At National Security Law Firm (NSLF), we understand the importance of reuniting military families and ensuring a smooth immigration process for your loved ones. If you are a service member engaged to a foreign citizen, the K-1 Fiancé Visa allows your fiancé to come to the United States for your marriage. Our experienced attorneys provide comprehensive legal assistance to service members navigating this process, ensuring every step is handled efficiently and with care.

What Is a Fiancé Visa?

The K-1 Fiancé Visa is a nonimmigrant visa that permits the fiancé of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States for the purpose of marriage. The marriage must take place within 90 days of the fiancé’s arrival. After the wedding, your spouse can apply for a green card (adjustment of status) to become a lawful permanent resident.

Key Benefits for Military Service Members:

  • Enables fiancés to join you in the U.S. before deployment or PCS (Permanent Change of Station).
  • Provides a pathway for your fiancé to live and work in the U.S. after marriage.
  • Allows families to stay together during important life events.

How Much Does a Fiancé Visa Cost?

At National Security Law Firm, we strive to make the immigration process as straightforward and affordable as possible. For clients seeking a fiancé visa, we offer a flat fee of $2,500, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the cost from the very beginning.

To make our services even more accessible, we provide legal financing options, allowing you to spread payments over 3 to 24 months. This flexibility helps ease financial concerns while you focus on your future together.

Learn more about our financing options here or book a free consultation today. Let us help you bring your loved one closer to home.

Eligibility Requirements for a Fiancé Visa

To qualify for a K-1 Visa, you and your fiancé must meet the following criteria:

For the U.S. Citizen Sponsor (Service Member):

  • U.S. Citizenship:
    • The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Intent to Marry:
    • You and your fiancé must intend to marry within 90 days of their arrival in the U.S.
  • Proof of Relationship:
    • Demonstrate that your relationship is genuine through evidence like photos, communication records, and affidavits.
  • Meeting Requirement:
    • You and your fiancé must have met in person at least once within the past two years unless exempted due to hardship or cultural reasons.

For the Fiancé:

  • Legal Eligibility:
    • The fiancé must be legally eligible to marry in the U.S. (e.g., not currently married or barred due to prior immigration violations).
  • Background Checks:
    • Must pass background and medical checks as part of the visa application process.

Application Process

The fiancé visa application process involves several steps, and our team at NSLF will guide you through each one:

Step 1: File Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé)

  • The U.S. citizen sponsor (service member) files Form I-129F with USCIS to begin the process.
  • Include supporting documents such as:
    • Proof of U.S. citizenship.
    • Evidence of your relationship (e.g., photos, affidavits, travel records).
    • Proof that you’ve met in person within the last two years.

Step 2: Approval and Forwarding to the U.S. Embassy

  • After USCIS approves the petition, it is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) and then to the U.S. embassy or consulate in your fiancé’s home country.

Step 3: Fiancé Visa Application

  • Your fiancé submits Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) and prepares for the visa interview.
  • Required documents include:
    • Valid passport.
    • Police clearance certificates.
    • Evidence of relationship and intent to marry.
    • Results of a medical exam conducted by an embassy-approved physician.

Step 4: Fiancé Visa Interview

  • Your fiancé attends an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate, where they must demonstrate the validity of your relationship and intent to marry.

Step 5: Enter the U.S. and Marry

  • Upon approval, your fiancé receives the K-1 visa, allowing entry to the U.S.
  • You must marry within 90 days of their arrival.

Step 6: Apply for a Green Card (Adjustment of Status)

Common Challenges and How We Help

Military families may face unique obstacles during the fiancé visa process, such as:

  • Delays Due to Deployment: Military service can complicate timelines for meetings and marriage plans.
  • Incomplete Documentation: Missing paperwork or insufficient evidence can delay or jeopardize approval.
  • Overseas Coordination: Navigating embassy interviews and processing while stationed abroad can be challenging.

At NSLF, we specialize in resolving these issues. We’ll ensure your petition is complete, accurate, and persuasive, helping you avoid delays and denials.

Strategies for a Successful Fiancé Visa Application

  • Compile Detailed Documentation
    • Provide strong evidence of your relationship, such as:
      • Photos of time spent together.
      • Copies of correspondence or communication records.
      • Travel records and affidavits from friends or family confirming the relationship.
  • Address Overseas Challenges Early
    • If you or your fiancé are located abroad, ensure all embassy or consulate requirements are clearly understood and met. Coordinate timelines with deployment schedules to avoid delays.
  • Leverage Military-Specific Programs
    • Explore expedited options for military families to address unique challenges related to deployments or PCS orders.
  • Work with an Experienced Attorney
    • A skilled immigration attorney can help you avoid mistakes, meet deadlines, and address any complications specific to military life.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting Incomplete Applications
    • Missing documents, such as proof of your relationship or evidence of meeting in person, can lead to delays or denials.
  • Not Meeting the “In-Person Meeting” Requirement
    • Ensure you and your fiancé have met in person within the last two years unless you qualify for an exemption due to hardship or cultural traditions.
  • Failing to Prove Intent to Marry
    • USCIS and consular officers will scrutinize your relationship for authenticity. Provide clear evidence of plans to marry within 90 days of arrival.
  • Ignoring Deployment or PCS Timing Issues
    • Military service can complicate timelines for meeting requirements or marriage. Plan ahead to mitigate these challenges.

Good Case vs. Bad Case Examples

Good Case Example

  • Scenario: A U.S. citizen service member has met their fiancé in person within the last two years, provides complete documentation of their relationship, and submits the petition well before deployment.
  • Why It’s Strong: The application is timely, meets all requirements, and includes strong supporting evidence.

Bad Case Example

  • Scenario: A U.S. citizen service member submits an incomplete petition without evidence of a recent in-person meeting, and the fiancé’s application is delayed due to missing documents.
  • Why It’s Weak: Missing documentation and unmet eligibility criteria weaken the case and increase the risk of denial.

FAQs About Fiancé Visas for Service Members

  • Can My Fiancé Work in the U.S. Once They Arrive?
    • Not immediately. After marriage, your fiancé must apply for adjustment of status and a work permit (Form I-765).
  • Can the Fiancé Visa Be Expedited for Military Families?
    • Yes, deployment or PCS orders may qualify you for expedited processing.
  • What Happens If We Don’t Marry Within 90 Days?
    • The fiancé visa becomes invalid, and your fiancé must leave the U.S. Failure to marry within the timeframe can complicate future immigration options.
  • What If My Fiancé Has Prior Immigration Violations?
    • This may impact eligibility, but options like waivers or Parole in Place (PIP) may be available.
  • How Long Does the K-1 Visa Process Take?
    • Processing times typically range from 6–12 months, but expedited options may be available for service members.
  • What Happens If Deployment Prevents Us from Marrying Within 90 Days?
    • In exceptional cases, you may request additional time or alternative arrangements with USCIS.
  • What If My Fiancé Has a Child?
    • Eligible children of your fiancé may apply for K-2 visas to accompany their parent.

Common Challenges in Fiancé Visa Applications and How to Overcome Them

1. Proving a Genuine Relationship

The Challenge: USCIS and the U.S. embassy may scrutinize your relationship to ensure it is not solely for immigration purposes.
How to Overcome It:

  • Provide robust evidence, such as photographs, communication records (emails, chats, call logs), and affidavits from friends or family.
  • Highlight shared experiences like travel together or family gatherings.

2. Deployment-Related Issues

The Challenge: Deployment schedules can make it difficult to meet the face-to-face meeting requirement or attend critical appointments.
How to Overcome It:

  • Submit evidence of deployment as part of your application to explain challenges in meeting or scheduling.
  • Request flexibility from USCIS or the consulate, emphasizing your military commitments.
  • If a meeting within the last two years isn’t feasible due to deployment or hardship, apply for a waiver explaining your unique circumstances.

3. Delays in Application Processing

The Challenge: USCIS and consulate backlogs can significantly delay the process, impacting your fiancé’s ability to join you.
How to Overcome It:

  • Ensure your application is complete and accurate to avoid unnecessary delays.
  • Work with an immigration attorney to request expedited processing if deployment or other urgent circumstances apply.
  • Follow up regularly with USCIS or the consulate to track your application’s progress.

4. Missing or Incomplete Documentation

The Challenge: Missing or insufficient supporting documents can result in delays or denial of the application.
How to Overcome It:

  • Include all required documents, such as:
    • Proof of U.S. citizenship.
    • Evidence of a face-to-face meeting or waiver request.
    • Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support) showing financial stability.
  • Double-check your application using a detailed checklist or with the help of an attorney.

5. Handling Fiancé Visa Interviews

The Challenge: Your fiancé’s interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate can be a stressful and critical step.
How to Overcome It:

  • Prepare your fiancé with common interview questions about your relationship, future plans, and intent to marry.
  • Ensure they have all required documents organized for the interview, including photographs, letters, and financial statements.
  • Provide a detailed timeline of your relationship to help them confidently answer questions.

Special Considerations for Military Families

1. Timing Around Deployments and PCS Orders

  • Military families face unique challenges in coordinating the fiancé visa process around deployment schedules or PCS orders. At NSLF, we help ensure your case progresses smoothly despite these challenges.

2. Expedited Processing Options

  • Service members may qualify for expedited processing of fiancé visa applications, allowing your fiancé to join you faster.

3. Waivers for Ineligibility

  • Certain grounds of ineligibility, such as prior immigration violations, can sometimes be overcome through waivers or military-specific programs like PIP.

4. Green Card Transition After Marriage

  • After marriage, your spouse can apply for adjustment of status to obtain a green card. At NSLF, we assist with the entire process, from fiancé visa to green card approval.

How Fiancé Visas Support Military Readiness

  • Ensuring Stability During Deployments
    • Reuniting service members with their fiancés before deployment or PCS orders ensures emotional stability and focus on duties.
  • Facilitating Family Unity
    • Bringing your fiancé to the U.S. allows you to build a life together without prolonged separation due to immigration barriers.
  • Reducing Stress and Bureaucratic Hurdles
    • A smooth immigration process alleviates stress for service members, allowing them to focus on their service commitments.

Why Choose National Security Law Firm?

At National Security Law Firm, we offer unparalleled expertise in military immigration cases. Our firm was founded by a veteran, and most of our team members are veterans themselves. Many of us have served as Judge Advocate General (JAG) officers or held high-ranking government positions, giving us a deep understanding of the challenges faced by military families and the nuances of immigration law.

  • Military Immigration Expertise: We specialize in fiancé visas and other military-specific immigration cases, providing tailored solutions for service members and their families.
  • Compassionate Advocacy: We understand the sacrifices of military life and are committed to supporting you and your loved ones through every step of the process.
  • Efficient Service: Our streamlined approach ensures timely and accurate filings, minimizing delays and complications.
  • Nationwide Service: We proudly serve military families across the U.S., no matter where you are stationed.
  • Free Consultations: We offer free consultations to help you understand your options and next steps.
  • Flexible Legal Financing: With payment plans ranging from 3 to 24 months, we make high-quality legal representation affordable.
  • Transparent Fees: With clear, upfront pricing, you can trust there are no hidden costs.

At NSLF, we’re more than just attorneys—we’re advocates who understand the unique challenges of military life. It’s Our Turn to Fight for You!

Take the Next Step

Reuniting with your fiancé is an important step in building your future together. Let National Security Law Firm handle the complexities of the fiancé visa process so you can focus on what matters most.

  • Schedule a Free Consultation: Book now

At NSLF, we’re committed to helping military families stay together. It’s Our Turn to Fight for You!