Vienna, Virginia (webnewswire) May 10, 2019 – A Fairfax immigration attorney at Johnson & Masumi recently published a blog answering the question, “How long does it take to get a K1 visa?” Couples who are eager to being their lives together in the U.S. can help speed up the process by avoiding some common mistakes in their application.
Applying for your K-1 visa is a two step process. First, a U.S. citizen must file Form I-129F, called the Petition for Alien Fiance, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services department. This form establishes that your relationship is real and is accompanied by supporting documents, such as photos, correspondence, sworn statements, and proof of an in-person meeting within the last two years. You should receive a notice of receipt within 30 days of submitting the form, and a notice of approval within six to nine months. The case is then taken by the U.S. State Department, and within 30 days, the sponsored fiance will receive notice of an interview date. The interview typically takes place four to six weeks after the notice is received, and a decision on the case will be made shortly afterwards. In all, the process can take as long as one year.
Several factors can cause your visa to be delayed or outright denied. The most common is insufficient evidence of a true relationship. If you and your fiance have a significant difference in age, religion, or spoken language, or if you got engaged quickly, you will need to provide strong evidence that your relationship has not been undertaken solely for immigration purposes. Submitting the incorrect forms, using mistaken information, or submitting to the wrong agency can also cause delays, so review all addresses and information carefully. Finally, many couples fail to provide evidence that they have spent time with their fiance in-person over the past two years, a critical requirement.
Speak to the immigration attorneys at Johnson & Masumi for more information about how to apply for the K-1 visa. The firm’s experienced attorneys can assist you throughout the K1 visa process by reviewing your application, addressing any discrepancies, and ensuring that your application meets all requirements. For more information about the firm or to schedule a consultation, call 703-688-8279. Johnson & Masumi is headquartered at 8300 Boone Boulevard, Suite 225, Vienna, VA 22182.
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