Thinking about bringing your fiancé or spouse to the United States? While the process may seem straightforward at first, even minor mistakes can lead to delays of several months—or even years. Following the correct legal procedures is crucial to avoid complications. Let us help you navigate the process efficiently and correctly.
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If you’re engaged to someone living outside the U.S., you’re likely feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety:
“How can I bring them here legally?”
“How long does the process take?”
“What if something goes wrong at the embassy or airport?”
“What if we get married abroad — will that delay everything?”
You’re not alone. Thousands of couples each year turn to the K-1 Fiancé Visa to reunite and start their lives together — safely, legally, and on U.S. soil.
The Fiancé Visa (K-1) allows a U.S. citizen to legally bring their foreign fiancé to the United States for the purpose of marriage.
Once approved, the fiancé can:
Enter the U.S. legally
Marry their U.S. citizen partner within 90 days
Apply for Adjustment of Status (to become a green card holder) after the marriage
This process is often the fastest and most direct way for couples to start their marriage and green card journey in the U.S.
You may be eligible if:
You are a U.S. citizen
You and your fiancé intend to marry within 90 days of arrival in the U.S.
You’ve physically met in person within the last two years (with some exceptions)
You can prove your relationship is real and ongoing
You both are legally free to marry
We can help you determine if the K-1 visa is your best option — or if marriage abroad and applying for a spousal visa makes more sense in your case.
The fiancé visa process involves:
Filing Form I-129F
Providing relationship evidence (photos, chats, travel records)
Proving intent to marry
Navigating interviews at the U.S. embassy
Coordinating the next step: Adjustment of Status after arrival
Even small mistakes can lead to delays, denials, or red flags at the embassy. When you work with us:
We prepare and file all documents properly
We help you gather the right proof of your relationship
We coach you for the interview
We guide your fiancé on what to expect at the embassy
We stay with you for the full process — even after the wedding
Once your fiancé enters the U.S. on a K-1 visa:
You must get married within 90 days
You can immediately begin the green card process
Your new spouse can apply for a work permit while their residency is pending
You stay together — no more long-distance waiting
This is the legal and strategic path for many couples who don’t want to get married abroad or risk delays in family-based immigration.
We’ve helped people just like you:
Bring fiancés from Mexico, Central America, South America, and beyond
Navigate embassies in tough regions
Avoid red flags or accusations of fraud
Move quickly through the process with peace of mind
Whether you’re in a long-distance relationship, preparing to propose, or already engaged — we’re ready to help you bring your loved one home.
Meet Gilda McDowell, a distinguished immigration attorney committed to serving the diverse needs of Lubbock, TX, and its vibrant community. With a passion for helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of immigration law, Gilda McDowell brings a wealth of experience and expertise to every case she handles. Her deep understanding of the intricacies surrounding immigration matters, including green card applications, family-based and employment-based immigration, citizenship, adjustment of status, and fiancé visas, makes her an invaluable resource for those seeking reliable legal counsel. Gilda’s personalized approach, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication to her clients’ well-being have solidified her reputation as a trusted advocate in Lubbock. Whether you’re pursuing a dream of U.S. citizenship, reuniting with loved ones, or exploring employment opportunities, Gilda McDowell is your ally in turning your immigration aspirations into reality.
Gilda McDowell immigration lawyer Lubbock, TX specializes in a comprehensive array of immigration services tailored to meet diverse needs, with a distinct focus on family-based immigration. From facilitating visa applications to providing resolute deportation defense, her extensive expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of immigration matters. She excels in skillfully navigating clients through the intricate web of paperwork, vital deadlines, and complex legal prerequisites, effectively easing the burdens typically associated with these proceedings. A committed champion, Gilda McDowell tenaciously strives to secure favorable outcomes for her clients, particularly in the realm of family-based immigration.
Gilda McDowell’s dedication to exceptional service and her standing as a premier immigration attorney in Lubbock, Texas, have established her as a trusted figure within the community. With a profound affinity for the region, she possesses a comprehensive grasp of its distinctive intricacies, both in terms of challenges and prospects. An engaged participant in the legal sphere, Gilda McDowell remains consistently informed about the most recent developments in immigration law, guaranteeing her clients access to precise and timely guidance.
If you’re in need of an “abogado de inmigración en Lubbock, Texas,” Gilda McDowell is here to provide the expert legal representation you deserve. With a strong focus on your needs and a commitment to achieving your immigration goals, she is dedicated to making the legal process as smooth as possible for you. Contact Gilda McDowell today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a brighter immigration future.
To qualify for a fiancé visa, you must demonstrate that your relationship is legitimate and not solely for immigration purposes. Additionally, you must have physically met in person within the last 24 months.
Certain cultural exceptions apply, but the U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident must also meet USCIS income guidelines (Form I-864P). Processing times vary based on visa bulletins, case backlogs at consulates, and current political conditions.
For both fiancé and spousal visas, stepchildren under 21 can be included in the petition, though this may affect processing time and fees.
A key step in the process is the visa interview, which takes place abroad. The adjudicator may deny the application if they believe the relationship is not genuine, financial requirements are unmet, application instructions are not followed, or the non-U.S. citizen spouse or children are deemed inadmissible.
Get started today—let us guide you through the process!
It makes a difference when you get the help you need from someone who not only understands the process, but who understands you and your unique situation. As a proud immigrant myself, I know exactly how you feel because I have personally gone through the whole immigration process.
See what my clients have to say:
The K-1 visa allows a U.S. citizen to bring their foreign fiancé(e) to the U.S. for the purpose of marriage. The couple must marry within 90 days of the foreign partner’s arrival. After marriage, the foreign spouse can apply for a green card through adjustment of status.
Both partners must:
Be legally free to marry.
Intend to marry within 90 days of entry.
Have met in person at least once in the past two years (with some exceptions).
Provide evidence of a genuine relationship.
The U.S. citizen files Form I-129F, and once approved, the fiancé(e) applies for the visa through a U.S. consulate.
The timeline varies but generally takes 6 to 12 months. Delays may occur due to backlogs, additional documentation requests, or scheduling issues for interviews. The process includes USCIS petition approval, consular processing, and a medical exam.
After marriage, the foreign spouse applies for a green card through Adjustment of Status by filing Form I-485. This process may take another 8–14 months, during which the spouse may also apply for work and travel authorization.
If the couple does not marry within 90 days, the K-1 visa holder must leave the U.S. immediately. Overstaying can lead to future immigration consequences. If the relationship ends after marriage but before the green card is approved, consult an immigration attorney immediately to discuss your rights and next steps.