TLC’s latest television show, 90 Day Fiancé, explores the trials and tribulations of Americans being engaged to foreigners. The premise of the show is that couples who met abroad must legally get marry within a 90 day period where the foreign significant others visit the United States.
How Is This Possible?
Although America may have some strict immigration laws, America does not want to prevent its citizens from finding true love outside of the motherland. As a result, US citizens who find love abroad may sponsor K-1 visas (i.e. fiancé visas) to allow their foreign counterparts to visit America. In order to qualify for this visa, the American citizen must intend to marry their foreign counterpart at the time of the application.
What Happens When the Visa Is Approved?
Once the K-1 visa is approved, your fiancé has 6 months to come to the United States and may stay here for 90 days. The fiancé may only use this visa once to enter onto U.S. soils. This does not mean the foreign counterpart gets a green card; she merely gets to visit United States.
After this 90 day period, the visa will expire. The couple must wed in order for the foreign counterpart to stay in the United States. If not, the foreign counterpart must leave.
Seeking Legal Help with a 90 Day Fiancé
An immigration lawyer can help you with all the paperwork. A lawyer may be necessary to ensure that all documents are properly prepared. Note that your application will become more complex if either you or your fiancé has gone through the K-1 visa process previously.