K-1 Fiancé Visa Lawyer in Austin, Texas
A K-1 visa lets a U.S. citizen bring a fiancé to the United States to marry within 90 days. A K-1 visa lawyer in Austin prepares the I-129F petition, the consular interview and the green card that follows. Pablo Nossa will tell you at the first meeting whether the K-1 or a spousal visa is the better route.
The K-1 is for couples who are engaged and not yet married. If you are already married, the route is a marriage-based green card and that page has the detail.
What a K-1 Fiancé Visa Actually Does
The K-1 is a non-immigrant visa with an immigrant purpose. It admits the foreign fiancé of a U.S. citizen for up to 90 days for one reason, which is to marry that citizen. After the wedding the new spouse applies for a green card without leaving the country.
The 90 days are the part couples underestimate. It is not a deadline to file paperwork by, it is the period inside which the marriage itself has to happen. The visa cannot be extended and it does not turn into anything else on its own.
The K-1 is also not the only way to bring a partner, and it is not always the better one. If you are willing to marry abroad first, a spousal visa puts your husband or wife on U.S. soil as a permanent resident who can work immediately, which the K-1 does not. Which route fits depends on where you both are now, and on whether either of you has an immigration history that makes travel a problem.
- Only a U.S. citizen can petition. A permanent resident cannot use the K-1
- You must have met in person within the two years before filing, unless that is waived
- Both of you must be legally free to marry, with any earlier marriage legally ended
- Your fiancé must be outside the United States for the visa to be issued
Who Has to Qualify, and For What
A K-1 has two applicants in everything but name, and each is judged on different things. A petition usually stalls because one side was treated as an afterthought.
The U.S. Citizen Who Petitions
- Must be a U.S. citizen. Permanent residents cannot file an I-129F
- Files the I-129F and proves the citizenship behind it
- Must be legally free to marry, with any prior marriage legally ended
- Must meet an income requirement set against the Federal Poverty Guidelines for the household size
The Fiancé Abroad
- Must be living outside the United States
- Must be eligible to marry under the law of their own country
- Attends the consular interview and the medical examination with a panel physician
- Will be asked for a passport, a birth certificate, police certificates and, where they exist, military records
What People Say After the Case Closes
Most lawyers like to benefit from your misery. Not Pablo. He helped me with a case for my fiancé. Thanks to him she is living the American dream.
AdamNeeded assistance with my fiance’s visa expiring. Heard about Pablo through a friend and was told he was the best. I agree with that 100% he feels more like a friend than a lawyer. I’ve dealt with lawyers in the past and never had the level of trust I feel with Pablo. He is always available for my calls all times of the day. If you need help Pablo is the man! He has my business and I appreciate everything he has done for me this far!
JokerWhen my Wife and I started this process we interviewed several immigration attorneys and one Law Firm stood out well above all others; Nossa Law Firm. Pablo Nossa and his staff took care of all of our needs and provided excellent feedback and guidance throughout our immigration process. The Nossa Law Firm provided transparency and clarity as well as compassion for my family and I. I can’t thank Pablo and his team enough for their excellent service. I highly recommend the Nossa Law Firm to advocate on your behalf and guide you through the complexities of the immigration process. To those newly navigating the immigration process, please be mindful of the following: Yes, the processes takes time, Pablo explained the process with great detail and provided comprehensive, honest and realistic timelines. Yes, you need to choose an Attorney to assist you with the process, do not attempt the immigration process without legal Counsel. Keep good documentation (Pictures, Travel Itinerary, Communications with your love ones, …etc.) Don’t be scared of raising any issue of concern with your legal counsel, they are there to help make sense of this difficult process. Think with your head; sometimes your heart wants something so bad that emotions take over and you don’t make good decisions in such a state (I owe a big thanks to my incredible wife and Pablo in this regard for helping me understand the process). Be completely honest throughout the process. Last, but most importantly be patient, you are working with the government… Things take time!!! Trust the Nossa Law Firm to handle your immigration needs, they are very knowledgeable, experienced and will provide you with unmatched representation. Meeks’ Family
Travis M.Very happy with Nossa Law’s help! Here was our situation. My wife was immigrating to the US, and obviously it was extremely important for our case to go through with as little issues as possible. He is extremely responsible and flexible with his schedule! He met with us on a Sunday one day, and also at 7pm during the week since my work schedule didn’t lend itself well to meet at another time. He replied to all our or questions, and even after having to move to another city during our case processing, he was even able to meet with us via Skype. Definitely went beyond the extra mile with us, so very happy to recommend. Needless to say that our case was successful, and my wife has her Permanent Resident status now. We ‘shopped around’ and met with 2 immigration lawyers prior to meeting with Pablo Nossa. Other lawyers either first had us meet with a paralegal rather than talk to a lawyer, or when we had a follow-up question it was extremely difficult to actually get a response from the lawyer itself (I can let you know separately who these lawyers were if needed). Pablo’s advice was right on, so he proved to be fully knowledgeable. We had a ton of questions for him, and he was very patient and exact with his answers. Very professional. Two thumbs up. Better than advertised. Let me know if you need any other information and I’ll be glad to help. We found Pablo using Google, so we’ll only be happy to provide more details on our experience.
Juan G.Highly recommend Pablo for all immigration matters. As an attorney, he is extremely knowledgeable about all of the immigration processes and timelines and can work with you to make sure your application is complete and filed correctly, which is fundamental in making sure your application is reviewed and accepted. We worked with Pablo for my wife to change her status and get a Green Card once already in the US and Pablo was able to get it done much faster that we ever would have estimated to be possible. Anybody taking the time to read these reviews I’m sure has done their research and assumes that all of the immigration documents were created to be filled out by regular people, but the problem with this is that there are so many forms that have to be filled out and submitted in a certain order that if it isn’t done correctly you can set your application processing back by several months. I am certain that working with a knowledgeable lawyer like Pablo is definitely worth the investment as you can rest assured that things are getting done correctly and expediently. The other huge benefit is being able to ask Pablo questions 24/7 by email, text message or phone call and he gets back to you within minutes. Highly recommend Pablo, we are going to be using him on all immigration issues moving forward.
A Y.Pablo does excellent work, all my experience with him was SUPER positive! He agreed to meet me and to answer my questions even before I hired him, and not just for 5 min, but really took time to explain everything. Actually I even met him more than once before I signed anything. I could always call him, and every time, I only got polite, honest and EXACT answers to my questions. Im quite lucky that I found him, because I ve shopped around and I know that other companies want you to pay 200 hundred even before you open your mouth with a question. When I needed, he even agreed to meet me on his day off, which I really needed, because all my work days were so busy. My case was the greencard, he guided me through the process, telling me every next step, and everything was always happening just like he was saying, and in time that he would predict. My recommendation to everyone – just meet Pablo once, and you will instantly understand that he is the lawyer you can trust. To my surprise in addition to everything, the price was absolutely reasonable, I previously got quotes from different places, so I know what im talking about. All in all my process took from the beginning of November to the end of January, so it just took 3 months for my greencard to get approved! All I can say is Thank You
Serge R.I never write reviews but these guys deserve my time, because they gave us so much of theirs – so helpful!!! Anyway, my friend’s green card had been expired for a year and he was too scared to even look into fixing the problem. I wanted to help him so while searching, I came across Nossa law, and reached out to Pablo to see if he could do anything. He began by first explaining the full extent of the situation in a way we could understand, then went through the step by step process of what we were in for. By the end of our first meeting we were fully knowledgeable. My friend went from scared to educated and empowered, ready to move forward to fix his immigration issues. Pablo kept in contact with us regularly so we were actually able to understand what was going on throughout the process. Thank you Pablo and the sweet people at Nossa law for working to make the renewal process so seamless. Pablo even went so far as to help my friend’s mom come visit from Mumbai. He genuinely cared to help us, and he is clearly experienced and good at what he does. Dealing with immigration stuff sucks plus it’s so confusing, these guys really know how to make it less of a burden. Highly recommmend!!!!!!
Angela E.Mr. Nossa and his Team are the best immigration law office, second to none. After interviewing with a few immigration attorneys, we felt right at home when we met with Mr. Nossa. His staff is kind, compassionate and professional. He is very knowledgeable and instills trust from the get go. Our case lasted many years. Six to be exact. It was not an easy one and we hit several roadblocks along the way. Every time things got scary, he would redirect and re-strategize in a very calm and collected way. Another key point here is financials: we tend to think that a lawyer will cost us an arm and a leg, and although that is true for the minority of law offices, Nossa Law is very reasonable with the cost of their professional services. Do not be afraid to meet with them and get a road map as well as pricing. You’ll be happy you did. Lastly, their success rate is very high. Just by reading the 200+ reviews on here you will understand how good they are. I am happy to report out difficult case had a happy ending and everything came out successfully. Thank you Mr. Nossa and Team, you guys are AMAZING!
Alfredo A.My Journey with Mr Nossa goes back to 2013, that is when I meet him for the first time and spoke to him for about 20 minutes,by the time I was done with the initial consultation, I was happy and assured that I found a great competing talent in Mr Nossa who would fight for me and be there for me in every step of this long immigration battle. I have used Mr Nossa’s services twice during these 5 years and will be using him again for my Naturalization. He is more of a personal confidant than an attorney to me and he never treated me like a client ,always address me like a close friend. Mr Nossa personally gave me his cell phone number and was always a text away and he responds with in minutes. Immigration is a life changing event in one’s life if you want to leave your home country and live in the United States. Putting your case in the right hands is crucial for this process. Mr Nossa has the enthusiasm to work on immigration cases and to finish each case perfectly. I am one hundred percent satisfied with the legal service I got from this law firm, and recommend it to all.
Sundeep R.As a lawyer myself, I get a lot of legal questions from people on a wide range of issues. Being a real estate & land use attorney, most such questions are not within my realm of expertise or specialization. Enter Nossa Law (specifically Pablo Nossa). I’ve referred several people to Nossa Law who came to me with immigration issues/questions, and each and every one has made a point of letting me know that they were extremely satisfied with and appreciative of Pablo and his work. The resounding consensus is that Pablo possesses a deep understanding of immigration law, a genuine care for each client that underpins his unparalleled ability to effectively communicate the unique issues each client faces in approachable terms, and the experience to implement a strategy to overcome the hurdles faced by the client (to the extent they are legally surmountable). I will continue to refer each and every person I know that needs assistance navigating immigration issues to Pablo Nossa of Nossa Law. You would be wise to call Nossa Law if you or someone you know have has immigration issue.
Zeca M.Found Mr. Nossa through google after calling a few other attorney’s prior who were not much help, asked for a consultation fee, etc. Mr. Nossa agreed to meet quickly, the same day. He explained the process in detail and sounded confident. He offered a payment plan, but we agreed just to pay full upfront. His assistant rapidly sent us all the items required, and he drafted up the forms very quickly. He express shipped everything over quickly for processing. We even received a travel permit as requested in time for our travels. 1. You can text Mr. Nossa at anytime and he responds regardless of time 2. You can call Mr. Nossa on his mobile whenever you need 3. He is extremely professional and just works very quickly If you need an immigration attorney he is the go to person. I just could not believe how effortless this entire process was. What really helped ease the process was the communication and him responding ASAP when we had questions or concers. Finding Mr. Nossa was just blessing period!
K L.3 years ago, when I decided to once for all work on immigration papers, I did like many would do, ask friends and go online. What I felt at that time when reading Pablo’s reviews was that he was personable. That’s exactly that. He was available along the journey at every step and one phone call away. His team with Adriana and others is top notch. Very detail oriented, very knowledgeable, respectful and compassionate. You get confident knowing you have the best on your side. I thank all of them for what they do. His attorney fee is ridiculously low compared to the work they put in and the time it takes for the whole process. I received my green card (10yrs) and I’m for ever grateful to him. You can call him, you can text him and he’ll respond. It’s like having a powerful lawyer as a best friend! This guy will be blessed for years because of all the good he does. From the Diop family!
Ibrahima D.Every case is different. Past results and timelines do not guarantee a similar outcome.
From Petition to Green Card
Five stages and three agencies. The order is fixed, and the file changes hands twice, which is where self-filed cases most often lose months.
- Stage 1
The I-129F Petition
The U.S. citizen files it with USCIS, with the evidence that the relationship is real and that both of you are free to marry. We assemble that file.
- Stage 2
The National Visa Center
Once USCIS approves the petition the case moves to the Department of State, which sends it on to the consulate that will interview your fiancé.
- Stage 3
The Consular Interview
Your fiancé applies for the visa, completes the medical examination and is interviewed, alone, abroad. We prepare them for it beforehand.
- Stage 4
Entry, and the Wedding
The visa admits your fiancé for up to 90 days. The marriage has to take place inside that window, not merely be arranged inside it.
- Stage 5
Adjustment of Status
The new spouse files the I-485 for a green card from inside the United States. If the marriage is under two years old at approval, the card is conditional for two years.
Whether the K-1 is your route is a conversation, not a search result.
Pablo Nossa takes the consultation himself, and the K-1 against marrying abroad is the first thing he works through with you.
Bring a Fiancé Here, or Marry Abroad First
The comparison including where the K-1 loses. Most couples have a real choice here and it is worth making deliberately rather than by default.
| K-1 fiancé visa | Marry abroad, then a spousal visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Status when you file | Engaged. You marry in the United States | Already married before anything is filed |
| Who may petition | U.S. citizens only | U.S. citizens and permanent residents |
| Where the wedding is | In the United States, inside 90 days of arrival | Abroad, before the petition |
| Working on arrival | Not straight away. A work permit is applied for after the wedding | Arrives as a permanent resident and may work at once |
| Green card on entry | No. The spouse adjusts status after marrying | Yes, on admission |
| How many filings | Two. The I-129F, then the I-485 after the wedding | One immigrant visa process |
| Government fees | Two sets, published by USCIS and the Department of State | One set |
Anyone who recommends a K-1 before asking where you both live, and whether either of you has ever been refused a visa, is guessing.
What We Will Ask You to Gather
This is the most searched question about fiancé visas, so here is the honest list. None of it is exotic, and having it ready shortens the petition considerably.
Where an Attorney Changes the Outcome
Three parts of a K-1 are judgement rather than form-filling, and they are the three that decide it.
The Evidence File
The I-129F is decided on a file an officer reads without either of you in the room. We build it so the relationship is legible on paper to a stranger.
Interview Preparation
Your fiancé is interviewed alone, at a consulate, often in a second language. We go through the questions with them before the day.
Requests for Evidence
An RFE has a deadline and it is not a refusal. Answering it well is the step self-filers most often mishandle, and we answer it.
The Attorney Who Files It Is the One You Call
K-1 cases turn on evidence and on the interview. Neither is clerical work, and at Nossa Law neither is handed to a paralegal.
Pablo Nossa has practiced immigration law and nothing else since 2010, from offices in Austin and Houston. Every consultation is with him, clients get his cell number, and he follows up himself by phone, text or email, which is what most of the reviews on this page are actually about.
The firm also tells you plainly when it does not see a viable route. On a K-1 that most often means telling a couple that marrying abroad and filing a spousal petition is the stronger route, and saying it before any fee is agreed.
- Immigration law since 2010, and no other practice area
- AILA member, with a J.D. from the University of Texas at Austin
- The attorney prepares your fiancé for the consular interview
- Upfront pricing and flat-fee rates
Pablo Nossa
Principal attorney, and the person who conducts the consultation. J.D., University of Texas at Austin, and a B.A. in Latin American Studies. Practicing immigration law since 2010, from the Austin and Houston offices.
Questions Couples Ask First
What is a K-1 visa?
What documents are needed for a fiancé visa?
How long does a K-1 visa take?
Can my fiancé work on a K-1 visa?
Is the K-1 an immigrant visa?
How do I apply for a K-1 visa?
What does a K-1 visa cost?
What happens if we do not marry within 90 days?
Two Offices, One Attorney
Consultations with the attorney at either office.
Austin
7000 N Mopac Expy, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78731
Monday to Friday, 9 to 5
Houston
2950 North Loop West, Suite 500, Houston, TX 77092
Monday to Friday, 9 to 5
Find Out Whether the K-1 Is Your Route
A straight answer on which of the two routes fits your facts.
- Bring the dates and places you have met in person, and both passports
- You will leave knowing which route applies and what it involves
- Upfront pricing and flat-fee rates
Austin · 7000 N Mopac Expy, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78731
Houston · 2950 North Loop West, Suite 500, Houston, TX 77092
Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 · pablo@nossalaw.com
Contact
(713) 599-1633pablo@nossalaw.com
Austin7000 N Mopac Expy, Suite 200
Austin, TX 78731
Directions
Houston2950 North Loop West, Suite 500
Houston, TX 77092
Directions
Monday to Friday, 9 to 5