info@kasturilaw.com

Call Us Today

630-392-8101 | 630-392-8101
29 South Webster Street, Suite 370 Naperville,
IL 60540

Call Us Today

630-392-8101 | 630-392-8101
info@kasturilaw.com

At Kasturi Law, LLC, our Illinois immigration and nationality law attorney and law firm founder, Shobhana Kasturi, has over 27 years of legal experience and a decade of experience representing individuals seeking K-1 fiancé(e) visas.

K-1 fiancé(e) visas are designed for foreign nationals who wish to marry their U.S. citizen fiancé(e) in the United States. These visas are time-sensitive and have specific compliance terms. Once the individual enters the country, the U.S. citizen and their fiancée have 90 days to marry. If they do not marry within 90 days, the foreign national fiancée must return to their home country or is subject to removal from the United States.

K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa

Here, we discuss the requirements for K-1 visas and how our law firm can help couples achieve their marital goals in the U.S.

What Do Couples Need to Pursue a K-1 Visa?

The K-1 visa provides a clear legal route for couples with one U.S. citizen partner to build their lives together in the U.S.

The eligibility requirements for the K-1 visa are as follows:

  • S. Citizen Petitioner: The U.S. petitioner must be a U.S. citizen (not a green card holder).
  • Intent to Marry: Both the U.S. citizen and the foreign fiancé(e) must genuinely intend to marry within 90 days of the fiancé(e)’s arrival in the U.S.
  • Legally Free to Marry: Both parties must be legally free to marry, meaning any previous marriages must be legally terminated by divorce, annulment, or death.
  • In-Person Meeting Requirement: The couple must have met in person at least once within the two years before filing the K-1 visa petition unless a waiver applies due to extreme hardship or cultural/social customs.
  • Proof of Relationship: Evidence of a bona fide relationship, including photographs, communication records, travel itineraries, and affidavits from friends and family, must demonstrate the couple’s commitment to marriage.
  • Financial Requirements: The U.S. citizen petitioner must meet specific income requirements, generally at or above 100% of the federal poverty guidelines, to ensure they can financially support the foreign fiancé(e) once they arrive.
  • Background Checks: S. citizens and foreign fiancé(e) must pass background checks. Certain criminal convictions, immigration violations, or security risks could disqualify either party from eligibility.

After obtaining the K-1 visa, the foreign fiancé(e) must marry the U.S. citizen within 90 days of entering the U.S. and subsequently apply for adjustment of status to obtain a green card.

Our skilled K-1 visa attorney can be invaluable in the K-1 visa process by guiding couples through the complex and often confusing U.S. immigration system. We ensure that all required documentation is accurately completed and submitted, reducing the risk of delays or denials due to errors or missing information. We can also help gather and present evidence to prove the relationship’s legitimacy, assist with waiver requests if needed, and provide legal representation in case of any complications or issues arising during processing.

Contact Our Immigration Attorney Today

Contact our immigration law firm today to learn how we can offer peace of mind and increase the likelihood of a smooth, successful visa application.

Whether you prefer an in-person meeting, a phone call, or a Zoom session, we are here to accommodate you. You can even schedule a consultation directly using our online calendar, choosing between 30-minute or 60-minute timeframes. We value your time and want to ensure that your immigration questions receive the attention they deserve, helping you move forward confidently.