What happens with Class A or Class B conditions? . . ####  This article is intended for general knowledge and information only. It cannot be construed as legal advice. Please speak to a licensed attorney if you have any concerns regarding your medical conditions and impact on immigration. . K visa applicants are required to have a medical exam before their consular interview at an Embassy. In another article we cover those exact procedures, however, now we look at what happens if you stumble upon problems during the exam.  It turns out that many Fiance visa couples worry about the m ..read more

A few weeks ago, the US Department of State announced they will consider immigrant visas (fiance visas, included) as an exception (NIE) to the Presidential Proclamations 9984, 9992, and 10143 (i.e. “Travel Ban”) on select countries. They have resumed fiance visa interviews in most Travel Banned countries, however it’s up to each Embassy to reopen as conditions permit in host countries. The USCIS The lockbox facility is still processing new incoming I-129F paperwork at a slower-than-normal speed. They are averaging about 4 weeks before they accept your I-129F and send you a notification. It’s g ..read more

Resuming K visa interviews at Travel-Banned countries The major news this week is that the US Department of State has announced they will consider immigrant visas (fiance visas, included) as an exception to the Presidential Proclamations 9984, 9992, and 10143 (i.e. “Travel Ban”) on select countries. Meaning, they will resume fiance visa interviews in Travel Banned countries. We’ll talk about this below, but first, let’s cover the basics: The USCIS If you remember, the lockbox facility was processing paperwork at a painfully slow speed in prior months. They are well underway resuming “normalcy ..read more

This week, the Department of Homeland Security has removed the Public Charge (“Final Rule”) criteria updates from former President Trump’s era. But before we get into those details, let’s look at the three different agencies. . USCIS The lockbox facility is still taking 60-90 days to accept, process, cash checks, and alert petitioners of receipt of their I-129F petitions. Again, this is largely due to the surge of petitions at the end of last year, in addition to COVID-19 related shutdowns. If you have not heard from the lockbox regarding your NOA (form I-797c), text message, email, or having ..read more

What’s the process for K visa expedite requests? . . An “expedite request” is a formal request made to the USCIS, NVC, or US Embassy by an applicant in order to request quicker processing due to a qualified criteria. There are several criteria which may apply to you. If you feel you qualify for one or more of these, send a prepared packet with statements, supporting documents, and more detailing why you need to be placed in immediate processing. Following which, officers evaluate your case and make a decision to grant or deny your request. If approved, your case will be adjudicated immediatel ..read more

How to prepare for your K visa biometrics appointment . There are four occasions when the USCIS or US Department of State require a biometrics appointment from Fiance K-1 or K-2 visa applicants either before or after visa approval (Adjustment of Status). These are during the processing of your… . ❏ I-129F, Petition (for the US petitioner only, rarely required) ❏ K visa interview (for foreign beneficiaries, always required) ❏ I-485, Adjustment of Status (beneficiaries, always required) ❏ I-751, Removal of Conditions (beneficiaries, normally waived) . By definition, biometrics is a “measurable b ..read more

Lockbox Facility delays receipt of I-129F petitions due to COVID-19 restrictions . On January 8th, 2021, the USCIS issued a notification regarding delays faced by the Lockbox facilities throughout the nation. The official notice is published here: https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/uscis-lockbox-updates All categories of immigration benefits, not just fiance I-129F, are being delayed for several weeks due to heightened restrictions placed for the safety of all workers in the Lockbox facilities as well as USCIS service centers. Here’s what this means for fiance K visa applicants who’ve submitted ..read more

The following extensive list are all terms / definitions related to a Fiance K-1 or K-2 visa. For further information on what these terms are, see the rest of the website (put into the “search” field). . Adjustment of Status (I-485) Definition – A complete application, including supporting documents, filed by an immigrant to request Permanent Residency. This application is a combination of forms I-485, supporting documents such as an affidavit of Support, and evidence that the K visa couple has married within 90 days of arrival into the US. The USCIS reviews this application and passes a decis ..read more

How do K visa holders Adjust Status (I-485) using co-sponsors? . Part of the process of becoming a Permanent Resident (“Green Card” holder) requires the Affidavit of Support (form I-864) from a responsible sponsor. For fiance K-1 or K-2 visa holders, this is crucial for your I-485 approval. A sponsor is anyone willing to take financial responsibility for a foreign immigrant after he or she gets Permanent Residency to the point when that immigrant “graduates” out. It’s the way the USCIS makes sure your foreign partner won’t become a “public charge” or rely on the government for support. (INA 2 ..read more

Top 8 Questions about Adjustment of Status for K visa holders . . Adjustment of Status (I-485) is one of the final, yet most important, steps for K visa holders to complete their immigration journey in the US. With Permanent Residency, a K-1 (K-2) visa entrant can permanently live with their partner. And just like the first step (I-129F process and K visa interview), the final leg of the journey involves completing paperwork, waiting for processing times, paying fees, and attending an in-person interview with the USCIS. To help you prepare for success, let’s review the top questions and answe ..read more