A common and reliable avenue to citizenship in the U.S. is by getting married. Each year tens of thousands of foreign nationals come to the U.S. with a K-1 Visa to marry U.S. citizens. The K-1 Visa, otherwise known as the 90-day fiancé visa, was designed to lessen the time an engaged international couple spends separated before getting married. The K-1 Visa option is better suited for those who are unable to get married abroad due to the spouse's country's traditions or laws, while simultaneously granting them cheaper and faster routes to citizenship than a spousal visa.
When a K-1 Visa is issued, the couple will have 90 days to get married, after which the foreign national may apply for permanent residency. After 5 years of holding a green card, they may apply for an adjustment of status to become a U.S. Citizen.
It is also important to note that the spouse cannot leave the United States, while their green card application is pending, without a travel document. Otherwise, the USCIS will deem the green card application abandoned and the applicant will need to petition once more.
If you are already married to a U.S. citizen, the K-3 Spousal visa may be for you. Unlike the K-1 visa, the K-3 visa holds no guarantees of permanent residency or citizenship. The K-3 visa is granted for 2 years, then the applicant may extend the visa in increments of 2 years. However, while the K-3 visa is classified as a non-immigrant visa, applications are usually submitted with the intention of attaining naturalization through other avenues once residing in the U.S.
With either a K-1 Fiancé Visa or a K-3 Spousal Visa, the couple will need to prove that their relationship is genuine and has been for at least 2 years before applying for a K-1 visa. Couples interested in a K-1 visa will need to provide evidence of their relationship with documents such as letters to each other, letters from friends and family confirming the validity of the relationship, photographs of the couple together, text messages and emails over the years, etc.
If you are considering a K-1 or K-3 visa, please contact attorney Ramona Kennedy today. Attorney Ramona Kennedy cares about your case and will fight for you.
It is advisable to seek legal guidance from our office today as we strive to help guide you with your specific case.
You can contact attorney Ramona Kennedy Law Offices (Kennedy Law LC) for an initial consultation and case evaluation. The first consultation is free of charge.
WhatsApp, Phone +1(949)-677-0063
Email: [email protected]