Fiancé visas allow people who have romantic partners abroad to reunite with their loved ones. A K-1 visa allows a foreign national fiancé to enter the United States to marry a citizen. The process is relatively common, but so are mistakes when applying for a K-1 visa. A citizen hoping to bring their future spouse to the United States may need support to ensure that oversights and errors don’t delay the solemnization of their relationship, and that’s okay.
What common mistakes may complicate the process of obtaining a K-1 visa for a fiancé?
Failing together documentation
There are numerous types of records necessary for a successful K-1 visa application. Medical records and a background check are mandatory. The engaged couple typically also needs documentation affirming the validity of their relationship. Couples sometimes take for granted that others can recognize their love. Insufficient documentation can be a real headache when seeking a K-1 visa.
Choosing not to disclose brokerage services
People seeking a marriage partner may sometimes use a marriage broker service. There are businesses that help United States citizens develop connections with people in other countries looking for a domestic marriage. Using a brokerage does not prevent an engaged couple from securing a K-1 visa. However, failing to disclose the use of brokerage services could become a major stumbling block when pursuing a K-1 visa.
Making technical errors
Some people submit the wrong documents to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when requesting a K-1 visa. Others fail to pay the fee or submit paperwork related to a fee waiver. Other couples may overlook the critical deadline that applies. A K-1 visa is typically only valid for 90 days, which means a marriage must occur very quickly after the fiancé enters the country. Failing to conform to USCIS standards can lead to a denied visa or the removal of a fiancé who has overstayed their visa because the couple did not marry in time.
The little oversights that people might make when seeking a K-1 visa can cause significant delays. Partnering with an attorney familiar with K-1 visas and other forms of family-based immigration can be helpful. People with proper support can streamline the process and avoid common mistakes when seeking a fiancé visa.