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When you are a US citizen and want to bring your fianc(é)e into the country, a seasoned immigration attorney could ensure that journey is hassle-free as possible.

A Fort Worth K-1 visa lawyer could help you fulfill your dream of settling together in the United States. You have a short time window to get married and for the noncitizen to apply for permanent residency, but the process can be complex. A seasoned immigration attorney could give you the guidance you need.

What is a K-1 Visa?

The K-1 Visa is traditionally known as the fianc(é)e visa. It grants a foreign fiancé of a United States citizen the opportunity to come to the United States for marriage. A K-1 visa offers ninety days within which the couple is to be married, and subsequently, the foreign spouse applies for adjustment of status to become an authorized permanent resident.

To qualify for a K-1 Visa, the United States citizen petitioner and the foreign spouse must meet various requirements, including having a verifiable relationship, meeting in person within the last two years, marriage after their arrival, and being legally free to marry.

The Application Process

The application process is complex, with numerous forms and deadlines, but a Fort Worth K-1 Visa attorney could assist applicants through the full process. During an initial consultation, a lawyer can learn about an applicant’s relationship and provide information on the K-1 Visa terms, requirements, and deadlines. They will also ask about the history of the relationship and any potential issues and problems.

An attorney could help prepare all necessary paperwork so the petition is complete and accurate. This often involves completing Form I-129F, gathering proof of the relationship, and preparing biographical data sheets for the applicant and their fianc(é)e.

Grounds for Refusal

A K-1 visa may be declined for several reasons, regardless of where the petition is made. First, an applicant’s submission can be deemed incomplete or false. When the application form is not filled out in its entirety, the documentation is missing, or the data provided is misleading, the case cannot be approved.

There is also the failure to meet the relationship requirement. The US citizen petitioner and the foreign national fianc(é)e must have met in person at least once within the two years of filing the petition.

A visa may be rejected when there is insufficient proof of the intent to marry. Both parties must prove they wish to marry each other within 90 days from when the fianc(é) arrives in the US. The visa will not be approved when there is any suspicion the marriage will take place for disingenuous reasons.

Criminal background or immigration violations may also determine whether a person will receive the visa. The K-1 visa can be denied when the foreign fianc(é)e has a criminal record or a history of violating immigration laws. Certain crimes, especially crimes of moral turpitude or drug-related offenses, make the applicant ineligible. Past immigration violations, such as overstaying a visa or entering the country illegally, can be grounds for a visa denial.

The foreign fianc(é)e must undergo a medical examination during the K-1 Visa application process. The visa can be denied when the fianc(é)e carries an infectious disease of public health significance, lacks necessary vaccinations, or has a physical or mental disease that could cause violent behavior. The fianc(é)e must meet all health requirements and be current on their vaccinations. A lawyer in Fort Worth could ensure there are no outstanding healthcare requirements when a client applies for a K-1 visa.

Finally, the US citizen petitioner must prove their income meets specific requirements allowing them to support their fiancé. The visa may be denied when the applicant fails to prove that they earn the minimum income required or lacks evidence that reveals financial stability.

Schedule a Consultation With a K-1 Visa Attorney in Fort Worth Today

Facing the uncertainty and red tape of US immigration law can be nerve-wracking and confusing. A Fort Worth K-1 visa lawyer could take the stress out of your application process and keep you informed, involved, and actively supported throughout. Every case is unique, and attorney Edwardo Meza will do his best to ensure your needs are met in the best possible way.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation.