A K-1 visa, or a fiancé visa, is a non-immigrant visa that lets foreign nationals enter the United States to marry United States citizens. This visa is crucial for obtaining a Green Card and citizenship in the United States.
While the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) publish a clear pathway for how people can obtain this visa, that doesn’t mean it’s a straightforward or stress-free process for everyone to navigate alone. You may see the value in hiring a lawyer to assist you for these reasons:
Benefit from Legal Expertise
Most people applying for a K-1 fiancé visa lack legal experience. As a result, navigating a largely legal process can be daunting, overwhelming, and sometimes even confusing. It can be worth contacting lawyers specializing in immigration law. They can help you understand the steps you need to take and how you can enjoy a straightforward and stress-free application process.
Help with Eligibility
Not everyone who applies for a K-1 visa will be eligible to obtain one. There is a long list of requirements, and you must also have specific documentation to support your application. The requirements can include:
- Proving your fiance’s U.S. citizenship
- Proving your intent to marry within 90 days
- Proving you and your fiance are free to marry legally in the United States
- Proof of real-world meeting at least once within two years of starting your application
- Minimum specific income requirements by the U.S. citizen spouse by submitting an I-134 form
If you don’t believe you can fulfill this eligibility criteria and gather all documentation without help, enlisting the services of an experienced immigration lawyer can be worthwhile.
Reduce the Risk of Delays
Applying for a K-1 visa is a time-consuming process. It can sometimes take an average of 12 to 18 months to process the visa. That processing timeline may not even include any delays caused by details you may have missed or not filled out correctly.
Any issues with your application could set it back several months. If you’re not confident that you can fill out your application without making errors, consult a lawyer. They can help you avoid common pitfalls and potentially reduce the risk of delays and even denials.
Helping with Legal Issues
Legal problems that you or your spouse are facing can sometimes cause problems for a successful K-1 visa application. For example, if you have a criminal record, you can apply for a K-1 visa but may have a reduced chance of success.
Lawyers can review your case and offer solutions to potentially improve your chances of having your visa approved. Immigration lawyers may also be helpful if you’ve had previous visa denials or if you and your fiance have previously been married.
Preparing You for Your Interview
The K-1 visa process involves more than filling out paperwork. You must also attend an interview at an embassy or United States consulate. It’s only natural to be nervous, but a lawyer can help you prepare. They can inform you of the likely questions you can expect and how you should respond to them.
Hiring a lawyer to apply for a K-1 visa is not a legal requirement. However, it can sometimes be in your best interest. Hiring a lawyer may improve your chances of a stress-free and straightforward application process.
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