Lawyers Who Are On Your Side

Lawyers Who Are On Your Side

3 important rules that apply to K-1 fiance visas

On Behalf of | Mar 9, 2022 | Visas

Falling in love doesn’t just occur when and where it is convenient for the people involved. It sometimes happens in the most frustrating circumstances. You may have met someone online or during travel for work that you had a strong connection with despite your very different lives.

Over time, you have grown closer despite the differences and distance between you. Now, you know that you want to spend the rest of your lives together, but they are a citizen of another country. As a United States citizen, you can potentially apply for a K-1 fiance visa to bring your future spouse to the United States.

It is crucial that you understand the rules that apply to a K-1 visa if you want to successfully apply for one and bring your intended spouse to the United States to marry you.

Your fiance must pass a background check

Like any other visa, a fiance visa requires a thorough criminal background check and even a review of medical records. Regardless of your relationship with someone from another country, if there are serious issues in their background, they may not be able to legally enter the United States.

You need evidence of a legitimate relationship

Although people can abuse any visa program, the K-1 Visa program is subject to significant scrutiny. Maybe because so many books and movies use the idea of a contract engagement for immigration purposes, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) looks carefully at your relationship.

They want to see proof that you have met in person unless your culture or religion forbids it. They also want to see evidence of a long-term relationship and that your social networks know about your engagement. 

You will need to marry quickly when your fiance arrives

After your fiance gets their visa and enters the United States, you only have 90 days to get married. Regardless of what else happens, you have to solemnize your marriage within that time or risk their removal from the country.

Applying for a K-1 visa can help you marry the person you love if you are successful. Learning more about family-based immigration programs can help you preserve and even improve those crucial close relationships.