How do I obtain a visa for my fiancée in Liberia?
Do you assist in acquiring a visa for my fiancée in Liberia?
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Let me explain something important. If she has or plans to apply for a tourist visa or ESTA to enter the U.S., she should not use that visa to come here to marry you — that would be considered visa fraud if the intention is to stay.
CBP officers are very strict about this. They can search phones, social media, and luggage to verify intent. If they believe she plans to stay, she can be denied entry and even barred from the U.S. for 5 years or permanently.
If she truly intends to immigrate, you should pursue the correct visa process instead. Here are your main options:
- K-1 Fiancée Visa – For couples not yet married. You must have met in person at least once in the last two years. It takes about 1–2 years to process. After she enters, you must marry and then file for adjustment of status (green card).
- K-3 Spouse Visa – For married couples. Similar timeline (1–2 years).
- CR-1/IR-1 Spouse Visa – For married couples as well, but this is the best and most efficient route. Once she enters, she becomes a permanent resident immediately, receives her green card shortly after, and can work and travel right away.
If you get married before she enters the U.S., the K-1 visa is no longer an option. You would then file for the CR-1 spouse visa instead.
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I would like to renew my American passport after 14 years of not using it. Would I get in trouble?
Lexi, Chatbot
I understand your concern about renewing your American passport after such a long period. Have you faced any legal issues during these 14 years that could affect your passport renewal?
No.
Lexi, Chatbot
Do you have all the necessary documentation, such as proof of citizenship and identification, ready for the passport renewal process?
Yes, I have my naturalization papers, my old passport, and my SSN.
Lexi, Chatbot
Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you?
Yes.
Guillermo Senmartin
Hello! I’m Guillermo Senmartin, a licensed attorney with over 23 years of experience. I’m here to help with your questions.
Hello.
Guillermo Senmartin
You are not required to have used your passport in order to renew it. It doesn’t matter that you haven’t used it or that it’s expired — you can still renew without issue. What else can I help you with?
Do you assist in acquiring a visa for my fiancée in Liberia?
Guillermo Senmartin
A visa to come to the U.S.?
Yes.
Guillermo Senmartin
And what will she come to the U.S. to do? For how long?
I’m going to marry her and build my trucking business with her.
Guillermo Senmartin
Let me explain something important. If she has or plans to apply for a tourist visa or ESTA to enter the U.S., she should not use that visa to come here to marry you — that would be considered visa fraud if the intention is to stay.
CBP officers are very strict about this. They can search phones, social media, and luggage to verify intent. If they believe she plans to stay, she can be denied entry and even barred from the U.S. for 5 years or permanently.
If she truly intends to immigrate, you should pursue the correct visa process instead. Here are your main options:
- K-1 Fiancée Visa – For couples not yet married. You must have met in person at least once in the last two years. It takes about 1–2 years to process. After she enters, you must marry and then file for adjustment of status (green card).
- K-3 Spouse Visa – For married couples. Similar timeline (1–2 years).
- CR-1/IR-1 Spouse Visa – For married couples as well, but this is the best and most efficient route. Once she enters, she becomes a permanent resident immediately, receives her green card shortly after, and can work and travel right away.
If you get married before she enters the U.S., the K-1 visa is no longer an option. You would then file for the CR-1 spouse visa instead.
She and I have known each other for a while. I’m 53 and she’ll be 31 in June. I’m going to Liberia to visit her soon — we bought an acre of land and plan to build a store. We’ll marry there, and I’ll stay for a month to start construction. When I get back, I plan to file the paperwork for a fiancée visa. Is that a good plan?
Guillermo Senmartin
You cannot file for a fiancée visa if you’re already married. Once you marry in Liberia, you must file for a spouse (CR-1) visa, not a K-1.
Understood. My final question — I haven’t filed taxes in years because after leaving the Navy I was diagnosed with PTSD and didn’t work much, except some Uber driving. But I’ve been working again for the past two years and want to file now. I’m afraid of penalties. Do you know a good tax site that can help me sort this out and minimize penalties?
Guillermo Senmartin
Thank you for your service to our country. I’m not an accountant, so I can’t give tax advice, but if your income has been low, you might still qualify to sponsor your spouse by using a joint sponsor. This person (a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, age 18+) would also submit an affidavit of support and financial documents.
Thank you so much — 5 stars all the way!
Guillermo Senmartin
You’re very welcome! I truly appreciate that. I wish you the best of luck with your marriage and visa process.
Guillermo Senmartin
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