K-1 Visa Attorney in Dallas

The K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa Application Process

You can generally expect the process to include the following steps:

• Filing the petition: The U.S. citizen petitioner files Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This petition can’t be filed directly with a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
• Assembling supporting documents: The petition must include evidence of the relationship and visa eligibility. This may include proof that the couple met in person within the previous two years, evidence that prior marriages legally ended, bona fide relationship evidence, and statements showing the couple’s intent to marry.
• USCIS review: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reviews the petition and may issue a request for additional evidence. I communicate with the agency on my client’s behalf and help prepare responses when more documentation is requested.
• National Visa Center transfer: After USCIS approves the petition, the case generally goes to the National Visa Center. The center assigns a case number and forwards the case to the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate.
• Preparing consular documents: The foreign-citizen fiancé(e) generally completes Form DS-160 and gathers civil records, relationship evidence, and other documents required by the consular post. Financial-support evidence may include Form I-134 during visa processing. Requirements can vary, so applicants should follow the case-specific instructions from the embassy or consulate handling the interview.
• Obtaining a medical examination: Before the interview, your fiancé(e) must undergo a medical examination with an authorized panel physician and follow the vaccination instructions that apply to the case.
• Attending the consular interview: The foreign-citizen fiancé(e) must attend an interview with a consular officer. I help couples prepare for questions about their relationship, eligibility, documentation, and plans to marry in the United States.
• Receiving the K-1 visa: If approved, your fiancé(e) will receive the visa and can travel to the United States before the expiration date printed on it. A K-1 visa generally permits one admission and may be valid for up to six months from issuance, depending on the visa and case circumstances.
• Marrying in the United States: Once in the United States, you and your fiancé(e) must marry each other within 90 days. Visa issuance doesn’t extend this marriage deadline.
• Applying for a Green Card: After marriage, the foreign spouse can apply for lawful permanent residence through adjustment of status by filing Form I-485. This is a separate stage from the K-1 visa process and may require additional forms, supporting evidence, and financial sponsorship documentation.