Bringing your fiancé to the U.S. or securing a green card for your spouse can be a life-changing process, but it often comes with a lot of red tape. Whether you met your fiancé abroad or online, navigating the U.S. immigration system to unite as a couple can be tricky and time-consuming. At Dmitry Law Firm, we specialize in immigration visa services, helping couples go through the complex process of obtaining a fiancé visa, applying for a green card, and preparing prenuptial agreements—making your transition to life together in the U.S. smoother.
Here, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about fiancé visas, green card applications, and how our legal team can support you from start to finish.
The Fiancé Visa: The First Step Toward Marriage in the U.S.
A fiancé visa, also known as a K-1 visa, is the first step in bringing your foreign fiancé to the U.S. so that you can marry. The process can be complicated, but it’s the best route if your goal is to start your life together in the United States.
Key Requirements for the Fiancé Visa
Here are the essential details you need to know if you’re considering applying for a fiancé visa:
- Proof of a Genuine Relationship: You and your fiancé must prove that your relationship is legitimate. This typically requires submitting a recent picture of the two of you together, alongside documentation of your relationship, like emails, messages, and travel receipts.
- Face-to-Face Meeting: To qualify, you must have met your fiancé in person at least once in the two years prior to filing the visa application. This is a requirement that ensures the relationship is real and not just a way to gain legal residency.
- The 90-Day Rule: Once your fiancé arrives in the U.S. on a K-1 visa, you must get married within 90 days of their arrival. If the marriage doesn’t occur within this period, your fiancé will be required to leave the country.
- No Extensions or Visa Changes: Unlike other visa types, the fiancé visa cannot be extended or converted into another visa. If marriage doesn’t happen within the 90-day window, your fiancé’s legal status will expire, and they’ll be subject to deportation.
Once you’re married, the next step is applying for a green card to ensure that your spouse can legally remain in the United States.
Green Card Applications: Transitioning to Permanent Residency
After your marriage, the second part of the immigration process begins: obtaining a green card for your new spouse. This is also known as “adjustment of status,” which allows your spouse to transition from a temporary visa holder to a permanent resident.
Steps in the Green Card Process
- Filing Form I-485: After your marriage, you’ll file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to start the green card application process. This form essentially allows your spouse to live and work in the U.S. while their green card application is processed.
- Biometrics and Interview: As part of the green card process, your spouse will need to attend a biometrics appointment (for fingerprinting) and, in many cases, an in-person interview with immigration officials. This interview is typically designed to confirm the legitimacy of the marriage.
- Conditional Green Card: If you’ve been married for less than two years when the green card is granted, your spouse will receive a “conditional” green card, valid for two years. After this period, you’ll need to apply for a permanent green card, proving that your marriage is genuine and ongoing.
- Permanent Residency: After successfully obtaining a green card, your spouse will be considered a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. They will have the right to live and work in the country and, eventually, may be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship.
Fiancé Visa and Green Card Package: Including Prenuptial Agreements
For couples who want to protect their assets and future finances, Dmitry Law Firm offers a unique package that not only includes the fiancé visa and green card application services but also the preparation of a prenuptial agreement. This option ensures that you’re legally prepared for any potential future issues.
Why Consider a Prenuptial Agreement?
A prenuptial agreement (prenup) is a legal document that helps couples outline how assets will be divided in case of divorce. While this might seem like an uncomfortable topic before marriage, it’s an important step for many couples who want to protect their financial interests. Our firm offers a package deal that includes:
- Fiancé Visa Processing: We handle all the paperwork, ensuring that your fiancé’s visa is approved quickly and with minimal hassle.
- Green Card Application: After your marriage, we assist with the green card application, making sure that your spouse’s transition to permanent residency goes as smoothly as possible.
- Prenuptial Agreement Preparation: Our California-licensed attorney, Bridget Howze, specializes in family law and will prepare a thorough prenuptial agreement that protects both parties’ assets in case of divorce. This service is particularly useful for individuals with significant property, savings, or other assets they wish to safeguard.
This package deal saves you both time and money, while giving you peace of mind as you enter married life in the U.S.
Why Work With Dmitry Law Firm?
Navigating immigration law can be stressful, especially when your relationship and future are on the line. At Dmitry Law Firm, we have years of experience helping couples manage the complex legal requirements of fiancé visas, green card applications, and prenuptial agreements.
Here’s why choosing our services can make all the difference:
- Personalized Support: Every case is unique, and we provide tailored legal advice based on your specific situation. We take the time to understand your needs and concerns.
- Experienced Team: Our team of immigration and family law experts knows the ins and outs of the legal system, ensuring that your applications are handled efficiently and correctly.
- Transparent Pricing: We offer our services at competitive, below-market prices, giving you the best legal support without the high fees often associated with immigration law services.
FAQs About Fiancé and Green Card Visas
Q: How long does the fiancé visa process take?
A: The process can take several months. It typically takes around 6 to 9 months for a K-1 fiancé visa to be processed and approved, though this timeline can vary depending on specific circumstances.
Q: Can a fiancé visa be extended?
A: No, a fiancé visa cannot be extended or changed into another type of visa. If marriage does not occur within the 90-day period, the visa holder must leave the U.S.
Q: How long does the green card application take?
A: After marriage, the green card application process can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months, depending on the specifics of the case and current processing times at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Q: Do I need a lawyer to apply for a fiancé visa or green card?
A: While it’s not legally required, working with an experienced immigration attorney ensures that your paperwork is filed correctly, minimizing the chances of delays or denials.
Wrapping Up: Start Your Future Together with Expert Immigration Visa Support
Bringing your fiancé to the U.S. and securing their legal status through a green card doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Dmitry Law Firm, we offer comprehensive immigration visa services to help you start your life together on the right foot. From securing a fiancé visa to applying for a green card and preparing prenuptial agreements, we’ve got you covered every step of the way.
Ready to begin your journey toward a new life together in the U.S.? Contact Dmitry Law Firm today for expert legal guidance tailored to your needs.