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  • Home
  • About
    • Our Services
    • About
    • Petition for Immigration
    • Become a Citizen Legally
    • Requirements
    • Our Customers
    • Fees
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  • Process
    • K-1 Fiance Visa
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  • Resources
    • Facts and Figures
    • Dos and Don'ts
    • FAQ
    • About the USCIS
    • Types of Applications
    • Forms Explained
    • Immigration Laws in CA
    • Federal Immigration Laws
    • Rules and Regulations

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K-1 Fiance Visa

 The 90-day fiancé visa, officially called the K-1 visa, allows a U.S. citizen to bring their foreign fiancé(e) to the United States for the purpose of getting married. It’s designed for couples who plan to marry within 90 days of the foreign partner’s arrival in the U.S.

What Is the K-1 Fiancé Visa?

 The K-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa issued by the U.S. Department of State that allows a foreign national fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to enter the U.S. for marriage. You must marry within 90 days of entry or the visa becomes void.

Basic Requirements for the K-1 Visa

 

● U.S. Citizen Petitioner:


  • Must be a U.S. citizen (green card holders do not qualify).
     
  • Must be legally free to marry.
     
  • Must intend to marry within 90 days of entry.
     

● Foreign Fiancé(e):


  • Must be legally free to marry.
     
  • Must pass background checks and medical exams.
     
  • Must have met the U.S. citizen in person at least once within the past 2 years (some exceptions apply).
     

Step-by-Step K-1 Visa Process

Step 1: File Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e))

  • Filed by the U.S. citizen with USCIS.
     
  • Includes supporting documents: proof of relationship, proof of in-person meeting, photos, passport copies, etc.
     
  • Filing fee: $535
     

Step 2: USCIS Review

  • USCIS reviews the I-129F petition (average 6–12 months).
     
  • If approved, it goes to the National Visa Center (NVC).

     

Step 3: NVC Processing


  • NVC assigns a case number and forwards it to the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate in the foreign fiancé’s country.

     

Step 4: Visa Interview at the Embassy

  • Foreign fiancé(e) submits Form DS-160 and pays the visa fee (approx. $265).
     
  • Attends a visa interview.
     
  • Must undergo medical exam by an authorized physician.
     
  • Bring all required documentation (passport, photos, police clearance, proof of relationship, etc.).
     
     

Step 5: Visa Approval

  • If approved, the K-1 visa is stamped in the passport.
     
  • Usually valid for 6 months to enter the U.S. (but you must marry within 90 days of entry).
      
     

Step 6: Enter the U.S. and Get Married

  • The foreign fiancé(e) enters the U.S.
     
  • You must get married within 90 days or the foreign fiancé(e) becomes unlawfully present.

     

After the Wedding: Apply for Green Card (Adjustment of Statu

 

● File 

Form I-485

for Adjustment of Status:

  • Allows the foreign spouse to become a permanent resident (green card holder).
     
  • File as soon as you’re married.
     
  • Filing fee: approx. $1,225 (includes biometrics).
     

● Required Documents:

  • Marriage certificate.
     
  • Medical exam (if not already submitted).
     
  • Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support from U.S. spouse).
     
  • Proof of genuine marriage (photos, joint accounts, etc.).
     

Timeline and cost

Timeline


I-129F Petition (USCIS)


6–12 months


NVC Transfer & Embassy Interview


1–3 months


Entry to the U.S. on K-1 Visa


Within 6 months of issuance


Marriage After Entry


Within 90 days


Green Card Processing (I-485)


8–18 months after filing

Cost

 

I-129F Petition Fee (USCIS)


$535


DS-160 Visa Application Fee


$265


Medical Exam


$200–$500


Adjustment of Status (I-485)


$1,225


Work Permit / Travel Document


Free (if filed with I-485)


TOTAL


~$2,000–$2,500+

Frequently Asked Questions

 

  • The foreign fiancé(e) must leave the U.S. if the marriage doesn’t occur.
     
  • Overstaying the K-1 visa could result in removal (deportation) and future visa bans.
     


 

Yes. Children under 21 can come on a K-2 visa as dependents.

  • Must be listed on the original I-129F petition.
     
  • Can apply for green cards after the marriage.
     


 

  • Lack of sufficient evidence of a genuine relationship.
     
  • Incomplete or inconsistent paperwork.
     
  • Prior immigration or criminal issues.
     
  • Not meeting in person (without qualifying exception).
     


Yes. The timeline is:


  1. K-1 visa entry and marriage.
     
  2. Green card (conditional if married <2 years).
     
  3. Remove conditions with Form I-751 after 2 years.
     
  4. Apply for U.S. citizenship (Form N-400) after 3 years of marriage and green card status.

     


Yes, especially if:


  • You’ve had prior visa denials.
     
  • You have criminal or immigration history.
     
  • You want help organizing documents and tracking deadlines.
     

Services like Get Married Today can also assist with same-day marriage services to help couples comply with the 90-day deadline and fast-track the process of marriage and status adjustment.
 


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Immigration Experts are certified immigration consultants and not attorneys. We do not provide legal advice or represent clients in court. Our services include assisting with filling out paperwork and procedural guidance on immigration matters only. Clients are encouraged to consult with a licensed attorney for legal advice and representation in complex immigration matters or legal proceedings. Reliance on the consultation services provided by Immigration Experts is solely at your own risk.


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