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K-1 Fiancé Visa: Bringing Your Loved One to the United States
- Introduction
- What the K-1 visa is and who it’s for
- Why the fiancé visa matters for couples separated by borders
- What Is the K-1 Fiancé Visa?
- Purpose and definition
- Difference between K-1 and spouse visas
- K-1 Visa Eligibility Requirements
- Who can apply
- Conditions that must be met before filing
- How to Apply for a K-1 Visa
- Step-by-step application process
- Required documents and forms (Form I-129F)
- What Happens After the K-1 Visa Is Approved
- Travel to the U.S. and getting married
- Adjusting status to permanent resident
- Common Questions About the K-1 Visa
- Processing time
- Visa interview details
- Green card path
- How CK Law Firm Can Help
- Legal guidance
- Support through every stage of the visa process
- Conclusion
- Recap and invitation to contact the firm
The K-1 fiancé visa is designed to reunite U.S. citizens with their foreign fiancé(e)s. If you’re engaged to a U.S. citizen and plan to marry in the United States, the K-1 visa allows you to enter the country legally and start your life together. This nonimmigrant visa helps couples come together despite being separated by borders.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the visa application process, K-1 visa eligibility, required documents, and what happens after the visa is approved.
What Is the K-1 Fiancé Visa?
The K-1 visa, also known as the K-1 nonimmigrant visa, allows the foreign fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States to get married. The couple must plan to marry within 90 days of the foreign fiancé(e)’s entry into the U.S.
This visa is different from the spouse (CR-1 or IR-1) visa, which is for already-married couples. The K-1 fiancé visa is for those who are engaged and want to marry in the United States.
Once married, the foreign spouse can apply for a green card through adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident.
K-1 Visa Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a K-1 visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen (not just a green card holder)
- You must both be legally free to marry
- You must have met in person within the past two years, unless an exception applies
- You must prove a bona fide relationship with intent to marry
USCIS evaluates every fiancé visa application carefully, so it’s important to prepare a complete and well-documented case.
How to Apply for a K-1 Visa
The K-1 visa application begins with the U.S. citizen filing Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)) with USCIS. Here’s a quick overview of the process:
- File Form I-129F with USCIS
- Once approved, the petition is sent to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the foreign fiancé(e)’s country
- The fiancé(e) applies for the K-1 visa and attends a visa interview with a consular officer
- If the visa is approved, the fiancé(e) can travel to the United States
- The couple must marry within 90 days of entry
Required Documents:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship (passport or certificate)
- Proof of in-person meeting
- Intent to marry affidavit
- Passport-style photos
- Completed forms and filing fees
What Happens After the K-1 Visa Is Approved?
Once the K-1 visa is issued, your fiancé(e) can enter the U.S. to marry you. The visa is valid for 6 months, and the marriage must happen within 90 days of arrival.
After the wedding, your spouse can apply for a green card by filing Form I-485 for adjustment of status. This allows your foreign spouse to become a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.
Children of the fiancé(e) may also be eligible for a K-2 visa to accompany the parent.
Common Questions About the K-1 Visa
How long does the K-1 visa process take?
The processing time varies but generally ranges from 9 to 15 months. Delays can occur if documentation is missing or incomplete.
Is the K-1 visa a green card?
No. The K-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa. Once you are married, your spouse must apply for a green card separately.
What if we don’t marry within 90 days?
If the marriage doesn’t happen within 90 days, the K-1 visa holder must leave the United States. Overstaying can lead to serious immigration consequences.
How CK Law Firm Can Help
The K-1 visa process involves multiple steps, strict deadlines, and important documentation. CK Law Firm provides expert legal support to ensure your fiancé visa application is accurate, complete, and timely.
Our immigration law team helps you:
- File a strong Form I-129F petition
- Prepare for the visa interview
- Avoid common errors that lead to visa denials
- Transition smoothly to permanent resident status after marriage
Conclusion
The K-1 fiancé visa is the first step toward building your life together in the U.S. If you’re planning to bring your foreign fiancé(e) to the United States and get married, this visa allows you to do just that—legally and confidently.
Let CK Law Firm help you bring your loved one to the U.S. Contact us today to start your fiancé visa application with trusted legal guidance.
