By: Vianey Hurtado

Immigration Lawyer

Licensed in Arizona since: 2014

K-1 Visa Immigration Attorney In Phoenix, AZ

A K-1 Visa in Phoenix is also known as the Fiancé Visa. It allows immigrants from other countries to enter the United States to marry a US Citizen and apply to become a Legal Permanent Resident. This approval of residence occurs through the marriage green card process. If you hold a green card for 5 years or more, you can then apply to become a citizen. You may be eligible to apply after 3 years of receiving a green card, if you are married to a U.S. citizen and reside with your U.S. citizen spouse.

Currently, it takes anywhere from 10 to 18 months to finalize a K-1 Visa, although processing times are constantly changing. At Vianey K. Hurtado Law, our advanced legal team can guide you through the entire process. We provide knowledge, compassion, and strategies to ensure the best outcome for your application. We actively advocate for immigrants in the Phoenix and Yuma communities.

Itzel L.

VIANEY HURTADO is an incredible lawyer. Since the beginning of my services her and her team made sure I felt well take care of. Her and her team was patient, efficient and compassionate with me.

Betty G.

Attorney Vianey K. Hurtado is a very honest, professional and patient immigration attorney who gives you confidence in the course of your case. She helped me a lot and very quickly for my residency.

Juan E.

If my family and I could give 100 stars I would. Vianey and all her staff were helpful from day one. Always treated us with great professionalism. Always honest and hard working. Will definitely be recommending her!!!

Lizbeth S.

My father had a very rough immigration case, Vianey did an amazing job. Thank you so much, very grateful for everything you did. My father is now a permanent resident thanks to you.

Who Qualifies For A K-1 Visa In Arizona?

There are a few requirements for immigrants who apply for the K-1 Visa and their sponsoring spouse.

Some qualifications for the immigrant applying include:

Must live outside the United States and be free and able to marry.

Must not have any criminal record that would prohibit entering the United States and show proof. Documents the US embassy may request include a birth certificate, a passport, a police certificate, and military records.

Have met the sponsoring US Citizen spouse in person two years before applying. Proof of these in-person meetups can include pictures together, airline and hotel receipts, etc.

An immigrant has 6 months from official approval of the initial visa application to enter the United States.

Some requirements for the sponsoring spouse include:

Be a US Citizen and have verifiable proof. Some documents that qualify for proof are a birth certificate, unexpired United States passport, and a certification of naturalization. A US consular officer statement can work, as well.

Once the immigrant has entered the US, the couple has 90 days to get married. If the legal marriage does not occur within 90 days, the applicant must return to their country of citizenship.

What Is The Process For A K-1 Visa

A K-1 Visa application in Arizona currently has an average timeline between 10 and 18 months. The process typically involves these steps:

Fill out a Form I-129F through US Citizen and Immigration Services. This will cost around $675.00.

Once this form receives approval, it will be sent by USCIS to the U.S. consulate responsible for processing K-1 visas in your home country.

You must complete a medical exam. During this exam, the health team will ensure you don't have any medical conditions that make you ineligible to enter the US. These usually include transferable diseases like syphilis or tuberculosis.

You will fill out a Form DS-160 and attend an interview with a visa interview to ensure intentions are genuine and you are eligible for the K-1 visa. This will cost roughly $265, and is generally paid before the interview pursuant to the dedicated U.S. consulate’s specific instructions.

After everything is complete, you will have 6 months from the approval of the initial Form I-129F to enter the US. You will then have 90 days upon entry to marry the Citizen Fiancé sponsoring the visa.

While these steps may seem tedious and complex, a knowledgeable attorney can help you complete the process.

‍

Common Questions About The K-1 Visa In Arizona

With a process of this nature, many people have questions about getting a K-1 visa. Some of the common questions and answers include the following:

How Long Does A K-1 Visa Last? The K-1 Visa lasts for 6 months after approval, but you only have 90 days once you're living in the United States. After marrying the sponsoring fiancé, you can apply for a permanent legal residence.

Can You Work With A K-1 Visa? Yes, once you are living in the United States with a K-1 Visa, you have the ability to work. Keep in mind you'll have to file an Application for Employment Authorization which lasts 90 days once approved. However, we generally recommend that you file your I-485 adjustment of status application, together with an application for Employment Authorization based on the pending application for residency.

How Can You Apply For A Green Card After Marriage? Once you're married in the US, you can apply for your green card by filing a Form I-485.

Why Clients Choose Vianey Hurtado

Experienced

Knowledgeable

Patient

Sympathetic

Affordable

Professional

Work With A Knowledgeable K-1 Visa Immigration Attorney In Phoenix, AZ

Attorney Vianey K. Hurtado and the VKH legal team help you navigate complex immigration issues, like applying for a K-1 Visa. We provide in-depth strategies to aid your efforts in obtaining Legal Permanent Residence once married in the US. We actively advocate for immigrants in the Phoenix and Yuma areas.

If you're seeking a K-1 Visa to live with your fiancé in Arizona, contact our offices to start the process today.

K-1 Visas