While falling in love with someone across the street is the easiest thing, this may not be the case for everyone. Some people fall in love while abroad. It just happens. Someone walks over and begins a conversation and the two of you connect instantly. But what do you do after? This is just the beginning of a journey and it might take a while before Mr. or Ms. right knocks on your door. When it comes down to the K1 fiance visa process nobody is certain about how long it’ll take but some factors may help you figure it all out.

The K-1 immigration visa

The fiance visa is issued to the person marrying the U.S. citizen. It’ll allow the foreigner fiance to enter the United States and marry the citizen. After that, the couple can either live in the U.S. and and get a green card for the new spouse, live in the non-U.S. citizen’s country or in any other country they wish.

It’s all about timing

The process will start with the U.S. citizen filing a Petition for Alien Fiancé. This is Form I-129F available in the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In addition to this form you will also need Form G-325A. In this form you provide biographic information, your proof of citizenship, and any evidence required to prove you have been courting this person for at least two years. The citizen pays a fee for the petition.

The USCIS will review the petition and make sure is not missing any important information. If everything works as well, in just a few weeks, Form I-797 is sent to notify the petition was received. After that, the petition is fully reviewed and approved with a notice of approval sent to the U.S. citizen. The petition is forwarded to the National Visa Center in order for them to conduct all the required background checks. Also, the fiance will be sent some forms he or she will have to fill out and take to the specified location. The file will be in the United States Embassy of the foreigner fiance by now. If the fiance needs to send any other documents he or she will be notified.

Finally, the last step is to attend the interview at the United States consulate on the day and time scheduled. During the interview the visa is generally approved but the issuance may take a few days until all the security checks have been completed.

How long the process takes?

The whole process from start to finish will take about four to six months. For more details about current processing times go to a local Service Center or browse the USCIS website.

How can an attorney help?

Immigration laws can be complicated. If you want to be sure all the forms are filled out correctly and the process is handled in a timely matter, contact a Salt City K1 fiance attorney.