BLUE Obtaining Fiance K1 Visa & Immigrant Visa for Alien ...k-1...Obtaining an Immigrant Visa For Alien Spouse & ... National Visa Center • Request Information & Documentation

Presenter: Edward C. BesharaPresident & Attorney at Law

OBTAINING A FIANCE (K-1) VISA

TO ENTER U.S. & OBTAINING AN IMMIGRANT VISA

FOR ALIEN SPOUSE & MINOR CHILDREN BY

MARRIAGE TO A U.S. CITIZEN

2

IndexTopic Slide #Presentation Title………………………………………………………………………… 1Index……………………………………..………………………………………………... 2 - 3Introduction: Who does the Fiancé Visa Apply To…………………………………… 4 - 5Overview Steps for Filing………………………………..……………………………… 6• After Arrival in U.S., Alien Spouse………………………………………………. 7• Step Children………………………………………………………………………. 8U.S. Citizen Files Fiancé Petition & Supporting Documentation• Information on All Parties…………………………………………………………. 9 - 10• Information About U.S. Citizen…………………………………………………… 11• Information About Alien Fiancé………………………. …………………………. 12 -14• Supporting Documentation……………………………………………………….. 15• Affidavit of U.S. Citizen & Alien Fiancé………………………………………….. 16• Processing with USCIS……...........................………………………………….. 17National Visa Center• Approval Notice to NVC…………………………………………………………… 18• Request for Information & Documentation……………………………………… 19 -20• Financial Affidavit……………………..................……………………………….. 21• Poverty Guidelines………………………………………………………………… 22 -23• Joint Sponsor……………………………………………………………………….. 24 -25• Notify U.S. Consulate……………………………………………………………… 26U.S. Consulate Interview/K-1 Visa• Process Before Interview………………………………………………………….. 27• Day of Interview……………………………………………………………………. 28• Approval K-1 Visa…………………………………………………………………. 29 -30

3

IndexTopic Slide #Applying for Permanent Residency in U.S• Entry into U.S……………………………………………………………..31• Filing Application with USCIS………………………………………….. 32 - 33• Supporting Documentation…………………………………………….. 34 - 36• Employment Authorization……………………..……………................37• Travel Permission…………………................………………………… 38• Biographical Information..................................................…………...39Adjustment Interview………….............…………………………………… 40 - 46• Process Before Interview………………………………………………..40 - 41• Prepared Index of Exhibits………………………................................42 - 43• Day of Interview………………………………………………................ 44Conditional Permanent Residency…............……………………………... 45• Overview…………………………………………………………………..45• Approval………………………………………………………………….. 46• To Remove Conditions…………………………………………………..47Conclusion………………….......................………………………………... 48 - 49• 10 Year Alien Resident Card…………………………………………... 48• U.S. Citizenship………………………………………………………….. 49Disclaimer………………........................…………………………………... 50

1

1

Obtaining a Fiancé (K-1) Visa to Enter U.S. & Obtaining an Immigrant Visa For Alien Spouse &

Minor Children by Marriage to a U.S. Citizen

Presenter: Edward C. Beshara, Attorney at Law

Agenda/Logistics

1. Live Webcast with PowerPoint Slides

2. PowerPoint Downloaded

3. Live Questions & Answers

1. Ask Questions during the webcast and answers will be verbal

Send

Q: How long can I spend in the U.S. under this status?

Ask Question Click “Ask Questions” Tab

Type in question

Click “Send” Button

2

IndexTopic Slide #Presentation Title………………………………………………………………………… 1Index……………………………………..………………………………………………... 2 - 3Introduction: Who does the Fiancé Visa Apply To…………………………………… 4 - 5Overview Steps for Filing………………………………..……………………………… 6• After Arrival in U.S., Alien Spouse………………………………………………. 7• Step Children………………………………………………………………………. 8U.S. Citizen Files Fiancé Petition & Supporting Documentation• Information on All Parties…………………………………………………………. 9 - 10• Information About U.S. Citizen…………………………………………………… 11• Information About Alien Fiancé………………………. …………………………. 12 -14• Supporting Documentation……………………………………………………….. 15• Affidavit of U.S. Citizen & Alien Fiancé………………………………………….. 16• Processing with USCIS……...........................………………………………….. 17National Visa Center• Approval Notice to NVC…………………………………………………………… 18• Request for Information & Documentation……………………………………… 19 -20• Financial Affidavit……………………..................……………………………….. 21• Poverty Guidelines………………………………………………………………… 22 -23• Joint Sponsor……………………………………………………………………….. 24 -25• Notify U.S. Consulate……………………………………………………………… 26U.S. Consulate Interview/K-1 Visa• Process Before Interview………………………………………………………….. 27• Day of Interview……………………………………………………………………. 28• Approval K-1 Visa…………………………………………………………………. 29 -30

2

3

IndexTopic Slide #Applying for Permanent Residency in U.S• Entry into U.S……………………………………………………………..31• Filing Application with USCIS………………………………………….. 32 - 33• Supporting Documentation…………………………………………….. 34 - 36• Employment Authorization……………………..……………................37• Travel Permission…………………................………………………… 38• Biographical Information..................................................…………... 39Adjustment Interview………….............…………………………………… 40 - 46• Process Before Interview……………………………………………….. 40 - 41• Prepared Index of Exhibits………………………................................42 - 43• Day of Interview………………………………………………................ 44Conditional Permanent Residency…............……………………………... 45• Overview…………………………………………………………………..45• Approval………………………………………………………………….. 46• To Remove Conditions…………………………………………………..47Conclusion………………….......................………………………………... 48 - 49• 10 Year Alien Resident Card…………………………………………... 48• U.S. Citizenship………………………………………………………….. 49Disclaimer………………........................…………………………………... 50

4

Introduction

• Who does the Fiancé Visa Apply to?

1. Fiancé Visa: K-1 Visa is a Temporary Visa to allow Fiancés and Minor Children (under 21) to Enter U.S., Marry U.S. Citizen & then Apply for Permanent Residency

2. Immigrant Visa = Permanent Residency = Green Card

3

5

Introduction

• Who does the Fiancé Visa Apply to?

3. Spouse of a U.S. Citizen; Immediate Relative; No Waiting Period to Apply

4. Step Children (under 21), Child of Alien Spouse Married U.S. Citizen. Immediate Relative - No Waiting Period

6

OverviewSteps for Filing

1. U.S. Citizen: Files Fiancé Petition with USCIS

2. Alien Fiancé & Minor Children: Obtain Fiancé Visa at U.S. Consulate

4

7


• After arrival in U.S., Alien marries U.S. Citizen within 90 days

3. Alien Spouse: Immediate Relative of U.S. Citizen Applies for Conditional Permanent Residency (CPR)

– When the U.S. Citizen and Alien Fiancé marries, they file their Application for Permanent Residency with the USCIS without having to comply with a waiting period.

8


4. Step Children– Alien spouse’s children who were under 21,

when U.S. Citizen filed Fiancé Petition can apply with parent (alien spouse) for Permanent Residency with USCIS.

5

9

• Information on Petition about U.S. Citizen, Alien Spouse and Minor Children

• Files Petition I-129F Questions are directed to U.S. citizen– On Form information “About You” is the information

needed about U.S. citizen– Alien Fiancé will become the alien spouse. The alien

beneficiary and or minor children will be the Applicant.

• File I-129F Petition with appropriate USCIS Service Center

• Filing Fee USD $455.00

U.S. Citizen files FiancéPetition & Supporting Documentation

with the USCIS

10

U.S. Citizen Information– Files Biographical Information Form

• G-325 A Form (duplicate copies are prepared) for U.S. Citizen, Alien Fiancé, and Alien Fiancé minor children.

• Answer all questions

U.S. Citizen files FiancéPetition & Supporting Documentation

6

11

U.S. Citizen Files Fiancé PetitionFiling of Form I-129F Petition for

Alien Fiancé

Part A: Information About You (U.S. Citizen)– Information about U.S. Citizen Petitioner

– Previous Petitions filed for other fiancés/spouses (need to prove good faith petitions)

12


Alien Fiancé

• Part B: Information About Alien Fiancé– Marital Status (Single, Widowed, Divorced)

– Fiancé ever been or in the U.S.

– Children of Alien Fiancé (date of birth)

– Address in U.S. where Fiancé intends to live

7

13


Alien Fiancé• Part B: Information About Alien Fiancé

– Fiancé related to U.S. Citizen (certain U.S. states prohibit marriage between relatives)

– Circumstances of U.S. Citizen and Alien Fiancé meeting within a 2 year period immediately before filing of I-129F Petition.

– Was an International Marriage Broker involved

– Name of U.S. Consulate where Alien FiancéApplied for U.S. Visa

14


Alien Fiancé

• Part C: Information About Your Previous Arrests, Convictions Including Domestic Violence

8

15

• Supporting DocumentationB. Filing Fiancé Petition with the USCIS

(United States Citizenship & Immigration Service) with Supporting Documentation– Official divorces certified required before

Marriage– Proof of U.S. Citizenship, Birth Certificate

and/or Naturalization Certificate– Birth Certificates Certified/translated of Alien

Fiancé and minor children

U.S. Citizen Files Fiancé Petition

16

• Affidavit of U.S. Citizen & Alien Fiancé• Supporting Documents

– Affidavit of U.S. Citizen and Alien Fiancéexplaining circumstances of meeting and engagement referring to Index of Exhibits showing relationship such as phone bills, emails, airfares, hotel reservations, photographs, Affidavits of family and friends, engagement party, ring purchase etc.


9

17

• USCIS Processing of I-129F Petition

• May take a few months before a decision

• USCIS may send to U.S. Citizen an R.F.E. (Request for Further Evidence). Need to respond within time specified.


18

• Approval Notice to N.V.C.– USCIS will send Notice of Approval to U.S.

Citizen and to N.V.C. (National Visa Center) in the U.S. who will require further information and documentation

– From U.S. Citizen and Alien Fiancé before the N.V.C. notifies U.S. Consulate to schedule an Interview at U.S. Consulate for Alien Fiancé to obtain Fiancé Visa.

National Visa Center

10

19


• Request Information & Documentation

• The NVC in the U.S. will send instructions to Alien Fiancé for information and documentation.

• The NVC will send an invoice for payment of the Application Processing Fee and issues cover sheet/receipt for payment

20

• Request Documentation

• NVC will request from Alien Fiancé and U.S. citizen the birth certificates, divorce decrees, police certificates, passport photos, biographical information from passport, forms such as the DS 156, DS 157 (males)

• Other forms which could be I-864 Financial Affidavits of support, plus bona fides of the relationship

• NVC may request additional information and/or documentation.


11

21

• Financial Affidavit I-864

• U.S. Citizen files Financial Supporting Documentation– Files Financial Affidavit of Support Required

Form I-864


22

• Poverty Guidelines• I-864 Financial Affidavit

– Income of U.S. citizen greater than Poverty Guidelines

• Example: 3 persons in household (U.S. citizen & Alien Spouse & minor child): USD $22,887.00 poverty guideline

• Prove income about poverty guideline (Please see chart in Slide 21)

• U.S. citizen attach 3 years of Individual Income Tax Returns


12

23

Chart on Poverty Guidelines

$5,375 additional person






$53,200$42,560$57,862$46,290$46,262$37,0108

$47,825$38,260$52,012$41,610$41,587$33,2707

$42,450$33,960$46,162$36,930$36,912$29,5306

$37,075$29,660$40,312$32,250$32,237$25,7905

$31,700$25,360$34,462$27,570$27,562$22,0504

$26,325$21,060$28,612$22,890$22,887$18,3103

$20,950$16,760$22,762$18,210$18,212$14,5702

125% Poverty Line

100% Poverty Guidelines

125% Poverty Line


125% Poverty Line


Household Size

HawaiiAlaska48 Contiguous States, DC, Puerto Rico, Virgin

Islands, Guam

24

• Joint Sponsor on Financial Affidavit

• U.S. Citizen Files Joint Financial Supporting Documentation– Joint Sponsor Filing of Affidavit of Support

Form I-864

– When income of U.S. citizen Fiancé is not enough to be greater than poverty guideline


13

25

• Joint Sponsor Financial Affidavit– Friend, relative who is a U.S. citizen or

Permanent Resident can file Affidavit of Support as Joint Sponsor

• Example: 1. Joint Sponsor Household – Determine how many persons in Joint Sponsor Household i.e. Joint Sponsor (1), Spouse (1), Children (2) = Household size 4 + 1(alien spouse) + 1 minor child

2. Joint Sponsor Income has to be greater than poverty guideline for Household of 6 persons USD $29,530.00


26


• Notify U.S. Consulate

• NVC will acknowledge Alien Fiancé is ready to be interviewed at U.S. Consulate.

• NVC will notify U.S. Consulate and a date and time will be scheduled for an Interview to process the Alien Fiancé Visa

14

27

U.S. Consulate Interview

• Process Before Interview

• Alien Fiancé & Minor Children Interview– U.S. Consulate will require:

• Additional Fees

• Direct Alien Fiancé and minor child to obtain Medical Examination Report and Vaccination report from designated Medical Doctor referred by U.S. Consulate

28

• Day of Interview– Alien Fiancé will answer questions by U.S.

Consulate and review information and document supplied to NVC.

– Will also answer questions concerning relationship and may be asked questions about Customs of Alien’s country followed in respect to Engagement and wedding plans.


15

29


• Approval

• U.S. Consul may Approve issuance of Fiancé Visa for Alien Fiancé and minor child

30

• Approval

• K1 Visa Issued– The K1 Fiancé Visa for Alien Fiancé and the

K2 Visa for accompanying minor child will be placed in Alien Fiancé and minor child passports.

– The Fiancé K1 Visa and K2 Visa will be issued for a period of 90 days.

U.S. Consulate

16

31

Applying for Permanent Residency in the U.S.

• Entry at U.S. Port– Alien Fiancé with K1 Visa and minor child with

K2 Visa are inspected by the USCBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) and legally enter the U.S.

– Subsequent to entry, the Alien Fiancé mustmarry U.S. Citizen (Petitioner only) within 90 days of arrival.

32

• Alien Spouse & Minor Child Files Applications & Supporting Documentation– Alien Spouse Files Application I-485,

Application for Permanent Residency Questions are directed to Alien Spouse

– Minor child also files I-485 Application– On Application, mark Part A (i.e. an Immigrant

Visa is immediately available)– Answer all questions


17

33

• I-485 Questions– Example Question: Have you been arrested? Even

though your record of arrest and/or conviction has been sealed or expunged, alien spouse has to answer yes.

– Please consult qualified and experienced U.S. Immigration attorney to see if conviction is a ground of inadmissibility, and if so, is there a remedy for alien spouse.

– You may want to analyze the conviction for U.S. Immigration consequences before the Application is filed with the USCIS.


34

• Supporting Documentation• Alien Spouse & Minor Child files Applications &

Supporting Documentation– Marriage Record Certified Copy for U.S. Citizen &

Alien Spouse– Divorce Decree Certified Copy for U.S. Citizen &

Alien Spouse– Birth Certificate Certified Copy for U.S. Citizen, Alien

Spouse, alien minor children– Name Change Certified Copy– All Foreign Language documents required need to be

translated and notarized.– Arrest Report Certified Copy– Final Disposition Certified Copy (conviction, parole

completed)


18

35

• Supporting Documentation– Photos (6) for Alien Spouse; (6) for minor

child• 2”x2” square photo, Color• Bottom of chin to top of head: 1”• Front View• No Smiling, No Earrings, Hair off Ears

– Alien Spouse has certified legal/court documentation from the U.S. or foreign country that legally authorizes alien spouse to have legal full custody of the child.


36

• Required Supporting Documentation– Naturalization Certificate Certified Copy of U.S. Citizen

– All foreign language documents need to be translated and notarized (Notary = person authorized to witness and acknowledge by seal, person signing document is that person).

– The translation can be by someone (please state the following on Affidavit) who is competent to translate from (foreign language) into English, and it is an accurate translation.


19

37

• Employment Authorization

• Alien Spouse & Minor Child Files Applications & Supporting Documentation– Employment Authorization

• Files Application I-765 for Employment Authorization usually processed by USCIS within 90 days. Receipt of Employment Card allows application for U.S. Social Security number and to work in the U.S.


38

• Travel Authorization– Files Application I-131 for Advance Parole

– Must receive Advance Parole Document before Alien Spouse and minor child leaves U.S. If Alien Spouse leaves U.S. before receipt of Advance Parole then Application for P.R is voided and DENIED.

– Advance Parole allows Alien Spouse and minor child to return to the U.S. to proceed with Permanent Residency process.


20

39

• Biographical Information– G 325A Biographical Information Sheets

prepared and filed by Alien Spouse and by children over the age of 14, not filed for children less than 14 years old.


40

Alien Spouse & U.S. Citizen Preparation Process Before Adjustment Interview

1. Alien Spouse and minor child will receive Request or Notice from USCIS (ASC, Application Support Center) for Biometrics, i.e. fingerprints and photo for security review.

2. Alien Spouse and minor child will receive Employment Card and Advance Parole within 90 days.

Adjustment Interview at USCIS

21

41

Preparation3. Alien Spouse and U.S. citizen will start

saving documents showing husband and wife share joint financial responsibilities and shared family obligations.• E.g. joint bank account, joint tax return, photos,

joint medical and life insurance, school documents for minor child referring to U.S. Citizen and Alien Spouse

Adjustment Interview

42

• Prepare Index of Exhibits

• Alien Spouse & U.S. Citizen Preparation Adjustment Interview– Upon receipt of Notice of Adjustment

Interview• Prepare documents to present to USCIS

adjudications examiner and prepare for possible questions from Petitions and Applications filed


22

43

• Exhibits Indexed– Documents Indexed to show living together as

husband and wife; and minor child• Financial Records including Joint Tax Return filed

as married couple, bank records, credit cards, life & medical insurance

• Affidavits from friends and family, photos of husband and wife, family or friends

• Review I-129F Petition and I-485 Application to answer questions. E.g. Why did you marry? Because I love him/her. Questions may also be asked to minor child.


44

• Day of Interview

• Alien Spouse & Minor Child and U.S. Citizen Adjustment Interview• Be present at USCIS at least 30 minutes

before Interview date and time

• Called in for Interview by Adjudication Examiner

• Asked to swear to tell truth

• Only answer questions asked to you


23

45

• Overview• If marriage is less than two (2) years then

Alien Spouse and minor child receives Conditional Permanent Residency for a two (2) year period. Towards the end of the two years the Alien Spouse, minor child, and U.S. Citizen has to file a Joint Petition to remove conditions (see I-751 presentation), please review Schedule of Presentations

Conditional Permanent Residency

46

• Approval

• Alien Spouse & Minor Child and U.S. Citizen AFTER Adjustment Interview– Approval

• Upon Approval of the I-485 Application by USCIS Adjudication Examiner, the Permanent Residency Card should arrive by mail in 2-3 weeks after Adjustment Interview.

• Once Permanent Resident Card received, make color copy for your record.

• Also may apply to Social Security Administration for more up to date card.


24

47

• To Remove Conditions– If Alien Spouse and minor child have

Conditional Permanent Residency Card, then should calendar a date 1 ½ years in future so as to prepare a Joint Petition to remove the conditions.

– If there is a divorce during the Conditional Permanent Residency period, then Alien Spouse and minor child can file single Petition to remove the conditions (please see Schedule of Presentations for I-751 Presentation, date and time).


48

Conclusion

• 10 Year Alien Resident Card

• Unconditional Alien Permanent Resident Cards are usually issued for 10 year periods and are renewable with new biographical information for another 10 year period.

25

49

Conclusion

• U.S. Citizenship

• Alien Permanent Resident married to U.S. Citizen can apply for Naturalization after having Residency for three (3) years and remaining married for a minimum of 3 years to U.S. Citizen at the time of the Naturalization Swearing In Ceremony

50

“The information on this website, article, seminar, brochure, or advertisement is not to be considered legal advice and does not lead to an attorney-client relationship. Such information is intended to educate members of the public generally and is not intended to provide solutions to individual problems. Readers are cautioned not to attempt to solve individual problems on the basis of information contained herein and are strongly advised to seek advice from a qualified and experienced immigration attorney regarding specific case situations. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon these articles, website, seminars, brochures, or advertisements. Before you decide, please take the option and opportunity to review our written qualifications and experience on our website. U.S. immigration laws, rules, procedures and policies constantly change and any reader of an article or information and any participant in a webcast should always know that the information is constantly changing and therefore should follow and read the disclaimer above and herein. It is always advisable to obtain updated information”