K-1 Fiancé Visa Lawyer in Lake Charles
Need Help with Applying? Call Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP at (337) 214-0670.
At Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP, we handle immigration-related matters, including those pertaining to K-1 fiancé visas. Our Louisiana immigration lawyers have handled thousands of cases. We would love the opportunity to help you and your fiancé.
Why Hire Our Fiance Visa Lawyers?
- Helpful guidance from start to finish
- Close attention to detail
- Personalized counsel you can rely on
- Spanish-speaking services
Request a consultation with a fiance visa lawyer by calling (337) 214-0670. Se Habla Español!
The Four Types Of Immigrants
Immigrants in the U.S. fall under four categories. They include the following:
-
Citizens: Individuals who were born in one of the states in the U.S. or have become citizens after 3-5 years of keeping permanent residency
-
Permanent/Conditional Residents: Immigrants that have green cards are granted permanent citizen status and are allowed to work in the U.S. Conditional residents is a spouse that have been married for less than 2 years before receiving their green card, they must change their status once they receive their green card
-
Non-Immigrants: People who are in the U.S. legally, but only temporarily. They include:
-
Students who are in the U.S. on a F-1 visa
-
Business visitors or tourists in the U.S. on a B1/B2 visa
-
Fiancés in the U.S. on a K-1 visa
-
Individuals who have been granted asylum in the U.S.
-
-
Undocumented: People that are in the U.S. without legal permission, they also do not receive public benefits or work
What is a K-1 Visa?
A K-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows a foreign-born fiancé to legally enter the country for the purpose of marrying a U.S. citizen. When the petition is granted, the foreign-born fiancé is required to marry within 90 days of admission. Once the marriage is complete, it is then possible to apply for an adjustment of status to obtain permanent residency.
Below are the basic requirements for obtaining a K-1 visa:
- The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen
- The couple must legally be free to marry
- The couple must have met in person within two years of filing the visa petition
- The couple must establish that their relationship is genuine and bonafide
- The petitioner must have sufficient income, or have a co-sponsor, to satisfy the affidavit of support
Fiancé Visa Fees
When applying for a fiancé visa, be aware that there are fees forms and services such as:
- Filing the Form I-129F Alien Fiancé(3) Petition
- Visa application processing fee
- Medical exam fee
File an I-29F Petition for Your Fiancé
If all of the basic conditions are met, the U.S. citizen will file an I-29F petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). After the petition is granted, the case will be sent to the U.S. consulate in the fiancé's native country. They will then fill out all of the necessary paperwork, produce police clearance, take a medical exam, and have an interview. Because this process may take some time, it is important to begin it as soon as possible.
How Long Does the Fiancé(e) Visa Process Take?
The time it takes to process a fiancé(e) visa is based on the specific circumstances of each case -- the USCIS office and consular office will vary in their times of processing. Cases may be delayed because the applicant did not complete the forms correctly, instructions were not followed properly, or additional information is needed. Some applications simply require further administrative processing which takes place after the interview with the consular officer.
Our Louisiana K-1 Visa Attorney Can Advocate on Your Behalf
From initial applications to the final consulate interview, trust us to be at your side and advocating on your behalf every step of the way. We serve clients throughout Louisiana. For more information about our services or to request your consultation, be sure to give our firm a call!
Contact our K-1 visa lawyer now at(337) 214-0670! Services offered in Spanish.