K-1 Fiancé Visa
K-1 Fiancé Visa Requirements and Process Explained
US citizens wanting to bring a foreign fiancé(e) to the United States must file Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)). The couple must intend to marry within 90 days of the fiancé(e) entering the US. The marriage must be bona fide — reflecting genuine intent by both parties to establish a life together, not simply to obtain an immigration benefit. If the couple marries within 90 days of K-1 admission, the fiancé(e) can apply for green card status.
K-1 Visa Eligibility
- You are a US citizen
- You and your fiancé(e) intend to marry within 90 days of their admission on a K-1 visa
- Both of you are legally free to marry (all prior marriages legally terminated by divorce, death, or annulment)
- You and your fiancé(e) met in person at least once within the two-year period before filing the petition (waivable in cases of strict cultural/social customs or extreme hardship to the US citizen petitioner)
Not Eligible If:
- You are already married
- You plan to marry outside the United States
- Your fiancé(e) already legally resides in the United States
K-1 Visa Process
- 1File Form I-129F — USCIS reviews and may request additional evidence; if approved, sent to the DOS National Visa Center (NVC)
- 2NVC forwards the petition to the US Embassy or consulate where your fiancé(e) will apply for the K-1 visa
- 3Embassy or consulate notifies of visa interview date; fiancé(e) brings required forms and documents
- 4Consular officer determines eligibility; if approved, K-1 visa is valid for up to six months for a single entry
- 5Fiancé(e) travels to the US and seeks admission at a port of entry (CBP makes the final admission decision)
- 6US citizen and fiancé(e) have 90 days to marry
- 7After marriage: file Form I-485 for adjustment of status and a green card
- 8If married less than two years at the time of I-485 approval: USCIS grants conditional permanent resident status, with a green card valid for 2 years
- 9File Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) within 90 days before the green card expires
Our firm has helped scores of people all over California get the K-1 visas they needed to marry. Call (213) 388-1821 or contact us online to set up a consultation with our Los Angeles K-1 lawyer.