US Citizen’s Guide to Immigration a Malaysian Spouse or Fiance

Franchesco Fickey Martinez • March 14, 2025

A US Citizen usually has to fully understand (1) how to get married abroad or domestically and (2) the immigration options/processes. This post builds a guide to the most common topics and questions, BUT be specific for a Malaysian Spouse or Fiance.


First, what are the two Immigrant Visa Options:


  • The CR-1/IR-1 Spousal (Immigrant) Visa, and
  • The K-1 Fiance (Immigrant) Visa


Second, how to get married in Malaysia? The US Embassy gives the following guidance: https://my.usembassy.gov/marriage/ However, a Virtual Marriage may also be a viable possibility: /immigration/virtual-utah-marriage-alternative-to-a-proxy-marriage-for-immigration-purposes/

What Documents are going to be required for each process (Fiance or Spousal)?

Our office has an Immigration Checklist that will help aid you in identifying the mandatory items USCIS and the NVC will need according to your specific case and stage: /immigration/immigration-checklist-what-our-law-office-generally-recommends/


However, there are three other important documents types that MUST get special attention:


(1) Proving the Relationship:

Click here to see further guidance on the I-129F Fiance Petition relationship proof: /immigration/k-1-fiance-visa/i-129f-fiance-visa-how-to-prove-your-relationship-to-uscis/


Click here to see further guidance on the I-130 Spousal Petition relationship proof: /immigration/adjustment-of-status/joint-bona-fide-documents-how-to-start-meeting-the-uscis-i-130-evidence-requirement-for-a-marriage/

(2) Proving the Financial Stability:

In a nutshell, the US Government needs to review the past 3 years of income, and confirm the past and current income is over the Federal Poverty Level Guideline (link to the guideline found here: https://www.uscis.gov/i-864p ). The Government will normally require:


  1. IRS Tax Return Transcripts for the past 3 years (Guidance found here: /immigration/how-to-request-your-irs-transcript-helpful-guide-to-acquire-this-commonly-requested-immigration-supporting-document/ )
  2. 1040 Tax Return Form for the past 3 years
  3. W-2 and/or 1099 for the most recent year
  4. 12 months of Paystubs or proofs of income


Since everyone’s income situation may be different, the following links do a much deeper dive into needed financial documents:



What Does the Embassy want to see:


(a) What are the Consular Interview Instructions for Kuala Lumpur?


The US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia provides the following instructions for consular interviews: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Supplements/Supplements_by_Post/KLL-Kuala-Lumpur.html


(b) How to Acquire a Malaysian Birth Certificate?


Issuing Authority:  National Registration Department by Peninsular, Sabah and Sarawak   

Procedure for Obtaining:  Complete form JPN.LM01 or by visiting: https://www.malaysia.gov.my/portal/content/30260

Alternate Documents:  Extract of birth certificate   or Certificate of Registration of Birth


(c) How to Acquire a Malaysian Police Certificate?


First, the Police Certificate is ONLY VALID FOR 1 YEAR. The certificate can be called: Malaysian Certificate of Good Conduct. Please see the following information:

Fee: RM20:00
Issuing Authority:  Consular Division Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Putrajaya/ Sarawak Regional Office Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kuching and Sabah Regional Office Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kota Kinabalu

Registration Criteria: Both Malaysians and non-Malaysians who have resided in Malaysia for a period of more than one year may apply for a Malaysian certificate of good conduct. The application form for the Malaysian Certificate of Good Conduct, as well as the addresses and telephone numbers of Malaysian Missions abroad, are available here: https://ekonsular.kln.gov.my/login

Processing Time: Processing time for the certificate is one to two months from the date of submission.


(d) I already submitted a filing and it is taking longer than expected. How can I verify that I am within normal processing time?


Here is the USCIS Tool to see up-to-date processing times in your specific jurisdiction and for a specific form: https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/#mainContent


(e) Immigrant Medical Instructions:


Every Immigrant Visa, regardless is K1 or IR1 or CR1, MUST receive an immigrant medical.

The Medical can ONLY be completed AFTER INSTRUCTED by the Embassy, either instructed by an Email from the Embassy Officer or by the interview being Scheduled.


The Medical MUST be completed PRIOR to an immigrant visa interview, it is a mandatory requirement. If the medical cannot be performed in time, the Embassy would give more guidance about:

  • the “possible medical backlog” being ok and interview attendance can move forward or
  • if a reschedule of the visa interview would be required in order to allow the medical to occur and process.


Sample Email from the Embassy:

WE are trying our best to give you an appointment for your US Visa Medicals as required by US Embassy, KL.

These are the  compulsory documents we need before an appointment is given:

1. Confirmation page of DS 260 for Immigrant applicants /DS 160 for Non Immigrant applicants

2. Email letter from US Embassy, KL to inform you of a Medical Examination required /and if an Interview Date is already given

3. Original current passport

4. Contact number/ current address in Malaysia & address in USA


Once we confirm the above, an appointment will be given to you soonest possible.

We are aware that there are logistics involved for those residing away from KL but these Medicals occasionally require more than one day to do. Planning is important.

On the day of the appointment, you  need to bring

1. 4 passport size photos (white background)  ONLY  f or Non Immigrant applicants & Diversity (Immigrant) Visa applicants. 

  IF you are an Immigrant Visa applicant but  identified as a  NON  eMedical  (Electronic) Medical Exam to do;  you will be informed  of the

  same requirement.

2. Original passport

3.  CASH RM 1300 per person  (only as an estimation which includes most routine vaccinations unless verified as already completed)


YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO FAST FOR THE MEDICAL EXAM.


With effect from 1st October, 2021  – ALL adult applicants are required to get their  COVID 19 vaccination by CDC  (FDA approved brand or WHO emergency list approved vaccines) before completion of the Medical examination . The adolescence group (ages 12- 17years) also would require their COVID 19 vaccination, ONLY COMIRNATY (Pfizer- BioTech) vaccine is recognized by CDC.

The Medical examination can take place whilst waiting to complete the COVID 19 vaccination.

All two (2) completed doses must be done before the medical report is released / submitted.

There are clinics /medical centers which offer PRIVATE Vaccinations but this usually ONLY limited to CoronaVac (Sinovac) which is a WHO approved vaccine & accepted for the completion of the US Visa Medicals for Adults only.

This clinic (US PANEL site) also  offers  the CoronaVac (Sinovac) vaccine. However, we will have to reserve the vaccine for the applicant a few days in advance before getting the vaccination. It is recommended  only  to those living in Klang Valley.

CR-1/IR-1 Spousal (Immigrant) Visa

The IR-1 / CR-1 Spousal Immigrant Visa is the visa that would allow a Malaysian spouse to immigrate to the United States.

The process involves 2 Main Stages.

  • In the first stage, the filing will be reviewed and approved by USCIS.
  • Once it is approved, the filing will enter stage 2 where it is transferred to the NVC and then subsequently to the Embassy in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.


For a more detailed overview of this type of filing and what it entails please refer to the steps below:

  1. Part 1  – Petition to Recognize the Relationship – Submit the I-130 Electronically with USCIS ( Related Blog Post found here )
  2. Part 2  – USCIS Processing – I-130 Pending awaiting a USCIS Officer to review the filing and supporting documents ( Processing times Post found here )
  3. Part 3 – NVC Processing – Visa fees are paid, DS-260 completed, and supporting documents uploaded. (NVC Processing Times can be found here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/nvc-timeframes.html )
  4. Part 4 – Consulate Interview – NVC provides the Kuala Lumpur Interview day and time, the Embassy/Consulate Account would be Registered, the Immigrant Medical Performed, Documents prepared, and Interview Attended.
  5. Part 5 – Green Card Printing Fee – Pay the Immigrant Fee before traveling to the US
  6. Part 6 – Arrive in the US – Fly to the United States, Apply/Receive US Social Security Card, and Receive Green Card in the mail within 3-4 months after entry.


Government Cost: $1305 (2025 Estimate)


Average Processing Time (2025 Estimate): 14-24 months (with the bulk of processing time spent in the I-130 Petition)


What is the Difference of a CR-1 or IR-1 Visa?

When the couple has been married for less than 2 years at time of interview, then a CR-1 Visa would be issued, conditioning the residence to a 2-year Green Card and requiring an I-751 thereafter. ( More information found here ) If the marriage is more than 2 years at time of interview, then an IR-1 Visa would be issued and a subsequent Green Card would be valid for 10 years.

K-1 Fiance (Immigrant) Visa

The Fiancee Visa has 3 Stages:

  • Stage 1:  I-129F Petition filed with USCIS
  • Stage 2:  File the DS-160 K-1 Fiance Visa application with the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, this is what will allow the fiancee to enter the US
  • Stage 3:  Once in the US, file the I-485 Adjustment of Status with USCIS to receive a Lawful Permanent Resident Status


The intention of Stage 1 of the process is to recognize the relationship and confirm the eligibility of the petitioner. Stage 2 is intended to confirm that there will be is no marriage fraud and re-confirms eligibility. Stage 3 confirms the marriage occurred after entry on the K1 Visa and that the marriage is for love.


What are the Requirements to file for the I-129F Filing?

  1. The Petitioner must be a US citizen
  2. The Relationship is bona fide
  3. The US Citizen and Malaysian have physically seen each other within the past 2 years
  4. The US Citizen and Malaysian intend to marry with the K-1 Visa within 90 days after entry
  5. The US Citizen and Malaysian are legally “free to marry,” meaning there is no pending divorce.
  6. The US Citizen has a stable income to support the Malaysian fiance, and that income overcomes Federal Poverty Level Guidelines as stated in the USCIS I-864P


How to prepare a Letter of Intent for this process:

Below is a template our office has created to assist: Fiance Letter of Intent Template


How long does the I-129F take to process?

The processing times for the I-129F petition can be found here, just select the service center the filing is located at (which that info is generally found on the filing’s Receipt Notice):  https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/how-do-i-check-uscis-processing-times


How long does the I-485 take to process?

The above link can assist in finding the current processing time, the difference is that you would select the local USCIS Field Office, versus a USCIS Service Center. The I-485 filing (based on marriage) generally requires an interview at a local field office.

If you require assistance with the Spousal or Fiance Visa process, please consider  contacting our office to set up a consultation with our Immigration Attorney.




 

 
Disclaimer:  This Blog is made available by the lawyer or law firm publisher for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

Polygamy and US Immigration: Common Issue

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • April 8, 2025
Polygamy is not recognized in the United States. Polygamy is the historical custom or religious practice of having more than one wife or husband at the same time. It is also called plural marriage. When it is a man having multiple wives, the proper term is: Polygyny . When it is a woman having multiple husbands, the proper term is: Polyandry. Polygamy is illegal and a criminal offense in all fifty states of the US. As a similar note, Bigamy is the crime of being intentionally married to more than one spouse at a time. It is similar to Polygamy, except it focuses on the spouse that connects multiple marriages together. Bigamy is a Crime of Moral Turpitude that may permanently bar an immigrant from ever being able to Naturalize as a US Citizen. Should you apply for a Green Card, if you’ve practiced polygamy? No, if the subsequent marriage is being attempted to be the basis of a marriage-based Green Card filing, and no divorce(s) have occurred. Yes, if all prior marriages have been divorced, AND the marriage that is to be the basis of a marriage-based Green Card filing has been re-married. Should you apply for a Green Card, if you have committed bigamy? No, if the subsequent marriage is being attempted to be the basis of a marriage-based Green Card filing, and no divorce(s) have occurred. No, unless ABSOLUTE FULL DISCLOSURE is completed, zero omissions have occurred, and the adjudicating immigration officer at USCIS or DOS is able to review and decide on eligibility. Should you apply to naturalize if you’ve practiced polygamy? If you had practiced polygamy in the past, prior to coming to the United States, your history of polygamy should not be a barrier to becoming a U.S. citizen. However, if you have practiced polygamy within the U.S., you should not naturalize without first consulting with an immigration attorney. Polygamy is illegal; regardless if you've ever been charged or convicted. Denial is possible; which if there is a denial, deportation is a possibility. Should you apply to naturalize if you have committed bigamy? Depends! If you intentionally committed bigamy and used a bigamous marriage to apply, enter, or immigrate to the US, then NO! If your bigamy was accidental: examples: IF you believed your prior spouse was dead, but they turned out to be alive, or IF you believed that you were divorced, but the divorce filing was never finalized or were forged by the prior spouse THEN you may or may not (heavily depends on the facts) need to wait for five years from the time of the legal divorce to naturalize. You would still need to fully disclose the marital history in the N-400 application. However, the USCIS officer will consider whether you meet the good moral character requirement for naturalizing. Disclaimer: This Blog is made available by the lawyer or law firm publisher for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

US Citizen’s Guide to Marrying in the Philippines and Immigrating a Philippine (Filipina) Spouse to the United States

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • April 7, 2025
The Philippines, a beautiful country with polite people, delicious food, and a positive culture. Marrying someone from the Philippines is wonderful! This article will discuss the two common questions: How does a US Citizen marry in the Philippines? How does the Philippine Spouse immigrate to the US? If you are interested in the US K-1 […] The post US Citizen’s Guide to Marrying in the Philippines and Immigrating a Philippine (Filipina) Spouse to the United States appeared first on Fickey Martinez Law Firm.

Deeper Dive: R-1 Catholic Teacher Positions - How to locate possible Religious/Education Employment

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • April 2, 2025
This article will cover specifically Catholics that are considering teaching for a Catholic School under the R-1 Visa for Religious Workers. Over the years, the following article has led numerous J1, F1, and H-1B Teachers to R-1 Teaching Positions: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/r1-visa-for-school-teachers-at-religious-private-schools-an-alternative-to-the-h-1b-visa However, the common questions are always raised: How do I locate Openings at a Catholic School? There are many locations in which to find current availabilities. The primary source is the online listing for any given Dioceses. Our main office is located in NC, which the Charlotte and Raleigh Diocese availabilities can be seen here: https://dioceseofraleigh.org/employment https://charlottediocese.org/employment-opportunities/ N ational listings can be seen here: h ttps://www.catholicjobs.com/search/teacher https://jobsforcatholics.com/jobs/?q=teacher&l= https://careers.ncea.org/ What kind of Schools can Sponsor an R-1 Visa? Catholic schools have a very close connection with the local Parish/Catholic Church, and fall within the organizational structure of the local Dioceses. Now, it is important to note, not every Catholic School may be interested in sponsoring an R-1 Visa. If they have never sponsored before in the past, they may not want to begin now. However, as there is generally a teacher shortage in almost every state, Teachers are in high demand. For a Catholic School, the teacher would also have to be a Catholic/of the same denomination (which that is true for any catholic teacher position, whether hiring a US Citizen or for sponsoring a foreign national). What are the Requirements for the Teacher to Qualify? Yes, the Teacher must Generally: Prove belief in the Catholic Faith for at least 2 years prior to any R-1 Employment, which would be evidenced by certificates of Baptism, Confirmation, and Communion/Sacrament. If you do not have a Catholic Record/Certificate, they can be ordered from the local Parish anywhere in the world. Proof of weekly Mass Attendance, evidenced by support letter from the Priest. If attended Mass at multiple Parishes/Catholic Churches over the years, then evidenced by support letters from the respective Priests. Teacher Specific Items: Passing Score in the PRAXIS Credentialing of any and all education, Credentialing explained below Applying for Teacher Licensure in the state of employment Do you recommend any Credentialing Companies? Our clients have had positive experiences working with World Education Services , International Education Evaluations , and Education Credential Evaluators . However, the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) provides a list of qualifying companies: https://www.naces.org/members . USCIS requires applicants to provide evidence of all degrees, certifications, or licenses received, including specifically include: (1) Transcripts, (2) Diplomas, (3) Degrees, and (4) Certificates. How Long is the R-1 Visa good for? 3 0 Months or 2.5 Years, and it can also receive a 30 Month/2.5 Year Extension. So, in total, the R-1 Employment can be as long as 5 years. Can an R-1 Teacher Position lead to a Green Card? Yes, it is very much possible and common, especially since there is always a shortage of teachers, and Catholic Teachers. Can a J1 that is Subject to the 2-Year Home Residency Requirement apply for an R-1? Yes, it is common for J1 Teachers that are subject to the 2-year Home Residency Requirement to pursue a non-disqualified teaching visa. A J-1 waiver can be applied for during the R1 Teaching period. Meaning, an R1 Visa does not have the same restrictions as an H1B Teaching Visa. Alternatively, the teacher can return to the home country every summer and long break, contributing to the 2-year Satisfaction. If a prior J1 spends 2 years back in their home country, a J1 Waiver would no longer be required as the restriction would have been satisfied. Again, if you send 3 months abroad between the J1 and R1 Employment, then 3 months every summer over the next 5 years, you would have about 18 out of 24 months already "satisfied." What Does the School Need to do? To summarize: Be Interested in sponsoring the visa, providing mandetory documentation, and paying the immigration fees. File Form I-129 on behalf of an alien seeking to enter the United States as a nonimmigrant minister, or a religious worker in a religious vocation or occupation. Provide Proof of Tax-Exempt Status/the IRS 5 01(c)(3) letter Documentation that establishes the religious nature and purpose of the organization, including, but not limited to: A copy of the organizing instrument of the organization that specifies the purposes of the organization; Organizational literature describing the religious purpose and nature of the activities of the organization; and A religious denomination certification, included as part of the Form I-129, Supplement R, stating that the petitioning organization is affiliated with the religious denomination. The religious denomination certification should be signed by an organization other than the petitioning organization, and attest that the petitioning organization is part of the same religious denomination as the attesting organization. Provide Proof of Salaried Compensation showing how the school intends to compensate the religious worker/teacher, including specific monetary or in-kind compensation. Provide Proof of Denominational Membership and Evidence Regarding the Prospective Position of the intended Visa Holder. Disclaimer: This Blog is made available by the lawyer or law firm publisher for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

Immigrant Visa Interview Scheduled: What to Focus on Now and In What Order

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • April 2, 2025
[Publicación en español] Finally, the interview is here!!!! The finish line is within arms reach. However, many things need to get done, and be done ASAP. But but but THEY MUST BE DONE IN ORDER. Please don’t focus on something minor, when other matters must be done since time is of the essence. First: LOCATE […] The post Immigrant Visa Interview Scheduled: What to Focus on Now and In What Order appeared first on Fickey Martinez Law Firm.

Tarjeta Verde I-551 sin fecha de vencimiento

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • April 2, 2025
a Tarjeta Verde I-551 es la versión actual de la Tarjeta de Residente Permanente Legal. Sin embargo, existe mucha confusión sobre si las tarjetas verdes “sin fecha de vencimiento” siguen siendo válidas. S i el I551 se emitió entre 1977 y agosto de 1989, la Tarjeta Verde no tendría fecha de vencimiento, pero sigue siendo una Tarjeta Verde válida y aceptable.  Est a Tarjeta Verde vigente fue la edición entre la (1) Tarjeta Verde I-151 que ya no es válida y (2) la Tarjeta Verde I-551 que tiene fecha de vencimiento. Imagen frontal y posterior de la Tarjeta Verde I-551:

Tarjeta verde I-151: cosas que debe saber

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • April 1, 2025
El antiguo Servicio de Inmigración y Naturalización (INS), ahora USCIS bajo el DHS, emitió el Formulario I-151 (Tarjeta de Recibo de Registro de Extranjero), comúnmente llamado “tarjeta verde”, a extranjeros de Julio de 1946 a 1978 . En 20 de marzo de 1996 , la Tarjeta de Recibo de Registro de Extranjero I-151 dejó de ser válida por ley. El INS (ahora USCIS) recomendó a los titulares de la tarjeta I-151 que solicitaran una nueva tarjeta verde. Aunque no se consideraría que los titulares del I-151 hayan perdido su residencia permanente, han tenido y siempre enfrentarán dificultades para obtener empleo, beneficios y reingresar a los EE. UU. desde el extranjero. Si intenta volver a ingresar a los EE. UU. con la tarjeta I-151, finalmente se le permitirá ingresar a los EE. UU., pero esperará retrasos y complicaciones. Por el contrario, al buscar empleo, la Tarjeta I-151 no es prueba válida de autorización de empleo. Otr a versión de la I-151: 

Me negaron la presentación del formulario I-90 porque tenía una tarjeta de residencia condicional de dos años. ¿Qué debo hacer ahora?

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • March 31, 2025
Si USCIS proporciona un aviso de denegación para la presentación del I90, el aviso también debe indicar que la ley exige que el titular de la tarjeta verde presente el I-751. El I-751 se centra en el matrimonio subyacente que proporcionó la tarjeta de residencia de dos años. USCIS evalúa el período de tiempo después de que se emitió por primera vez la tarjeta verde, generalmente dos o tres años antes del momento de la denegación de la I-90. Ahora bien, hay dos escenarios que pueden ocurrir. ¿Tiene una presentación I-90 denegada porque presentó el formulario incorrecto? Este es un error común para muchos titulares de una Tarjeta Verde. Cuando busca en línea, ve que el formulario I-90 de USCIS es el formulario de renovación para cuando una tarjeta verde está a punto de expirar. Lo que comúnmente se pasa por alto es que una tarjeta verde (condicional) de dos años tiene la condición de que, cuando esté a punto de expirar, se debe presentar el formulario I-751 de USCIS para convertir la tarjeta verde de 2 años en una tarjeta verde de 10 años. En el primer escenario, solo se puede presentar el I-751 ante el USCIS, lo que el resultado sería una tarjeta verde de 10 años recibida entre uno y cuatro años después de la presentación. El proceso I-751 es extremadamente lento y los tiempos de procesamiento se pueden encontrar aquí ( Tiempos de procesamiento de USCIS ). Segundo escenario, si todavía está casado con el ciudadano estadounidense que le brindó patrocinio y solicitó la tarjeta verde, y el matrimonio sigue siendo amoroso y próspero, puede considerar presentar el I-751, recibir la extensión I-751 de 24 meses y luego solicitar la naturalización N-400. Para calificar para la naturalización, el titular de la tarjeta verde debe haber mantenido su tarjeta verde por un período de al menos tres años si la tarjeta verde se recibió debido al matrimonio con un ciudadano estadounidense y el matrimonio aún existe y está prosperando después de tres años. En este escenario, en lugar de esperar muchos años para que se procese el I751, el tiempo de procesamiento depende de la presentación del N400. En algunas jurisdicciones, como en la oficina local de USCIS en Raleigh Durham, la solicitud de naturalización puede realizarse en unos pocos meses. Cuando compara unos pocos meses de tiempo de procesamiento con la posibilidad de esperar de 1 a 4 años, puede ser más beneficioso simplemente convertirse en ciudadano estadounidense y terminar por completo con el proceso de inmigración. Si ha recibido una denegación I-90, no dude en comuníquese con nuestra Firma de Abogados de Inmigración para programar una consulta para determinar la mejor ruta de inmigración.  Descargo de responsabilidad: Este Blog lo pone a disposición el abogado o el editor del bufete de abogados únicamente con fines educativos, así como para brindarle información general y una comprensión general de la ley, no para brindar asesoramiento legal específico. Al utilizar este sitio de blog, usted comprende que no existe una relación de abogado-cliente entre usted y el editor del blog/sitio web. El Blog no debe utilizarse como sustituto del asesoramiento legal competente de un abogado profesional autorizado en su estado. on it

Common K1 Visa Question: Who Schedules the K1 Visa Interview?

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • March 30, 2025
Before addressing the Main Question, a few items MUST first be explained regarding timing and expectations: First, the K1 Fiance Visa is 100% Different from a Tourist Visa. It is NOT as fast as a Tourist Visa. It is handled by the Embassy or Consulate’s Immigrant Visa Division, NOT the Nonimmigrant Visa Division. It REQUIRES […] The post Common K1 Visa Question: Who Schedules the K1 Visa Interview? appeared first on Fickey Martinez Law Firm.

¿Puedo Naturalizarme como Ciudadano Estadounidense con una Tarjeta Verde antigua o vencida?

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • March 28, 2025
Generalmente ¡Sí! Es posible que pueda solicitar la Naturalización N-400 con USCIS aunque tenga una Tarjeta Verde antigua o vencida. ¿Qué constituye una "vieja Tarjeta Verde"? Posiblemente la tarjeta verde "antigua" más común sería una tarjeta I-551 emitida entre 1977 y agosto de 1989. ¿Por qué? Las tarjetas emitidas entre esas fechas no tienen fecha de vencimiento, pero siguen siendo una Tarjeta Verde válida y aceptable. Se puede ver una imagen aquí: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/i-551-green-card-with-no-expiration-date ¿Qué es una tarjeta verde "antigua" menos común? Esa tendría que ser la Tarjeta Verde I-151, mucho más antigua. Estas Tarjetas Verdes se emitieron entre julio de 1946 y 1978 y tampoco tenían fecha de vencimiento, pero el Congreso forzó/aprobó una expiración en 1996. Se puede ver una imagen aquí: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/immigration/i-151-green-card-things-to-know Para Confirmar, ¿puede una Tarjeta Verde vencida solicitar la Naturalización? ¡Generalmente sí! Sin embargo, la verdadera pregunta sería "¿Por qué" expiró? Si estuvo en el extranjero durante muchos años (solo como ejemplo) y nunca renovó su tarjeta de residencia ni solicitó dicho permiso de viaje, es posible que la tarjeta de residencia haya sido abandonada, lo que hace que alguien no sea elegible para naturalizarse. USCIS también puede solicitar que se presente simultáneamente un I-90 si necesita alguna prueba de residencia permanente legal (también conocida como Tarjeta Verde) mientras el N-400 está pendiente. Si tiene más preguntas o inquietudes, debe hablar con un abogado de inmigración con experiencia. Puede ver más información en nuestra página web de Naturalización: https://www.fickeymartinezlaw.com/practice-areas/naturalization-citizenship

Acabo de recibir la Aprobación de la petición I-129F: ¿Qué esperar a continuación?

By Franchesco Fickey Martinez • March 27, 2025
La Petición I-129F aprobada significa el final de (probablemente) un largo proceso de inmigración y el inicio de un proceso consular (generalmente) más confuso. ¡¡¡¡Felicidades!!!! Pero el viaje aún no ha terminado. . . . estás casi en la mitad del camino. Para empezar, recapitulemos. El proceso de visa de prometido se divide en 3 partes: Parte 1: Petición I-129F para reconocer la relación en USCIS Parte 2: Solicitud de la visa DS-160 y la promesa de casarse y apoyo financiero I-134 (el paso real de la visa K1) Parte 3: Ingrese a los EE. UU., cásese dentro de los 90 días, obtenga una tarjeta de Seguro Social durante el período de 60 días en la SSA y ajuste su estatus con USCIS Esta publicación se ENFOCARÁ principalmente en el período de transición entre la Parte 1/Paso 1 y la Parte 2/Paso 2. ¿Qué significa el Aviso de aprobación I-129F? Significa que USCIS “calificó” la relación para recibir una Visa K1. El Centro de Servicio de USCIS (generalmente en California) enviaría por correo el Aviso de Aprobación al Ciudadano Estadounidense (y al Abogado, si se contrata uno). Por último, USCIS indicaría en el aviso de aprobación que están transfiriendo la presentación al NVC para su posterior procesamiento. A continuación se muestra un diagrama del correo/transferencia I-129F: 
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