K-1 Visa Lawyer in Portland
If you’re applying for a fiancée visa, you need an experienced K-1 visa lawyer to help you through the process. At Ginsburg & Perez, we have years of experience helping people like you navigate the complex paperwork and strict requirements of the K-1 visa process.
Why do you need an immigration lawyer for a K-1 visa? There are numerous forms to fill out, and just one small mistake can delay your case or lead to denial. One of the most difficult parts of the process can be proving that your relationship is genuine. As an experienced Portland K-1 visa lawyer, Danielle Perez can help you gather and present strong evidence, prepare for potential red flags (like a large age gap or short courtship), and write convincing personal statements that support your case.
The K-1 visa process can take 9 to 16 months or more, and having a lawyer manage the paperwork, monitor deadlines, and communicate with government agencies means you can focus on your relationship instead of stressing over immigration forms.
The Process of Getting a K1 Visa
The process of getting a K1 visa is lengthy and can be complicated, as it involves dealing with a number of government agencies. A K1 visa lawyer can help you navigate all the steps of the process so you fill out the forms correctly, send them to the right agency, and don’t miss any details.
The main steps in getting a K1 visa include:
1. The US citizen fiancé(e) begins the process by filing Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This usually takes 6 to 9 months, but processing time can vary.
2. When the petition is approved, USCIS sends the case to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC assigns a case number and forwards it to the US embassy or consulate in the fiancé(e)’s home country.
3. The foreign fiancé(e) then applies for the K1 visa at their local US embassy or consulate. They’ll need to complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) and pay the visa fee. From there, the fiancé(e) will need to gather some required documents, including a valid passport, birth certificate, and proof of relationship, among others.
4. The fiancé(e) then attends an interview at the US embassy or consulate. The consular officer will ask questions about the relationship and review all documents. If approved, the fiancé(e) receives the K1 visa in their passport.
5. The visa is usually valid for 6 months, allowing entry into the US. Upon entry, the couple has 90 days to marry.
Fiancee Visa Requirements
The main requirements for a K1 visa include:
The petitioner must be a US citizen. Permanent residents (Green Card holders) are not eligible.
Both parties must be legally free to marry. Any previous marriages must have been legally ended through divorce, annulment, or death.
The couple must show that their relationship is real and not entered into for immigration benefits. Evidence can include photos together, travel records, messages or emails, statements from family and friends, or proof of shared plans.
The couple must have met in person at least once within the past two years before filing the petition. Exceptions are rare.
Both must show that they plan to marry within 90 days of the foreign fiancé(e)’s arrival.
The US citizen must show they can financially support their fiancé(e) after arrival.
The foreign fiancé(e) must complete a medical exam by a US-approved doctor before the visa interview. They must also provide police certificates from any country they’ve lived in for more than six months since age 16.
The foreign fiancé(e) must be admissible under US immigration law, meaning they cannot have certain criminal records, past immigration violations, or communicable diseases/serious health issues (unless waived).
Why Choose Us
Navigating the K1 visa process can be stressful, but with the team at Ginsburg & Perez, you don’t have to do it alone. As your K1 visa attorney, Danielle brings experience, attention to detail, and personal dedication to every case.
Danielle has over 17 years of legal experience, with 13 years practicing immigration law, helping families just like yours.
She is bilingual in English and Spanish, which allows her to help a wide variety of clients.
Danielle is based in Hillsboro but serves clients throughout the state of Oregon and the US.
Whether your case is complex or simple, Danielle provides you with attention to detail to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Danielle Perez is the Portland K1 visa lawyer you can rely on. Contact us today for a consultation!