Several questions before applying for a K1 visa

[AsafSB 3]

Hello all,

My girlfriend is American and I'm Israeli. We have just decided to get engaged, and as she is starting her masters in the US, we have decided to apply for a K1 visa.

Before applying, we have a couple of questions we were hoping you could help us with:

1. We currently live in France. As an Israeli citizen, will I have to apply/file forms in my home country, Israel, or can I do it in France?

2. At the moment, my girlfriend is living with me in France, but will get back to the US after about 3 months. Will it be possible for her to perform the initial application (i.e. send the I-129F) from France, or is it better to do it in the US?

3. As I'm still working and renting an appartment in France, I will need to notify my housing agency and my job a couple of months before leaving. Is there a limit to the time between the K1 visa is approved/received and the time of entry to the US?

4. What is the appoximate period of time between getting married in the US, and having the possibility to work?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Monica & Asaf

[Dohan 133]

3. As I'm still working and renting an appartment in France, I will need to notify my housing agency and my job a couple of months before leaving. Is there a limit to the time between the K1 visa is approved/received and the time of entry to the US?

Once you have the visa in your passport you have 6 months to enter the US.

4. What is the appoximate period of time between getting married in the US, and having the possibility to work?

Depending on how soon you marry and file for Adjustment of Status (AOS) it then takes about 40-60 days to receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD). So the quicker you marry and file for AOS, the quicker you get the EAD.

I'll let others answer questions 1 and 2 because I don't have concrete info on that. You can also check with US embassy in France if you might be eligible for consular processing since your American fiancee is living with you there.

Welcome and good luck!

[Girl from Celebes 588]

Hello all,

My girlfriend is American and I'm Israeli. We have just decided to get engaged, and as she is starting her masters in the US, we have decided to apply for a K1 visa.

Before applying, we have a couple of questions we were hoping you could help us with:

1. We currently live in France. As an Israeli citizen, will I have to apply/file forms in my home country, Israel, or can I do it in France?

2. At the moment, my girlfriend is living with me in France, but will get back to the US after about 3 months. Will it be possible for her to perform the initial application (i.e. send the I-129F) from France, or is it better to do it in the US?

3. As I'm still working and renting an appartment in France, I will need to notify my housing agency and my job a couple of months before leaving. Is there a limit to the time between the K1 visa is approved/received and the time of entry to the US?

4. What is the appoximate period of time between getting married in the US, and having the possibility to work?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Monica & Asaf

1. Depends. If you are living there for a while - not just visiting- you can apply in France. If you wanted to do the interview in your home country, you can put US embassy in Tel Aviv on the I-129F form.
2. It is better to do that in the US. She can have all docs are needed from you and send the petition when she comes back.
3. Yes. Usually up to 6 months.
4. You have to get married within 90 days after arrival, file AoS as soon as possible. I have received my authorization to work (EAD) about 69 days after sent the application. But it is vary depend to USCIS local offices where your application will going to.

[baron555 934]

1. We currently live in France. As an Israeli citizen, will I have to apply/file forms in my home country, Israel, or can I do it in France?

If you are legal resident of France, then you can have your interview there.

2. At the moment, my girlfriend is living with me in France, but will get back to the US after about 3 months. Will it be possible for her to perform the initial application (i.e. send the I-129F) from France, or is it better to do it in the US?

Either, your choice.

3. As I'm still working and renting an appartment in France, I will need to notify my housing agency and my job a couple of months before leaving. Is there a limit to the time between the K1 visa is approved/received and the time of entry to the US?

6 months max to use the visa from the date of the medical.

4. What is the appoximate period of time between getting married in the US, and having the possibility to work?

Usually 3 months after marriage. Marriage, using the K-1, must be done within 90 days of entry to the US.

Monica & Asaf