K-1 Visa from Colombia: 10 Things to Know Before Applying for a K-1 Fiancé Visa
Introduction: Your Path to a Life Together in the U.S.
The journey to begin a new life together in the United States is an exciting milestone for international couples. For a U.S. citizen sponsor and their Colombian foreign fiancé, the K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa—a non-immigrant visa category—is the official path forward. This visa application allows your Colombian partner to travel legally to the U.S. for the purpose of marriage within 90 days of arrival.
Understanding the entire immigration process—from the Form I-129F petition to the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy Bogotá—is essential for success. This guide clarifies every step, referencing key agencies such as USCIS, the National Visa Center (NVC), and the U.S. Consular Officer who issues the final decision.
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The Dream of a New Beginning: Understanding the K-1 Visa Journey
The K-1 Fiancé Visa process involves multiple government entities and several forms, including Form I-129F, Form I-134, Form I-485, and sometimes Form I-765 (for work authorization). It begins when the U.S. citizen petitioner files the visa petition with the USCIS Service Center, proceeds through the National Visa Processing Center, and culminates in a visa interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá.
This multi-stage immigration process can take weeks to months, depending on case volume and documentation accuracy. A properly prepared file demonstrates eligibility, a genuine relationship, and readiness for marriage in the U.S.—all key factors the Consular Officer assesses.
Step 1: Filing Form I-129F Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)
The Form I-129F petition initiates your K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa case. The citizen petitioner must show they are legally free to marry, have met their partner within two years, and intend to marry within 90 days of entry.
Include:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship (passport, naturalization certificate, or birth certificate).
- Evidence of prior marriage terminations.
- Photos and records proving your bona fide relationship.
- Signed statements of intent to marry.
After submission, USCIS issues a Form I-797C Notice of Action acknowledging receipt. Once approved, your petition is sent to the National Visa Center for forwarding to Bogotá.next step in bringing your loved one from Colombia to the United States. Understanding the process and its requirements can make a significant difference in how smoothly everything proceeds.
Understand the Role of the National Visa Center (VC)
After the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves your petition, the next critical phase involves the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC receives your approved Form I-129F and is responsible for routing it to the appropriate U.S. Embassy—in this case, the Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia. It is important to note that the NVC will assign a new case number to your petition. Be sure to keep this on hand as it will be necessary for future references and correspondence.
Why a Colombia-Specific Guide Matters
Although fiancé visa applications follow U.S. immigration law, Colombian cases include local requirements: certified civil documents, notarized birth certificates of foreign citizens, and verified original documents. Consular staff in Bogotá are familiar with common Colombian document formats, making accurate translations critical.
In 2023, over 1,100 K-1 nonimmigrant visas were issued in Colombia—an 87 percent approval rate. Understanding these regional expectations helps prevent incomplete documentation or delays in visa issuance.
Building a Strong Relationship Case
A major cause of fiancé visa delays is insufficient proof of a real relationship. Strengthen your case with detailed evidence:
- Photos, travel receipts, boarding passes, and communication records showing consistent contact.
- Joint financial or property documents, such as bank statements or rental contracts.
- Personal narratives describing how you met and your engagement.
The Consular Officer at your visa interview will look for authenticity and emotional consistency. Avoid potential red flags, and bring well-organized evidence in both digital and printed form.
Financial Requirements and Form I-134 Affidavit of Support
The citizen sponsor must show adequate income using Form I-134. This affidavit demonstrates that the foreign fiancé will not become a public charge. Include pay stubs, tax returns, and a letter of employment to prove income meets the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Financial documentation is verified by the U.S. Consular Officer during the interview, and incomplete records may cause delays or denial. Some couples use joint sponsors or assets to meet the requirement.Financial Stability: Meeting the Income Requirement
To ensure that your partner will not become a public charge, the U.S. government requires the U.S. citizen petitioner to demonstrate financial stability. This means proving that your income meets or exceeds 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for the current year. Here’s what you need to know:
- Income Verification: Prior to the K-1 visa interview, be prepared to submit an Affidavit of Support (Form I-134) as evidence of income. This document proves that you can financially support your fiancé.
- Using Joint Sponsors: If your income does not meet the required threshold, you have the option of enlisting a joint sponsor. A joint sponsor is someone who agrees to share financial responsibility for your fiancé. They must also fill out an Affidavit of Support and meet the income requirement independently.
- Asset Utilization: Assets such as savings, stocks, bonds, and property can be used to supplement your income. The value of the assets must be five times the difference between your income and the poverty guideline requirement if you need to reach the threshold.
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DS-160 Form and Visa Interview Preparation
Once the Form I-129F is approved and sent to the National Visa Center, the Colombian fiancé must complete the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application online. Print the barcode confirmation page and attach it to your visa interview appointment letter.
During the visa interview in Bogotá, bring:
- Your medical exam report from an approved clinic.
- Civil documents and financial evidence from your sponsor.
- Form I-134 Affidavit of Support.
- Passport and recent photos.
Expect fiancé visa interview questions about your relationship, future plans, and your citizen petitioner. Honest, confident answers are crucial.
Comparing Fiancé and Spouse Visas: K-1 vs CR-1/K-3
Many couples weigh the K-1 Fiancé Visa against CR-1 and K-3 Spouse Visas.
- The K-1 allows faster U.S. entry but requires later adjustment of status.
- The CR-1 immigrant visa offers immediate green card benefits upon entry.
- The K-3 visa—based on Form I-130—is rarely used today but still valid.
Professional guidance from dedicated immigration lawyers or specialist immigration attorneys can help you decide which type of visa suits your case best.
Medical Exam and Required Documentation
Before the interview, complete the medical exam with an embassy-approved physician. Bring your vaccination records, identification, and appointment confirmation. The doctor sends a sealed medical exam report directly to the embassy.
Failure to meet health requirements may result in delays until proper documentation or vaccination proof is provided.
After Visa Approval and Entry to the U.S.
Once the K-1 Visa is approved, the visa holder receives their passport with the visa stamp—often within a few days of the interview. The visa is valid for six months, allowing one entry into the United States.
At the port of entry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection verifies your documents before admission. After marriage, you’ll file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) to obtain a Marriage-Based Green Card and permanent residency status. You may also apply for Form I-765 (work permit) while waiting for approval.
Professional Assistance for a Smooth Process
Because the fiancé visa process can feel like a stressful process with complex forms, many couples choose premium application service or hire professional immigration lawyers. A dedicated immigration lawyer ensures accurate completion of relevant forms (Form I-129F, I-485, I-765, and I-751), prevents green card fraud issues, and provides updates from the USCIS Service Center.
Hiring an immigration attorney service familiar with Colombian civil documentation guarantees your original documents and financial records meet U.S. requirements.
Conclusion: Turning a Dream into Reality
From the first visa petition to visa issuance, every document matters. By following this Colombia-specific guide and ensuring accurate forms, clear financial proof, and a confident visa interview, couples can move from engagement to marriage with confidence.
Your next steps:
- Gather birth certificates, police records, and financial documentation.
- File Form I-129F to start your fiancé visa application.
- Prepare for the visa interview and medical exam.
- After marriage, complete Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) for your green card.
With patience, preparation, and professional support, your K-1 Fiancé Visa from Colombia will pave the way to your shared future and lasting residency in the United States.
Step 1: Initial K-1 Visa Consultation
Their journey began with a bilingual consultation directly with James Lindzey, an American expat living in Colombia for over 20 years. James carefully reviewed the couple’s situation, analyzed the overstay implications, and explained how Aaron could strengthen his Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support) using overseas employment records and financial statements.
Step 2: Preparing the Fiancé Visa Petition (Form I-129F)
Once the couple’s eligibility was confirmed, our team prepared and filed Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e). We gathered:
- Certified copies of passports and identification documents
- Photographs and communication records as proof of the genuine relationship
- Travel itineraries, chat logs, and witness statements
- Translations of Colombian civil registry documents (birth certificate, single status certificate, and police record) completed by certified translators in compliance with USCIS standards
Each document underwent a thorough review before submission to ensure accuracy and compliance with U.S. immigration procedures.
Step 3: Legal Review and Continuous Consultations
After submitting the petition to USCIS, we provided consultations at each milestone—receipt notice, approval, and National Visa Center (NVC) processing. Maria and Aaron received guidance on completing the DS-160 online visa application, obtaining the medical exam, and scheduling the embassy interview at the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá.
Step 4: Embassy Interview Preparation
Before the interview, James conducted a mock interview with Maria to help her confidently answer consular questions. Our team reviewed all the embassy-required documentation:
- Original and translated civil documents
- Proof of ongoing relationship
- Updated Form I-134 with additional evidence of income and support
Despite Maria’s prior visa overstay, our legal preparation and complete documentation package ensured a successful outcome.
Step 5: Visa Approval and Post-Entry Support
Maria’s K-1 Fiancé Visa was approved after the interview, and she traveled to the United States within the required 90-day period to marry Aaron.
Our support did not stop there—we continued assisting the couple with:
- Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) for the green card
- Work Authorization (Form I-765) and Advance Parole (Form I-131)
- Future green card renewals and U.S. citizenship applications
Client Experience
“The bilingual consultation with James made the process smooth and stress-free. His experience as an American living in Colombia gave us confidence every step of the way. I highly recommend contacting them at 1-305-767-2766 or visiting their office at Cra 39 #5a-95, Ofc 709, Medellín, Colombia. Their professionalism and personal touch truly set them apart.”
Applying for retirement visa from abroad
A visa applicant who wishes to invest in Colombia can apply for a Colombia investment visa online. In addition, any Colombian visa can be obtained at any Colombian consulate around the world. In the U.S., Colombia has consulates located in the following cities and states:
The Colombian visa application process is fairly easy as it can be completed entirely online. You can apply for a Colombia investment visa online Tramites Visa . This application will require scanned copies of all required documents in Adobe PDF format along with your passport photo in JPEG format. In addition, a detailed guide for applying online can be found here.
If you are in another country outside of Colombia, then you have to go to nearby Colombian consulate in that country so that you can get the visa added to your passport at a Colombian consulate. Once your Colombian investment visa has been approved and added to your passport, you are ready to travel to Colombia as a migrant and an investor.
Once you receive online visa approval, if doing this in Colombia, you need to travel to Bogotá to get the visa in your passport. Visas in Colombia are issued at the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores office in Bogotá. Their office is located at Avenida 19 # 98-03, Torre 100 Building, 3rd Floor. It’s open from 7:30 am until noon.
The major challenge with getting a Colombian visa yourself is dealing with a government bureaucracy, making a trip to Bogota and not understanding the laws properly if you are not fluent in Sanish.
This is where you can benefit from the services of an experienced visa agency such as Visas by James. A visa agency such ours is your best bet when it comes to obtaining visa for you. An experienced visa agency which has processed hundreds of visas and knows exactly what is needed for each type of visa is exactly what you need.
Another big benefit of using a visa agency is that they offer services to courier your passport to Bogotá to get the visa put in your passport. So, you can avoid a trip to Bogotá. The cost of a visa service including the service to courier your passport to Bogotá can even be cheaper than the cost of a trip to Bogotá.
Our Path to Becoming Colombia's Leading Visa Agency
James Lindzey founded ColombiaVisas.com after relocating to Medellín in 2005. With experience as a private investigator and paralegal in the U.S., James brought a strong legal background to Colombia's complex visa system.
Today, Visas by James—part of Colombia Legal & Associates SAS—is a top provider of visa and legal services for expats. We specialize in U.S. immigration services for Colombian spouses and fiancés, helping hundreds reunite through legal marriage or fiancé visa processes.
In addition to our visa services our agency offers a full range of legal and accounting services to our clients. We are able to assist better in document collection services in the United States because of James previous legal experience in the United States.
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Visas By James (Visas y Trámites Internacionales)
Testimonials from a current and former clients who got a Colombian visas successfully.
Worked with James and Cristina on buying first property in Colombia. They were very knowledgable in Colombia law and banking. They went the extra mile to guide us through transferring foreign funds, reviewing purchase documents, and explaining legal details. Invaluable, and in dual languages! Thanks to them the process was completed in less than one month!
I had James renew my US passport and all went well. I did not have to go to Bogota. I got a new passport in a little over 2 weeks. Highly reccomend.
This is a dependable and reliable legal and accounting service. For me, it was nice to give these sometimes hard tasks to skilled and trustworthy professionals. I'll be recommending them to my friends as well.
About Colombia Legal & Accounting SAS and its partners: Reliable, Trustworthy, Honest, Good Management, and Punctual. That's all you need to know to put yourself in their professional hands.
Our main office is located in Medellin, Colombia near Parque Lleras in El Poblado. We have representation in Bogota, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale. Our main office address is Cra 39#5A-95, Oficina 709, Edificio Avangarde. We accept walk in appointments but its always nice if you can let us know ahead of time so we can schedule a time. Areas codes in Colombia have changed. To reach our office please call (57) 604-200-4180.
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Main Office located in El Poblado, Medellin, Colombia.
Visas By James
(Visas y Trámites Internacionales)
Testimonials from a current and former clients who got a Colombian visas successfully.
Worked with James and Cristina on buying first property in Colombia. They were very knowledgable in Colombia law and banking. Went the extra mile to guide us thru the process of transferring foreign funds, reviewing/advising purchase documents, and walking us thru the maze of legalities. Invaluable, and in dual languages! Thanks to them the process was completed in less than one month!
I had James take care of the renewing of my US passport and all went very well I did not have to go to Bogota and all was completed with a new passport in a little over 2 weeks !! Highly reccomend.
This is really a dependable and reliable legal and accounting service, and for me it was nice being able to turn over these sometimes laborious tasks to competent and trustworthy professionals. I’ll be recommending them to my friends as well.
About Colombia Legal & Accounting SAS and its associates; Reliable, Trustworthy, Pristine, Honesty, Management, Punctual. That’s all you need to know to put yourself in their professional hands.
Our main office is located in Medellin, Colombia near Parque Lleras in El Poblado. We have representation in Bogota, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale. Our main office address is Cra 39#5A-95, Oficina 709, Edificio Avangarde. We accept walk in appointments but its always nice if you can let us know ahead of time so we can schedule a time. Areas codes in Colombia have changed. To reach our office please call (57) 604-200-4180.