on the app, make sure to go through your answers again to correct any mistakes you spot. As a rule of thumb, all your answers should be as honest and detailed as possible.
3. Be Prepared for the Interview
   The main thing USCIS and consular officers look for during interviews is any indication of marriage fraud. Red flags include not having a common language spoken between you and your fiancé(e), having a big age difference, having different cultural beliefs, etc. Although these signs will not automatically lead to a denial, you must be prepared to answer truthfully and confidently any questions they ask you, however personal or invasive they might be.
4. Respect the 90-Day Deadline After receiving the K-1 Visa and entering the U.S., you and your partner will have 90 days to marry each other. If you don’t get married on time, your fiancé(e) will lose their K-1 status and they will have to leave the United States and return to their home country as soon as possible.

Were these tips helpful? Make sure to check out our K-1 Visa app and head to this article that explains how it works!