🇺🇸 United States — USCIS / National Visa Center / US Embassy Seoul
US K-1 Fiancé Visa — Korean Documents Required
The K-1 fiancé(e) visa allows a US citizen to bring their foreign fiancé(e) to the US to marry within 90 days of entry. For Korean nationals, the document package submitted to the National Visa Center (NVC) and reviewed at the US Embassy visa interview in Seoul includes several apostilled Korean documents. These must all be accompanied by USCIS-compliant certified English translations.
Required Korean Documents
Basic Certificate (Birth Certificate)
기본증명서RequiredApostilled 기본증명서 with certified English translation. Required by NVC and for the DS-160 visa application.
How to apostille this documentFamily Relations Certificate
가족관계증명서RequiredApostilled 가족관계증명서 with certified English translation. Required to confirm family status and identity.
How to apostille this documentMarriage / Divorce Records
혼인관계증명서RequiredApostilled 혼인관계증명서 (detailed version showing all marriage history) with certified translation. Required to confirm previous marriages and divorces. If never married, the document will show no record — this is acceptable.
How to apostille this documentCriminal Background Check
범죄·수사경력 회보서RequiredThe combined criminal and investigation records report from the Korean National Police Agency. Apostilled and translated. Required by the US Embassy for all K-1 visa interviews.
How to apostille this documentStep-by-Step Process
- 1
US citizen petitioner files Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé) with USCIS
- 2
Upon USCIS approval, USCIS forwards the case to the National Visa Center (NVC), which then sends it to the US Embassy in Seoul
- 3
US Embassy issues a packet of forms and instructions — you gather your Korean documents (apostilled and translated) per the embassy's checklist
- 4
Attend the medical examination at a US Embassy–designated physician in Seoul before the visa interview
- 5
Attend the K-1 visa interview at the US Embassy in Seoul with all required documents
- 6
After visa approval and entry to the US, marry the US citizen petitioner within 90 days
Tips & Common Mistakes
- The 혼인관계증명서 must be the detailed (상세) version showing all marriage history — the standard version may not satisfy the embassy requirement
- All documents must be issued within 6 months of the visa interview date — do not order documents too far in advance
- Korean police clearance (범죄·수사경력 회보서) should be requested specifically 'for foreign immigration and stay' (외국 체류 및 이민 목적) — this is the combined conviction + investigation records version
- If you were previously married, bring the divorce record (이혼관계증명서 or the detailed 혼인관계증명서 showing the divorce) apostilled and translated
- The US Embassy medical examination is separate — done at a designated doctor in Seoul and not something you can prepare documents for in advance
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the K-1 visa require apostille on Korean documents, or just certified translation?
Both. The US Embassy requires apostilled Korean documents — the apostille authenticates the source document as genuine. A certified English translation must accompany each apostilled document. Submitting only a translation without the apostilled original is typically not accepted.
How old can my Korean documents be for the K-1 visa interview?
The US Embassy in Seoul typically requires civil documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, police clearance) to be issued within 6 months of the interview date. Order fresh documents specifically for your K-1 application — previously apostilled copies may be too old.
What if I have a prior criminal record in Korea?
A prior criminal record does not automatically disqualify a K-1 applicant, but it will be reviewed. The US Embassy visa officer has discretion. Full disclosure via the apostilled police clearance is required — concealing records is grounds for permanent visa ineligibility.
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