The K-1 visa is a very popular option for U.S. citizens to bring their fiancé(e)s to the U.S., so that they can get married. Of course, no family is truly complete without the children! A K-2 visa is granted to minor children who either accompany the K-1 parent or join the K-1 parent within one year from the visa’s date of issuance. In this guide, we’ll review the requirements, interview steps, processing time, and more.
It’s never been easier to bring your fiancé and kids to the U.S. with VisaNation’s exclusive service!
What is a K-2 Visa?
A K-2 visa permits children of a K-1 fiancé visa holder to enter the United States and authorizes them to stay in the country for 90 days. The child’s visa status expires when the parent’s 90 days expire.
The K-2 visa is tied directly to the K-1 visa application (I-129F), and the U.S.-based petitioner adds their eligible children to the I-129F application. Importantly, separate DS-160 visa applications are required for each applicant at the consular stage.
- A K-2 visa holder has up to six months to enter the United States before the K-2 visa expires.
- The validity of the K-2 Visa after entering the U.S. is 90 days.
- The K-1 Visa holder must marry within the 90-day window.
K-2 Visa Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for one of these nonimmigrant visas, the applicant must be:
- Under the age of 21
- An unmarried child of the K-1 applicant
The U.S. citizen who is petitioning must name the children on the I-129F petition. K-2 visas cannot be issued before the K-1 visa is issued.
K-2 Visa Age Out Rule: What Happens When a Child Turns 21?
When a child on a K-2 visa turns 21 before adjusting their status, they may still be eligible for a green card. As long as the child was under 21 when they entered the U.S. on a K-2 visa, they are still eligible for a green card.
Learn how a child’s green card application is affected once they turn 21 with VisaNation Attorney Shilpa Malik.
Traveling After One Year
If the K-2 child does not travel to the U.S. within the one-year window from the K-1 beneficiary’s admission, they are no longer eligible for the K-2 visa. In this case, they must apply for an immigrant visa separately.
- Recommended read: Fiancé Visa vs Spouse Visa.
K-2 Visa Documents
The following K-2 visa forms are required for a K-2 visa application:
- Form DS-160 (completed online) submitted with a recent photograph
- Passport (valid)
- Copy of birth certificate
- Police Certificates*
- Completed Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, and sponsor documents
- Medical exam
*Police certificate applies to children 16 years and older.
K-2 Application Process: Step-by-Step
- File Form I-129F (only one form is necessary for both the fiancé(e) and all K-2 child applicants). Ensure you list each child on the form.
- Once the I-129F petition is approved, wait for instructions from the embassy or consulate regarding the interview
- Schedule and attend medical exams.
- Each K-visa applicant will need to complete Form DS-160.
- Attend the visa interview. The K-1 principal applicant and all accompanying K-2 children attend one appointment together at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
- When K-1 and K-2 applications have been approved, you will receive the returned passports with the approved visas for all applicants. Keep the package sealed, as only the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent will be responsible for opening it.
K-2 Processing Time
As of 2025, the current processing time for the K-2 visa is approximately 6 months, according to USCIS data. This is the time it takes to process the I-129F. Note that the processing times for any visa or green card are rarely set in stone. These times usually vary based on the caseload of the service centre that is processing your petition.
The processing time above does not include the period between the government’s approval of your Form I-129F and your interview date, which can vary depending on the country you apply from.
Is Premium Processing Available for K-2 Visas?
The K-2 visa is not eligible for premium processing. Premium processing (the optional service that expedites your processing time to 15 business days is typically only available for visas and green cards that use the I-129 and I-140 petitions.
K-2 Visa to Green Card
After the K-1 visa holder and U.S. citizen fiancé(e) marry within 90 days of their arrival in the U.S., both K-1 and K-2 visa holders are eligible to apply for a green card. To apply for the green card, the K-1 visa holder can apply for an adjustment of status for themselves and their children
This application takes around 9 months to process, according to USCIS data.
Getting the Green Card in The Mail
Once your I-485 is approved, you will become a lawful permanent resident, and your green card will be mailed to you along with green cards for your children on K-2 visas, typically within 2-4 weeks.
For children under 21 years old on a K-2 visa admitted to the U.S., turning 21 does not take away their ability to apply for a green card.
The age of the child at the time of the adjustment of status is important. Consult with one of our attorneys to discuss your child’s case further!
K-2 Visa Timeline
The K-2 visa process starts once the K-1 petition (I-129F) is filed. Typically, the processing for both the K-1 and K-2 visas will take around 6-8 months. Once the K-2 visa is issued, the child must enter the U.S. before the visa expires.
After arrival, the K-1 parent has 90 days to get married to the U.S. citizen petitioner. Once the marriage takes place, the K-1 and K-2 visa holders can file for an Adjustment of Status (I-485).
Once the Adjustment of Status is approved, the K-2 visa holder becomes a conditional lawful permanent resident. The conditions on the green card can be removed later via the Removal of Conditions (I-751) form.
K-2 Visa Interview
The U.S. Consulate or Embassy that is processing the K-1 fiancé(e)’s visa will likely require all K-2 children over the age of 14 to attend the consular interview along with his or her parent.
This might also include asking the child questions to help verify the fiancé(e)’s relationship with the U.S. citizen, so keep this in mind before appearing for your interview.
Sample Interview Questions and Answers
Here are some sample questions that may be asked:
Do you know who your mom/dad is going to marry?
- Sample answer: Yes, we’ve known him for many years.
What is the name of the person that your parent is going to marry?
- Sample answer: His name is Jose Garcia.
Have you ever met the person?
- Sample answer: Yes, a couple of times. The first time we met him was last summer when he visited us in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Can you tell me anything about this person?
- Sample answer: He’s a nice guy, we showed him around some of the towns where we are from while he visited us. He was kind to my sister and me, plus he makes my mom very happy.
Do you know how long your parent have been dating this person?
- Sample answer: They have been talking and dating for a year.
What activities do your parent and her fiancée enjoy doing together?
- Sample answer: They like to cook together, go out in spend time in nature, and watch movies.
As with all consular interviews (and all immigration dealings), honesty is the best policy. Answering “I don’t know” to a question is far better than making up an answer or exaggerating the truth, since that could easily affect your ability to apply for further visas or to adjust your status to a lawful permanent resident.
Increase Your Fiancé Green Card Approval Chances with VisaNation
How Much Does a K-2 Visa Cost?
The K-2 has several costs attached to it, including:
|
Expense |
Cost |
|
I-129F Filing Fee |
$675 |
|
Visa Application Fee (for each K visa applicant) |
$265 |
|
Medical Exam |
$250 - $400 |
|
Additional Fees |
Travel, certified translations, photocopying fees, and passport photos. |
|
Adjustment of Status Fee |
$1,440 |
To view our flat K-2 rates, visit our fees page.
K-2 Visa FAQs
What is the time limit on a K-2 visa?
You are allowed to stay in the United States for a maximum of 90 days, beginning on the day you enter with a K2 visa.
What is the difference between a K-1 and K-2 visa?
The K-1 visa applies to engaged foreign nationals of U.S. citizens, whereas K-2 visas are for the unmarried minor children of a K-1 visa holder.
Can you adjust status from a K2 visa?
Yes, you can adjust your status from a K-2 visa once the K-1 parent marries a U.S. citizen and becomes a lawful permanent resident.
When can you apply for a Social Security number for a K-2 visa?
After entering the U.S., a K-2 visa holder is eligible to apply for a Social Security number.
When can a K-2 visa holder apply for citizenship?
A K-2 visa holder who becomes a lawful permanent resident (LPR), must hold their LPR status for 5 years to apply for citizenship.
When to apply for a K-2 visa?
You can apply for a K-2 visa at the same time as a K-1 application or after the K-1 visa is approved.
Can a K-2 visa be denied?
Yes, K-2 visas can be denied. K-1 visas are not automatically approved and are subject to thorough background checks and consular processing.
What happens if my parent (K-1 visa holder) doesn't marry their fiancé?
If the K-1 parent visa holder does not get married within the 90-day window, the K-2 visa holder must leave immediatedly.
Are you allowed to extend your visit on a K-2 visa?
On a K-2 visa, you may not file for an extension of stay if, for whatever reason, your K-1 visa holder parent does not get married.
Are you permitted to study or work on a K-2 visa?
You may study and work in the United States on a K-2 visa. In order to work, you'll be required to file the appropriate documents to receive Employment Authorization Documents (EADs).
What are the specific documentation requirements for K-2 visa applicants from different countries?
The K-2 applicant will need to provide a valid passport (not always required with children under the age of 16), Form DS-160, birth certificate, Form I-134, police certificates, and medical exam documentation. Additional things may be required for your particular case and depending on the specific embassy's instructions. It's best to consult an immigration attorney to confirm.
How can K-2 visa holders transition from temporary to permanent residency after the marriage of the K-1 visa holder?
Once the K-1 visa holder's parent gets married to a U.S. citizen, the K-2 visa holder should apply for an adjustment of status. The green card path is the most suitable path to permanent residency.
What are the common reasons for K-2 visa application denials?
If you can establish a genuine relationship to get the K-1 visa application approved, chances are the K-2 application will be approved as well if you can demonstrate the parental relationship between the K-2 applicant. Common reasons for a K-1 denial include not having sufficient proof that the fiancées have met in person, prior immigration violations, not having a bona fide marriage due to one partner being ineligible, or the K-1 visa sponsor not meeting the income requirements.
How VisaNation Can Help
The process of obtaining a K-2 visa and adjusting your status to a green card is long and complicated. Making a simple error on a petition or filing the wrong fee to the wrong place can delay your immigration, costing you both time and money. The best way to avoid these pitfalls is to hire an immigration attorney to help you with your case
For years, the experienced team of family-based immigration lawyers at VisaNation Law Group has helped people like you make the transition to the U.S. through marriage. From filing the petition to dealing with any obstacles that might come up, we will be with you every step of the way.