International romantic relationships are becoming much more common. Video calls and racking up points on frequent flyer cards have made these kinds of relationships a bit more bearable. Eventually, the time comes for some when thoughts of marriage come into the conversation. If this sounds familiar to you, you may be asking yourself how do you bring your fiancé(e) to the United States. This is where a fiancé(e) visa lawyer can help.
MyImmigration can help close the gap between you and your fiancé(e).
Once you’ve made the decision to get married, your next step is to learn all you can about the K-1 visa process. To ensure that your marriage starts on solid ground, working with a fiancé(e) visa lawyer is the first step you should take.
Let us help you get your fiance into the country so you two can start your lives together.
When you’ve found your soulmate, you probably can’t wait to begin your lives together in wedded bliss. Unfortunately, when they’re not in the United States, this adds a new layer of stress. Most USCIS forms can be confusing, and with so many to choose from, you’ll want to pick the right one and ensure that your supporting documents are as solid as possible. For something as monumental as getting married, working with a fiancé(e) visa lawyer in Dallas is the best way to start out your lives together.
Well before you pick the perfect wedding location, hire a DJ, caterer, and all of the other things you need when planning your wedding, your fiancé(e) will have to enter the United States. Don’t be fooled by thinking that they can simply hop on a plane and the two of you can run off and tie the knot. If your fiancé(e) enters the country on a visa that isn’t specifically for getting married, USCIS could look at their actions as immigration fraud.
The K-1 fiancé(e) visa is designed for this situation. It allows a foreign national to enter the United States to marry a U.S. citizen. This visa also allows for them to stay in the country while their green card status is pending. Without the K-1 visa, after the wedding, they’d have to leave the country when their visa expires.
Here’s what to expect when filing for a fiancé(e) visa:
The first step is to complete and file Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)), which is the responsibility of the U.S. partner. This initiates bringing their foreign-born partner into the country on a K-1 visa. They will need to provide proof of a romantic relationship, which is usually accomplished with photos, travel records, emails, and texts. Processing times can vary, but expect this part of the process to take a minimum of at least a few months.
USCIS will review the petitioner’s information. If they feel they need more information about the relationship, they’ll send a Request for Evidence (RFE), which will slow down the process. They may request further evidence of a romantic relationship or more proof that the U.S. citizen can financially provide for the partner. Once approved, a Notice of Action (Form I-797) will be sent, and the case will be forwarded to the National Visa Center.
The petition will be forwarded to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the fiancé’s country once the NVC assigns a case number.
Next, the foreign fiancé(e) must complete Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) and schedule an interview at their local embassy or consulate. Required documents include their passport, medical examination, and proof of a romantic relationship.
Once approved, the foreign-born fiancé(e)’s passport will include a K-1 visa. They must enter the United States within six months and have a 90 days to get married.
Once married, the foreign-born spouse can file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). This starts the clock for their two-year conditional residency. Ninety days before this two-year period ends, they must file Form I-751 to change the two-year conditional green card to a permanent one.
Turning your long-distance relationship into a marriage requires filing for a fiancé(e) visa. The K-1 visa allows your partner to enter the country to get married and then allows them to stay in the United States while their green card application is pending. Don’t start your marriage on the wrong side of the immigration process.
Schedule an appointment with a fiancé(e) visa lawyer today and see how MyImmigration can help.
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