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K-1 Fiancé Visa

Bring Your Fiancé(e) to the United States

The K-1 visa allows U.S. citizens to bring their foreign fiancé(e) to the U.S. to get married. After marriage, your spouse can apply for a green card.

Filing fee: $535
Total process: 10-18 months
Start Your K-1 Petition

K-1 Visa Requirements

Both the U.S. citizen petitioner and foreign fiancé(e) must meet these requirements

U.S. Citizen Petitioner

Only U.S. citizens (not permanent residents) can petition for a K-1 visa

Intent to Marry

Both parties must intend to marry within 90 days of the fiancé(e) entering the U.S.

Met in Person

You must have met in person within the last 2 years (limited exceptions exist)

Both Free to Marry

Both must be legally free to marry (no prior undissolved marriages)

Meet Income Requirements

Petitioner must meet 100% of poverty guidelines (125% for I-864 after marriage)

In-Person Meeting Requirement

Exceptions to the 2-year meeting requirement may apply if meeting would violate strict cultural customs or cause extreme hardship. Video calls alone do not satisfy this requirement.

The K-1 Visa Process

From filing to getting married in the U.S.

1

File Form I-129F

U.S. citizen files petition with USCIS

File with $535 fee
2

USCIS Processing

USCIS reviews and approves the petition

6-12 months
3

Case Sent to NVC

Approved petition forwarded to National Visa Center

4-6 weeks
4

Embassy Interview

Fiancé(e) attends visa interview at U.S. embassy

2-4 months
5

Visa Issued

If approved, K-1 visa valid for 6 months for single entry

1-2 weeks
6

Enter U.S. & Marry

Must marry within 90 days of entry

90 days max

Required Documents

For U.S. Citizen Petitioner

  • Form I-129F
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship
  • Passport-style photos of both parties
  • Evidence of meeting in person
  • Evidence of bona fide relationship
  • Divorce decrees/death certificates (if applicable)

For Foreign Fiancé(e)

  • DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application)
  • Valid passport
  • Birth certificate
  • Police certificates
  • Medical examination results
  • Evidence of financial support (I-134)

After the K-1 Visa

What happens after your fiancé(e) arrives in the U.S.

Get Married

You must marry within 90 days of your fiancé(e)'s entry to the U.S. The marriage must be legal in the state where it takes place.

Apply for Green Card

After marriage, file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) to apply for permanent residence. Include I-130, I-864, and supporting documents.

Conditional Green Card

If married less than 2 years when approved, you'll receive a conditional green card. File I-751 after 2 years to remove conditions.

Ready to Bring Your Fiancé(e) to the U.S.?

SureCitizen helps you prepare your K-1 petition with personalized checklists and document organization.

Start Your K-1 PetitionLearn About Form I-129F