Top Charlotte, NC K-1 Fiancé Visa Lawyers Near You

Where can I get help with my K-1 Fiancé Visa application?

If you are a U.S. citizen planning to marry a foreign national, a K-1 Fiancé Visa is one method of bringing him or her into the country. Since this is a travel visa, you must marry your foreign fiancé within a limited period of time. Due to the complicated nature of this visa application process, speaking with a K-1 Fiancé Visa lawyer can be very useful in determining whether this is the best option for your situation.

Am I eligible for a K-1 Fiancé Visa?

The applicant must be a U.S. citizen with the exclusive purpose of bringing his or her fiancé into the country for marriage. Both you and your fiancé must be free to marry. This means that both individuals must have had any previous marriages legally dissolved through death, divorce, or annulment. You must marry your fiancé within 90 days of him/her entering the United States.

In general, you and your fiancé must have met in person within the past two years. Some exceptions to this requirement may be granted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if you can prove extreme hardship to meet or cultural reasons that prohibit such a meeting.

How can a K-1 Fiancé Visa lawyer help me?

The application process can be complex and frustrating. There are numerous required forms, supporting documents, and medical exams required. A K-1 Fiancé Visa lawyer can help ensure a complete application and address potential legal pitfalls. Below are a few questions this type of lawyer can answer:

• What is the application and visa approval process?
• Should I apply in the U.S. or through my fiancé’s local U.S. embassy/consulate?
• What is the cost of a K-1 Fiancé Visa?
• How long does it take to get approved?

Top Questions to Ask When Hiring an Attorney

• How many years have you been practicing law? How long have you practiced law in the local area?
• How many cases similar to mine have you handled in the past?
• What is the likely outcome for my case?

In legal practice, experience matters. An experienced attorney will likely have handled issues similar to yours many, many times. Therefore, after listening to your situation, the attorney should have a reasonable idea of the time line for a case like yours and the likely resolution.

The Importance of a Good Consultation

The goal of an initial consultation is to find an attorney you are comfortable working with and someone who can help you understand your options under the law. Seek to understand the relevant legal experience the attorney brings to your case. While it is not realistic to expect an attorney to resolve your legal issue during an initial consultation, you should gain a level of comfort with his/her ability to do so. A good consultation can clarify issues, raise pertinent questions and considerations for your case, and help you make an informed decision towards resolving your legal issue.

How much does it cost to hire an attorney?

In general, how much an attorney costs will often depend on these four factors: billing method and pricing structure, type of legal work performed, law firm prestige, and attorney experience. Depending on the legal issue you are facing, an attorney may bill you by the hour, settle on a flat fee, or enter into a contingency fee agreement. The type of legal work you need help with will also play a role in cost incurred.

Common legal terms explained

Pro se – This Latin term refers to representing yourself in court instead of hiring professional legal counsel. Pro se representation can occur in either criminal or civil cases.

Statute – Refers to a law created by a legislative body. For example, the laws enacted by Congress are statutes.

Subject matter jurisdiction – Requirement that a particular court have authority to hear the claim based on the specific type of issue brought to the court. For example, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court only has subject matter jurisdiction over bankruptcy filings, therefore it does not have the authority to render binding judgment over other types of cases, such as divorce.