Embassy of the United States Helsinki, Finland

To establish K-1 visa classification for an alien fiancé(e), an American citizen must file a petition, Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), formerly known as the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), having jurisdiction over the place of the petitioner's residence in the United States. Such petitions may not be filed at an Embassy abroad. For questions on where to obtain the Form I-129F petition, and how and where to file it, contact your local USCIS office for details or consult www.uscis.gov.

The approved petition will be forwarded by USCIS to the American consular office abroad where the alien fiancé(e) will apply for his or her visa. The consular officer will notify the beneficiary when the approved petition is received and provide the beneficiary with the necessary forms and instructions to apply for a "K-1" visa.

The unmarried, minor children of a K-1 beneficiary derive "K-2" nonimmigrant visa status from the parent so long as the children are named in the petition. A separate petition is not required if the children accompany or follow the alien fiancé(e) within one year from the date of issuance of the K-1 visa. Thereafter, a separate immigrant visa petition is required.

After entry into the U.S. on K-1 visa:

• The alien fiancé(e) must apply for work authorization with the USCIS.
• The marriage must take place within 90 days of admission into the United States.
• Following the marriage, the alien spouse must contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and apply for change of status to that of an immigrant spouse.

Processing time

Fiancé(e) visa processing can take anywhere from 4 to 12 months from the date the petition is filed to the final adjudication of the visa. The Embassy cannot expedite this process.