K-1 Visa 101: Everything You Need to Know to Bring Your Fiancé(e) to the U.S.
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- November 30, 2023
K-1 Visa 101: Everything You Need to Know to Bring Your Fiancé(e) to the U.S.
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If you are a U.S. citizen who wants to bring your foreign fiancé(e) to the United States to get married, you may be interested in applying for a K-1 visa. A K-1 visa, also known as a fiancé(e) visa, is a type of nonimmigrant visa that allows your fiancé(e) to enter the U.S. and marry you within 90 days of arrival. In this blog post, I will explain the requirements, process, and benefits of a K-1 visa and how to find immigration lawyers in the US who can help you with your application.
Requirements for a K-1 visa
To be eligible for a K-1 visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be engaged to a foreign national who is not already in the U.S. legally or otherwise.
- You and your fiancé(e) must have met in person within the past two years, unless there are exceptional circumstances that prevent you from doing so, such as cultural or religious reasons, extreme hardship, or COVID-19 travel restrictions.
- You must be legally free to marry and intend to marry within 90 days of your fiancé(e) entering the U.S. as a K-1 visa holder.
- You must meet the income requirement to show that you can support your fiancé(e) financially in the U.S. The current minimum income requirement is 100% of the federal poverty guidelines for your household size, which you can find on the internet.
- You and your fiancé(e) must not have any criminal or immigration violations that would make you ineligible for a visa. Some examples of ineligibility grounds are fraud, terrorism, human trafficking, drug abuse, or previous visa overstays.
Process for applying for a K-1 visa
The process for applying for a K-1 visa involves several steps and can take several months to complete. Here is an overview of the main steps:
- Step 1: You, as the U.S. citizen sponsor, must file a Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form asks for basic information about you. Your fiancé(e), such as your names, addresses, dates of birth, marital status, and relationship history. You must also submit evidence of your engagement. Such as photos, letters, emails, phone records, or receipts for engagement rings or wedding plans. You must also pay a filing fee of $535.
- Step 2: After USCIS approves your petition, they will send it to the National Visa Center (NVC), which will assign a case number and forward it to the U.S. embassy. To consulate in your fiancé’s country of residence. The NVC will also send you a notice with instructions on how to pay the visa fee of $265 and how to submit the required documents online, such as your fiancé’s passport, birth certificate, police clearance, medical exam, and proof of relationship.
- Step 3: Your fiancé(e) must schedule and attend an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate, where a consular officer will ask questions about your relationship. Your plans to marry, and your eligibility for a visa. Your fiancé(e) must also bring the original or certified copies of the documents submitted online, as well as any additional documents requested by the consular officer. If the consular officer approves your fiancé’s visa, they will stamp the visa on your fiancé’s passport and return it to them.
- Step 4: Your fiancé(e) must enter the U.S. within six months of the visa issuance date and marry you within 90 days of arrival. After you get married, your fiancé(e) can apply for an adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). By filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with USCIS. You must also file a Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, to show that you can financially sponsor your spouse. You and your spouse may also have to attend an interview with USCIS to verify your marriage and eligibility for a green card.
Benefits of a K-1 visa
A K-1 visa has several benefits for you and your fiancé(e), such as:
- It allows you to be together in the U.S. sooner than other types of family-based visas. Which may have longer waiting times or quotas.
- It allows your fiancé(e) to work and travel in the U.S. while waiting for the green card. By applying for a work permit and a travel document with USCIS.
- It allows your fiancé(e) to bring their unmarried children under the age of 21. To the U.S. as K-2 visa holders. Who can also apply for a green card after you get married.
- It allows your fiancé(e) to become a U.S. citizen after three years of being a green card holder. If they meet the naturalization requirements.
Why choose Di Martino Law as your immigration lawyers in US with your K-1 visa application?
Applying for a K-1 visa can be a complex and lengthy process that requires a lot of paperwork, documentation, and attention to detail. If you make any mistakes or omissions in your application, you may face delays, denials, or even fraud allegations. That is why it is advisable to seek the help of immigration lawyers in the US. Who can guide you through the process. It ensure that your application is complete, accurate, and compliant with the immigration laws and regulations.
Here are some points which can help you clear your doubts for Us
-Our qualifications, experience, and reputation in the field of immigration law and K-1 visas
Our fees, payment methods, and refund policies are convenient.
-Availability, communication, and responsiveness to your questions and concerns
-Our success rate, client satisfaction, and ethical standards
You should also schedule a consultation with us to discuss your case, expectations, and goals. To evaluate their suitability, compatibility, and trustworthiness.
Conclusion
A K-1 visa is a great option for U.S. citizens who want to bring their foreign fiancé(e)s to the U.S. to get married and start a new life together. However, applying for a K-1 visa can be a challenging and time-consuming process. It requires a lot of preparation, documentation, and compliance. Therefore, it is highly recommended to hire immigration lawyers in US who can help you with your K-1 visa application. It increase your chances of success. By following the steps and tips outlined in this blog post, you can find the best immigration lawyers in US. Your K-1 visa needs and achieve your dream of marrying your fiancé(e) in the U.S.