Experienced K-1 fiancé Visa Attorney In San Diego
Like many, you may know that if an immigrant marries a U.S. citizen, this helps them obtain a green card. However, an important thing to note is that this is also a pathway for engaged couples who need a visa. If a US citizen has a fiancé from another country, they can apply for a K-1 fiancé visa to help them come to the United States.
For legal guidance as you move closer to your marriage, contact the Law Office of Matthew H. Springmeyer. Founding attorney Matthew Springmeyer has been selected to the Rising Star list and brings over a decade of experience to every case. As an immigration lawyer, he can help with all your immigration needs. As these cases can be complicated, attorney guidance allows you to overcome any obstacles that may arise. Call for a consultation and learn about your options, including K-1, K-2 and K-3 visas in California.
What Are The Requirements For A K-1 Visa?
A key requirement for K-1 visas is that your marriage must happen within 90 days of your fiancé entering the United States. In other words, you can only use this visa if you are about to get married, not if you are simply in a relationship and plan to have a long-term engagement. Many couples will already be planning their wedding and getting things in order for months prior to the visa being issued.
There are other requirements that must be met in order for a person to petition the government for a K-1 fiancé visa on behalf of their partner. If you are in this position, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- As the petitioner, you must be a U.S. citizen.
- You and your fiancé must be single and legally able to get married.
- You and your fiancé must not have a disqualifying criminal history.
- You must be able to financially support yourselves after the marriage.
- You and your fiancé must have spent time together in person at least once during the previous 24 months, unless there is an exception that the court recognizes.
When children are involved, other visas sometimes need to be used. For example, if you have a fiancé with minor children, they may need to use a K-2 visa. The process gets a bit more complex when children are involved and multiple people may be immigrating.
What Is A K-3 Visa?
A K-3 visa is similar, but the location of the marriage is different. A K-1 visa allows the fiancé to come to the United States and get married. With a K-3 visa, however, the couple is married in the fiancé’s home country and then enters the United States to start their life together.
What Documentation Is Necessary When Applying For A K-1 Visa?
When dealing with the government to seek a K-1 visa, you must follow specific documentation requirements, which include:
- Form I-129, which petitions for your fiancé on your behalf
- A birth certificate or naturalization certificate showing that you are a citizen
- Proof that you are not married to another person
- Proof of your intent to get married within 90 days
- Proof that you and your fiancé have been together for the last two years
- An affidavit demonstrating your income level
- Payments for photos, biometric data, filing fees and other related costs
In specific cases, other types of evidence may be necessary, such as police records or a divorce decree. Everyone’s situation is unique, but the experienced team at the Law Office of Matthew H. Springmeyer can help you explore your options and put together the correct documentation.
Call For A Consultation
With over a decade of experience, California K-1 visa attorney Matthew Springmeyer can help you explore your options for a fiancé visa. To get started with an initial consultation in San Diego, call him at 619-780-2716 or use the online contact form. Se habla español.