K1 Visa

This page contains information on :

How to go about applying for the K1 Visa;
What you need to do;
What you can expect;
What forms and fees are needed.

Things to be done...Before you get the Visa

By US citizen

Complete Biographic Information Document (Form G-325A).
File a petition for the non-US citizen by completing Form I-129F.

NOTE : Both G-325A and I-129F forms require information about both parties.

Needed at time of submitting documents:

two color photo's of each person;
birth certificate of US citizen;
proof of relationship;
proof that you have met within last two years;
US$75;

The US citizen sends of the above documentation to the relevant INS. (Can be mailed).

When the INS office has recieved the petition they will return a Notice of Action form, indicating that they have recieved the petition and indicate that it takes "20 to 30 days to process". You will also recieved a reciept for the US$75.

When the petition is aproved the US citizen will recieve another Notice of Action form, indicating that the petition has been approved and has been forwarded to the US consulate in the non-US citizen's town - or closest office.

NOTE: In South Africa, the K1-Visa is only processed in the Johannesburg office so the petition is sent there; the interview will also take place in Johannesburg.

Collect Affidavid of Support (Form I-134) and post to fiancé(e)

TIP : Make certified copies of all documentation before you send it off.

By non-US citizen

Most of the documents needed by the non-US citizen take as much as 4 to 6 weeks to obtain, so while you are waiting for the petition to be approved you can go ahead and collect the following documents, and do the following things:

Police Certificate;

NOTE : In South Africa, you just go to your local police station and request a Police Clearance Certificate. It costs about R30. They do it from Pretoria and it will apply for every place you have lived in South Africa from the age of 16.

Birth Certificate (must be LONG FORM);
Passport (must be valid for travel to the US and have at least 6 months validity beyond the issuance date of the visa);
Marriage paper if applicable (previous marriage);
Divorce papers if applicable;
Military record if applicable;
Court and prison records if applicable;
Adoption certificate if applicable;
Deed poll change of name if applicable;
Proof of relationship (telephone records, emails, letters, photos together etc);
Visa fee (Currently US$20 in South Africa)
Affadavit of support (must be sent to you (completed) by your US fiancé(e)
Medical Examination. (Click here for info on the medical examination);
2 colour photos to given specifications (See information of photo specs);

NOTE : Have the photo's done when you have an appointment date so that they are recent.

When your consulate has recievced the approved petition and all the documents, they will send you (non-US citizen) a package instructing you to fill in some forms and to collect the above documents.

When you have all the documents, you need to sign a form indicating that you have all the documents. You can fax the form to your consulate (fax number 011-331 1314).
In South Africa, you also need to pay the Visa fee into the consulate's bank account.

(SA only : Fee = US$20; Nedbank Acc# 1990 20 7995)

Phone to confirm that they have recieved the fax, and make an appointment for the interview.
Get your photo's done.

TIP : Make 2 certified copies of all documentation before you send it off - just in case!

The Interview - By non-US citizen

In Johannesburg you need to get there before 8am for the interview. You will probably be standing in line outside the door until they open it - so get in early. When you go up, go to information and let them know you are there. They will notify the interview person, who will call you when he/she is ready. They will check through all your documents (to make sure you have everything and aren't wasting their (or your) time. I waited for about 45 mins and then had the interview. By 11 am I had the visa in my passport!

Personal Note:

For me, the interview was a breeze. The staff at both the Durban and Johannesburg consulates were efficient, friendly and only too happy to help. I don't think there should be any problems if your relationship is genuine and you have all the correct paper work, and "your ducks in line".

For our own time line click here.

For information on what to do after you have the visa.

To download forms from the INS click here

Useful information

Johannesburg US Consulate:

Tel : 011 - 331 1681

FAX : 011 - 331 1314

Address :

11th floor, Cine Building

Corner of Commisioner and Kruis Streets

Johannesburg

Durban US Consulate:

Tel : 031 - 304 4737

Click here to see a list of US embassies around the world.

Go to my Home Page

Back to Top of this page.

Send me mail if you find I have been inacurate, or if you have any questions.

This page was last updated on 26 January 1998

Page hit number :

Diclaimer :

Although I have tried to be as accurate as possible with the information I have supplied, it is likely that I have made some errors. I cannot be held responsible for any actions you take based on my advice or information I have supplied. Always verify with the relevant persons or bodies involved.
I welcome any comments or improvents regarding the accuracy of the information.

This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page