Q: I am an American citizen who is dating a Syrian refugee who lives in a camp in Syria. How do I get him to America?

A: You can sponsor him for a k fiancé visa but you would need to physically meet in person prior to filing the petition.

A: To bring your fiancé from Syria to the United States, one potential path is through the K-1 visa, commonly known as the fiancé(e) visa. This visa allows a foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to travel to the United States to marry their U.S. citizen sponsor within 90 days of arrival. You would need to file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The process involves proving the legitimacy of your relationship, meeting financial requirements, and your fiancé passing medical examinations and security checks. Given the complex situation in Syria, including potential difficulties in accessing U.S. consular services, this process may be challenging.

It’s also crucial to document your relationship thoroughly, including evidence of having met in person at least once in the last two years, unless you qualify for an exemption based on extreme hardship or cultural practices.

Given the complexities involved, especially considering your fiancé's refugee status and the current conditions in Syria, consulting with an immigration attorney experienced in K-1 visas and refugee situations is strongly advised. They can guide you through the process, help address any challenges, and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.