If you’re seeking a K-1 fiancé visa lawyer in West Virginia and Virginia, you’re likely navigating the intricate process of bringing your foreign fiancé(e) to the United States. This journey involves multiple steps, including filing the I-129F petition, attending a visa interview, and ensuring compliance with the 90-day marriage requirement upon arrival. Engaging an experienced immigration attorney can significantly streamline this process, offering guidance through each stage and helping to avoid common pitfalls. In today’s post, we’ll discuss the benefits to pursuing a K1 visa so you can begin your life together in America.

💍 Marry in the U.S. for WV, VA, OH, KY, and PA residents

The K1 visa allows your fiancé(e) to enter the U.S. so you can marry here within 90 days. This is ideal for couples who prefer to start their life together stateside. There are many benefits to securing a K1 Fiancé visa, and we explore those benefits below!

⏱️ K1 Benefit: Faster Processing Times

Historically, K1 visas have shorter processing times compared to spousal visas. As of late 2024, the average processing time for Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)) is approximately 7 to 9 months, depending on the service center. Often, in our experience, working with an attorney, like Chelsea E. Walker, improves processing time because an attorney is knowledgeable on what evidence to tender (hey folks, pictures alone do not cut it, especially in this age of AI).

💰K1 Benefit: Lower Initial Costs

The upfront government fees for a K1 visa are generally lower than those for a marriage-based green card process. Here’s a breakdown:

• Form I-129F filing fee: $675, and if you’re approved by USCIS then
• Consular processing fee: $265

Note: Additional costs will apply after the couple get married. You have a visa, but you still have to ask USCIS for legal permanent residency.

📄 K1 Visa Benefit: Keep families together, bring the kids!

One of the often-overlooked benefits of the K1 visa is that it allows your fiancé(e)’s unmarried children under 21 to accompany them to the U.S. on K2 visas.

The documentation for K2 dependents is typically submitted alongside the main K1 application, making it a more unified and straightforward process compared to other family-based visa categories. This means families can stay together during the transition and avoid long, uncertain wait times for follow-up petitions.

KVisaXpress often processes children for a significantly reduced rate. Your family is our priority and you shouldn’t pay adult attorney fees for a child, particularly when your attorney already had all the child’s information!

Is the K-1 Visa Right for WV Residents?

If you’re a U.S. citizen in Appalachia, engaged to a foreign national, and wish to marry in the United States, the K1 visa could be a suitable option. It’s especially beneficial for couples seeking a quicker reunification and those who prefer to handle the wedding and green card process in the USA.

As an experienced K-1 fiancé visa lawyer in West Virginia and Virginia KVisaXpress can help you avoid delays and ensure all paperwork is properly prepared.