K-1 | Foreign-Citizen Fiancé(e)

The answer to that depends on your situation – both processes have their individual benefits. Here’s a basic summary of each:

• Using the K-1 visa “Fiancé(e) Visa”, the future spouse could come to the U.S. and the marriage would then happen in the U.S. within 90 days.
• Using the I-130 petition (also referred to as the IR1/CR1 process) Marriage Green Card, you could first get married outside the United States, and the U.S. citizen spouse could sponsor the foreign spouse for a green card.

Yes, there is a $265 filing fee. Prior to filing for the K-1, you must also file <b>Form I-129F</b>, which has a filing fee of $535 and complete a medical examination which is roughly $200 (varies by provider). These additional costs bring the total cost to around $1000. If you apply online, you can also pay online. If you pay by mail, then you can pay via money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or by credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. If you pay by check, you must make your check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

You can file your form online or by mail. Filing online allows you to:

• Pay your filing fee online
• Check the status of your case
• Receive notifications and case updates
• View personalized case completion date estimates
• Respond to requests for evidence
• Manage your contact information, including updating your address

You can create an account to file online. You can also mail your form to your region’s designated USCIS office.

Of course, you can choose to manage your case independently. However, working with immigration experts can help you navigate the process and provide guidance throughout.

You may be represented, at no expense to the U.S. government, by an attorney or other duly authorized representative. Your representative must submit Form G-28, Notice of Entry or Appearance as Attorney or Representative. Your representative may also submit Form G-28 at the time of your interview.

Immigration issues can be quite complicated. Combine that with the current rate of change in U.S. policies, it can be hard to keep up. Our team puts their experience to work for you and your particular situation. We work hard to stay on top of policy changes and are prepared for changes down the line. We offer patented online software, MyEsq, that streamlines the filing process and makes our knowledgeable team of lawyers just a click away.