If you live in Clay County, Florida and want to bring your fiancé(e) to the United States, applying for a K-1 fiancé(e) visa may be the right path. This visa allows your future spouse to enter the U.S. legally so you can get married and begin your life together here. While the process can feel overwhelming, knowing the steps and requirements—and having the right legal guidance—can make a huge difference.
At Rebecca Black Law, P.A., our Jacksonville-based immigration law firm regularly helps families across Clay County communities like Orange Park, Middleburg, Green Cove Springs, and Fleming Island with fiancé(e) visa petitions. Here’s what local residents should know.
What Is a Fiancé(e) Visa?
The K-1 fiancé(e) visa is a U.S. immigration visa that allows a foreign national engaged to a U.S. citizen to enter the country for the purpose of marriage. Once approved, the foreign fiancé(e) has 90 days to marry their U.S. citizen petitioner. After marriage, they may apply for a green card through adjustment of status.
This visa is specifically designed to help couples unite in the U.S. and begin their family life without lengthy separations.
Who Is Eligible for a Fiancé(e) Visa?
To apply, Clay County residents must meet these key requirements:
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U.S. Citizenship – Only U.S. citizens (not permanent residents) can petition for a fiancé(e) visa.
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Intent to Marry – Both partners must intend to marry within 90 days of the foreign fiancé(e)’s arrival.
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Proof of Relationship – Evidence of a genuine relationship (photos, communication records, travel receipts, etc.) must be provided.
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Meeting in Person – The couple must have met in person within the past two years, unless exceptions apply (such as extreme hardship or cultural traditions).
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Financial Sponsorship – The U.S. citizen petitioner must show they meet income requirements to support their fiancé(e).
Step-by-Step Process for Clay County Residents
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File Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e))
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Filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
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Includes proof of citizenship, relationship evidence, and filing fees.
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USCIS Approval & Case Transfer
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If approved, the petition goes to the National Visa Center (NVC) and then to the U.S. embassy or consulate where your fiancé(e) lives.
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Consular Interview
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Your fiancé(e) will attend an interview abroad, bringing medical exams, police clearances, and supporting documents.
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K-1 Visa Issuance
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If approved, your fiancé(e) receives the visa to travel to the U.S.
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Marriage Within 90 Days
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You must marry in Clay County or anywhere in the U.S. within 90 days of arrival.
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Adjustment of Status
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After marriage, file Form I-485 for permanent residency (green card).
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Common Challenges Clay County Couples Face
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Missing Documentation – Lack of proof of relationship can cause delays or denials.
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Financial Issues – Falling short of income requirements may require a co-sponsor.
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Previous Immigration Violations – Past overstays or visa violations may complicate approval.
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Processing Delays – Fiancé(e) visas often take 8–12 months or longer depending on USCIS backlogs.
Having an experienced immigration attorney can help avoid pitfalls and strengthen your case.
Why Work with a Local Immigration Attorney?
Immigration law is federal, but working with a Clay County–area immigration lawyer means you have someone nearby who understands your needs. At Rebecca Black Law, P.A., we focus exclusively on immigration law, including fiancé(e) visas, green cards, and family-based immigration.
What sets our firm apart?
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Personalized service – You’re not just a case number; we listen to your story and goals.
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Local convenience – Our Jacksonville office is just a short drive from Clay County.
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Multilingual support – Services available in English, Spanish, and French.
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Proven experience – Attorney Rebecca Black has over 15 years of immigration law experience.
Clay County Resources for Couples
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Marriage License – You’ll need a marriage license from the Clay County Clerk of Court in Green Cove Springs.
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Local Support – Immigration cases often involve gathering local records (birth, marriage, or divorce certificates).
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Proximity to USCIS Jacksonville Field Office – Many fiancé(e) visa cases are processed through the nearby USCIS office in Jacksonville.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Fiancé(e) Visas in Clay County
1. How long does it take to get a fiancé(e) visa in Clay County?
Most fiancé(e) visas take 8–12 months from filing to approval, though timelines can vary based on USCIS backlogs and embassy processing.
2. Do I have to live in Clay County to apply for a fiancé(e) visa?
No. The fiancé(e) visa is a federal process, but if you live in Clay County (Orange Park, Middleburg, Fleming Island, Green Cove Springs), having a local immigration attorney can make it easier to prepare documents and attend consultations.
3. Can permanent residents (green card holders) file for a fiancé(e) visa?
No. Only U.S. citizens can petition for a fiancé(e) visa. Green card holders must use other family-based immigration options.
4. What happens if we don’t get married within 90 days?
If you don’t marry within 90 days of your fiancé(e)’s arrival, they must leave the U.S. Staying beyond that period without status could lead to deportation or future visa denials.
5. Do we need a marriage license from Clay County?
Yes. If you plan to marry in Clay County, you’ll need a marriage license from the Clay County Clerk of Court in Green Cove Springs before the ceremony.
6. Can my fiancé(e) work in the U.S. after arriving on a K-1 visa?
Yes, but they must apply for work authorization (EAD) after entering the U.S. Once approved, they can legally work until their green card is issued.
7. What if my fiancé(e) has children?
Children under 21 may be eligible for a K-2 visa to accompany your fiancé(e) to the U.S. They can later apply for green cards after your marriage.
8. Do I need an immigration lawyer for a fiancé(e) visa?
It’s not required, but working with an experienced Clay County immigration lawyer can help avoid mistakes, reduce delays, and strengthen your case with USCIS and the U.S. consulate.
Final Thoughts
Applying for a fiancé(e) visa is one of the most important steps you’ll take as a couple. While the process involves multiple government agencies and strict timelines, Clay County residents don’t have to navigate it alone.
At Rebecca Black Law, P.A., our mission is to guide you through the fiancé(e) visa process with compassion, strategy, and dedication. Whether you’re in Orange Park, Middleburg, Fleming Island, or Green Cove Springs, we’re here to help you reunite with your loved one and start your new chapter together in the U.S.
Call our Jacksonville immigration law office today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward bringing your fiancé(e) home.
