K1 Visa: Fiancé(e) Visa

The K-1 Visa, commonly known as the Fiancé(e) Visa, allows a foreign fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States for the purpose of getting married. The couple must marry within 90 days of the fiancé(e)’s arrival, after which the foreign spouse can apply for a Green Card through Adjustment of Status (Form I-485).

What is the K-1 Visa?

The K-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that enables a foreign fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to travel to the United States to get married within 90 days. After marriage, the foreign spouse can apply for a Green Card and eventually become a permanent resident.

Unlike spousal visas (CR-1/IR-1), which require the couple to be already married, the K-1 visa is specifically for engaged couples planning to marry in the U.S.

K-1 Visa Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the K-1 visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

U.S. Citizen Sponsor: The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen (Green Card holders are not eligible).
Intent to Marry: The couple must prove their intention to marry within 90 days of the fiancé(e)’s arrival.
Met in Person: The couple must have met at least once in the last two years (waivers available in exceptional cases).
Proof of a Real Relationship: Must provide evidence of an authentic relationship (photos, messages, travel history, etc.).
Financial Requirements: The U.S. citizen must meet the minimum income requirement or have a financial co-sponsor.

Required Documents for the K-1 Visa

Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)).
Valid passports for both partners.
Proof of meeting in person within the last two years.
Proof of relationship (photos, emails, travel records, engagement proof).
Medical examination results from a U.S.-approved doctor.
Police clearance certificates from all countries the fiancé(e) has lived in.
Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application).

Processing Time for the K-1 Visa

USCIS Processing (Form I-129F): 6 to 12 months.
NVC Processing & Interview Scheduling: 1 to 3 months.
Total Time to K-1 Visa Approval: 7 to 15 months.

File Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e))

The U.S. citizen sponsor must file Form I-129F with USCIS.
Include proof of a real relationship (photos, messages, travel history, etc.).

USCIS Approval & NVC Processing

Once USCIS approves Form I-129F, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC).
The foreign fiancé(e) must complete Form DS-160 and submit required documents.

Attend Visa Interview at a U.S. Embassy

The foreign fiancé(e) attends an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
If approved, they receive the K-1 visa stamped in their passport.

Travel to the U.S. & Get Married

The fiancé(e) must enter the U.S. within six months of K-1 visa issuance.
The couple must marry within 90 days of arrival.

Apply for a Green Card (Form I-485)

After marriage, the foreign spouse must file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) to get a two-year Conditional Green Card.
After two years, they apply for Removal of Conditions (Form I-751) to receive a 10-year Green Card.

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K1 Visa