The K-2 Visa is designed for the children of a foreign national fiancé(e) who is applying for a K-1 Fiancé Visa to enter the United States. If you are a U.S. citizen sponsoring a foreign fiancé(e) and their children, the K-2 visa ensures that the children can accompany their parent to the U.S. during the fiancé(e)’s visa process, allowing the family to stay together as they navigate the immigration process. At American Visa Hub, we specialize in assisting families with the K-2 visa process, providing expert guidance and support from start to finish.
What is the K-2 Visa?
The K-2 Visa allows the minor children (under the age of 21 and unmarried) of a foreign national who is applying for a K-1 Fiancé Visa to enter the U.S. along with their parent. The K-2 visa holders can travel to the U.S. and remain there with their parent while the parent completes the process of adjusting their status to permanent resident (Green Card holder) after marriage.
Once the parent and the child arrive in the U.S. on a K-2 visa, the child’s status as a non-immigrant will be adjusted along with the parent’s after the marriage, allowing them to eventually apply for permanent residency (Green Card). This visa is an essential part of ensuring that children are not separated from their parent during the K-1 visa process and helps to reunite families without unnecessary delays.
Who is Eligible for the K-2 Visa?
The K-2 Visa is available for children who meet the following eligibility requirements:
1. Relationship to the Fiancé(e)
The child must be the biological or legally adopted child of the fiancé(e) who has been approved for a K-1 Fiancé Visa. Stepchildren may also qualify if the marriage between the U.S. citizen petitioner and the fiancé(e) occurs before the K-2 visa is issued.
2. Age Requirement
The child must be under the age of 21 and unmarried. If the child turns 21 before the K-2 visa is granted, they will no longer be eligible for the visa. In such cases, the child may have to apply for an immigrant visa independently.
3. Immigration Status
The child must be seeking to enter the U.S. with their parent who is a K-1 visa holder. They cannot apply for a K-2 visa independently but must be included as a dependent in the application process.
K-2 Visa Application Process
The process for applying for a K-2 Visa follows a similar process to the K-1 Fiancé Visa, though there are additional steps to ensure the children’s eligibility. At American Visa Hub, we are here to help you every step of the way.
Step 1: File Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e))
The first step is for the U.S. citizen petitioner to file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), with USCIS. This form establishes the relationship between the petitioner and their fiancé(e) and includes information about any children under the age of 21 who will be applying for K-2 visas.
Step 2: Approval and Transfer to the National Visa Center (NVC)
Once USCIS approves the Form I-129F petition, the case is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC), which then sends the approved petition to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the fiancé(e)’s home country.
Step 3: Complete Form DS-160 and Gather Documentation
The child (K-2 visa applicant) must complete the Form DS-160 (online non-immigrant visa application) and prepare the necessary documents. These may include:
Proof of relationship to the parent (such as birth certificates)
The parent’s approved Form I-129F
Passport valid for travel to the U.S.
Visa application fees
Police certificates and medical examination results (if required)
Step 4: Attend the Visa Interview
The child will attend a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. During the interview, consular officers will verify the child’s eligibility, review documentation, and ensure the child is eligible for the K-2 visa. The parent, who holds the K-1 visa, will typically accompany the child to the interview.
Step 5: Visa Approval and Entry to the U.S.
Once the K-2 visa is approved, the child can enter the U.S. with their parent. The child’s status will remain non-immigrant until the parent marries and adjusts their status. Once the parent is married and applies for an Adjustment of Status (Green Card), the child will be included in the application process.
Why Choose American Visa Hub for Your K-2 Visa?
The K-2 Visa process is complex, requiring attention to detail to ensure that all required documents are submitted correctly and in a timely manner. At American Visa Hub, we provide comprehensive support throughout the entire process, offering personalized assistance to ensure a smooth experience for you and your family.
1. Expert Assistance with Documentation
Our team will help you gather and prepare all necessary documentation, ensuring that nothing is overlooked. We ensure that all paperwork meets USCIS and consular requirements, minimizing the chance of delays or denials.
2. Streamlined Process
We guide you through the process, from filing the initial petition to securing the K-2 visa and adjusting status after marriage. Our goal is to make your family’s immigration journey as efficient and stress-free as possible.
3. Clear Communication and Support
Throughout the K-2 visa process, we offer ongoing communication and support. We’ll keep you informed about every step of your case and ensure you understand the timeline and requirements for each stage of the process.
4. Minimized Stress for Families
With our guidance, you can avoid common pitfalls and confusion, ensuring that your child is able to join you in the U.S. without unnecessary delays.
Key Benefits of the K-2 Visa
Family Unity: The K-2 visa allows the children of the K-1 visa holder to accompany their parent to the U.S., keeping families united throughout the immigration process.
Pathway to Green Card: Once in the U.S., the K-2 visa holder will be able to adjust their status to permanent residency (Green Card holder) along with their parent after marriage.
Work Authorization (Once Adjusted Status): After adjusting status, K-2 visa holders may apply for work authorization and employment in the U.S.
Education Opportunities: Children on a K-2 visa can attend school in the U.S. without additional visa requirements.
Conclusion
The K-2 Visa is a crucial part of the process for families seeking to reunite in the U.S. by bringing children along with their parent who is entering on a K-1 Fiancé Visa. At American Visa Hub, we are dedicated to providing expert services to help you successfully navigate the K-2 visa process and ensure that your family can be together in the U.S.
Contact us today to learn more about how our services can help you bring your children to the U.S. and start your life together as a family.
No, a child cannot apply for the K-2 visa independently. The child must be the dependent of the K-1 visa holder and must be included in the petition filed by the U.S. citizen sponsor.
If the child turns 21 before the visa is granted, they are no longer eligible for the K-2 visa. They may need to apply for an immigrant visa or other appropriate visa on their own.
K-2 visa holders cannot work while they are on the K-2 visa. However, once the child’s status is adjusted after marriage, they can apply for work authorization.
A K-2 visa holder can stay in the U.S. as long as their parent holds K-1 status and remains in the process of adjusting their status. The K-2 visa holder must marry the U.S. citizen sponsor’s fiancé(e) within 90 days of entering the U.S. to remain in valid status.