Baltimore K-1 Visa Attorney
Helping You Achieve Permanent Resident Status for Your Fiancé(E)
The Law Office of Raymond O. Griffith is here to provide complete assistance for couples trying to achieve their K1 visa in order to bring their fiancé(e) into the United States. If you need help navigating this complex process, our Baltimore-based immigration lawyers are here and ready to help.
In order to successfully petition for a K1 Visa, the U.S. Petitioner must:
- Intend to marry within 90 days of acceptance.
- Have met their fiancé(e) in person in the last two years.
- Be legally cleared to marry another individual.
- Be a United States citizen.
- Meet minimum income requirements.
Contact Griffith Immigration Law today to schedule a consultation with our Baltimore K-1 visa attorney.
Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a K-1 Visa
An American begins the process of petitioning a foreign fiancé(e) by filing a form I-129F with United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
Once a visa petition has been filed and approved, the USCIS service center sends it to the National Visa Center of the State Department, which in turn forwards it to the Embassy or Consulate nearest the foreign fiancé(e). The Embassy or Consulate will notify the foreign fiancé(e) that a petition has been received, and will provide information about how to schedule a medical exam with the panel physician as well as how to schedule an appointment for a visa interview at the Embassy.
At the visa interview, a Consular officer reviews the documents that both the American petitioner and the foreign fiancé(e) have submitted. The Consular officer looks for evidence of a relationship and asks the foreign fiancé(e) questions to determine that a bona fide relationship exists. Typically, Embassies request that fiancé(e)s bring evidence of their relationship to the interview, such as photographs together, correspondence between the two, evidence of remittances to the fiancé(e), phone bills showing calls to each other, etc.
Once the interview is finished, the Consular officer can issue the K1 visa, if he is convinced of a bona fide relationship that meets all legal requirements. The officer may also request that further evidence be submitted before making a decision.
Requirements for a K-1 Visa
The affianced must be eligible to be lawfully married in the state of residence of the petitioner. For example, at the time the visa petition is filed, as well as at issuance, they must both be of legal age, and not already married to each other or to anyone else. Some individuals are ineligible for any immigrant visa, such as those with certain untreated communicable diseases, those who have committed crimes of moral turpitude, those who are addicted to illegal drugs, persons who were previously deported from the US, and so on.
The affianced must have met in person at least once within two years prior to filing the visa petition. This requirement may be waived by the Department of Homeland Security, but only for cases such as strong cultural or religious traditions that preclude such a meeting.
Visa applicants are required to demonstrate to the Consular officer that they are unlikely to become public charges in the United States. Generally, this is accomplished by the petitioner filing an Affidavit of Support.
The Law Office of Raymond O. Griffith will help you reunite with your future spouse here in the U.S. Our immigration lawyers in Baltimore have the experience to navigate you through the process of achieving a K-1 visa. Contact us online to learn how we can help.
How Long Does It Take to Get a K-1 Visa?
The timeline for obtaining a K-1 visa can vary, but it generally follows these stages:
- USCIS Processing: After submitting the Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), it typically takes 6-9 months for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to process and approve the petition.
- National Visa Center (NVC): Once approved, the petition is forwarded to the NVC, which assigns a case number and forwards the file to the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate. This stage usually takes a few weeks.
- Consular Processing: The foreign fiancé(e) will then need to attend a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. The waiting time for the interview appointment could range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the location.
- Visa Issuance: If the visa is approved during the interview, it is typically issued within a few weeks. The entire process, from filing the petition to visa issuance, can take approximately 9-12 months.
How Our K-1 Visa Lawyer Can Help You
Choosing an experienced Baltimore K-1 visa attorney can significantly ease the complexities of the visa process. Here’s how Griffith Immigration Law can assist you:
- Comprehensive Case Evaluation: Every case is unique. By thoroughly assessing your situation, we can provide tailored advice and identify the best strategies to maximize the chances of approval.
- Document Preparation: The K-1 visa application requires extensive documentation, including proof of relationship, financial support, and other personal information. We ensure all documents are accurately prepared and submitted, minimizing delays or rejections due to incomplete or incorrect paperwork.
- Interview Preparation: The visa interview is a crucial stage of the K-1 visa process. We provide thorough preparation to ensure that you and your fiancé(e) understand the types of questions that may be asked and how to best present your case to the consular officer.
- Addressing Complications: If any issues arise during the application process, like requests for additional evidence (RFEs) or potential ineligibility concerns, we are equipped to address and resolve these challenges promptly.
- Legal Representation: Should your case require additional legal action or appeals, Griffith Immigration Law offers skilled representation to advocate on your behalf, ensuring your rights and interests are safeguarded throughout the process.
- Post-Arrival Support: After your fiancé(e) arrives in the U.S. and you get married, we assist with the adjustment of status application to help your spouse obtain a green card, ensuring a seamless transition from a K-1 visa to lawful permanent residency.
Contact Our K-1 Visa Lawyer in Baltimore Today
Contact Griffith Immigration Law to get started with our Baltimore K-1 visa attorney. Trust us to guide you through every step of the process, delivering the support and legal expertise necessary to bring your fiancé(e) to the United States and start your life together.
If you need an experienced immigration lawyer for an emergency situation or for general information, contact me now.
-
"Great Job"
Great job helping me through my immigration process. He is always ready and available to address any questions or concerns.- Ardita E. -
"Oustanding Team"
The office of Raymond Griffith has an outstanding team, very helpful and professional.- Florentino R. -
"Great Team"
The whole staff there is great, from the secretary to Mr. Griffin himself. Thank you so much for your hard work.- Jonathan T. -
"Forever Grateful"
Thanks to the Law Office of Raymond Griffith, I received my 10-year green card. Best moment in my life!- Former Client -
"A True Expert!"
He listened intently to my questions and explained the issues to me in a clear manner without condescension or judgment.- Roma A. -
"Very Satisfied"
Raymond Griffith was very attentive... I left the consultation with a clear vision of what steps to take next. Very satisfied.- Elmar M. -
"Best in the Business!"
Ray is the best in the business. He is clear, straight to the point, and extremely knowledgeable.- Thania S. -
"Impeccable Integrity"
They are wonderful people, with impeccable integrity, who truly care and they did exceptional work.- Jay S.