New York Spouse and Fiancé Visa Attorney
Being engaged is an exciting time, and marrying the love of your life is truly a gift. However, if you and your fiancé or spouse want to start your life together in the United States, the situation can become complicated. You may have to obtain a marriage or fiancé visa, each of which has its own benefits and drawbacks. Below, our Manhattan immigration lawyer explains more about these visas so you can make an informed decision.
What are Fiancé Visas?
Fiancé visas, known as K-1 visas, are temporary non-immigrant visas. The process involves applying for a K-1 visa before getting married in the United States. The foreign national can then apply for an Adjustment of Status and ultimately become a lawful permanent resident. There are many reasons you may consider K-1 fiancé visas, including:
- You intend to enter the United States to get married
- Your fiancé’s country does not allow the type of marriage you want, and so you want to marry in the United States
- You want to get married as soon as possible
- Your partner is not a lawful permanent resident but is a citizen of the United States
What are Marriage Visas?
Marriage visas are green cards for eligible spouses of a lawful permanent resident or a U.S. citizen. People who choose this option marry outside of the U.S. and apply for family sponsorship immigration. This is possible because spouses are considered to be immediate family members. Marriage visas are known as the IR1 or CR1 process.
The K-3 spouse visa is another option for married individuals. This visa allows a foreign national to enter and remain in the United States legally while the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processes their application for the I-130. If the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident needs to return to the United States, this is the fastest way to reunite with their spouse.
Like K-1 visas, K-3 visas are non-immigrant visas, which means they are temporary. K-3 visas are similar to K-1 visas, but there are important differences, including the fact that K-3 visas are for couples who are already married. Like K-1 visas, there are many reasons you may choose to apply for a K-3 visa, including:
- You have obtained lawful permanent resident status and want your spouse to have the same status
- You and your partner were married but not in the United States
- The lawful permanent resident or U.S. citizen does not have to return to the United States right away
Our Immigration Lawyer in Manhattan Can Help You Through the Appropriate Process
At Nunez Law Firm, our Manhattan immigration lawyer can advise you and your partner of your legal options and help you determine which one is right for your situation. We will then guide you through the process, so you obtain the best possible outcome. Call us now at 917-708-1072 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation and to get the legal help you need.