If you’re planning to sponsor your fiancé(e) to the US through a K-1 visa, you’re likely to face a complex and time-consuming process. The K-1 visa, also known as the fiancé(e) visa, is a non-immigrant visa that allows a non-US citizen to enter the US for the purpose of getting married to a US citizen.

Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements

Before applying for a K-1 visa, you and your fiancé(e) must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include:

• You must be a US citizen.
• You and your fiancé(e) must intend to marry within 90 days of your fiancé(e)’s entry into the US.
• You and your fiancé(e) must have met in person within the past two years, unless you can prove that meeting in person would be a hardship or violate cultural or social norms.
• You must file a petition with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of your fiancé(e).

Step 2: File the Petition

To file the petition, you’ll need to submit Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), to USCIS. You can download the form from the USCIS website or pick one up from a USCIS office. You’ll need to provide documentation, such as:

• Proof of your US citizenship (passport or birth certificate)
• Proof of your relationship with your fiancé(e) (photos, letters, emails, etc.)
• Proof of your intention to marry (wedding plans, etc.)

Step 3: Wait for the Petition to be Processed

Once you’ve submitted the petition, you’ll need to wait for it to be processed. This can take several months. You can check the status of your petition online or by contacting USCIS.

Step 4: Apply for the K-1 Visa

Once your petition has been approved, your fiancé(e) can apply for the K-1 visa at a US embassy or consulate in Thailand. Your fiancé(e) will need to provide documentation, such as:

• A valid passport
• A copy of the approved petition
• Proof of your relationship (photos, letters, emails, etc.)
• Proof of your intention to marry (wedding plans, etc.)

Step 5: Enter the US and Get Married

Once your fiancé(e) has been issued the K-1 visa, they can enter the US. You and your fiancé(e) must get married within 90 days of their entry into the US.

Seeking Professional Help

If you’re experiencing difficulties with the K-1 visa application process, it may be helpful to seek professional help from an immigration lawyer. An immigration lawyer can guide you through the process and help you avoid common mistakes.

In Thailand, there are several organizations that can provide assistance with the K-1 visa application process, such as the US Embassy in Bangkok and the US Consulate in Chiang Mai. You can also find immigration lawyers who specialize in K-1 visa applications.

Don’t let the K-1 visa application process intimidate you. With the right guidance and support, you and your fiancé(e) can successfully navigate the process and start your new life together in the US.