Bringing Your Fiancé(e) To The United States: The K-1 Visa

I understand the excitement and anticipation of planning a life together with your fiancé(e) in the United States. Navigating the legal process to bring your loved one to America can be complex and requires careful attention to detail. At Johnson Law Office in Texarkana, I am dedicated to helping couples navigate the intricacies of fiancé(e) visas. I can guide you through the K-1 visa process, ensuring a smooth and efficient journey toward your shared future in the United States. With my experience as a fiancé visa attorney, you can focus on your relationship while I handle the legal complexities.

Understanding The K-1 Visa

The K-1 visa, commonly known as the fiancé(e) visa, allows a U.S. citizen to petition for their foreign fiancé(e) to enter the United States for the purpose of marriage. This visa provides a pathway for couples to be together while ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration laws.

Requirements For Fiancé Visas

To obtain a K-1 visa, several requirements must be met:

• Valid relationship: You must demonstrate that you have a genuine and bona fide relationship with your fiancé(e). This includes evidence of meeting in person within the past two years, unless a waiver is granted due to cultural or religious reasons.
• Intent to marry: You and your fiancé(e) must intend to marry within 90 days of their arrival in the United States.
• Financial support: As the U.S. citizen petitioner, you must demonstrate the financial means to support your fiancé(e) and prevent them from becoming a public charge.
• Eligibility: Your fiancé(e) must be admissible to the United States, meaning they must meet certain health and character requirements.

A fiancé visa attorney can help you gather the necessary documentation to prove you meet these requirements and guide you through the application process.

The K-1 Visa Process

The K-1 visa process involves several steps:

1. Petition: The U.S. citizen files a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
2. Approval: If the petition is approved, it is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC).
3. Consular processing: The NVC forwards the case to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the foreign fiancé’s country.
4. Interview: The foreign fiancé attends an interview at the embassy or consulate.
5. Medical examination: The foreign fiancé undergoes a medical examination.
6. Visa issuance: If approved, the K-1 visa is issued.
7. Entry into the U.S.: The foreign fiancé enters the U.S. and marries the U.S. citizen within 90 days.
8. Adjustment of status: After the marriage, the foreign fiancé can apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident.

A fiancé visa attorney can help you navigate each step of this process, ensuring your application is complete and accurate and that you meet all deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions About K-1 Fiancé Visas

To help you better understand the K-1 fiancé visa process, I’ve answered some of the most common questions below.

Who is eligible for a K-1 fiancé visa?

A K-1 fiancé visa is available to foreign nationals who are engaged to marry a U.S. citizen and intend to marry within 90 days of entering the United States. Both the U.S. citizen and the foreign fiancé must meet certain eligibility requirements such as being legally free to marry and having met in person within the past two years (with some exceptions).

How long does the K-1 fiancé visa application take, and what steps are involved?

The K-1 fiancé visa application process can take several months to complete. The steps involved include filing a petition with USCIS, consular processing at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the foreign fiancé’s country, an interview, a medical examination and visa issuance. The processing time can vary depending on the workload of USCIS and the U.S. embassy or consulate.

What should I do if my K-1 fiance visa application is denied?

If your K-1 fiance visa application is denied, you may be able to appeal the decision or reapply. It’s important to understand the reasons for the denial and address them in your appeal or new application. A fiance visa attorney can help you understand your options and represent you throughout the appeal or reapplication process.

Start Your Journey Together: Contact Johnson Law Office

I can provide comprehensive guidance and support throughout the K-1 visa process. I serve clients throughout Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. Contact Johnson Law Office in Texarkana at 888-915-4768 or contact me online to schedule an appointment and discuss your fiancé(e) visa application.