Jacksonville Fiancé Visa Lawyer

Helping Couples With The K-1 Visa Process in Florida

Embarking on the journey toward a K-1 visa and uniting with your loved one is a significant life event, and having a skilled legal advocate by your side can make all the difference. As a qualified Jacksonville fiancé visa attorney, Joanna M. Fakhre understands the complexities of the immigration process, having firsthand experience herself.

Attorney Fakhre is here not only as a legal representative but also as a compassionate partner, guiding you through each step with the utmost care and dedication. With a deep understanding of immigration laws and processes, continuous updates on your case, and a commitment to providing exceptional legal service, she can ensure that your path to love knows no obstacles. With years of experience, she is ready to navigate the legal landscape for you, making your dream of togetherness a reality.

• Read Our Reviews

Need skilled guidance for the fiancé visa application process? Contact The Law Office of Joanne M. Fakhre, P.A. online or call (904) 447-1937 to speak with our seasoned K-1 Visa lawyer in Jacksonville.

What Is a Fiancé/Fiancée Visa?

A fiancé/fiancée visa, or K-1 Visa is a way to unite couples. It provides a pathway for non-citizens to enter the United States for the purpose of marrying a U.S. citizen within a 90-day period. It also paves the way toward lawful permanent resident status via a green card.

What Are the Requirements For The K-1 Visa?

Below are the requirements to initiate the K-1 visa application process.

• The non-U.S. citizen partner must:
  • Reside outside the United States
  • Have the legal capacity for marriage
  • Have had an in-person meeting with the U.S. citizen partner within the past 2 years before the U.S. citizen partner files the Form I-129F
  • Have no significant criminal convictions
  • Be able to provide records or documents requested by the U.S. Embassy or consulate, such as the following:
    • Birth certificate
    • Passport
• The U.S. citizen partner must:
  • Be able to prove their U.S. citizenship is valid by providing proof such as:
    • U.S. birth certificate
    • Unexpired U.S. passport
    • Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship
  • Have the legal freedom and capability to enter into marriage. Any previous marital relationships should have been legally dissolved through divorce or the passing of a spouse.
  • Meet the Federal Poverty Guidelines income level for your specific household size. This shows your ability to financially support your partner when they arrive in the U.S.
  • Complete and file Form I-129F with USCIS. This is the formal petition for the non-U.S. citizen partner’s entry to the United States on a K-1 visa.

If there are children involved, they must be under the age of 21 to be eligible for sponsorship under the K-2 visa category.

If the requirements are met and the K-1 visa is approved, then the U.S. citizen fiancé has 6 months from the date the initial Form I-129F is approved to enter the United States.

How to Apply for a K-1 Visa

The K-1 visa, commonly known as the fiancé(e) visa, which allows a foreign national to enter the United States to marry their U.S. citizen partner. The process of applying for a K-1 visa often involves several crucial steps, each requiring careful attention to detail.

• Form I-129F Petition for Alien Fiancé(e): The U.S. citizen petitioner will need to file Form I-129F with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form establishes the relationship between the U.S. citizen and the foreign fiancé(e) and demonstrates the intention to marry within 90 days of the fiancé(e) coming to the U.S.
• Supporting Documents: Along with Form I-129F, supporting documents must be provided. These include evidence of the petitioner’s U.S. citizenship, proof of the relationship (such as photos, correspondence, and travel itineraries), and statements of intent to marry. It is essential to ensure all documents are properly compiled and submitted to avoid delays.
• USCIS Review: Once the petition is submitted, USCIS will review the application. If the petition is authorized, it is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing. The NVC assigns a case number and sends the petition to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where the foreign fiancé(e) will apply for the K-1 visa.
• Visa Application and Medical Examination: The foreign fiancé(e) must complete Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, and schedule a medical examination with an authorized physician. The medical exam must be conducted by a doctor approved by the embassy or consulate.
• Interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate: The foreign fiancé(e) will attend an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. During this interview, a consular officer will evaluate the authenticity of the relationship and the eligibility of the applicant. It is crucial to be well-prepared for this interview, bringing all required documents, including the approved Form I-129F, Form DS-160 confirmation page, medical examination results, and proof of relationship.
• Visa Issuance: If the consular officer has approveed the K-1 visa, it will be issued, allowing the foreign fiancé(e) to come to the United States. Once in the U.S., the couple will need to marry within 90 days. Following the marriage, the foreign partner can apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).

How Our Fiancé Visa Attorney Can Help You

Here’s how we can help:

• Comprehensive Case Evaluation: We will begin by reviewing your unique circumstances to ensure you meet all the eligibility requirements for a K-1 visa. This includes confirming that you and your fiancé qualify under the legal criteria and have all the necessary evidence to support your petition. We’ll identify any possible issues and advise you on how to address them before filing.
• Assistance with Petition Preparation: Filing Form I-129F correctly is crucial to avoid delays or rejections. We will guide you through the petition process, helping you gather and organize the required documents, like proof of your relationship, evidence of in-person meetings, and statements of intent to marry. We’ll also ensure that your petition is accurately completed and submitted to USCIS.
• Guidance on the Visa Interview: The visa interview is a critical step in the process, and it can be intimidating for your fiancé. We’ll prepare you and your fiancé for the interview by reviewing the types of questions typically asked, the documents they must bring, and the overall interview procedure. Proper preparation can make all the difference in the visa being granted without further complications.
• Support with Adjusting Status After Marriage: The next step is to adjust your spouse’s status from a K-1 visa holder to a lawful permanent resident once you are married. This involves filing additional paperwork, including Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). We can help you in preparing these documents and ensuring that your spouse’s transition to permanent residency is smooth.
• Resolving Issues or Delays: If any issues arise during the visa process—such as requests for additional evidence (RFEs) or delays because of consulate backlogs—we can step in to resolve these matters. Our experience with the immigration system allows us to respond efficiently to problems and work toward a favorable outcome.

Contact Our Fiancé Visa Attorney in Jacksonville

In matters of the heart and the law, our dedicated Jacksonville fiancé visa attorneys stand ready to be your unwavering support. With an understanding of the emotions involved in the K-1 visa process, we are committed to providing you with personalized guidance and expert legal representation. Your journey to building a future with your partner in the United States is our priority, and we will tirelessly advocate for your rights and interests. From navigating the paperwork to addressing potential challenges, we are here to ensure that your love story unfolds seamlessly. Contact us to embark on this exciting path with confidence, knowing that you have a trusted partner by your side.

For experienced guidance with the K-1 visa process, get in touch with our Jacksonville fiancé visa lawyer at The Law Office of Joanne M. Fakhre, P.A.. Contact us online or dial (904) 447-1937 to request a consultation.