What is the K-1 Fiancé Visa?
In simple terms, the K-1 visa is a temporary, non-immigrant visa for the foreign fiancée of a U.S. citizen. Its sole purpose is to allow your fiancée to enter the United States so you can get married. There is a strict and important timeline: you **must get married within 90 days** of her arrival in the U.S. After the wedding, she can then apply to adjust her status to become a lawful permanent resident (a Green Card holder).
The K-1 Visa Process: A Step-by-Step Overview
The journey involves several government agencies and can take over a year. Here is the typical path your application will take:
Step 1: You File the I-129F Petition
The process begins with you, the U.S. citizen (the “petitioner”). You will file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This package must include extensive evidence that you have a “bona fide” (real) relationship, including proof that you have met in person within the last two years.
Step 2: USCIS Approval and the National Visa Center (NVC)
After several months, USCIS will process your petition. If it’s approved, they will send the case to the Department of State’s National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC performs administrative processing and then forwards your case to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your fiancée’s home country.
Step 3: The U.S. Embassy and Her Interview
Once the U.S. Embassy receives the case, they will contact your fiancée (the “beneficiary”). She will need to complete Form DS-160 online, undergo a medical examination from an approved physician, and gather her civil documents. The final step is attending a visa interview with a consular officer.
Step 4: Arrival in the USA & The 90-Day Rule
If the interview is successful, she will receive the K-1 visa in her passport. She can then travel to the U.S. From the day she enters the country, the 90-day countdown begins. You must get married within this timeframe. There are no extensions.
Step 5: Adjustment of Status (The Green Card)
After your wedding, your new wife is not yet a permanent resident. You must then file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. This is the final step to get her Green Card.
The Two Most Important Requirements
Throughout the process, the U.S. government is focused on two key things:
- Proving a “Bona Fide” Relationship: You must prove your relationship is genuine and not just for immigration purposes. Evidence includes flight itineraries from your visits, photos together over time, chat and video call logs, and letters from friends and family. This is why it is so important to avoid anyone who seems suspicious or transactional.
- The Affidavit of Support: You must prove you can financially support your fiancée. This requires meeting an income threshold and is a legally binding promise. We cover this in-depth in our guide to financial readiness.
Feeling Overwhelmed by the Visa Process?
The K-1 visa process is complex, and a single mistake on a form can lead to months of delays or even denial. For peace of mind and expert guidance, many couples choose to work with a professional immigration service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current processing time for a K-1 visa?
Processing times fluctuate based on government backlogs. Generally, you should expect the entire process, from filing the I-129F to your fiancée’s arrival in the U.S., to take between 12 and 18 months.
How much does the K-1 visa cost in total?
The total cost, including government filing fees, medical exam fees, and other expenses, is typically between $2,000 and $2,500. This does not include the cost of a lawyer or travel expenses.
Can I use a K-1 visa to bring a wife from any country?
Yes, the K-1 visa process is available for fiancées from any country in the world, including those in Asia, Latin America, and Ukraine, as long as you meet all the requirements.
What is a Request for Evidence (RFE) and how do I avoid one?
An RFE is a request from USCIS for more information. They are often issued when the proof of a bona fide relationship is weak or paperwork is missing. You can avoid one by submitting a well-prepared, thorough petition with plenty of evidence from the start.
Do I need an immigration lawyer to file for a K-1 visa?
While not legally required, it is highly recommended, especially if your case has any complications. A good lawyer can help you avoid common mistakes and ensure your petition is as strong as possible. Services like the one we recommend above can also provide this expert assistance.
What happens if we don’t get married within the 90 days?
If you do not get married within 90 days of her arrival, the K-1 visa expires, and she will be required to leave the United States immediately. There are no extensions to this 90-day period.
Can my fiancée work in the US on a K-1 visa?
She can apply for work authorization (an EAD) at the same time she applies for her Green Card after you are married. She cannot work before she receives the EAD, which can take several months.
What kind of questions will they ask my fiancée in the interview?
The consular officer will ask personal questions to verify the relationship is real. Examples include: “How did you meet?”, “When is your fiancé’s birthday?”, “What are his parents’ names?”, “What are your future plans together?”
We met online; will that hurt our K-1 visa case?
No, meeting online is extremely common and perfectly acceptable. You just need to prove that the online relationship developed into a real, bona fide relationship, which includes meeting in person.
What’s the difference between a K-1 Fiancé visa and a CR-1 Spousal visa?
The K-1 visa is for fiancées, meaning you get married in the U.S. after she arrives. The CR-1 visa is for spouses, meaning you must get married outside the U.S. first, and then she enters the country as a permanent resident.
The K-1 process has specific nuances depending on the country. For men with a Filipina fiancée, we have created a complete K-1 visa guide specifically for the Philippines.
