K-1 Visa Lawyer

At SimVisa, we understand that bringing your foreign fiancé to the United States is a major step in your life together. Our experienced K-1 visa lawyers want to make the visa process as smooth as possible.

With over 15 years of immigration law experience, we offer personalized legal support for your fiancé visa application.

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Immigration Law

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With SimVisa, you have the option of receiving full-service legal support - for every aspect of your case - with immigration lawyers from a top-quality immigration law firm.
- Step 1: Initial Consultation with SimVisa
- Step 2: SimVisa Fills Out Your Immigration Applications
- Step 3: SimVisa Prepares Application Package with Evidence
- Step 4: A SimVisa Attorney Reviews Your Application Package
- Step 5: SimVisa Submits an Application to USCIS For You
- Step 6: SImVisa Handles All Communications with USCIS
- Step 7: SimVisa Monitors Your Case From Start To Finish
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Self-File
At SimVisa, we understand the temptation to save on lawyer fees by filing on your own. We have a solution for that. When you work with us, your application will be prepared under the supervision of an experienced immigration attorney. You’ll also receive a one-hour consultation to get answers to any questions you might have.
- Step 1: SimVisa collected information and documents from you through our online portal
- Step 2: Simvisa fills out your forms and prepares your supporting documents
- Step 3: A SimVisa immigration attorney goes over your filled-out application and supporting documents with you (1-hour video consultation)
- Step 4: Simvisa finalizes your packet with attorney approval
- Step 5: We deliver your packet to your door
- Step 6: You file with USCIS
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Unlock Your Love's Journey to the U.S.

Your Trusted K-1 Fiancé Visa Attorneys in Chicago

The K-1 visa permits nonresidents who are engaged to be married to a U.S. citizen to legally enter the United States. Upon entrance to the country, the recipient must marry within 90 days and can then apply for a green card.

K-1 visas have a high rate of denial by nature. As such, it's essential to correctly complete your application, which means seeking professional assistance.

At SimVisa law offices, we take pride in providing hands-on assistance to K-1 visa applicants. Our dedicated immigration lawyers have over a decade of experience handling fiancé visas. We've helped countless clients in Chicago and across the nation navigate the visa application process successfully.

Don't leave the outcome of your fiance visa application to chance. Partner with SimVisa to receive trustworthy guidance throughout the entire process and ensure that your application is in capable hands.

What Is a K-1 Visa?

The K-1 visa, formally also known as the Nonimmigrant Visa for a Fiancé, is a visa category in the United States that allows U.S. citizens to bring their foreign fiancé to the U.S. for the purpose of getting married.

Fiancé visas are designed to facilitate the reunification of engaged couples who plan to marry and reside together in the United States. A K-1 visa requires the couple to marry within 90 days of the foreign partner entering the country.

Need Help with a Fiance Visa? 15 Minutes to Get Started — No Charge!

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Who Is Eligible for a K-1 Fiancé Visa?

The K-1 visa is available through United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). To qualify for a K-1, the U.S. citizen petitioner must file on behalf of their foreign fiancé.

The couple must meet all of the following criteria:

The petitioner is a U.S. citizen.
The couple intends to marry within 90 days of the fiancé’s entry.
Both individuals are legally able to marry (neither party is currently married).
The couple has met in person at least once in the past two years (some exceptions apply).

If you're a lawful permanent resident (a green card holder), you cannot bring your fiancé to the United States on a K-1 visa. Instead, a marriage visa, such as the CR1 spousal visa, is a better option.

Unlike the fiancé visa, the CR1 doesn't allow a foreign fiancé to travel to the United States. Instead, the couple must first be married before the fiancé enters the country.

If you're a green card holder with a fiancé overseas, an immigration lawyer can help you explore your options.

The K-1 Visa Process

Securing a fiancé visa involves carrying out a series of important steps, which will see the applying partner submitting documents to USCIS, the National Visa Center, a U.S. Consulate, and USCIS once again.

Here's a concise breakdown:

Initial petition: Begin by submitting Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé, and proof of eligibility to USCIS.
USCIS approval: Upon approval, your case will advance to the National Visa Center (NVC), and you'll complete the online nonimmigrant visa application.
Visa interview: Your foreign fiancé must attend a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, submit necessary documents, and undergo a medical exam.
Approval of the K-1 visa: Following approval, your fiancé will be granted a single entry into the U.S.
Marriage: You must officially tie the knot within 90 days of your fiancé's entry.
Adjustment of status: After being married, your foreign spouse can file for permanent resident status.

To safeguard your future, it's highly recommended that you collaborate with a qualified immigration attorney from SimVisa. A fiance visa officially marks the beginning of your life together in the U.S., and proceeding without legal counsel can jeopardize your marriage and finances.

That's why it's best to work with a skilled K1 visa lawyer from the outset — it's a safer, smarter choice.

The K-1 Visa Interview: What to Expect

The interview is a pivotal step in the fiance visa process and bringing your fiancé(e) to the U.S.

Here are some key considerations to be aware of:

Documentation: You'll need to gather all required documents, including Form DS-160, passports, and a birth certificate.
Medical exam: Next, you must schedule and undergo a medical examination by an approved physician.
Proof of genuine relationship: You'll be expected to provide evidence of your bona fide relationship, such as photos, correspondence, and travel records.
English proficiency: Basic knowledge of English is helpful for effective communication during the interview.
Background checks: Both parties should prepare to be subjected to a background check.
Cultural and personal questions: Be ready for an in-depth discussion on your relationship, meeting, and wedding plans.
Financial support: You must present a clear plan for supporting yourself and your new spouse in the U.S.
Attire and demeanor: Make it a point to dress professionally, be respectful, and present yourself confidently.
Follow-up steps: After approval, your fiancé(e) must enter the U.S. within six months, and you must marry within 90 days to continue the process.

Your attorney can offer further insight and practical advice regarding each of these points.

How We Can Help with Your Fiancé Visa

A K-1 visa is critically important if you have plans to marry a partner who lives overseas. An experienced immigration lawyer can help you get all the necessary paperwork filed and approved so you can start your new life together as soon as possible.

Some of the tasks we can assist you with include:

Holding an initial consultation to evaluate your case for a fiance visa.
Preparing and filing a K-1 visa petition.
Helping you gather and organize the documents required for the application process.
Guiding you in completing Form DS-160 once USCIS approves your petition.
Helping you schedule and prepare for the fiancé(e) visa interview.
Responding to any requests for evidence (RFEs) from USCIS.
Representing you and your foreign national fiancé in appeals in the event of a denial.

Our attorneys understand how important obtaining a fiance visa is to you and your beloved's future together. We'll fight hard to address potential issues during the application process so you can proceed with your wedding plans unhindered.

Start Your K-1 Visa Journey with a Free Consultation

Get started with a free 15-minute consultation to explore your legal options and gain valuable insights from a dedicated Chicago fiancé visa lawyer.

SohYoon Atac

SohYoon Atac is an accomplished immigration attorney and co-founder of SimVisa. She has over 17 years of experience in immigration law, making her a powerful advocate for clients seeking a new life in the United States.

Education

Juris Doctorate - Chicago Kent College of Law
Bachelor's Degree - The University of Chicago

Start Your Case

Why Choose SimVisa?

Our K-1 visa attorneys do much more than just lend a hand with paperwork. We’re devoted to telling the unique story of your relationship, which is a key component of the visa application process. Including such personal details strengthens your case and enhances the likelihood of approval. Here's why you should trust SimVisa to oversee your fiancé visa application.

Streamlined Process

Our attorneys can manage all aspects of your application. We'll ensure that all required forms are completed quickly and accurately, saving you time and stress.

15+ Years of Experience

With more than a decade of experience in individual practice, our immigration lawyers are authorities in their field. We've handled numerous family visa applications successfully and can do the same for you.

Proven Track Record

Our firm boasts an impressive 98% family visa approval success rate. Our clients' success is our top priority, and we have the record to prove it.

We have a high success rate in approvals.
We treat you with compassion, dignity & respect.
We create tailored solutions for your business & family.

Why Choose Simvisa for Family-Based Immigration?

We have a high success rate in approvals

We treat you with compassion, dignity & respect

We create tailored solutions for your business & family

What Our Clients Are Saying

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Read the reviews below to see what our clients have to say.

FAQs About K-1 Nonimmigrant Visas for Fiancé

Our clients have a lot of questions. Here are the answers to some of those most frequently asked.

Can a foreign fiancé work in the United States with a K-1 visa?

Yes, but the engaged fiancé must apply for employment authorization using Form I-765. And since the K-1 visa only lasts 90 days, the employment authorization will also expire 90 days after the date of entry.

Can my children accompany me to the U.S. on a K-1 visa?

No. Only the foreign fiancé can enter the U.S. on a K-1 visa. However, a citizen petitioner and their new spouse can apply for a K-2 visa allowing entry for unmarried dependent children under 21. A K-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa and requires adjustment of legal status after the marriage.

What happens if I don't get married within 90 days on a K-1 visa?

If you fail to get married within the 90-day period, your alien fiancé must leave the U.S. and may have difficulty reentering.

Do I need to prove a genuine relationship for a K-1 immigrant visa?

Yes. The foreign fiancé must prove during the interview that you have a legitimate relationship with the citizen petitioner and hasn't been fabricated solely for the purposes of immigration.

You'll need evidence of the relationship, including:

Photos of the two of you together;
Affidavits from relatives or friends;
Letters, emails, and other correspondence.

The foreign fiancé must also prove that any prior marriages have legally ended.

What happens after I enter the United States on a K-1 visa?

After entering the U.S., you must marry within 90 days. Once married, the foreign national spouse can apply for an adjustment of legal status to gain permanent residency, paving the path to full citizenship.

Can I apply for a green card after marrying my U.S. citizen fiancé(e)?

Yes. Though a K-1 visa is considered a non-immigrant visa, it provides the means to obtain a green card by applying for adjustment of status. As a lawful permanent resident, you can legally live and work in the U.S. You can also apply for citizenship after a five-year waiting period has expired.