Complete guide to the Fiance K-1 visa interview
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For most people, the Fiance(e) K-1 interview might be the most nerve-racking part of the process. It’s probably the first instance where you come face to face with any immigration official.
You can’t predict what will happen or what questions are asked. Unlike submitting your petition, not all things in the interview are always certain or clear. The best way to prepare and assure your success is to be prepared.
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How to be prepared for the interview
How do you prepare such that you’re not overly nervous?
The best way to make sure that you thoroughly convince the consular is to ask yourself “How convincing is my case?“. If you think along these lines, you’ll be able to figure out what weak points there are in your case (or evidence).
Think about it this way: If you were in the consular’s shoes, what would you doubt? Is it obvious that you’re legitimately engaged and have a good and active relationship? Or does a lack of evidence (or proof of relationship) make the consular doubt your intentions?
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You behavior should be
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- 1. Relaxed
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- 2. Natural and confident
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- 3. Showing Interest for your future
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Give straight forward answers but don’t get into to too much detail. The more you speak, the more they’ll doubt you. Relax and think before responding. Don’t joke around even if your interview is concluded.
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What should you wear? Be presentable. Dress properly
How do you look?
You don’t want to give a bad first impression to the consular. There is no dress code, but dress in a manner which shows you’re interested and excited.
Men should wear pants and shirt, while women should wear a dress. Have the context of your culture in mind when selecting an outfit. Also, be sure to wear something that’s respectful to others (don’t offend anyone and don’t overdo it).
Think about the fiance(e) visa interview as a job interview. You want the job, right? Then show them you were anticipating this day. The rule of thumb: don’t wear anything that draws too much attention.
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K-1 visa Checklist to Stay on track
Your Fiance(e) K-1 visa interview checklist is one of the most important things you need to bring. The checklist is a way to make sure you’ve got all your documents ready to be reviewed by the consular. Make sure you’re organized. The Embassy has already mailed you this checklist for the application and what to bring for the fiance(e) visa interview.
Every Embassy has a slightly different set of documents required by the applying fiance(e). So, there’s no universal checklist for the K-1 visa interview to provide.
However, if you’re looking for a handy organized downloadable, then see the overall K1 visa checklist.
Don’t shuffle through your papers looking nervous. Organize your paperwork, your checklist, your proofs in a good clean manner. Use sticky notes, paperclips, tabs, or other ways to separate out documents.
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Learn from others’ K-1 visa interview Experiences
A good way to calm your nerves is to learn from others’ experiences. Research and follow through what others have gone through in their K-1 visa interview. You can start by reading forums online. Explore what others have to say about your fiance(e)’s country’s embassy according to their own k-1 visa experiences.
Were they prepared? You’ll realize that the more properly-planned petitioners were calm and had all their documents ready. A lot of times, the K-1 couples list the process they followed during the entire day at the Embassy. Read through, so you know what’s in store.
Two websites with great forum communities are VisaJourney and Immihelp. There you’ll find incredible guidance and resources. The fiance(e) visa experiences couples share are valuable. The advice they give is indispensable. You can filter by country topics or general Fiance(e) visa topics. There’s great help for those in the (Manila) Philippines, Mexico, Europe, (Mumbai) India and more.
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Common K-1 Visa questions
Rehearse your answers to the common questions asked during the interview to show confidence. You’ll want to make sure basic questions are addressed first. What does your fiance(e) do? Where did he/she meet you?
Remember to answer in a calm, direct, confident way. Use your proof of relationship documents to help you. Do you want the best way to prepare for the k-1 questions interview?
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Quick K-1 Visa interview Tips
Preparedness makes the difference. Get your checklist ready. Rehearse your common questions. Get your proof of relationship ready.
You should
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- 1. Be calm
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- 2. Be confident
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- 3. Be direct with the responses. This isn’t the time test out your new jokes.
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- 4. The US petitioning fiance(e) isn’t required to attend. But it helps to validate your relationship if he/she is in the country to help support you.
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- 5. Review the applications and data (especially the I-129F, I-134 Affidavit of Support)
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- 6. Practice the questions and answers. A LOT.
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- 7. Get enough sleep the night before. You should be mentally alert and at your best.
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- 8. It’s better to say “I forgot” or “I don’t know” than to make up answers to questions.
- 9. Ask the Embassy about your K-1 visa for answers by email if you’re concerned about something
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For more tips, see the section below about the complete step-by-step tutorial.
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Step-by-step tutorial for the K-1 visa interview
Use this complete step-by-step tutorial on how to prepare for the K-1 visa interview. You will be taken through each step and fully explained
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- ♦ How to prepare each and every document (I-134, DS-160, etc.)
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- ♦ what happens and procedures at the K-1 interview,
. - ♦ how to best prepare for Questions and Answers
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- ♦ tips on the interview, preparing documents, and rehearsing
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- ♦ K-1 visa approval, denial or administrative processing.
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Take a look at the Preview of the Complete K-1 visa Tutorial.
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Hi, I’m Prem…
Let me show you how to get the Fiance Visa… and then your Green Card. I was left to struggle in my case, I’ll make sure you won’t be.
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[Please note: nothing on this website shall be considered legal advice]
March 30, 2020 at 6:26 am on Quick Relationship: A K-1 visa Red FlagHi, I met my girl friend last January '20 while on a trip in Thailand,...[click to read more]- March 29, 2020 at 2:20 pm on K-1 Fiance(e) Visa – Affidavit of Support (form I-134)Hello, Thanks for such an amazing/helpful sight. My fiance and I recently received approval notice...[click to read more]
- March 28, 2020 at 8:28 pm on Fiance Visa: How to fill Form I-944, Dec. of Self-Sufficiency (preparation guide)Hi Prem, Thanks so much for your quick response. I'm in a dilemma then, and...[click to read more]
step by step guidance
Recent Comments from readers…
- March 30, 2020 at 6:26 am on Quick Relationship: A K-1 visa Red FlagHi, I met my girl friend last January '20 while...
- March 28, 2020 at 8:28 pm on Fiance Visa: How to fill Form I-944, Dec. of Self-Sufficiency (preparation guide)Hi Prem, Thanks so much for your quick response. I'm...
Hello,
My fiancé’s interview was approved (so far) however his police clearance is taking longer than expected to arrive so he didn’t have it at the interview. He is in Australia, and is afraid they might still deny him( he hasn’t had any police record!) Have you ever heard of this situation and have any experiences to share? They kept his passport, he just has to mail the clearance when he gets it. Thanks!
Hello Lisa and we appreciate your writing to us.
We’ve heard some few cases of missing PCC that were not ready by the time the interview took place and the applicants had both scenarios: either approved or denied.
Since this is a topic in which the decision is totally based on the officer’s discretion, it’d be inappropriate for us to tell you right now whether the outcome will be a positive or a negative one.
Unfortunately, for any pending processes with the Embassies, the only way is to wait until they give you a final response.
What we can say is if your fiancé’s PCC comes out ok, then all the waiting will have made up for this.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Here’s a very instructional article:
https://www.visatutor.com/k-1-visa-interview-tutorial/us-embassy-processes-case/fiancee-k-1-visa-police-certificate/
-Cris (Visa Tutor Team)
Hi Prem,
Thank you so much for this website, It’s the most helpful website I’v been at.
I’m US citizen, currently in the process of applying for k1 visa for my fiancee , my fiancee has dual citizenship (Syrian and Venezuelan) (both are under the travel ban).
My question is when filling the 129F form, which nationality should I put in the field that is asking about country of citizenship? can I put them both in the same field? Do I need to submit photocopies of both passports? should I put only one and attached a handwritten note that she carries another nationality? please guide me through this field.
Also, another question that since Syrians inherit their family name only from their dad, while Venezuelans have two last names (from their dad and mom) , so one passport shows 2 last names and the other passport shows only one last name, how to solve this issue?
P.S: she was born in Syria, and she resides in Syria as well. She got her Venezuelan citizenship as her dad passes it to her.
Hello Robbie,
The choice is yours. However, you should make a wise decision on which nationality you want to choose.
It’s a bit of a complicated question to answer in a quick comment.
I’d suggest you discuss it with us more in our forum.
-Cris (Visa Tutor Team)
Hello
I’m curious as to how my documents should be delivered to Guangzhou where my fiancé’s interview will take place. Do I need to mail originals to her, or can they be emailed, ie, affidavit of support, tax returns and divorce decree? Also, does the divorce decree have to be a certified copy?
Thank you
Daryl
Hi Daryl,
That’s a fairly common question. I answer it here in detail # 2: I-134 Affidavit of Support tips.
In general, you may scan and email the documents as originals are not required for tax documents.
-Prem
Hi Prem,
Thank you for your help! My question relates to my beneficiary having dual citizenship. Our i-129f has been approved, and our case is currently at the Embassy in Panama. We are in the process of doing the DS-160 and i-134, and awaiting to schedule an interview.
My fiancee has both Panamanian and Spanish citizenship. She lives (and has always lived) in Panama, and has never lived in Spain or any other country. On the i-129f we put that she has both of these citizenships and had no issue. Should we continue to present both her Spanish and Panamanian passports when asked for her passport data page? Is there anything we should keep in mind moving forward? Again she has never actually lived there, and we are applying thru the US-Panamanian Embassy.
Hello Chris,
You’re allowed to use whichever valid passport you prefer to use. Dual citizens have the option of using either. It’s your preference for the most part. Unless you see a reason otherwise.
-Cris (Visa Tutor Team)
greetings, while filling my Ds-160 I was unable to print out my form and I submitted immediately because I was in a hurry to submit, so that I can quickly get a date for interview. pls I hope this does not cause any harm???
Hello Joy,
You must have received an email from the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) saying that your electronic Visa application has been submitted and it even comes with a confirmation number and they usually send you a PDF with this DS-160 confirmation info.
-Cris (Visa Tutor Team)
since my fiance has to fly out to the embassy for the medical and for the interview. I was wondering if he could do the medical and interview in one shot (spend the night and do both in one trip) in stead of having to fly out 2 different times. would that be advisable?
IV,
usually that’s not allowed. The medical exam report usually requires 1 week (at least) to be generated and ready for the interview. You should call up the medical clinic and ask them for the time they need. Then you can figure out if you can spend the week there or not.
-Prem
Hi Prem! So I’m looking at the requirements for the K-1 interview and application for the UK, and it says the following:
Birth Certificate: Obtain the original, or certified copy (provided by the issuing authority), of the birth record of each family member (yourself, your spouse, and all unmarried children under the age of 21, even if they are not immigrating with you.
…So does this mean my UK fiance needs his birth certificate and also needs my birth certificate? Thank you!!
Hey Sarah,
It’s worded a bit oddly, I agree. However, I take that to mean only family members applying for the visa. Technically, your fiance isn’t your spouse so that doesn’t count. What do you think?
-Prem
My fiancé and I have submitted our DS-160 to the US Embassy in Montreal Canada. Our I-129F will be expiring in March and we haven’t had an interview yet. Will this be a problem? What happens if our I-129F expires before we have an interview? (We have reached out to the embassy to extend our expiration date but they told us it was up to the consulate officer to extend it during the interview, but we don’t have an interview yet and our I-129F will have already expired by that point)
Also, since we have submitted the DS-160, do we need to wait for the embassy to tell us when to schedule and interview? Will they send us something to tell us it’s time to schedule the interview? How does that process work?
Thank you!
Sydney,
The I-129F validation period is for 4 months. They expect you to have the interview by that time, however, it’s not a problem if it takes longer past the expiration date. You can read all about it here and how to get your case revalidated:
https://www.visatutor.com/how-to-extend-your-i-129f-validity/
In terms of procedures after submitting the DS-160, you can follow my step by step guides all over the website in addition to this:
https://www.visatutor.com/steps-129f-fiance-visa-petition-approval/
-Prem
Hi, so I applied for my fiancé in Ghana and we just received a letter that says the embassy is ready to process his visa. But my problem is I know I have to submit an affidavit of support and I just started working after graduating in may2018. My question is would I need a joint sponsor for him and if so what of the two affidavit of support form (I134 and I-864) do I use for the joint sponsorship. Lastly the person I am using as a joint sponsor didn’t not file taxes last year so I want to know if that can also be a problem.
Hello Franklina,
If you recently started working, you can look at # 3 here:
https://www.visatutor.com/my-top-5-tips-for-the-i-134-in-your-fiance-k-1-visa/
where I tell you how to still be an eligible sponsor.
Also, you can’t combine two different affidavits like the I-134 and I-864. If you want to use a joint sponsor, it’s almost impossible to get approved unless you show tax return proof.
I urge you to browse through my site for all kinds of information working with your I-134.
-Prem
Today was our interview date and we were approved! Just have to wait for the documents to come through and he gets to move over. I’m so happy and so is he!
hey Destiny,
A big congratulations to you. Please tell us about the experience. What sort of questions asked and what was the overall process?
-Prem
Hello,
I am very happy having found this forum.
Me and my fiance (US citizen) are expecting to launch K1 visa soon (1-3months). We would like that my son and one other child member of my family will come also with me to live together in US.
I am in Madagascar , few questions :
– is the US embassy who choose the interview date and the medical exam test or it’s me?
– if it’s the US embassy which décide the interview and medical test dates, in which moment after the beginning of the process I would be informed about ?
– do you think adopting à child then bringing her with me in US may make not approved our K1 visa request ?….can you advise please.
Sincerely,
Manitra
Hello Manitra,
1. It’s different for every embassy. Some will schedule the interview for you. While others want you to do it. The USEmbassy.gov instructions will tell you exactly how to proceed when you get to that stage. The same goes for the medical exam. Usually you will set up the exam.
2. You will be informed about it when they get your case. They will ask you to alert them once you’ve got your paperwork ready. Once you tell them you’re ready, they will set up an interview.
3. Adopted children are allowed to get a k-2 visa. Yes, you can apply for her visa as long as she’s under the age limit.
-Prem
Hi Everybody.
I just wanted to share my interview experience with y’all at the Consulate in Johannesburg this September 2018.
My appointment was at 1pm. I got there at 12:30.
There were a few people waiting already.
Got in the premises and went through the security. I was 4th in line for the interview.
I was called once to hand ALL the documents they requested me and I also provided my finger prints. The lady was very friendly.
I was told to sit and wait until I am called for the interview by another officer.
I sworn an oath and she returned some originals I provided and gave me back all the new proofs of relationship I provided. (I got scared that could be a negative sign). But kept it cool.
The only questions I was asked were:
1) How did you meet?
2) Did you meet in person? When?
3) Were you married before? How many times was your fiancé married before?
3) What’s your fiancé’s job?
She said « Well, I don’t see any reason why I should not approve you »
I was briefed on the lead time it will take to get my passport back with the visa and that was it.
Very simple and quick procedure.
I kept my answers short but precised. I was not nervous and smiled a bit here and there (not overdoing it).
If your case is a genuine one, you don’t have to worry!
Hi Uriella,
Congratulations on the approval. And thanks so much for sharing. I hope your story gives a bunch of us reassurance about our future K-1 visa interview. I agree –If your case is genuine, you shall see approval.
We’ve been talking about your K-1 visa interview for over 1 year now. It’s finally done and you’re approved. Congratulations again and best of luck. We’ll see you in the US soon.
-Prem
So my fiancé and I just got the acceptance for the petition. Now we are waiting for the visa to go to the NVC then we will be getting the date for the interview. But I can’t figure out what information I need to obtain. Can you help me figure out what I need.
Please and thank you.
Hello Destiny,
Congratulations on the approval. You can check this to figure out what steps/documents you’ll need for the K-1 visa interview https://www.visatutor.com/steps-129f-fiance-visa-petition-approval/
Let me know if you have further questions.
-Prem
So as I am waiting for my NOA2, I have been reading up on the Police Clearance. I am the petitioner, so my fiance the benificiary living in Lebanon. I thought the NVC does their own background check on both of us. is the PCC somethign we need to work on or is the NVC going to get it on their own?
Hello Joulie,
Yes, the checks that the USCIS, NVC and US Embassy perform are separate from what you have to provide at the interview. You will need to get a PCC from where she qualifies and needs to get one.
-Prem
Hi. I am investigating requirements for Affidavit of Support. I have already filed the I-129F and waiting for approval. My question is just to be clear, it is okay to meet 100% of the poverty guidelines and not the 125%? The I-864 differentiates between active duty and “all other sponsors.” My concern is that I have been a graduate student the past couple of years and not been able to work full time because of unpaid internship hour requirements. My fiancé and I recently had the conversation that his child may come with him. I meet the 100% guideline, but I am just under the 125% and I am not active duty. I also do not have a joint sponsor. I am wondering if I can show the school loan money I received as income? Also, I will have my Master’s degree before the interview. Can I show that as proof of income potential? I hope to have a new job by that time as well! Thank you.
Hey Linda,
Two main things for you: (1) it’s not required to meet the 125% for the I-134 during the K interview. You only have to meet the 100%. (2) Secondly, you mention bringing your fiance’s child on a K-2 visa. Keep in mind the child will also count as a household member. So, you’re not going to read “2” members in the I-864p chart, but instead read “3” or more depending on who else is dependent on your tax returns.
You can read more about the I-134 requirements here https://www.visatutor.com/k-1-fiancee-visa-affidavit-support-form-134/
Also keep in mind that a job isn’t required during the k visa process as you can read the full detail here https://www.visatutor.com/do-i-need-a-job-to-file-for-a-k-1-visa/
Also, loan money doesn’t count as sustainable income. Earning potential helps get you over the edge if the officer thinks you’ll be able to make it. However, a future job or future job contract cannot be used to say that you will have more income in the future. The US Embassy only accepts current job / income never the future.
-Prem
Hello! Thank you for all the information I find it very useful.
I have one very important question. My fiance (US citizen) and I are filing K1, we are waiting for NOA2, our interview will be at Ciudad Juarez Consulate in Mexico, we are having a religious ceremony and we know it will be probably before the interview as we already have the date, venue, etc. I have been stressed because recently I have seen some posts about people saying that holding a religious ceremony is risky and you may get denied your K1 application, but a religious ceremony isn’t a legal way to get married in Mexico, there is even information about it on the US embassy website: https://mx.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/local-resources-of-u-s-citizens/marriage/
It states the following: “If an American Citizen plans to marry in Mexico, he/she must follow all the applicable rules and laws of Mexico. A marriage will be recognized in the United States as long as it is apostilled and translated. Only marriages performed by Civil Registry Officials (not religious officials) are considered legal and valid in Mexico.”
I know I should not…
[CONTENT OMITTED BY VISATUTOR]
… but I don’t know if that can be mentioned without raising a red flag during the interview or should my sole purpose be JUST getting married and intend to return to my home country after the marriage?
Thanks a lot
Hello Corgi,
I see you’re kind of in the spot where a lot of other people can feel themselves to be at. I know that the US Embassy recognizes marriages based on the host country’s definition of marriage. Like you correctly pointed out, a marriage in Mexico is only legally valid if it’s done by civil officials and not by religious ceremonies. However, I would strongly recommend you avoid any religious ceremonies. You don’t want to give the impression of marriage or anything like that. Marriage outside the US invalidates the K-1 visa. You can read more about it here https://www.visatutor.com/can-k-1-fiance-marry-coming-us/
In my opinion, small ceremonies are allowed and acceptable. But a full religious ceremony seems very much risky to me. What do you think?
-Prem
Hello !!!
My interview in couple days ! So unbelievable !:) I’m very excited and nervous! It was confusing moment in our case, I got instructions and interview date in same letter even before we filled DS-160 ! So we filled forms and send it after my interview scheduled..
I’ll do my best and write you here !)
Thank you for your help !
Respectfully,
fiancée from Azerbaijan
Hello Mia,
That sounds exciting. I’m so glad that things are coming together. In just a few days, hopefully, you’ll see an approval. Please tell us the details once you’re approved.
-Prem
ok so I am preparing the paperwork for the interview (I-134) why do they make these questions soooo confusing. On page 4 question 26-29. i never applied before, technically my fiance is the first. do i need to fill his info in? It’s confusing because i dunno if they are asking me if i filed previous to him or previous to filing that form.
The other question is on the same page Question 38. everyone seems to be clicking yes and writing information on the last page(page 8) “N/A (K1 Visa Process For Permanent Residence)” should i do that too? i intend to support him but i am not sure what that they mean” I intend to make specific contributions”?
Hi Joulie,
I know, the forms aren’t well written or clear. For page 4, question 26-29, if your current fiance is the one and only person you’re sponsoring, then you don’t have to put them here. This question is only for a previous sponsorship before your current fiance. In your case, you don’t put anything there.
For your second question, you may select “intend”. But, I’ll tell you exactly why it doesn’t matter which option you select. This form I-134 is used by other visa petitions for which this question applies. It’s where someone sponsors a foreigner and provides for their living expenses and all. For K-1 visa petitions, this question doesn’t apply because you’re not sponsoring their visit to the US. Actually, you’re taking full responsibility of them. So, this question doesn’t apply to us fiance visa folks. You can write “n/a fiance visa petition”.
-Prem
https://www.visatutor.com/k-1-fiancee-visa-affidavit-support-form-134/
Hi everyone. I received the NVC letter about a month ago now (i’m the visa beneficiary). In it, it said that the US Embassy will contact me. However, I do not know if I was supposed to fill the DS-160 form in which it says that it is the first step to the process. I’m really lost.
I’m looking forward to your answer,
Marie
Hello Marie,
You should check your status here https://ceac.state.gov/ceacstattracker/status.aspx and see what it says for your case. If it says “ready” it means the US Embassy is ready for you to begin the process. The first of which will be the DS-160 submission. Let us know what the CEAC status reads.
-Prem
Hello,
I had an interview for K 1 yesterday. I didnt grt the visa becaus I had a missing G325 form. They gave me a paper and told me to fill in the form and submit it so they can continue.
My fiance should fill it as well. Can he sign it electronically or it should be with a pen?
Hello Kris,
You were asked to fill out the G-325 form? that’s the first time I’ve heard anything like that. Regardless, if that’s what they want, that’s what they get. You can fill it out by hand or computer and print it out. Then send it back to them. Let us know what happens with the submission. I will research into this more…
-Prem
Have you heard anything about this new Form they started giving out around the interview DS-5535? I am not sure if this is given out for just spousal or other visa related applicants, I am curious because I am hearing lots of delays 6-7 months delay after interview. Please inform us how long the process is. I know it’s new and it’s part of Trump’s new immigration policy. any info will help!! I am concerned that this will delay my fiance from arriving this summer.
Hey Joulie,
Yes, I’ve actually talked a bit about the DS-5535 in my article https://www.visatutor.com/facebook-social-media-affects-k-1-visa-outcome/ about how social media can be reviewed to test eligibility. This DS-5535 can be given to any applicant if the Dept of State feels that they need to review your social media handles.
If you’re unfortunate to be one of those are who asked to submit their social media handles during the K-1 visa process (with the DS-5535), the waiting time afterward may vary based on what they’re looking for and what they find. I suggest you read my two social media articles and how they affect the K-1 visa process. https://www.visatutor.com/how-to-safely-use-facebook-social-media-during-your-k-1-visa-process/
-Prem
What if I can’t speak English well?
Interpreters are available to help translate for you during the interview. Good luck!
This information is a great resource for many couples who are going through the K-1 process. I have gone through it and it was very confusing and nerve wrecking! Keep up the good work! Let me know if you need anything, I am always willing to help a fellow K-1 survivor 🙂
Thanks Ayan,
The process was truly long and confusing. I’m trying to help others who are going through this to make sense of it. I’m trying to make it as practical and simple as possible.
Thanks for stopping by, it’s great to see that you’ve also got a great resource for those involved in the process.