K-1 Visa
K-1 Visa: Bringing Your Fiancé to the United States
The K-1 visa, also known as the fiancé visa, allows U.S. citizens to bring their foreign fiancés to the United States to get married. If you are engaged and ready to start your life together, IBP Immigration Law can guide you through the K-1 visa process, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition for your loved one.
The K-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that permits the foreign fiancé of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States for marriage. The couple must marry within 90 days of arrival. After marriage, the foreign spouse can apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
Learn More About Adjustment of Status
To qualify for a K-1 visa, the couple must meet the following requirements:
For the U.S. Citizen Petitioner:
- Must be a U.S. citizen (lawful permanent residents are not eligible).
- Must be legally free to marry (divorced, widowed, or single).
- Must have met their fiancé in person at least once in the last two years (exceptions apply for extreme hardship or cultural reasons).
For the Foreign Fiancé:
- Must be legally eligible for marriage.
- Must intend to marry the U.S. citizen petitioner within 90 days of arrival.
- Must pass the medical examination and background check.
- Faster Processing: The K-1 visa is generally faster than some family-based green card petitions.
- Path to Permanent Residency: After marriage, the foreign fiancé can apply for a green card through adjustment of status.
- Family Inclusion: Children under 21 can apply for K-2 visas to accompany the fiancé to the U.S.
- File Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé)
- The U.S. citizen petitioner submits Form I-129F to USCIS, proving a bona fide relationship.
- USCIS Review & Approval
- If approved, the petition is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) and then forwarded to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the fiancé’s home country.
- Consular Processing
- The foreign fiancé submits Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application).
- Attend a medical examination by an approved physician.
- Visa Interview at U.S. Embassy
- The foreign fiancé attends an interview where they must prove a genuine relationship with the petitioner.
- K-1 Visa Issued
- If approved, the fiancé enters the U.S. and must marry the petitioner within 90 days.
- Apply for a Green Card (Adjustment of Status)
- After marriage, the foreign spouse files Form I-485 to adjust status to a lawful permanent resident.
- Form I-129F Filing Fee: $675
- DS-160 Application Fee: $265
- Adjustment of Status (Form I-485): $1,440
- Medical Examination Fee: Varies by country
The K-1 visa process typically takes 8-12 months from petition filing to visa issuance.
Factors affecting processing time:
- USCIS Workload – Time to process Form I-129F.
- Consular Processing Delays – Availability of interview appointments.
- Security Checks & Background Review – May extend the timeline in certain cases.
How IBP Immigration Law Can Help
Applying for a K-1 visa requires strong evidence of a bona fide relationship and thorough documentation. Our team at IBP Immigration Law provides:
- Expert Case Preparation: Ensure Form I-129F, DS-160, and all supporting documents meet USCIS and embassy requirements.
- Relationship Documentation Assistance: Guidance on proving the authenticity of your relationship.
- Interview Preparation: Help your fiancé confidently navigate the consular interview.
- Legal Representation: Our experienced immigration attorneys, led by Attorney Ingrid Perez, oversee every case for accuracy and compliance.
How IBP Immigration Law Can Help
The K-1 visa does not automatically grant work authorization. However, after arriving in the U.S., the fiancé may apply for work authorization (EAD) while awaiting a green card.
If the couple does not marry within 90 days, the fiancé must leave the U.S., or they risk violating immigration laws.
Yes. U.S. immigration laws apply equally to all legally recognized marriages, including same-sex couples.
Children under 21 can apply for a K-2 visa to accompany the fiancé to the U.S.
Ready to Bring Your Fiancé to the United States?
The K-1 visa provides a clear path for engaged couples to reunite and build a future together in the United States. Let IBP Immigration Law guide you through every step with expertise and care.
- Schedule a Consultation: Speak with our immigration attorneys today.
- Explore More Resources: Read our blogs and watch our videos.
- Start Your Application: Send us your case for a direct call.
At IBP Immigration Law, we are dedicated to helping families and couples achieve their immigration goals through trusted legal guidance and personalized support.
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