Long-distance relationships are becoming increasingly common. For some, the hundreds of miles between them and their love are doable. But what about those whose romantic relationships are intercontinental? Getting together can be both time-consuming and costly. If you’re in a relationship like this and marriage is on your mind, you’re probably confused about how to bring your sweetheart into the U.S. for the purpose of marriage. This is where the K-1 Visa is a life-saver.
Let MyImmigration close the gap between you and your soulmate.
For something as special as your marriage, you’ll want to do everything the right way. This is especially important when your fiancé(e) isn’t a United States citizen. If they enter the country on a visa that’s not specifically for the purpose of their visit, it could be considered visa fraud.
Let us help you navigate the K-1 visa requirements to legally bring your foreign-born fiancé(e) into the United States.
Once you’ve found the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, you want the rest of your life to begin as soon as possible. But when that person is in another country and not a U.S. citizen, planning a life together can be difficult. To bring them into the country to become your spouse requires filing for a K-1 visa.
Working with a K-1 visa attorney can help to make the process much easier. They can help you file correctly, ensuring that your application has the best chance of being accepted the first time around. Don’t take this first step toward getting married lightly; contact a MyImmigration K-1 visa lawyer.
You may be under the false impression that you can marry your foreign-born spouse as long as they legally enter the country. While some may enter the United States on a tourist visa and then marry their U.S. citizen partner, this is not the legal way to do so. The K-1 visa is the proper way for your partner to enter the country to get married. This special visa alerts USCIS of their intention to marry a U.S. citizen and allows them to stay in the country after the wedding while awaiting green card processing.
You don’t want to start off on the wrong foot with something as important as your marriage. There are several steps to getting a K-1 visa, and USCIS will scrutinize your relationship. Here’s a look at how the process typically unfolds.
The United States citizen must first file Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)). Filing this form will initiate bringing your foreign-born partner into the country. You’ll need proof of a bona fide romantic relationship, usually achieved by providing photos, travel records, emails, and texts. Processing times can vary, but expect this process to take at least a few months.
USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) will review the petitioner’s (U.S. citizen’s) information. It’s common for USCIS to send a Request for Evidence (RFE). They may request further evidence of a romantic relationship or proof that the petitioner can financially provide for their 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 is then forwarded to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the fiancé’s county once the NVC assigns a case number.
Next, the foreign fiancé(e) must complete and file Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) and schedule an in-person interview at their local embassy or consulate. Required documents include a passport, medical examination, and proof that a romantic relationship exists.
Once approved, the foreign fiancé(e)’s passport will have the K-1 visa attached. They must enter the United States within six months and have a 90-day marriage window.
After the marriage, the foreign-born spouse must file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). This will start the clock for their two-year conditional residency. Ninety days before this two-year period ends, file Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) to convert the two-year conditional green card to a permanent one.
Don’t let your dream of marrying your foreign-born partner be dashed by bringing them into the country the wrong way. MyImmigration has assisted countless couples in weaving the sometimes complex web of obtaining a K-1 visa. We would be proud to be a part of making your marriage happen.
Schedule an appointment with a K-1 visa lawyer today.
Mailing Address
My Immigration LLC
265 N. Main St.
Ste. D #311
Kaysville, UT
84037-1471
MyImmigration.com is not affiliated with the USCIS or any government agency. One or more nonlawyers holds an ownership and financial interest in MyImmigration. Attorney James Robertson, President of MyImmigration, oversees all legal services provided at MyImmigration and also holds an ownership and financial interest in the company. Fees received by MyImmigration are shared by its owners after expenses are paid. All forms that can be completed online using our service are available as blank forms with written instructions for free from the USCIS. MyImmigration.com fees do not include any government application, biometric, filing, or other applicable third-party fees. Access to and use of the MyImmigration.com website are subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.