The United States Fiancee Visa in 2010
The K1 fiancee visa has been a popular travel document for those who have a foreign loved one whom they wish to bring back to the United States. 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 article looks at the possible changes that couples could expect to encounter in 2010.
For those unfamiliar with the K1 visa process the following is a brief synopsis:
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 US State Department's National Visa Center (NVC) conducts a security clearance and then sends the case to the Embassy or Consulate with proper jurisdiction. Nearly all K-1 fiancee visa applications for those resident in Thailand are adjudicated at the American Embassy in the capital city of Bangkok. Consular Officers at the American Embassy will initiate a visa interview and, assuming the application is approved, issue the K-1 fiancee 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. From nearly anyone's perspective, a fee increase of 0 is substantial. 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 change that could occur in 2010 involves Comprehensive Immigration Reform. At present United States legislators and the President are discussing ways of overhauling the American Immigration system. Some have pondered if these changes to the American Immigration system will impact the visas categorized as "K" under the US Immigration and Nationality Act. It is this author's opinion that 2010 will not likely see dramatic changes for those seeking a K1 fiancee visa, but by being prepared for upcoming legislation attorneys, applicants, and petitioners will be able to better anticipate possible problems before they arise.
(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