The K-1 fiance visa has been a popular visa category for those who have an alien loved one whom they wish to take back to America. In 2009, the K1 visa process remained largely unchanged when compared to 2008. However, there may be changes in store for the K1 visa in 2010. This piece explores the possible modifications that couples could expect to encounter in the year 2010.
For those not familiar with the K1 visa process this is a short overview:
First, a K1 visa petition is filed by a US Citizen fiance at a USCIS Service Center in the United States. USCIS adjudicates the petitioner and, if approved, forwards it on to the National Visa Center. The National Visa Center conducts a security clearance and forwards the case on to the US Embassy or US Consulate overseas. In Thailand, virtually all K1 visa applications for those in Thailand are adjudicated at the United States Embassy in Bangkok. The Consular Officers at the United States Embassy will conduct a visa interview and, if the application is approved, issue the K1 visa.
Overall, the above outlined process will likely remain the same for most couples in 2010. Although, a recently recommended rule from the American State Department would increase the US Consular processing fees. A current proposal would raise these fees from one hundred and thirty-one to three hundred and fifty dollars. By most estimates, a fee increase of 0 is significant. This may have an impact upon those who even opt to file for a K1 visa as this 0 Consular Processing fee could prove to be prohibitively expensive.
Another possible change in 2010: Comprehensive Immigration Reform. At present United States legislators and the President are discussing ways of overhauling the American Immigration system. Some have wondered if these changes to the US Immigration system will impact the K category visas under the Immigration and Nationality Act. In this author’s opinion, 2010 will not likely see major changes to the K1 fiancee visa process, but by being prepared for upcoming legislation petitioners, attorneys, and applicants will be able to foresee possible problems before they come up.
(Please note, the above article should not be viewed as a sufficient substitute for individualized legal advice from a competent licensed attorney. The above information is for general purposes only and should not be construed as advice regarding a specific set of factual circumstances. For those wishing to learn more information about American Immigration, it may be prudent to contact a licensed American Immigration lawyer.)
Tags: CR1 Visa, K-1 Visa, K-1 Visa Thailand, K1 Intervie, K1 Visa, K1 Visa Thailand, Us Embassy Bangkok, US Embassy Thailand, US Immigration, US Visa, Widows Penalty
