K-1 regulations generally require that U.S. citizen and foreign fiance(e) have met once within the two years leading up to the filing of the K-1 petition. While this requirement can be satisfied by the foreign fiance(e)s coming to the U.S. to visit the U.S. citizen, it is often easier for the U.S. citizen to travel out of the U.S., particularly if the foreign fiance(e) lives in a country where U.S. consular officers are loathe to grant temporary travel visas.

For a U.S. citizen without a U.S. passport, an application must be made in person under the following circumstances:

• You are applying for your first U.S. passport or
• You are under age 16 or
• Your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16 or
• Your previous U.S. passport was lost, stolen, or damaged or
• Your previous U.S. passport was issued more than 15 years ago or
• Your name has changed since your U.S. passport was issued and you are unable to legally document your name change

At the personal appearance, the applicant must also provide the following:

1. Completed form DS-11: Application for a U.S. passport
2. Proof of U.S. citizenship
3. Present ID which can be in the form of a naturalization certificate, driver’s license, or current government ID.
4. Include a copy of the ID presented in point #3.
5. Pay the current passport fee which can be found here: [1] http://travel.state.gov/passport/fees/fees_837.html
6. Provide two passport-style photos. These can be taken at any one-hour photo or Costco.

If you need assistance applying for a U.S. passport or would like help bringing your foreign fiance(e) or spouse to the U.S., please call our law firm at 626-771-1078 or visit us at [2] www.myfianceevisa.com