K-1 Visas in Palm Beach Gardens Explained

K-1 visas are also known as “fiancé visas” for somewhat obvious reasons. If you plan to marry someone who does not have permission to be in the United States, you can apply for one of these visas to organize your wedding on US soil. From there, you can plan your new life together and enjoy a long-term stay in the United States. But how do these visas work? How easy are they to obtain? These are questions you might want to ask an experienced immigration lawyer in Palm Beach Gardens.

Who Can Apply for a K-1 Visa?

You should know that if you are the fiancé of a US citizen, you cannot apply directly for a K-1 visa. Instead, your spouse-to-be must apply for this visa on your behalf. In other words, they must “sponsor” you. In order to do this, they must file a form called I-129F.

You can only pursue this visa if you genuinely intend to get married. Do not apply for a fiancé visa unless you plan to go through with the wedding. If you pursue this type of visa under fraudulent pretenses, you could face serious legal consequences.

What Happens After We File Our Petition? 

After you file your petition, the immigration authorities will review your application and determine whether your fiancé should be admitted into the country. This may involve various background checks into your fiancé. Immigration officials might also interview you or ask you questions about your relationship. This is to weed out potential sham marriages/engagements.

What Happens if We Never Get Married?

Once your fiancé arrives in the United States, you must get married within 90 days. If you fail to do this, your fiancé must leave the country before that 90-day period elapses. This means that you can legally call off the wedding, but a canceled wedding also eliminates the fiancé’s right to remain in the country.

What Happens After the Wedding?

After the wedding, you can adjust your status. This involves applying for a green card, which will allow you to remain in the country on a more long-term basis. From there, you can even become a fully-fledged US citizen.

You should adjust your status as soon as possible after your wedding. Your existing K-1 visa is not meant to be a long-term solution. It only gives you enough time to get married, and the authorities expect you to quickly adjust your status afterward. Consider working with an immigration lawyer to streamline this multifaceted process.

Can a Palm Beach Gardens Immigration Lawyer Help Me Get a K-1 Visa?

If you want to bring your fiancé to the United States, consider speaking with a K-1 visa lawyer in Palm Beach Gardens. An immigration lawyer can help you assess your options and determine whether this visa option truly makes sense. A consultation gives you an opportunity to discuss your unique family circumstances. Schedule a conversation with The Devore Law Group today to learn more.

Source: 

uscis.gov/family/family-of-us-citizens/visas-for-fiancees-of-us-citizens