In most cases, the process takes between five and eight months. Timelines can vary depending on USCIS processing times, the location of the U.S. embassy or consulate, and the specifics of your case.
Chicago Immigration Attorney
Мы говорим по русски
Chicago Fiancé Visa and K-1 Visa Attorney
Sverdloff Law Group
Fiancé Visa and K-1 Visa
You’ve found the person you want to spend your life with. Now, you just need to bring them home. For many international couples, that means facing a legal process that can feel uncertain, slow, and stressful. At Sverdloff Law Group, we understand what is at stake, and we are here to help you reach the moment you have been waiting for.
Who We Help
We help U.S. citizens who want to bring their foreign-national fiancé(e) to the United States to get married. If any of the following situations sound familiar, we can help:
- You and your fiancé(e) live in different countries and want to build your life together in the United States.
- You are unsure whether you meet The K-1 visa requirements and need guidance before filing.
- Your previous K-1 petition was denied, and you need experienced legal support to understand your options.
- You or your fiancé(e) has a complicated background, such as a prior marriage or a criminal record, and you are concerned about how it may affect your application.
- You want to plan ahead for the green card process that follows the K-1 visa and marriage.
No matter where you are in this journey, our team is ready to support you.
How the K-1 Visa Process Works
The K-1 visa allows a U.S. citizen to bring their foreign-national fiancé(e) to the United States for the purpose of marriage. Once your fiancé(e) arrives, you have 90 days to get married. After marriage, your spouse can apply for a green card (permanent residence).
Here is a general overview of the process:
- File a petition with USCIS. As the U.S. citizen, you submit Form I-129F to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
- USCIS reviews and approves your petition. Once approved, your case transfers to the U.S. embassy or consulate in your fiancé(e)’s home country.
- Your fiancé(e) completes their steps abroad. This includes a medical exam, document collection, and an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
- The visa is approved or denied. If approved, your fiancé(e) can travel to the United States.
- You marry within 90 days. After your wedding, your spouse applies for adjustment of status to obtain their green card.
In general, this process takes between five and eight months, though timelines vary based on your individual circumstances and where each of you lives.
Important requirements to keep in mind:
- You must be a U.S. citizen.
- You and your fiancé(e) must have met in person within the past two years.
- Both of you must be legally free to marry, meaning you are single or previously divorced.
- You must meet financial support requirements.
- You must have a genuine intention to marry within 90 days of your fiancé(e)’s arrival.
If any of these requirements are not met, your petition may be delayed or denied. An experienced attorney can help you assess your eligibility before you file.
Why Choose Sverdloff Law Group
Immigration law is complex, and the K-1 visa process leaves little room for error. A missed document or an overlooked detail can cost you months or longer. Here are a few of the reasons why clients across the country trust Sverdloff Law Group with their cases:
- We know immigration from the inside. Attorney Julia Sverdloff is an immigrant herself. She understands what you are going through, not just as a lawyer, but as someone who has lived it.
- We handle the full picture. We guide you through the K-1 petition and prepare you for what comes next, including the green card application after your marriage.
- We are fierce advocates. Our attorneys fight to get you the best possible outcome, from the initial filing through any complications that arise.
- We communicate clearly and promptly. You will always know where your case stands. Our team is known for being responsive and thorough.
- We serve clients nationwide and speak your language. Our firm offers services in English, Spanish, Ukrainian, Russian, Serbian, Croatian, and Bosnian.
- We are recognized for excellence. Sverdloff Law Group has been named a Top Immigration Lawyer in Chicago by Expertise.com and recognized by U.S. News Best Lawyers and Avvo.
Start with a Consultation
Your relationship deserves a strong legal foundation. Whether you are just beginning to explore the K-1 visa process or have already hit a roadblock, our team is ready to review your situation and help you understand your options.
Call us or schedule a consultation online. It is fast and easy to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions about K-1 Visas
What happens if we do not marry within 90 days?
If you do not marry within 90 days of your fiancé(e)’s arrival, the K-1 visa expires, and your fiancé(e) must return to their home country. The 90-day window is firm and cannot be extended.
Does the K-1 visa automatically lead to a green card?
No. After you marry, your spouse must separately apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident. Our team can help you prepare for that process well in advance.
Can same-sex couples apply for a K-1 visa?
Yes. Following the Supreme Court’s ruling striking down the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), same-sex couples are fully eligible to apply for a K-1 fiancé visa.
Why might a K-1 visa application be denied?
Common reasons for denial include incomplete or missing documentation, a lack of proof of a genuine relationship, medical issues, criminal history, insufficient financial documentation, or an unresolved prior marriage. If your application has been denied or you are concerned about any of these factors, speaking with an attorney before you refile is strongly recommended.
What if I have filed a K-1 petition before?
If you have filed two or more K-1 petitions in your lifetime, or had one approved within the past two years, additional review may be required under the International Marriage Broker Regulation Act (IMBRA). Our attorneys can help you understand how this may affect your case and what steps to take.
What if my fiancé(e) or I have a criminal record?
Certain convictions, particularly those involving violence or sex offenses, may require a waiver before your petition can proceed. This does not automatically disqualify you, but it does make experienced legal guidance all the more important.
Helping You Realize Your Dreams for a New Life in the United States
Our immigration attorneys will fight to ensure that you receive the best outcome in your immigration case.
Julia Sverdloff, Esq.
Attorney Julia Sverdloff is the founder and owner of Sverdloff Law Group in Chicago, Illinois. Our firm speaks Ukranian, Russian, Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian and Spanish.
Every Dream Should Be Realized.
Let Us Help You Accomplish Yours.
Reviews
Words From Our
Clients
Reviews from our clients from around the world.
Very knowledgeable attorney. I had the chance to work with many attorneys last ten years. Julia was most knowledgeable and helpful. She got the job done right. Thank you. Read More
Mirrakhim
Julia and her team were purely amazing throughout my adjustment of status process. I had one of the most difficult cases any lawyer can handle, and Julia was actually my 3rd lawyer in 12 years. I can't thank her enough for taking the time, and efforts to execute this task… Read More
Bassel George Diebo, MD
Before meeting Julia and her team, I met many lawyers, but I could not find a better and more professional than Julia Sverdloff. Julia and her team are the best of the best. This team goes to the victorious finish and does not abandon its clients halfway! With this team,… Read More
Atmir K.
Julia's help was invaluable. She is very professional, knowledgeable, straightforward, fast, and empathetic. She was able to solve a green card issue I had been dealing with for 5,5 years in 4 months and helped me with the naturalization process as well. She prepared me thoroughly for the interview, and… Read More
Veronique
I’ve worked with Julia and her team on multiple cases, and every time the experience has been absolutely great. Julia is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and supportive, honestly the best immigration attorney in Chicago. I came to them through a friend’s recommendation and have since recommended them to others. Everyone I… Read More
Anastasia S.
Hi everyone. Read carefully what i am going to write. Sverdloff Law Group is absolutely the best group of people that can help you with your immigration status. Julia and her team are some of the best people you can work with. Julia is such an amazing person, full of… Read More
marko
The experience was phenomenal, professional, efficient and result oriented . I recommend the firm because they deliver results that matters. God bless the team. Read More
Soji
Julia, Chris, and everyone on the team are so knowledgeable about immigration-related matters. Julia is very kind, caring, and genuinely cares. Chris is so reliable, answers emails on time, and answers all questions thoroughly, and you can tell they take good care of every case. So glad I chose them… Read More
aiswary
Julia Sverdloff is an amazing attorney who genuinely cares about her clients and is willing to work with you. She will tailor to your specific needs and make sure you take all the right steps. 10/10 would recommend! Read More
Luka
I had an overall positive experience working with this law firm. My case was not the simplest, and there were a few mix-ups and minor issues along the way, but whenever I brought something to their attention, the team was responsive and worked with me to get it corrected. I… Read More
Alex
I am incredibly grateful to Sverdloff Law Group, Julia, and her entire team for everything they did for me. Thanks to their professionalism, dedication, and support, I was able to win my case. A very special thank you to Kristen Coffey. She was always by my side throughout the entire… Read More
Nikolay
Thanks for the help; the communication is excellent, and you can get information or clarification on pretty much anything at almost any time, thanks. Read More
MTN
I had a consultation with attorney Julia Sverdloff because I had a lot of questions about my immigration case. I’m really happy I decided to schedule it. Julia answered every question I had and explained everything in a way that was easy to understand. I left the consultation knowing exactly… Read More
Ana
Julia represented me in court. She came to the hearing with another attorney, but she was present throughout my defense, and we won my case. Thank you! Read More
Aleksandra S.
I had a wonderful experience working with Sverdloff Law Group, and I’m especially grateful to Julia. She was incredibly helpful during our interview calls, making sure I felt prepared and supported. She kept me informed every step of the way, always responding promptly and professionally. Thanks to the team's efficient… Read More
Aliya A.
As an immigration attorney, I have had the pleasure of knowing Julia Sverdloff and can confidently recommend her. She is exceptionally knowledgeable, highly competent, and deeply committed to her clients. Her professionalism, organization, and attention to detail consistently stand out, as does her compassion and responsiveness. Julia approaches every case… Read More
Steve B.
Julia Sverdloff helped me throughout my asylum interview process, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. She doesn't just represent her clients—she truly fights for them. Julia is incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and detail-oriented. She carefully prepares every aspect of the case and helps build the strongest possible strategy for a… Read More
Irina N.
Will recommend for immigration and family base. Reasonable pricing and nice assistance. Read More
Darya M.
I highly recommend Sverdloff Law Group. Julia was very professional, helpful, and supportive during my entire immigration process. She always answered my questions clearly and helped me understand every step. Thanks to her hard work, I successfully received my permanent resident card (green card). I truly appreciate her patience, kindness,… Read More
Christian C.
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