Kerry Bretz Immigration Law Blog on Lawyers.com

Applying for a K-1 Fiance Visa

Thursday, September 2, 2010 by Kerry Bretz

You met someone in the U.S. and you fell in love. Now you want to be with that special person for the rest of your life. But how do you go about it when you are not a citizen? The answer may be a K-1 fiancee visa.

Legal aliens planning to enter the U.S. in order to marry citizens and live in the country are eligible for this type of visa. But obtaining it may not be as easy as obtaining a work visa with the help of a work visa attorney in New York City. The following are some quick facts about the process:

It takes approximately three to six months after filing your application before it is processed. During this time, you will not be able to stay with your fianc� in the U.S., but will have to wait until the application is approved before entering the country.
You can be denied a K-1 fianc� visa for the following reasons—you have a communicable disease, dangerous disorder (either mental or physical), were convicted of a serious criminal charge, are a drug addict, drug trafficker, prostitute, used fraud as a way of entering the country, or the government feels that you are likely to become a public charge. If any of these circumstances apply to you, discuss your case with a New York City fianc�e visa attorney.
Documents required for your K-1 application include the following—your birth certificate, passport, medical examination, evidence of support, and evidence of relationship with your fianc�. You are also required to include a photo of yourself, the divorce or death certificate from any previous spouses, and a police certificate for all locations you lived at since age 16.
You must have met, in person, your fianc�e during the last two years in order to apply for a K-1 visa, unless that requirement is waived. If you think that you may qualify for a waiver, discuss your case with a qualified New York City fianc�e visa lawyer.

If you are looking for a New York City visa attorney, reach out to:

Bretz & Coven, LLP
305 Broadway
New York, NY 10007

Posted at 15:03 PM

Topic: Immigration