The K-1 Visa allows the engaged partner of a US citizen to travel to the United States to get married within 90 days of arrival. However, receiving the K-1 Visa is not as easy as it sounds.
It is very common for a K-1 Visa application to get denied after a visa interview at the consulate office. This mostly happens due to incomplete documentation or defects in the application. Therefore, it is best to know and understand these mistakes to avoid them.
What Are the Top Reasons for K-1 Visa Denial?
Not Having Enough Proof of Relationship:
This is the most common reason for a K-1 Visa denial. Couples fail to provide enough evidence that their relationship is bona fide and not just a way to gain immigration benefits. Immigration officials are trained to ask questions and suspect the validity of your relationship. It is their job to detect fraudulent marriages where both parties enter the relationship simply to obtain a Green Card (the official name is Permanent Resident Card).
Therefore, it is best to provide enough supporting documents and information while filing the initial Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) to avoid this.
This evidence can include joint ownership of assets or liabilities, having children, photographs taken throughout the relationship with friends and family, constant communication in form of texts, messages, phone records, trips taken together, etc. The more information provided is better for your application.
Being Previously Petitioned by Another US Citizen:
This is a big red flag for immigration officials. If you have been previously petitioned for a K-1 Visa or any other type of visa by another US citizen, then the immigration official is bound to suspect your true intention of visiting the US.
Your background will be dissected to determine whether you want to go to the US to reunite with your fiance for marriage or if your true intention is to gain a Green Card through spousal sponsorship (within family sponsorship). To avoid such a problem, it is best to disclose why that previous relationship did not work to clear any suspicions.
