Applying for a K-1 Non-immigrant Visa from France

Applying for a K-1 Visa from France  

The K-1 visa application is for a foreign fiance(e) to enter the U.S. to marry a U.S. citizen within 90 days. If you are a U.S. citizen who is engaged to a French national, you are eligible to bring your fiance(e) to the U.S. in order to get married. 

There are multiple steps one must take before their fiance(e) is approved for a K-1 Visa. At Blue Lake Law we have extensive experience helping foreign nationals get their approval of K-1 Visas and who are now happily living with their spouse in the U.S.. 

Step 1: Form I-129F 

As a U.S. citizen you must file a I-129F form for your French fiance(e). A I-129F form is a petition for alien fiance(e) and is the first document filed by a U.S. citizen to bring their French fiance(e) to the U.S. for marriage and to await green card processing. 

The U.S. citizen will file this petition directly with USCIS with the USCIS Dallas Lockbox. Note, the address of the Dallas Lockbox changes based on the mail courier you are using. 

If you are using US Postal Services (USPS):

USCIS

Attn: I-129F

P.O. Box 660151

Dallas, TX 75266-0151

If you are using express mail/courier delivery (FedEx, DHL, UPS):

USCIS

Attn: I-129F (Box 660151)

2501 S. State Hwy. 121 Business, Suite 400

Lewisville, TX 75067-8003 

USCIS will require evidence of;

• citizenship of the U.S. citizen,
• the intent to marry within 90 days;
• and proof that you and your fiance(e) have met within the last two years.
• Proof of genuine relationship (photos, communication records, etc.)

Blue Lake Law helps our clients with creating affidavits of support which include the necessary evidence listed above. 

Step 2: Visa Processing & Application 

Once USCIS approves the initial I-129F application they will then send the petition to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC sends the approved petition to the U.S. Embassy in Paris. Here the fiance(e) of French nationality will begin their K-1 Visa application. 

The French fiance(e) will be required to fill out the DS-160, Online Non-Immigrant Visa Application and gather documents such as; 

• Birth certificate 
• Valid passport(s) and photo(s) 
• Police and/or criminal records
• Financial support proof
• And any necessary affidavits of support
• A medical exam of the French fiance(e) is also required and must be administered by an authorized physician. 

Step 3: Interview & Entry 

The U.S. Embassy in Paris will schedule and notify the French fiance(e) of the K-1 Visa interview, and the interview will be held in person at the U.S. Embassy in Paris. At the visa interview you must show up with all the required documents and forms. The consular officer that interviews your fiance(e) determines whether or not they qualify for the K-1 non-immigrant visa. 

1. If the officer finds that your fiance(e) qualifies for the visa then it is valid up to 6 month for a single entry 

1. If the officer determines that your relationship is not bona fide then the consular office will not issue the K-1 visa and instead return the original I-12F form back to USICS. If the consular office returns the I-129F form expired then USCIS will allow it to remain expired and you may choose to file a new I-129F form. 

If you and your fiance(e) are issued the K-1 visa then your fiance(e) must travel to the U.S. and be admitted at the port of entry while the K-1 visa is valid. 

NOTE: As with any visa, the K-1 visa does not guarantee admission to the U.S., the CBP officer at the port of entry makes the final decision about whether to admit your fiance(e). 

Step 4: Marriage & Green Card 

If your fiance(e) is admitted as a K-1 non-immigrant then you and your fiance(e) MUST marry each other within 90 days. 

Once you and your fiance marry within those 90 days, your now spouse may apply for a Green Card by filing a I-485 form, the Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. The I-485 form is filed through and reviewed by USCIS. 

We Can Help You Today

At Blue Lake Law, we have extensive experience assisting fiance(e)s of U.S. citizens applying for a K-1 Non-immigrant Fiance(e) Visa, including cases handled through the U.S. Embassy in Paris.
We guide clients through every step—from preparing the initial I-129F form to compiling evidence and preparing for the consular interview.

If you are a U.S. citizen with a fiance(e) of French nationality and wish to get married to them and reside in the U.S., contact us today for clear guidance and professional support. We can help you navigate the K-1 Visa process efficiently and effectively.