1. Petition Stage (required)
- US Citizen (USC) petitions to bring the alien fiance(e) to the United States. Petition is approved.
2. K1 Visa Stage (required)
- Alien fiance(e) takes a medical exam, and submits the visa applications along with the supporting documentation during the visa interview. K1 Visa is approved and issued to the alien fiance(e) or "Nonimmigrant" permitting travel to the United States.
3. Adjustment of Status (AOS) Stage (required)
- Alien fiance(e) or "Nonimmigrant" arrives in the US, marries petitioner (USC) and files for an Adjustment of Status within 90 days of the marriage. Some applicants may be scheduled for an AOS interview. AOS is approved. Green Card [conditional one-time two year expiration if married for less than two years] is received and status adjusts from "Nonimmigrant" to "Permanent Resident."
4. Lifting the Conditions of Residence Stage (required)
- "Removal of Conditions - Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence" and USC file jointly to remove the conditions of residence within 90 days of the two year anniversary date on the Green Card. Condition of residence is removed. "Permanent Resident" receives a new Green Card [RENEWABLE ten year expiration]. Status remains "Permanent Resident."
5. Naturalization Stage (optional)
- "Permanent Resident" has the option of applying for US Citizenship [naturalization] after three years of being married to a US Citizen (one year after lifting the conditions of residence). Applicant attends a naturalization interview. Naturalization is approved and the issuance of the Certificate of Naturalization officially adjusts the status from "Permanent Resident" to "US Citizen."
As noted, Stages 1 - 4 are REQUIRED in order for the beneficiary to legally stay in the United States. Stage 5 is the only OPTIONAL process whereas the beneficiary can choose not to apply.
