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US Visa Taiwan

Taiwan has a very complicated political and economic history, but the country seems poised to benefit from many of the current economic and political developments in both Southeast Asia as well as greater China. Many Americans travel to Taiwan (also known as the Republic of China) each year. The upshot of this phenomenon is that a somewhat significant number of US Family Visa applications are filed on behalf of those originating in Taiwan. Below is a brief overview of some of the visa options available to the foreign loved one of a United States Citizen.

A very popular travel document for many couples is the K1 fiance visa. The K1 visa is becoming increasingly popular due to the fact that the relative processing time for a K1 visa is a great deal shorter compared to its US Marriage Visa counterparts. That said, the downside, for some, of the K1 visa is the fact that it requires the bearer to adjust his or her status prior to being granted lawful permanent residence in the United States. Usually, the K1 visa has a processing time of approximately 4-6 months from initial filing at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) until final decision at the United States Embassy overseas.

The US Marriage Visa categories most commonly utilized by an American Citizen on behalf of their Taiwanese fiance, subsequent to marriage, or spouse are the CR-1 visa, the IR-1 visa, and the K3 visa. The K3 visa has fallen into increasing disuse due to the fact that the National Visa Center has been “administratively closing” those applications if the CR1/IR1 application arrives prior to, or at the same time as, the K3 application. A CR1 visa confers Conditional Lawful Permanent Residence upon the bearer at the time of entry in the USA. This conditionality can only be lifted by separate petition at a later date. The IR1 visa confers unconditional lawful permanent residence to the Taiwanese spouse of a US Citizen at the time of their lawful admission to the United States of America. Those who enter the United States in IR1 status do not need to file for a lift of conditions as their lawful status is unconditional.

Those seeking US Immigration benefits for a Taiwanese national are wise to consult an attorney prior to making any irrevocable decisions as an attorney experienced in American Immigration matters can provide sound advice and counsel regarding procedures, protocols, rules, and regulations relevant to a given case. This provides a couple with the opportunity to make informed decisions.

For updated information regarding Consular Processing in Taiwan please see: American Institute Taiwan.