If you’re a Ghanaian planning to marry a US citizen, the K-1 visa, also known as the fiancé visa, is your best option to bring your partner to the United States. This visa allows the foreign fiancé to enter the US for 90 days, during which time they must marry their US citizen partner. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to get a fiancé visa from Ghana to the USA, including application process, requirements, fees, processing times, common reasons for denial, and how to overcome them.

Key takeaways:

• The K-1 visa, or fiancé visa, is the best option for Ghanaian citizens who wish to marry a US citizen and live in the US.
• The visa allows the foreign fiancé to enter the US for a period of 90 days, during which time they must marry their US citizen partner.
• The application process involves submitting a petition, documentation, and attending an interview at the US Embassy in Accra.
• The processing time for a K-1 visa to the US can vary from 6-12 months or more.
• Common reasons for denial include insufficient evidence of a genuine relationship, criminal record, health issues or financial problems.

Overview of the K-1 Visa application process

The K-1 visa application process involves several steps, including filing the petition, preparing documentation, attending an interview, and waiting for the visa to be processed. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to do:

Step 1 – File the petition

The US citizen partner must file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form establishes that the couple has a bona fide relationship and the foreign fiancé is not inadmissible to the US.

Step 2 – Prepare documentation

After the petition is approved, the foreign fiancé will need to prepare and provide supporting documentation for their visa application. This includes documents such as a valid passport, police clearance certificate, medical examination report, and proof of financial support.

Step 3 – Attend an interview

The next step is to attend an interview at the US Embassy in Accra. During the interview, the consular officer will review the documentation provided and ask questions about the couple’s relationship to determine if it is genuine.

Step 4 – Wait for the visa to be issued

After the interview, the consular officer will determine if the visa will be issued. If approved, the visa will be issued and the foreign fiancé can then travel to the US to marry their US citizen partner.

Requirements for K-1 Visa from Ghana to USA

To apply for a K-1 visa from Ghana to the USA, you must meet certain requirements, including:

• You and your US citizen partner must be legally free to marry and have met each other in person within the past two years.
• You must intend to marry your US citizen partner within 90 days of your arrival in the US.
• You must pass a medical exam and obtain all necessary vaccinations.
• You must not have a criminal record or pose a threat to the US.

Fees for K-1 Visa from Ghana to USA

The fees for a K-1 visa from Ghana to the USA can vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case. These include the USCIS filing fee, the visa application fee, and the medical examination fee. All fees must be paid at the time of the interview at the US Embassy in Accra.

Processing times for K-1 Visa from Ghana to USA

The processing time for a K-1 visa from Ghana to the USA can vary depending on the volume of cases being processed and the complexity of the case. In general, it can take from 6-12 months or more for the visa to be processed.

Common reasons for visa denial

There are several reasons why a K-1 visa application may be denied. The most common reasons include:

• Insufficient evidence of a genuine relationship between the couple
• Criminal record or past violations of US immigration law
• Health issues or communicable diseases
• Financial issues or lack of financial support

How to overcome visa denial

If your K-1 visa application is denied, you may be able to overcome the denial by submitting additional evidence to support your case or by applying for a waiver of inadmissibility. It is recommended that you seek the advice of an experienced immigration attorney if your visa application is denied.

Real-life examples of successful K-1 visa applications

Many Ghanaians have successfully obtained a K-1 visa to the USA and gone on to build a life with their US citizen partner. By providing genuine evidence of their relationship and following the proper application process, couples can increase their chances of success in obtaining a fiancé visa from Ghana to the USA.

FAQs

Q: How soon can I apply for a K-1 visa after meeting my US citizen partner?

A: There is no specific time limit for applying for a K-1 visa after meeting your US citizen partner. However, USCIS requires that you have met in person within the past two years to be eligible to petition for a fiancé visa.

Q: Can my children also apply for a K-2 visa?

A: Yes, unmarried children under the age of 21 can apply for a K-2 visa to accompany their foreign parent to the US.

Q: Can I work in the US with a K-1 visa?

A: No, a K-1 visa does not allow you to work in the US. You will need to apply for a work visa once you are married to your US citizen partner and have adjusted your status to become a permanent resident.

Q: Can I travel outside the US with a K-1 visa?

A: Yes, you can travel outside the US with a K-1 visa, but be aware that the visa only allows a one-time entry to the US. If you leave before marrying your US citizen partner, you will not be able to re-enter the US on the same K-1 visa.

Q: Can I bring other family members with me to the US on a K-1 visa?

A: No, only the foreign fiancé and their children under the age of 21 can apply for a K-1 and K-2 visa, respectively.