Fiancé Visas: Guide To Obtain A K-1 Visa
Noncitizens who are engaged to a U.S. citizen and wish to marry and live in the United States will likely need a fiancé visa. The K-1 is the primary visa for fiancés because it allows them to enter the U.S. and marry within 90 days. Still, there are two other K visas to be aware of. The K-2 visa allows the children of a K-1 visa holder to accompany them to the U.S. The K-3 visa is for the spouse of a U.S. citizen waiting for their immigrant visa petition to be processed.
If you want to bring your family together in Beverly, the North Shore or the Boston area, count on a trusted immigration lawyer. At Cayer Law, I’m here to help you find solutions. I am John Cayer, a Massachusetts attorney with over 25 years of immigration law experience. I offer skilled family-based immigration guidance that focuses on your goals.
K-1 Visa Requirements
To apply for a K-1 visa, you must meet several requirements:
- One spouse is already a legal U.S. citizen.
- Both partners must be single and legally free to marry, and they must intend to marry within 90 days of the fiancé’s arrival in the U.S.
- The couple must have met in person at least once within two years before filing the petition unless a waiver is granted due to extreme hardship or cultural reasons.
- The U.S. citizen petitioner must meet specific income requirements to show they can support their fiancé.
- There is no disqualifying criminal history.
I have helped many people determine if they meet these requirements.
Essential Documentation For K-1 Visa Application
Providing proper documentation is crucial to the K-1 visa application process. Here’s what you need:
- Form I-129F: Petition for Alien Fiancé used to start the K-1 visa process.
- Proof of citizenship: A birth certificate or passport of the fiancé who is a U.S. citizen.
- Proof of relationship: Photos, correspondence or other evidence showing a genuine relationship and the wish to marry.
- Affidavit of support: Form I-134 to show financial ability to support the fiancé.
- Medical examination records: To ensure the applicant meets health standards.
If you would like to get this process started so you can marry in the U.S., I can guide you through this journey.
Step-By-Step K-1 Visa Application Process
Applying for a K-1 visa involves several steps and takes between several months and a year:
- File Form I-129F: The U.S. citizen files this form with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- USCIS approval: Once approved, the petition goes to the National Visa Center (NVC).
- NVC processing: The NVC forwards the case to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the fiancé(e)’s country.
- Visa interview: The fiancé attends an interview and submits the required documents.
- Visa issuance: If approved, the K-1 visa is issued.
I can also help you seek a K-3 visa and related visas if you have married abroad and want to bring your spouse to the U.S.
Contact Me To Get Reliable Help
Navigating the K-1 visa process can be complex, and seeking the help of an experienced immigration attorney can be invaluable. I provide knowledgeable guidance, ensure that all paperwork is filled out correctly and help address any issues that arise. With this support, you can confidently navigate the process and focus on your upcoming marriage.
My goal at Cayer Law is to help secure your family’s future. Call me at 978-955-9352 or send me an email to find out how I can assist with your family’s green card or visa needs.