US – Us-Family-Visa – K2 Visa: All You Need to Know

The United States of America supports a variety of non immigrant visa categories, some of which are quite popular among family members. K2 visa is one of them and it is an immediate relative-based visa granting eligible applicants permission to enter, reside, and work in the US with their family. Want to know more about the US K2 visa? Read this blog to find out all there is to know about how to qualify and how to apply.

What is the K2 Visa?

The K-2 visa (otherwise known as a US Family Visa) is a non-immigrant visa that allows minor children of K-1 visa holders (otherwise known as Fiancé visas) to join their parents in the US. K2 visas allow the children to enter, live, work, and study in the US for the same duration as the K-1 parent visa.

The K-2 visa is meant for the child or children of a K1 visa applicant, who will arrive and live with the parent. Keep in mind that K2 visa holders constitute a part of the K1 visa application process, and cannot submit a separate application themselves.

Who is Eligible for the K2 Visa?

To be eligible for the K2 visa, a foreign minor must be the unmarried, natural or adopted child of the K1 visa applicant. In addition to that, clear proof that the two are related must be provided. The K2 visa will not be issued if the father and mother of the child are both present in the US, even if one of the parents holds a K1 visa.

What are the Requirements for a K2 Visa?

Applying for a K2 visa is a same-day application process and there are certain eligibility requirements that must be met for a successful visa approval.

Here are a few of the essential requirements for a K2 visa application:

• The child must be under 21 years of age.
• The child must be the unmarried, natural or adopted child of the K-1 visa applicant.
• The child must have the same citizenship as the K-1 visa applicant.
• The child must have a valid passport.
• The child must have a valid birth certificate.
• The child must provide a clear medical report.
• The child must provide other valid immigration documents.
• The child must pay the visa application fee.
• The child must attend a visa interview.

What are the Benefits of the K2 Visa?

A K2 visa holder holds most of the same privileges as their K1 visa holding parent. This includes being able to live and study in the US as well as seeking employment.

K2 visa holders have the same access to public education and school programs as U.S. citizens. Also, K2 visa holders may apply for permanent residency and eventually become citizens of the United States.

What is the K2 Visa Process?

Once all eligibility requirements are met, the K2 visa application process includes the following steps:

• Step 1: The K1 visa applicant with the US citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) relative must file a petition for a K2 visa.
• Step 2: The child must have to fill out Form DS-160 and submit additional documents.
• Step 3: The child must attend a visa interview and will be required to answer questions in relation to the K2 visa
• Step 4: The visa application will be accepted and the visa will be issued, or the application will be rejected.
• Step 5: The child must travel to the U.S. with the issued visa.
• Step 6: The child must fill out Form I-485 within 90 days of arriving in the US with their parent.
• Step 7: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will review the form I-485 and issue a formal approval.

How Long Does a K2 Visa Last?

Once approved, a K2 visa is typically valid for as long as the K1 visa is valid. The K2 visa holder may stay in the United States for the duration of their parent’s K1 visa. This can be a maximum of 90 days but can also last for a year, depending on the situation.

What are the Common K2 Visa FAQs?

• Can a K2 visa holder extend their stay in the US?

  Yes, a K2 visa holder can extend their stay in the US, provided their parent’s K-1 visa is extended as well.

• Can a K2 visa holder apply for a Green Card?

  Yes, a K2 visa holder can apply for a Green Card after their parent has been granted Permanent Residence.

• Can a K2 visa holder change status?

  Yes, a K2 visa holder can change their visa status if they wish to. For example, they can change their status to student (F1) visa, work (H1B) visa, etc. as long as they are able to meet the required eligibility criteria.

Conclusion

The K2 visa allows children of K1 visa holders to enter, reside and work in the US for the same duration as the K1 parent visa. The child must have the same citizenship as the K1 visa applicant, must have a valid passport and birth certificate and must attend a visa interview. With a K2 visa, the child can avail most of the same privileges as a K1 visa holder, including studying and working in the US, and applying for permanent residency.