Understanding how to prepare for the K1 Visa interview is an important part of the K1 visa process. After your U.S sponsor files Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé, and you file Form DS-160 along with additional documentation, you can expect to wait around two to eight weeks for the U.S embassy or consulate to schedule you (the beneficiary) a K1 visa interview.
Generally, the only ones who attend the K1 visa interview are the foreign fiancé(e) and any K2 children that were included in the same I-129F petition. In this article, we will discuss how to prepare for the interview, what documents to bring with you, and what to expect after the interview is over.
Before the K-1 Visa Interview
In addition to the interview date, the U.S. embassy or consulate will include instructions about scheduling a complete medical examination by a physician who is accredited and approved by USCIS. Make sure to read the instructions carefully before you schedule a medical exam.
Tips to Prepare for the K-1 Visa Interview
It’s important to prepare for your interview by gathering the proper documentation and showing up presentable. Not only does this demonstrate accountability, but also proves that you are an established and reliable individual.
Here are some helpful tips to help you prepare.
- Review Sample Interview Questions- You can find sample questions on the U.S. embassy website or online. To learn more read our article K1 Visa Sample Questions. ( We will need to add the link for the K-1 visa interview questions)
- Dress accordingly- although there is no dress code for the interview, it's best to dress presentable that way you can make a good first impression on the consular officer.
- Identify the location of your interview - locate the U.S. embassy or consular location your interview will take place. Knowing this will help you get there without feeling overwhelmed.
- Arrive early- depending where you are residing, arriving on time can save you from rushing or even missing your appointment because of traffic or other reasons.
Do not negate the importance of preparation and organization, this will guarantee you to have a successful interview.
Proving Your Relationship In the K1 Visa Interview
Proving the legitimacy of your relationship is the most important part of the interview. You will give your testimony as well as provide factual and documented evidence. Valid evidence should be organized in a folder for you to show to the consular officer during the interview.
In a folder, you may want to collect proof such as:
- Photographs
- Letters (handwritten or digital printed)
- Text messages/ emails
- Travel Itineraries
- Phone bills with both of your names on it
- Receipts to major life events
- Birth certificates (if you have children together)
- Assets, bank accounts, mortgages, or any other proof you may have.
Start a timeline of your relationship and chronically describe it from the beginning to the current status. Note the first time you met, where you met, and how the relationship began. Include important memories, anniversaries, and other important functions you have had.
What you will need to discuss In The K1 Visa Interview
- How long have you been together?
- Include any trips taken and include pictures or social media posts.
- When, where, and how the engagement took place?
- How long have you been engaged?
- Potential locations for the wedding; and
- Any future plans, for example, starting a family, buying a home etc.
Building a sustainable case for your visa means that it's necessary to have valid proof. This is the best way to ensure your results are successful: build an honest and convincing claim.
What Documents do I Need to Bring for the K-1 Visa Interview?
You will need to bring important documents to your interview. You can find this list on the interview instructions given to you by USCIS.
Here is a checklist of documents to take with you. It is recommended that you take all of these in the event that they may be asked for:
- Form DS-160 Confirmation Page
- Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé
- Form I-797, Notice of Action (petition approval notice)
- A Valid Passport for each applicant (up to 6 months)
- An original Medical Examination performed by an accredited physician
- Form I-134, Affidavit of Support ( Evidence of financial support)
- Two Passport-style photos ( for State requirements read here)
- An original Birth Certificate
- An original Divorce Decree or death certificate of any previous spouse (If applicable)
- A police certificate from your county & any court transcript or certificates of trial
- Evidence of valid relationship with the U.S sponsor (picture, messages, letters, etc.)
- Evidence of visa fee payments.
Translating all documents into English is a requirement. All documents will be returned in their original form.
In the event you do not have all the necessary documents, your visa request may be delayed. For best practice, be proactive in reviewing these documents and go through the checklist to ensure all items are placed in a folder. For more information on the documents required, visit USCIS website for Nonimmigrant Visa for a Fianc(é)e (K-1)
What Happens During the K-1 Visa Interview?
Interviews are conducted in a question-answer format. You will be asked questions relating to you, your partner, and your relationship. There are 100 category questions, however, you will not be asked all questions.
The interview takes between 10 to 20 minutes, however, if there are discrepancies in your story, the consular officer may feel entitled to keep asking other questions to ensure you have a consistent story.
There is no reason to feel overwhelmed during the interview. Answer every question with honesty, however, if you do not know the answer to a question, it's fair to say you do not know or need to look it up.
How Long Until I Hear Back After The K1 Visa Interview?
Generally, your application will be approved immediately.
Here are the possible outcomes.
- You are approved immediately and will receive a passport containing a K-1 Visa (for one way entry only). More information is listed in the next section.
- The consulate officer may request additional evidence to review. Once they review, they will make a final decision.
- The consulate officer may deny your K1 visa for reasons such as serious criminal charges, or they do not find your relationship to be legitimate and genuine. If this does occur, you still have an opportunity to submit additional evidence for further evaluation by USCIS.
It is rare for an officer to deny your request before asking you to submit additional evidence. Most cases are successful and are approved without any problems.
What Happens After The Final Decision is Made?
If you are approved, you will receive a passport and a sealed packet that SHOULD NOT be opened until you arrive at a board of entry, where a homeland security officer will break the seal.
You have 6 months from the time your request was approved to travel and enter the U.S. Once you arrive, it is mandatory that you marry your U.S sponsor 90 days after your entry.
Staying in the U.S. After the K-1 Entry
Once you are married, the foreign national spouse can apply for an adjustment of status to a permanent resident (green card holder).
FAQs For How To Prepare For The K1 Visa Interview
Who Attends the K1 Visa Interview?
The K-1 visa beneficiary attends the K-1 interview. If K-2 children were included on the same I-129F petition, they will also attend.
How Hard is a K-1 Visa Interview?
If you prepare and are proactive by organizing your documents and doing basic interview questions, you will have a successful interview process. Most questions are simple and easy to answer. Read your instructions carefully before attending the interview.
How Long Does a K1 Fiancé Visa Take to Approve after the Interview?
Generally, you will know immediately or at the end of the day. Some cases require additional evidence before a final decision is made. However, in rare cases, applicants may be denied if they have serious criminal charges or did not convince the consular officer the relationship was legitimate.
