K-1 Fiancé(e)’ Visa vs. CR-1 Spousal Visa: Which is the Right Path For Your Vietnamese Fiance(é) Or Spouse?
For many American and Vietnamese couples looking to immigrate to the United States, a major question is whether they should apply for a K-1 fiancé(é) visa or a CR-1 spousal visa. While both lead to lawful permanent residence status (“Green Card”), they work very differently. A K-1 fiancé(e) visa allows a Vietnamese fiance(é) to enter […]
New Adjustment of Status Policy May Force Applicants To Attend Visa Interviews at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate
On May 22, 2026, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) announced a shift in policy in which the agency will approve Adjustment of Status (“AOS”) applicants for adjustment only in extraordinary circumstances. The policy, which USCIS says is consistent with long-standing immigration law and court decisions, will place a higher burden on nonimmigrants […]
What Questions Will the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City Ask My Vietnamese Fiancé(e)?
When your Vietnamese fiancé(e) (“fiance’) undergoes his/ her interview at the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City, the consular officer’s primary goal is to determine if your relationship is genuine and bona fide. While the exact K-1 visa interview questions vary based on the specific details of your case, the officer will focus on […]
Step-by-Step Guide to the K-1 Fiance(é) Visa Process
Applying for a K-1 fiancé(e) visa involves multiple government agencies, including United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”), the National Visa Center (“NVC”), and the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate. As a result, the process requires careful coordination at each stage. If you are researching how to apply for a K-1 visa, it’s important to […]
K-1 Visa Applicants Subjected to Social Media Vetting
Effective March 30, 2026, all K-1 fiancé(e) visa applicants will be subjected to the Department of State (“DOS”) online vetting process. As part of the interview process at the Embassy or Consulate, those applying for a K-1 visa will be required to adjust their social media settings to “public” or “open.” The updated policy comes […]
Do You Need an Immigration Lawyer to File a K-1 Visa for Your Vietnamese Fiancé?
A common question asked by potential clients is: “Do I need an immigration lawyer to file a K-1 visa for my Vietnamese fiancé/fiancée?” While the short answer is no, having an immigration lawyer represent you and your fiancé through the K-1 visa process has significant advantages. The Benefit of a Licensed K-1 Visa Professional An […]
Where Should You Get Married? United States vs. Vietnam Immigration Paths
Whether to get married in the United States or Vietnam is one of the most consequential decisions a Vietnamese-American couple will make, because where you marry determines which U.S. immigration visa path is available to you, how long you will be separated, and what rights your spouse has upon arrival in the United States. For […]
What Is a Proxy Marriage?
Understanding what is a proxy marriage has become increasingly important for couples separated by international borders seeking options to formalize their relationship and pursue U.S. immigration benefits. A proxy marriage refers to a legally recognized marriage ceremony in which one or both parties are not physically present at the time the marriage is solemnized. While […]
Are K-1 Fiancé(e) Visas Affected by Trump’s 2025 Immigration Policies?
With the return of the Trump administration in 2025, many couples are asking the critical question: “Are K-1 Fiancé(e) visas (hereinafter “fianc(é)”) affected by Trump’s new immigration policies?” While there is currently no outright ban on K-1 fianc(é) visas, applicants should be prepared for significant changes in processing, increased scrutiny, and potential delays. Following […]
What is a Form I-129F? Petition for Alien Fiancé Explained
A Form I-129F is a Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) filed through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”). The form can only be filed by a U.S. citizen ages twenty-one (21) and above. Non-US citizens including lawful permanent residents are not able to petition a foreign fiancé(e). Form I-129F Requirements Before a U.S. citizen […]