New Orleans K-1 Fiancé Lawyer 

Helping Clients With K-1 Fiancé Visa Matters in Louisiana

Are you planning to bring your fiancé to the United States to get married? If so, you will need to apply for a K-1 Fiancé Visa. At Wheatley Immigration Law, LLC, we can help you navigate the complex immigration process and obtain the necessary visas for your loved ones. 

Our experienced New Orleans K-1 visa immigration attorneys are well-versed in the K-1 visa application process and can guide you through every step. We understand that this can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, which is why we will work closely with you to ensure a smooth and successful outcome.

Call Wheatley Immigration Law, LLC today at (504) 784-6803 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our New Orleans K-1 fiancé visa attorney.

What Are the Requirements for a K-1 Visa?

To qualify for a K-1 fiancé visa, both you and your fiancé must meet specific legal requirements set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These include:

• U.S. Citizenship of the Petitioner: The U.S. petitioner must be a U.S. citizen to sponsor their foreign fiancé. Green card holders (lawful permanent residents) are not eligible to petition for a K-1 visa. The U.S. citizen must provide proof of citizenship, such as a valid U.S. passport or birth certificate, as part of the application.
• Intent to Marry: Both you and your fiancé must have a genuine intention to marry within 90 days of your fiancé’s arrival in the U.S. This intent must be demonstrated in your application, usually through signed statements from both parties expressing their intent to marry. USCIS may request additional evidence of your relationship, like photos, travel itineraries, or correspondence, to verify the authenticity of your relationship.
• Meeting in Person: You and your fiancé must have met in person at least once within the two years preceding the filing of your K-1 visa petition. Exceptions to this requirement may be awarded in cases of extreme hardship or if meeting in person would violate cultural or religious traditions. However, these exceptions are rarely awarded and must be well-documented to be considered.
• Both Parties Must Be Legally Free to Marry: Both you and your fiancé will need to be legally eligible to marry. This means that if either party was previously married, the marriage must be legally terminated through divorce, annulment, or death of the former partner. Documentation proving the dissolution of any prior marriages must be included with your petition.
• Financial Requirements: To sponsor a K-1 visa, a U.S. citizen petitioner must meet certain financial requirements. Specifically, the petitioner must demonstrate that they can financially support their fiancé and any dependents once they arrive in the U.S. The petitioner must also meet at least 100% of the federal poverty guidelines to ensure that their fiancé will not become a public charge. If the petitioner’s income falls below this threshold, a joint sponsor may be needed to provide financial support.

How to Apply for a K-1 Visa

Applying for a K-1 visa involves several steps that must be completed sequentially. Any errors or omissions could result in delays or denials, so it’s crucial to ensure that each stage of the process is handled properly.

• File Form I-129F: The first step in the K-1 visa process is for the U.S. citizen petitioner to file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé, with USCIS. This form establishes the relationship between the U.S. citizen and their foreign fiancé and delivers the necessary information to begin the visa process. Along with Form I-129F, you must submit evidence of your relationship, including documentation proving you’ve met in person within the past two years and evidence of your intent to marry.
• USCIS Processing: Once the petition is submitted, USCIS will review the application and determine whether it meets the requirements. If USCIS approves the petition, it will forward the case to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing. If USCIS requires additional information or if there are issues with the application, they may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE), which can delay the process.
• Apply for the K-1 Visa: Once the NVC has processed the approved petition, it will be sent to the U.S. embassy or consulate in your fiancé’s home country. Your fiancé must submit a visa application (Form DS-160) and schedule an interview at the embassy or consulate. Before the interview, your fiancé must undergo a medical examination by an approved physician and deliver the results during the interview.

How Our K-1 Fiancé Visa Attorney Can Help You

Our K-1 Fiancé Visa services include:

1. Initial consultation: During our initial consultation, we will discuss your individual situation and determine if you are eligible for a K-1 Fiancé Visa.
2. Document preparation: Our immigration attorneys will prepare all necessary documents, including the petition for a K-1 Visa and supporting evidence.
3. Filing the petition: We will file your application with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and monitor the progress of your case.
4. Consular processing: We will assist with the consular processing of your fiancé's visa application and prepare them for the interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
5. Follow-up and support: Our attorneys will continue to support you throughout the process and answer any questions you may have until your fiancé is granted a K-1 Visa.

Contact Our K-1 Fiancé Visa Attorney in New Orleans Today

At Wheatley Immigration Law, LLC, we understand that every client is unique, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that your specific needs are met. We are committed to providing personalized attention and high-quality representation to help you achieve your immigration goals.

If you are interested in applying for a K-1 Fiancé Visa, contact Wheatley Immigration Law, LLC today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced New Orleans K-1 Fiancé attorneys.

Call us at (504) 784-6803 to learn more about our K-1 Fiancé Visa lawyer in New Orleans. You can also contact us online.