K2 Visa: Everything You Need to Know
If you are planning to move to the United States on a K-1 fiancé visa, your children may also be eligible to join you through the K2 visa. This visa is specifically designed for unmarried children under 21 years old of K-1 visa holders, allowing families to stay together while they adjust to life in the U.S.
In this guide, we’ll cover what the K2 visa is, eligibility requirements, the application process, required documents, fees, and how it leads to a green card.
A K2 Visa: What is it?
Unmarried children (under 21) of a K-1 fiancé visa holder may go to the United States with or follow their parent on a K2 visa, which is a non-immigrant visa. The K2 visa holder may petition for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident once the K-1 parent marries their sponsor, who must be a U.S. citizen, within ninety days of arrival.
For whom is a K2 visa applicable?
To be eligible for a K2 visa, the child needs to:
be younger than 21.
Don’t get married.
be the K-1 visa applicant’s biological, step, or adopted child.
K2 Visa Application Process
The application process for a K2 visa is very similar to the K1 visa process. Here are the main steps:
-
Filing Form I-129F
The U.S. citizen sponsor must include the child’s name in the fiancé visa petition. -
National Visa Center (NVC) Processing
Once the petition is approved, the NVC assigns a case number and forwards it to the U.S. embassy or consulate. -
K2 Visa Interview
The child (and parent) will attend an interview at the U.S. embassy/consulate. -
Visa Approval
If approved, the K2 visa is issued, allowing the child to travel to the U.S.
Required Documents for a K2 Visa
Applicants must provide the following documents:
-
Valid passport for the child.
-
Birth certificate.
-
Medical examination results.
-
Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application).
-
Two passport-size photos.
-
Proof of relationship with the K-1 parent (e.g., birth certificate, adoption papers).
-
Visa fee payment receipt.
K2 Visa Fees
The main costs include:
-
Form I-129F filing fee: $535 (paid by the U.S. citizen sponsor).
-
DS-160 visa application fee: $265 per applicant.
-
Medical examination fee (varies by country).
Can a K2 Visa Holder Get a Green Card?
Yes. After the K-1 parent marries their U.S. citizen fiancé within 90 days of arrival, the K2 child can apply for a green card (lawful permanent residence) by filing Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). Eventually, the K2 visa holder can also apply for U.S. citizenship if eligible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can a K2 visa holder work in the U.S.?
Yes, they can apply for a work permit (Employment Authorization Document) after filing for adjustment of status.
2. Can a K2 visa holder attend school?
Yes, children on a K2 visa can attend school in the United States.
3. What if the marriage does not happen within 90 days?
The K1 and K2 visas expire, and both the parent and child must leave the U.S.