My girlfriend lives in Venezuela and I want her to come visit the US

[Baylorbears 0]

1) What are the steps she needs to take to do this?

2) how long from starting the process does it typically take?

3) what is the likelihood she will be granted a visa?

4) Should we just look into the K-1 visa?

[Hypnos 6,578]

1) Apply for a B-2 visa at the nearest US embassy.

2) A few weeks.

3) Slim.

4) If you have met at least once in person within the previous two years, sure.

[JFH 12,191]

Bear in mind the K-1 visa requires you to marry within 90 days of her arrival and is for her to settle and make the US her home with you. It's not for visits. She will not be able to leave the country (even to go home) for several months after she arrives. It's a big step and a huge difference from coming to visit.

[Pork and Beans 4]

@JFH

As long as a person has a valid/unexpired I-551 and their travel outside the US is <1 year, all is well.

Edited March 13, 2016 by Pork and Beans

[Illiria 980]

@JFH

As long as a person has a valid/unexpired I-551 and their travel outside the US is <1 year, all is well.

But a K1 visa entrant doesn't get a I-551, they have to marry within 90 days then apply for aos ead and ap and only once either the green card or the ap is obtained can they leave the US for any reason. This is the point that JFH is making.

[dmck 80]

are you really ready to marry this person? Do you really know her that well?

[JFH 12,191]

@JFH

As long as a person has a valid/unexpired I-551 and their travel outside the US is <1 year, all is well.

You're thinking of CR-1.

The point I am making is that the OP asked about his girlfriend coming for a visit (which suggests she intends to leave after a fixed period) and if they go down the K-1 route they will not only have to marry (not sure that OP realises this as he made no reference of getting married) and she will be stuck in the USA for several months, which appears to contradict his plans for her to "visit".