The K-1 visa provides a path to citizenship or permanent residency for people who become engaged to someone living in the United States. Before engagement, these individuals are often granted a tourist or visitor visa so they can spend a lot of time with their romantic partner, but these are only given for six months per year. An immigration and naturalization service in Junction City, KS can help U.S. residents and their betrothed with this process.
The Fine Details
Numerous documents are needed for the K-1 visa and an application must be completed. An interview will take place as well. After this visa is granted, the person has four months to move to the United States. After arriving, the marriage must take place within 90 days. After marriage, an immigration and naturalization service in Junction City, KS can help the couple complete the paperwork for an adjustment of status so the new spouse can apply for permanent residency.
If the Engagement Is Broken Off
A thorny situation develops for the person who has moved from another country if the engagement is broken off. This individual might not be granted another type of visa in order to stay on, even if they have given up a job and home in the country of origin. The person must leave the United States so as not to be in the country illegally, which could lead to deportation. It tends to be easier to leave and come back as an immigrant under a different program than to try to stay when a K-1 visa is about to expire.
A Less Risky Proposition
In general, a K-1 visa tends to be risky for just this reason. In the person’s best legal interests, it is better to get married and then apply for permanent residency than to move to the United States on a K-1 visa. The process is almost guaranteed once an individual is married to a U.S. citizen. Attorneys with a law firm such as Addair Thurston Chtd. can assist with the paperwork. Information on this particular firm can be found at the website Addairthurston.com. You can also watch video on their YouTube channel.
