Transcript of the above video:

As the title to this video suggests we are going to be discussing the K-1 fiancée visa; specifically signature requirements associated with the forms affiliated with the K-1 visa petition and/or application.

In a recent announcement from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service, the announcement is entitled: USCIS Finalizes Guidance on Signature Requirements. Quoting directly “US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced today that petitioners and applicants who seek immigration benefits must provide a valid signature on forms submitted to the agency in an effort to protect and safeguard the nation’s immigration system and those who benefit from it. Power of Attorney signatures will no longer be accepted. If forms are filed by a corporation or other legal entity they must be signed by an authorized person. The new policy is effective March 18, 2018. This final policy memorandum updates an interim memorandum that outline the elements of valid signature and permitted entities that file petitions with USCIS to use the signature of an individual based on Power of Attorney. The prohibition of Power of Attorney signatures does not affect signatures on behalf of individuals younger than age 14 or those with disabilities”.

OK so there is more to this and I urge those who are watching this video to go ahead and look that announcement up to view this in more detail but what should be taken away from this video? Well in the past there was this interim memo which was kind of starting to relax certain rules with respect to the formalistic approach with respect to a “wet ink” signature. In the past you could submit documentation based on a Power of Attorney; sort of have somebody submit it on your behalf without the “wet ink” signature of the petitioner or the beneficiary on the actual document. That appears to be a thing of the past. That was a relaxation that occurred under the last administration and as most folks watching this video probably are aware, the current administration takes a much stricter line with respect to regulatory and legal enforcement of the rules pertaining to US Immigration policy and law . So I think this is just a sort of overall extension of a broader policy framework but the thing to take away from this video is “wet” signatures are required in US Immigration matters and for that reason they will be required in matters pertaining to a petition for a fiancée visa for the fiancé of an American citizen.