K1 Visa Lawyer Serving the Bronx, New York
A K1 fiancé visa allows a U.S. citizen to bring their foreign-citizen fiancé to the United States to marry. The process involves filing a petition with USCIS, consular processing abroad, and adjustment of status after marriage. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for K1 visa cases in the Bronx.
Understanding the K1 Fiancé Visa Process
The K1 visa, or fiancé visa, is a nonimmigrant visa governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(15)(K)). It is designed for a foreign-citizen fiancé of a U.S. citizen to enter the U.S. for the purpose of marriage. The couple must marry within 90 days of the fiancé’s entry. After marriage, the foreign spouse must apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
Last verified: April 2026 | New York Immigration Court | U.S. Congress legislation website.
Official Government Resources
For the official text of the law, see the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.) on the U.S. House of Representatives website. For forms and filing instructions, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
handling the K1 Visa Process in New York
For Bronx residents, the initial I-129F petition is filed with the USCIS lockbox, but the subsequent steps involve the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the fiancé’s home country and the New York Field Office for adjustment of status. The process is multi-stage and requires precise documentation to prove a bona fide relationship and eligibility.
- File Form I-129F: The U.S. citizen petitioner files the Petition for Alien Fiancé with USCIS, including proof of citizenship and evidence of a genuine relationship.
- Consular Processing: After USCIS approval, the case goes to the National Visa Center and then to the U.S. Embassy/Consulate abroad for the fiancé’s interview and medical exam.
- Enter the U.S. on K1 Visa: The fiancé enters the U.S. and the couple must marry within 90 days.
- Adjust Status: After marriage, the foreign spouse files Form I-485 for a green card, along with Form I-765 for work authorization and Form I-131 for advance parole.
Potential Challenges and How a K1 Visa Lawyer Bronx Can Help
A K1 visa petition process lawyer Bronx can help handle challenges like requests for evidence, prior immigration violations, or concerns about the relationship’s legitimacy.
Common issues include insufficient proof of a bona fide relationship, the petitioner’s inability to meet the income requirements for the affidavit of support, or the beneficiary’s inadmissibility due to health or criminal grounds. An experienced immigration visa application lawyer Bronx can assemble strong evidence, prepare clients for interviews, and address potential grounds of denial proactively.
Our Experience with Immigration Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys have over 120 years of combined legal experience. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate of over 93%. While we actively handle immigration cases in New York, our broad experience across family-based petitions provides a strong foundation for K1 visa cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Immigration Lawyers
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142
Buffalo, NY 14202
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
By appointment only.
Our New York location serves clients in the Bronx and throughout New York State. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — meetings are by appointment only.
We serve communities throughout the Bronx, including Fordham, Riverdale, Pelham Bay, and Morris Park.
Frequently Asked Questions: K1 Visa in the Bronx
What are the income requirements for a K1 visa?
Yes, the U.S. citizen petitioner must meet the federal poverty guidelines. They must file an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) demonstrating an income at least 100% of the poverty level for their household size. A joint sponsor can be used if the petitioner’s income is insufficient.
Can my fiancé work as soon as they arrive on a K1 visa?
No. A K1 visa holder must apply for work authorization (Form I-765) after marrying and filing for adjustment of status. It typically takes several months to receive the Employment Authorization Document (EAD). They cannot legally work until they have the EAD in hand.
What happens if we don’t get married within 90 days?
The K1 visa holder will be out of status and may be subject to removal (deportation). They would not be eligible to adjust status based on the K1 visa and would generally have to leave the United States. It is critical to marry within the 90-day period.
How long does the entire K1 visa process take?
It depends. Current USCIS processing times for the I-129F petition can range from 10 to 15 months. After approval, consular processing can take an additional 2 to 6 months. The entire process from filing to visa issuance often takes 12 to 18 months or longer.
Where is the immigration court for the Bronx?
Removal proceedings for Bronx residents are typically heard at the New York Immigration Court located at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan or the Varick Street Immigration Court. The USCIS New York Field Office for adjustment of status interviews is also at 26 Federal Plaza.
Related Legal Services in the Bronx
If you need other legal assistance, our firm also provides criminal defense lawyer in New York County (Manhattan) and divorce and family law lawyer in New York County (Manhattan) services. For more immigration resources, visit our New York immigration lawyer hub page.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance regarding your K1 visa case.