Helping Fiancés Get Married in the United States

Green card holders or U.S. citizens are allowed to marry non-U.S. citizens with a bit of help from an immigration attorney, as there is a process couples must follow. International couples that want to get married as quickly as possible will benefit from a fiancé visa.

A fiancé visa (or K1 visa) allows a U.S. citizen—also known as a sponsor—and a foreign-born person to marry in the United States legally. There are requirements to qualify for a fiancé visa and limitations.

When you speak with our experienced immigration attorney, we help you understand your options and how to fulfill the requirements so you can get married in the United States.

What is a K1 Fiancé Visa?

A fiancé visa is a temporary visa that allows a U.S. citizen—also known as the “sponsor” spouse—and a foreign-born citizen to marry in the United States legally. With a fiancé visa, the rule is that couples must get married within 90 days and no later; otherwise, the temporary visa expires.

Most people that apply for a fiancé visa are successful with the help of an immigration attorney like one from Sadri Law, PC. Reports published by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) show that nearly 74 percent of fiancé visas were approved in 2020.

One of the reasons for possible denial is if either spouse is still married or the sponsor cannot meet the income requirements—at least $22,887 for a household of two people. Our K1 fiancé visa attorney will help to prove that you and your spouse meet the requirements to pursue a fiancé visa.

What is a Marriage Visa?

A marriage visa (K3 visa) is another route for U.S. citizens and foreign-born individuals to live in the United States after marriage. Marriage visas are for married international couples. A marriage visa allows the foreign spouse to travel legally to the United States and assume permanent residency.

The average waiting time for a marriage visa is usually 15 to 17 months, but it also can take up to two years. A marriage green card allows the foreign spouse to live and work anywhere in the United States, with an option of pursuing U.S. citizenship after three years of marriage.

We can help you decide if a marriage visa is right for you and your spouse.

Which is Better: A K1 (Fiancé Visa) or K3 Visa (Marriage Visa)?

A K1 fiancé visa is a quick way for two people to get married. It allows a foreign fiancé of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States so they can get married within 90 days. An alien spouse can apply for permanent residence or a green card after the wedding.

The K3 visa allows a foreign spouse to move to the United States after a couple is married and live there for up to two years. To qualify for a K3 visa, the couple must be legally married outside the U.S.and the foreign spouse must be married to a U.S. citizen.

K1 fiancé visas make sense for couples that plan to wed and migrate to the U.S., while K3 visas are appropriate for already-married couples with a foreign-born spouse seeking a green card. Our attorney can determine the best visa option based on your relationship status and intentions.

How Can an Immigration Attorney Help Me Get Married?

There are several boxes U.S. citizens, and foreign spouses must check before they can assume residency in the United States, whether they are engaged to be married or already married. We provide international couples with the legal means to carry out their dreams in the United States.

Our k1 visa lawyer helps international couples determine their eligibility for a fiancé visa and meet the requirements. This is often the fastest way to reunite with your partner and a relatively quick path to lawful permanent resident status.

Another way we help couples is by overcoming obstacles or application denials if USCIS is suspicious of your marriage, you are ineligible to marry, or you don’t have plans to marry in 90 days, among other things. Contact our firm to get help with your fiancé visa: 408-402-4967.