Information on K-1 Fiancé(e) Visas
K-1 Fiancé Visa2026 I-130 GuideSame-Sex CouplesMarriage Adjustment of StatusEB-5 Visa Guide
Table of Contents
What is a K-1 Visa?
The fiancé(e) K-1 nonimmigrant visa is for the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a United States (U.S.) citizen. The K-1 visa permits the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) to travel to the United States and marry his or her U.S. citizen sponsor within 90 days of arrival. The foreign-citizen will then apply for adjustment of status to a permanent resident (LPR) with the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Because a fiancé(e) visa permits the holder to immigrate to the U.S. and marry a U.S. citizen shortly after arrival in the United States, the fiancé(e) must meet some of the requirements of an immigrant visa. Eligible children of K-1 visa applicants receive K-2 visas.Is a K-1 Visa Right for Me?
There are several options for obtaining a visa for a fiancé(e) or a spouse. Which option is right for you depends upon your circumstances and how quickly you want to obtain admission to the U.S. and work authorization. A K-1 Visa is not always the right option.We have worked on marriage and fiancé(e) cases for fifteen years. While past performance does not necessarily denote future success, we have yet to have any marriage or fiancé(e) visa we have submitted denied. Key to this success has been advising clients as to which of several options are right for them. These options include:
- Entering the U.S. on a different visa type, marrying and obtaining adjustment of status
- Marrying abroad and applying directly for permanent residency
- Marrying abroad and obtaining a K-3, marriage, visa
- Obtaining a K-1 visa, marrying in the U.S. and filing for permanent residency
Did You Know?
- You must get married within 90 days of entering the United States on a K-1 fiancé visa.
- Absent real hardship, you must have met with your fiancée in the past two years.
- You should consider applying for work authorization.
- You must meet minimum financial requirements.
- You need to allow time for a police check in each jurisdiction you have lived in.
- There are issues of foreign law that may impact your ability to apply for a K-1 fiancé visa.
- Once married you have to apply for a conditional "green card."
Common Mistake
The most common mistake with a K-1 visa is failing to properly evidence the validity of your relationship. An experienced immigration lawyer will be able to give you some guidance in this area.Requirements for a K-1 Visa
There are a number of requirements in order to apply for a K-1 visa for your fiancé(e):- You must be a U.S. citizen;
- You must have met your fiancée within the past 2 years;
- You and your fiancée must be legally free to marry (i.e. single or divorced);
- You and your fiancée must have a serious intention to marry within 90 days of your fiancée's arrival in the U.S.; and
- You must meet minimum financial requirements.
How Do I Apply for a K-1 Fiancé Visa?
The K-1 application procedure is essentially a two-step process:- FIRST: The U.S. citizen sponsor must file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), with the USCIS office that serves the area where you live. Note: Form I-129F cannot be filed at a U.S. Embassy, Consulate, or USCIS office abroad.
- SECOND: Once your case is approved by USCIS, your case will be sent to the U.S. consulate in your fiancée's native country. Your fiancé(e) will then be asked to fill out paperwork, produce police clearance from everywhere they have lived, take a medical exam and go for an interview at the U.S. consulate.
- NOTE: Obtaining police clearance from different places your fiancé(e) has lived may take some time, so starting this process in a timely fashion is important.
How Long Will It Take?
Unfortunately there are no fixed rules for fiancée visas or marriage visas. The processing speed depends on the caseload both at USCIS and at your local embassy.As a general guide, you should anticipate between 4 and 10 months.
Schedule a Consultation
Every fiancé(e) case is unique. Whether you are considering a K-1, K-3, or a direct consular filing, we will help you choose the fastest and most reliable path.Contact our immigration team to discuss your fiancé(e) visa options →
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