K1 Fiancé Visa
K1 Fiancé Visa: Bringing Your Fiancé to the United States
The K1 fiancé visa lets a US citizen bring a foreign fiancé to the United States for marriage. If you're trying to figure out how to bring your fiancée to the US, an Immi Lawyers K1 visa lawyer can walk you through eligibility, the filing process, and cost, from your first petition to your fiancé's interview.
How the K1 Fiancé Visa Works
Once your fiancé arrives, you have 90 days to marry, after which they can apply to adjust status and become a permanent resident.
Important
Only US citizens can petition for a K1 visa. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are not eligible to use this category and must instead pursue the F2A visa for a spouse after marrying abroad.
K1 Visa Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a K1 visa, you and your fiancé generally need to meet the following:
Engagement
You must be legally free to marry and genuinely intend to marry within 90 days of your fiancé's arrival in the US.Met-in-person requirement
You must have met your fiancé in person at least once within the two years before filing, with limited exceptions for extreme hardship or long-standing cultural or religious customs against pre-marital meetings.Legal capacity to marry
Both partners must be legally free to marry, meaning any prior marriages must be properly terminated by divorce, annulment, or death of the former spouse.Sponsor income requirement
The petitioning US citizen must meet minimum income guidelines to sponsor their fiancé, or arrange a joint sponsor if income falls short. See our I-864 affidavit of support guide.
IMBRA background check
Under the International Marriage Broker Regulation Act (IMBRA), USCIS conducts a background check on the petitioner. If you've had a K1 petition approved within the last two years, or have filed for two or more fiancés previously, a waiver must be requested with your filing.
Children of K1 applicants (K2 visa)
If your fiancé has unmarried children under 21, they may qualify for a K2 visa to accompany or follow their parent to the US. K2 applications are filed alongside the K1 petition and follow the same general timeline.
The K1 Visa Process
- 01
File Form I-129F
The US citizen petitioner files Form I-129F with USCIS, along with evidence of the relationship and eligibility to marry. - 02
USCIS Review
USCIS reviews the petition and either approves it, denies it, or issues a Request for Evidence (RFE) if more documentation is needed. - 03
NVC and Embassy Processing
Once approved, the case transfers to the National Visa Center and then to the US embassy or consulate handling your fiancé's home country. - 04
Visa Interview
Your fiancé attends an interview at the embassy or consulate, where a consular officer reviews the relationship and eligibility. - 05
Entry and Marriage
Once the K1 visa is issued, your fiancé has up to 6 months to enter the US and must marry within 90 days of that entry. - 06
Adjustment of Status
After marriage, your spouse files Form I-485 to adjust status and become a permanent resident.
K1 Visa Timeline and Cost
Filing fee
$675 to file Form I-129F with USCIS (current USCIS fee schedule; confirm the live figure using USCIS's fee calculator before filing, since fees change periodically).
Processing time
K1 processing time varies significantly by USCIS service center and embassy workload. There is no premium processing available for this category.
Timelines and fees are subject to change. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Common Challenges
A fiancé visa attorney can help you avoid the issues that most often slow K1 cases down:
Proving a bona fide relationship
Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
Prior marriage or divorce documentation
Any previous marriages must be documented as properly terminated. Requirements vary significantly by country, and some countries, such as the Philippines, do not recognize divorce, which affects how a prior marriage must be resolved before a K1 filing.
Embassy-specific delays
Each embassy sets its own interview scheduling and document requirements, and delays are common when a filing doesn't account for the specific consulate's practices. Our country-specific guides cover what to expect based on where your fiancé lives.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can't find your answer? Every case is different, and a free case evaluation is the fastest way to get guidance specific to your situation.
Get a Free Case EvaluationHow long does the K1 visa process take?
Timing depends on the USCIS service center and the embassy handling the case. Check current USCIS processing times →
What happens if we don't marry within 90 days?
Your fiancé must leave the US, or risk falling out of status. The K1 visa doesn't allow for an extension of the 90-day window.
Can I petition for a K1 visa if I'm a green card holder, not a citizen?
No. Only US citizens can file Form I-129F. Green card holders sponsoring a spouse should look into the F2A category instead.
Do I need to have met my fiancé in person?
Generally, yes, within the two years before filing. Limited exceptions exist for extreme hardship or long-standing cultural or religious customs against pre-marital meetings.
Can my fiancé work in the US after entering on a K1 visa?
Not immediately. Your fiancé can apply for work authorization after marriage, typically alongside the adjustment of status application.
How much does a K1 fiancé visa cost?
The USCIS filing fee is $675. Additional costs include the State Department visa application fee, medical exam, and any attorney fees. Get a Free Case Evaluation for a full cost breakdown.
What if my fiancé has children?
Unmarried children under 21 may qualify for a K2 visa to accompany or follow their parent.
