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Steps to Take Before Applying for a K1 Visa
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Getting a visa to come to the United States is no walk in the park. Besides meeting stringent requirements for the various nonimmigrant (temporary) and immigrant (permanent) visas available, one must navigate the complex immigration system to get approved for any of the visas. One of the nonimmigrant visas available for those who qualify is the K1 or “fiancé” visa.
At Kriezelman Burton & Associates, we have experienced immigration lawyers who assist clients in the Chicago area to apply for and obtain both a K1 visa and a green card when they come to the U.S.
A K1 visa allows a fiancé of a U.S. citizen to come to the U.S. and apply for an immigrant visa (green card). However, both the fiancé and U.S. citizen must satisfy various requirements and take the steps necessary to complete the process of obtaining the K1 visa and the green card after they arrive in the U.S.
Below are the steps one must take before applying for a K1 visa:
Determine K1 Visa Eligibility. To be eligible for a K1 visa, the following requirements must be satisfied:
- The foreigner must be engaged to a U.S. citizen filing the petition.
- Both the foreigner and U.S. citizen must be free to legally marry. This means if either or both the foreign fiancé and U.S. citizen were previously married, the marriage must be terminated, and you must have proof of the termination (divorce decree) before submitting your application.
- Both the U.S. citizen and foreign fiancé must have met each other in person within the last two years.
- Both the foreign fiancé and U.S. citizen must have intent to get married within 90 days of the foreign fiancé entering the U.S.
Filing the Petition. If the above requirements are met, the U.S. citizen will file a Form I-129F with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and pay the applicable fee.
Foreign Fiancé Files Form DS-160. Once the U.S. citizen fiancé’s petition (Form I-129F) is approved by USCIS, the foreign fiancé will file Form DS-160 online. The form is electronically transmitted to the Department of State.
Police Clearance and Medical Examination. The foreign fiancé will next undergo a medical examination by a doctor approved by the U.S. Embassy where the foreign fiancé lives. The foreign fiancé must also obtain a police clearance from every country they have lived in for the previous six years.
K1 Interview. The foreign fiancé will next be given an appointment for an interview with a visa officer at the U.S. consulate, as indicated on Form I-129F.
Admission to the U.S. If the interview is successful and the K1 visa is approved, the foreign fiancé will have the K1 visa stamped in their passport. The foreign fiancé will then use the K1 visa to enter the U.S.
Marriage. The foreign fiancé and U.S. citizen petitioner must get married within 90 days of the foreign fiancé being admitted into the U.S.
Adjustment of Status. The foreign fiancé will start the adjustment process for the green card after getting married.
Meet with an Illinois Immigration Lawyer About Your Options
Kriezelman Burton & Associates helps clients with a wide range of immigration matters. If you need help with applying for a K1 visa, contact our office today to schedule an appointment to learn more about how we can help you.
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I had a wonderful experience working with Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC. From start to finish, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to guiding me through every step of the process. They made what could have been a stressful situation feel smooth and manageable, always answering questions quickly and keeping me updated. I especially want to thank Khabit for his outstanding support—he was patient, detail-oriented, and went above…
Many thanks to attorney Kevin A Raica and his assistant Rafael Rodriguez for all their help. My immigration case went very smoothly and quickly.
We worked with Kevin Raica from Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, and I can confidently say he went above and beyond for us. Our process was very long and at times overwhelming, but Kevin guided us every step of the way with professionalism, patience, and dedication. He was always available to answer our questions, explained everything clearly, and made sure we understood our options at each stage. What stood out…
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I really want to thank Justin and Kamila; they are the best. I waited almost 20 years and no one could help me get my green card and in 4 months they helped me get my permit, and I got my green card in less then 4 months. They are the best. I will always be grateful for what they did for me, thank you Justin and Kamila!!!!
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I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Burton for his outstanding legal assistance in my immigration case, from my first consultation he heard me patiently demonstrating exceptional professionalism, expertise, and a genuine commitment to my case. Immigration process can be overwhelming and stressful, but he and his team provided clear guidance every step of the way, always answering my questions promptly and reassuring me with their deep expertise. Thanks to their…
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