If you are not a US citizen but have a boyfriend or girlfriend, you can apply for a non-immigrant visa to travel to the US and get married within 90 days of the boyfriend or girlfriend’s arrival.

The beneficiary has three months to get married after arriving in the United States. Once married, you must apply to change status to permanent residency, as published by the Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).

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An estimated 37,000 immigrants were admitted on K-1 visas in 2016, a number that dropped to 35,000 the following year. Photo: SDI Productions

How do you get US citizenship by getting married?

To obtain a K-1 fiancé visa, you and your fiancee must plan to get married within 90 days of your fiancee being admitted to the United States as a K-1 non- immigrant.

The K-1 visa is applied for by the U.S. citizen through Form I-129 F, which must be sent to the offices of the Immigration and Citizenship Service (USCIS).

Your marriage must be valid, which means that both you and your fiancée(s) have a genuine intent to build a life together and that the marriage is not solely for the purpose of gaining an immigration benefit.

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How Long Does the K-1 Visa Process Take?

The K-1 visa process takes about eight months.

An important requirement is that both of you have met in person within the two years prior to applying for the K-1 visa.

The form must be accompanied by the fee and documents proving the courtship, such as photos, social media posts, letters, and recordings of telephone conversations, among others.

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Your marriage must be valid, which means that both you and your fiancée(s) have a genuine intention to build a life together. Photo: Istock

How much is Form I-129F?

The price of Form I-129F is $35. The petition is sent to the visa processing center and from there the case is referred to the consulate with jurisdiction where the bride or groom resides, where a subsequent personal interview is held.

The visa, if approved, is only required to enter the United States once and is valid for six months. On average, the process to obtain the K-1 visa takes about eight months. Permanent residence: who is eligible for family connection.