10 Tips for Getting a K Visa
The thought of being with your spouse is always an exciting one, but if you intend to move to the states to stay with them, then you have to be conversant with the K Visa process. The process can be quite tricky. You have to be alert and ready with all the requirements before commencing the visa application process. To help you obtain your K Visa successfully, RunRex.com has highlighted the following tips you can utilize through the application process.
1. Be alert with the timing
Applying for a K Visa usually take about six months or more for the application and the decision on your petition to be made. It, therefore, is imperative that you keep your dates in mind and submit your applications early enough to allow for the process to be complete before the intended travel date arrives. Early application for the K Visa is always an excellent idea since it gives you a buffer in case the application process takes a longer period than you expected.
2. Meet all the eligibility requirements
The first step an applicant has to take before commencing the application is determining their eligibility. Some of the requirements the USCIS requires is that you must have met your fiancé within the last two years face to face and not via Skype. The evidence that is usually required here can include stamped photos you and your partner took together, stamped hotels and restaurant receipts and passport pages for the country or countries you went together. Be sure to come up with convincing evidence that can back your case strongly.
3. Play by the rules
Playing by the rules is the correct way to go if you want to make the process work. Dealing with government agencies can be quite tiring and a cause for a headache. It will require that you be very patient throughout the process. Therefore, don’t come with false evidence of having met a person that you have never met before like going with Photoshop pictures as your evidence or using a tourist visa then trying to adjust later on. That never works and can be costly when discovered.
4. Leave no room for mistakes
Many visa applications get rejected because of small and silly mistakes that applicants make when filling their application forms. K Visas are no exceptions. A slight mistake you make when filling the forms can cost you the approval of your application. Be sure to double-check the application form you fill to ensure they do not have even the tiniest of mistakes.
5. You must be planning to get married
You and your fiancé must be eligible for marriage by the time you are filing your petition. Additionally, do not file your petition if either you or your fiancé has a pending divorce case on their back. It will lengthen the process further. Check with a divorce attorney to ensure that you are free to marry your fiancé first before submitting your petition. You have to do this because sometimes one might think that their divorce petition has been complete while the case is not complete yet.
6. Work with a legal professional
It is possible to file your K Visa application by yourself and be successful at it. However, seek legal advice to help you through the application process. The procedure is characterized by many files and documents that can be quite overwhelming. Given the strictness observed for K Visa cases, a legal professional like an immigration attorney will help you with the documents and ensure you have a smooth ride. Chances of approval of your application significantly increase when you acquire the services of a legal professional.
7. Show evidence you can support your fiancé in the United States
You have to adhere to the poverty guidelines before your fiancé is allowed to the United States. Typically, your income needs to be 100% of the federal poverty line at least. After marriage, however, the figure rises to about 125% of the federal poverty line. You can use your assets or a co-sponsor to help you meet this requirement.
8. Take note of previous fiancé cases
If you had an approved visa petition within the last two years or filed more than two approved fiancé visa in the past, your petition will not be approved. Additionally, your fiancé must be completely aware of your attempts to file other petitions in the past, or there will be a rejection of your petition.
9. You have to be a US citizen
For you to be able to bring you fiancé to the US, you must be a citizen first. You cannot file the petition if you only have a green card. If you have a green card, you have to apply for citizenship first. However, you should know that denial of your citizenship can lead to loss of your green card.
10. Past immigration violations
If your fiancée violated U.S. Immigration laws in the past, then your petition will fail. Therefore, ensure that your fiancé has a clean history with the U.S immigration laws. Things like overstaying a visa, working in the U.S. Illegally or entering the country without a visa in the past will cause rejection of your petition.