Chicago Fiancé Visa Lawyer

Are you looking to bring your fiancé to the United States to begin your life together? Navigating the complex world of immigration laws and procedures can be overwhelming, but with the help of an experienced fiancé visa lawyer in Chicago, you can ensure a smooth and successful visa application process.

At Cho Immigration Law, our knowledgeable attorneys understand the importance of keeping couples together and helping them start their lives in the same country. With decades of experience and a deep understanding of the immigration system, we are here to guide you and your fiancé through the fiancé visa process.

Why Choose Cho Immigration Law for Your Fiancé Visa Needs

With Cho Immigration Law, you can trust that your fiancé visa application is in capable hands. Our experienced fiancé visa lawyers in Chicago have a proven track record of successfully obtaining visas for clients, enabling them to reunite with their loved ones in the United States.

We pride ourselves on providing personalized attention to each client and tailoring our legal strategies to best suit their unique situation. Our commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and client-centric approach set us apart as a leading fiancé visa law firm in Chicago.

Don’t let the complicated fiancé visa process hinder your plans of uniting with your loved one in the United States. Contact Cho Immigration Law today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced fiancé visa lawyers. We are here to help you build the foundation for a happy and successful future

What Is a Fiancé Visa?

A fiancé visa, officially known as a K-1 visa, allows a U.S. citizen to bring his or her foreign fiancé to the United States for the purpose of getting married. This visa is specifically designed for couples who are planning to get married within 90 days of the fiancé’s arrival in the country. If you are a U.S. citizen who is sponsoring your spouse, other routes are available. 

The fiancé visa process involves multiple steps, including filing a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), providing extensive documentation, undergoing a medical examination, and attending an embassy interview. It is crucial to submit a thorough and accurate application to expedite the process and increase the chances of approval.

How Can a Fiancé Visa Lawyer Help?

Applying for a fiancé visa can be daunting, as the application requires meticulous attention to detail and adherence to strict timelines. Hiring an experienced fiancé visa lawyer in Chicago can significantly simplify and expedite the process. Here’s how we can assist you:

Legal Guidance

Navigating the complex immigration laws can be overwhelming, especially for first-time applicants. Our fiancé visa lawyers understand the challenges foreign nationals may face as they prepare to bring their loved ones to the United States. Let us provide you with accurate advice and guidance throughout the process.

Document Preparation

Filling out the required forms and compiling the necessary documentation is a crucial part of the fiancé visa application. Our attorneys will ensure that all forms are completed accurately. We will gather the necessary documents and evidence, and help you prepare to present your case in the best possible light.

Streamlined Process

We will work with you to create a streamlined and efficient plan to help you move through the immigration system as seamlessly as possible. Our goal is to expedite the process and minimize delays by ensuring that all necessary steps are taken promptly and accurately.

Interview Preparation

Attending a visa interview can be nerve-wracking, as it is a critical step in determining the approval of your visa. Our attorneys will help you prepare, ensuring that you are confident and well-equipped to pass the interview.

Timely Updates and Communication

We understand the importance of keeping you informed at all stages of the visa application process. Our team will provide regular updates, promptly respond to your inquiries, and keep you informed about any changes or developments in your case.

How to Get a Fiancé Visa in the United States

Getting a fiancé visa in the United States, officially known as the K-1 visa, allows U.S. citizens to bring their foreign national fiancé to the U.S. for the purpose of getting married. This process involves several steps. Understanding the requirements and procedures is essential for a successful application. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to obtain a fiancé visa in the United States:

Eligibility Criteria for a K-1 Visa

   To apply for a K-1 visa, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You are a U.S. citizen.
  • You and your fiancé are legally free to marry.
  • Both you and your fiancé intend to marry each other within 90 days of their arrival in the U.S.
  • You have met each other in person within the last two years, with some limited exceptions for cultural or religious reasons.

Filing the Petition

The first step is for the U.S. citizen (petitioner) to file a Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Include evidence of your relationship, such as photographs together, travel records, and communication history.

USCIS Processing

The USCIS will review the petition and supporting documents to determine if you meet the eligibility requirements. If approved, the USCIS will send the approved petition to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.

NVC Processing

The NVC will send a package to your fiancé containing instructions on how to apply for the K-1 visa. This package includes forms and a list of required documents that your fiancé must gather and submit.

Fiancé Visa Application

Your fiancé will need to apply for the K-1 visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. He or she will attend an interview to establish the bona fide nature of your relationship and provide all necessary documents.

Medical Examination

Your fiancé will undergo a medical examination to ensure they meet health standards for entry into the United States.

Background Checks

 As part of the visa application process, your fiancé will undergo security and background checks.

Visa Interview

Your fiancé will attend an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. They should bring all required documents, including the approved Form I-129F, passport, photographs, and evidence of your relationship.

Visa Approval

If the consular officer is satisfied with the information provided and approves the visa, your fiancé will receive the K-1 visa stamp in his or her passport.

Travel to the United States

Once the K-1 visa is approved, your fiancé can travel to the United States. He or she must enter the U.S. within the validity period of the visa, typically within six months.

Marriage within 90 Days

After arriving in the United States, you and your fiancé must marry within 90 days.

Adjustment of Status

After getting married, your fiancé can apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). This process involves filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

The K-1 visa process can be time-consuming and complicated, involving several government agencies and strict requirements. Hiring an experienced immigration attorney can be beneficial to ensure a smooth and successful application process. Additionally, staying informed about the current visa processing times and any updates to immigration policies is crucial for a successful application.

Remember, obtaining a fiancé visa allows you to bring your loved one to the United States to start a life together, so be diligent, patient, and well-prepared throughout the process.

What Forms and Documents are Required for a K-1 Fiancé Visa?

While our website can provide you with general information about the forms and documents required for a K-1 Fiancé Visa application, please note that immigration policies and requirements can change. As such, it’s essential to check the most up-to-date information on the U.S. Department of State’s official website or consult with a fiancé visa attorney at our law firm. Here are the typical forms and documents required for a K-1 Fiancé Visa:

Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé

The U.S. citizen sponsor (the petitioner) must file Form I-129F with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form establishes the qualifying relationship and intent to marry within 90 days of the fiancé entering the United States.

Proof of U.S. Citizenship

The U.S. citizen petitioner must provide proof of his or her U.S. citizenship. This is usually done with a copy of a U.S. passport, certificate of naturalization, or birth certificate.

Passport Photos

The petitioner and the foreign fiancé must each provide passport-sized photos meeting the U.S. visa photo requirements.

Evidence of a Genuine Relationship

Both the petitioner and the foreign fiancé should include evidence to demonstrate that their relationship is genuine. This can include photographs, emails, letters, or other documentation that shows a history of the relationship.

Statement of Intent to Marry

The petitioner and the foreign fiancé must each provide a signed statement indicating their intent to marry each other within 90 days of the fiancé entering the United States.

Proof of Meeting in Person

You are generally required to prove that you have met your fiancé in person within the two years before filing the petition. This can be demonstrated through photographs, travel itineraries, and other supporting documentation.

Divorce or Death Certificates

If either the petitioner or the foreign fiancé has been previously married, they must provide divorce decrees, annulment certificates, or death certificates to show the termination of any prior marriages.

Medical Examination and Vaccination Records

The foreign fiancé is typically required to undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician. 

Police Clearance

The foreign fiancé may be required to provide a police clearance certificate from the country or countries where they have lived for a significant period.

Evidence of Financial Support

The petitioner may need to provide evidence of their financial ability to support the fiancé once they arrive in the United States. This can include tax returns, pay stubs, and a statement of intent to provide financial support. If you don’t meet the income requirements to sponsor your fiancé, other options may be available.

Affidavit of Support (Form I-134)

The petitioner will need to submit an Affidavit of Support (Form I-134) to demonstrate their financial ability to support the foreign fiancé in the United States.

Visa Application Forms (DS-160)

After USCIS approves the Form I-129F petition, the foreign fiancé will need to complete the DS-160 form online through the U.S. Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).

Visa Application Fee

The foreign fiancé will need to pay the non-refundable visa application fee as required by the U.S. embassy or consulate where they will have their visa interview.

It’s essential to carefully follow the specific instructions provided by USCIS and the U.S. embassy or consulate where the visa interview will take place. Additionally, requirements and procedures may vary depending on the U.S. embassy or consulate and the country of the foreign fiancé. Working with a fiancé visa attorney at our law firm will help ensure a smooth application process.

What You Should Know About Fiancé Visa Wait Times

The wait time for a Fiancé Visa (K-1 Visa) is a significant concern for couples separated by international borders and eagerly looking forward to being reunited in the United States. While the K-1 Visa offers a promising path for couples, navigating the immigration process and enduring the often unpredictable wait times can be a challenge. 

K-1 fiancé visa wait times vary, depending on a wide range of factors. Generally, it takes about 12 months for K-1 visa processing. Factors that may impact your wait time include:

  • Service Center: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processes the initial Fiancé Visa petition (Form I-129F). After filing the petition, it usually takes between 1 and 3 weeks to receive a case number and receipt. Within 4 to 12 months, you can expect to receive a decision on your application. The processing times at different USCIS service centers across the United States can differ significantly, however. You can check the current processing times on the USCIS website. 
  • Consular Processing: After USCIS approves the Fiancé Visa petition, the case is typically transferred to the U.S. Department of State’s National Visa Center (NVC) within a few days. The NVC handles administrative processing and sends the case to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the foreign fiancé’s country. Consular processing times can vary based on the embassy or consulate’s workload and procedures. 
  • Country-Specific Considerations: The processing times can also be influenced by the specific U.S. embassy or consulate in the foreign country. Some embassies/consulates may have higher caseloads or longer wait times for visa interviews. Most of the time, the U.S. embassy will contact the foreign national fiancé within roughly 2 months to schedule the visa interview. You will need to pay the K-1 visa issuance fee before the interview.
  • Additional Processing Requirements: If there are additional administrative processing requirements, such as background checks or medical examinations, it can add to the overall processing time. Scheduling your fiancé’s medical exam as soon as he or she receives notice of the interview can help expedite the process. 
  • Communication and Documentation: Efficient communication between the U.S. citizen petitioner and the foreign fiancé, as well as the timely submission of required documents, can also impact processing times. Any delays or discrepancies in the documentation can lead to processing delays. At Cho Immigration Law, our immigration lawyers will ensure that any issues are addressed in advance to help you avoid unnecessary delays. 

Fiancé Visa wait times can be a challenging aspect of the immigration process, but with careful planning, patience, and the right immigration lawyer, couples can successfully navigate this journey. Remember that the ultimate goal is to be together with your loved one, and enduring the wait is a small price to pay for a lifetime of happiness together in the United States.