Marriage/Fiancé Visa Attorneys in Woburn, Massachusetts

When a U.S. citizen marries or is engaged to a foreign citizen, there are two different ways to help their foreign-born partner immigrate to the United States and obtain a green card: a marriage visa or fiancé visa.

According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, about 50,381 fiancé petitions were approved in the Fiscal Year 2019. If you are a U.S. citizen trying to help your foreign-born spouse or fiancé immigrate to the United States, you need to speak with an experienced Massachusetts immigration law attorney for detailed guidance.

At Corbaci Law, P.C., we have the experience and resources to assist and guide clients in the legal matters of immigration, including fiancé and marriage visas. Our attorneys are available to discuss your unique situation and enlighten you about the benefits of each immigration option. As your legal counsel, we will fight passionately for your marriage-based visa application to reunite you with your family as soon as possible.

Corbaci Law, P.C. proudly serves clients across Woburn, Boston, Marlborough, and Framingham, Massachusetts.

What Is a Marriage Visa?

The marriage visa, commonly referred to as CR1 or IR1 visa, is an immigrant visa that permits the foreign-born spouse (husband or wife) of a U.S. citizen to immigrate to the United States and obtain a green card based on the request of their U.S. citizen-partner. U.S. citizens who want to help their foreign-born partner immigrate to the United States can apply for any of the following visas:

• Immigrant visa for a spouse of a U.S. Citizen (CR1 or IR1)

• Non-immigrant visa for spouse (K-3)

Eligibility for Marriage Visa

To qualify for a marriage visa (CR1 or IR1), you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• You must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder).

• You must be married to your spouse legally.

• Your marriage should be legitimate and not solely for immigration reasons.

• You must meet the income requirements.

An experienced attorney can evaluate your unique situation, determine your eligibility, guide you through the application process, or explore your other possible options.

What Is a Fiancé Visa?

A fiancé visa (or K-1 visa) is a non-immigrant visa that permits the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to travel to the United States. Both partners must have the intention of getting married within 90 days of arrival.

Eligibility for Fiancé Visa

To qualify for a fiancé visa (K-1), you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• You must be a U.S. citizen.

• You and your fiancé must be single (currently unmarried) and eligible to marry under U.S. law.

• You must provide death or divorce certificates for any previous spouse (if you were previously married).

• You must have met in person within the past two years.

• You must prove the legitimacy of your relationship through correspondence, photographs, trips taken together as a couple, and written statements from friends who are aware of your relationship.

• You must provide a simple signed statement indicating an intent to marry within 90 days of their arrival.

• You must meet the income requirements.

A knowledgeable attorney can review your unique situation, determine whether you are eligible, and guide you through the application process.

Which One Is Right For You?

To determine which option is right for you — marriage visa or fiancé visa — you may consider the following factors:

Preferred Place of Marriage

A fiancé visa allows your foreign-born partner to travel to the United States. If you desire to get married in the United States, a fiancé visa may be the best path.

Speed of Marriage

Obtaining a fiancé visa may take many months, depending on current processing times. Hence, if you want to get married as soon as possible, a fiancé visa may not be the ideal option. It will be quicker to visit your fiancé’s home country and get married there. You can obtain a marriage visa later on.

Processing Time

Processing times are constantly changing. Your attorney will help you understand which process may be faster. In the past, the marriage visa has taken slightly longer than the fiancé visa.

How Fast You Want Your Partner to Be in the United States

If your plan is to be together with your partner in the United States as soon as possible, the fiancé visa offers a faster path compared to a marriage visa. However, after entry to the United States, there are additional steps your fiancé must take to secure permanent residency.

An experienced immigration attorney can enlighten you about the benefits and drawbacks of each option and determine which path is best for your unique situation.

Work With a Knowledgeable Immigration Law Attorney

Filing for a marriage or fiancé visa involves many complex processes. However, due to the different visa categories and numerous available options, it is crucial that you understand the eligibility requirements, benefits, drawbacks, and limitations of each visa category. A knowledgeable immigration law attorney can evaluate your unique circumstances and determine the ideal visa option for your partner.

At Corbaci Law, P.C., we’re committed to providing comprehensive legal guidance and reliable advocacy to clients looking to secure a visa or obtain a green card for their foreign-born spouses. As your legal counsel, we can:

• Review the details of your personal situation

• Help you understand the benefits and drawbacks of each visa option

• Help submit your application forms and documentation

• Complete all required legal paperwork

• Prepare you and your fiancé or spouse for the final immigration interview

Using our extensive knowledge of U.S. immigration laws, our team will guide you through every phase of the legal process and help make intelligent decisions. We are poised and ready to assist you and your partner in a way that improves your prospects of a favorable outcome in your visa application.