Experienced Legal Help With Fiancée/Fiancé Visas
At MCD Immigration Law, P.C., we understand that love knows no borders and that reuniting with your fiancé(e) is both a joyful milestone and a time-sensitive legal journey. Led by experienced immigration attorney Mabel Covarrubias-Doucette, our firm provides personalized support to U.S. citizens seeking K-1 fiancé(e) visas to bring their loved ones to the United States.
Whether you're just beginning the process or facing unexpected delays, we offer clear, compassionate legal counsel to help you navigate every step from petition to visa interview with confidence and care.
Fiancé(e) Visa Application Criteria Explained
A K-1 fiancé(e) visa allows a foreign-citizen fiancé or fiancée to enter the U.S. and marry their U.S. citizen partner within 90 days of arrival. After marriage, they may apply for permanent residency. At MCD Immigration Law, P.C., we proudly support all couples, including same-sex partners, in navigating this meaningful immigration journey with care and expertise.
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As a U.S. citizen, you begin by filing Form I-129F with USCIS. Once approved, your case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) and then forwarded to the U.S. embassy or consulate in your fiancé(e)’s country.
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Your fiancé(e) must fill out Form DS-160, the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application. Be sure to print the confirmation page—it’s required for the visa interview.
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Your fiancé(e) will need to gather key documents, including:
A valid passport
Birth certificate
Divorce or death certificates (if applicable)
Police certificates from relevant countries
Evidence of your relationship (photos, messages, travel records)
Proof of financial support (such as Form I-134)
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Before the interview, your fiancé(e) must complete a medical exam with an approved physician. This includes health checks and required vaccinations.
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At the U.S. embassy or consulate, your fiancé(e) will meet with a consular officer who will review the documents and ask questions to confirm the authenticity of your relationship. Being honest and well-prepared is key.
FAQs
Is It Possible to Waive the Two-Year In-Person Meeting Rule for Immigration?
In special cases, the requirement to meet in person within two years before applying for a fiancée/fiancé visa can be waived. This might be considered if meeting poses extreme hardship for the U.S. citizen, or if meeting in person conflicts with your fiancée/fiancé’s cultural practices.
Fiancé(e) Visa Rules: What If You Don’t Get Married Within 90 Days?
If you do not marry within 90 days, the visa will expire, and your fiancée/fiancé must leave the United States. This strict timeline underscores the importance of planning and understanding all the legal obligations involved.
Fiancée/Fiancé Visas Vs. Spouse Visas
It is helpful to understand the difference between fiancée/fiancé and spouse visas:
Fiancée/fiancé visa: to enter the U.S. in order to get married
Spouse visa: Available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are already married. If your spouse is inside the U.S., they may apply for a green card through adjustment of status.
If your spouse is outside the U.S., they will go through consular processing to obtain an immigrant visa before entering the country as a permanent resident.