K-1 Fiancé Visa for U.S. Citizens
Are you engaged to someone who lives outside the United States? If you are a U.S. citizen and plan to marry here, a K-1 visa may allow your fiancé to travel to the United States for your marriage.
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K-1 Visa Rules and Eligibility
The K-1 is a nonimmigrant visa for the foreign-national fiancé of a U.S. citizen. After admission, you and your fiancé must marry each other within 90 days.
The basic requirements include:
You are a U.S. citizen.
Both of you are legally able to marry. Any previous marriages must have legally ended.
You have met in person during the two years before filing, unless USCIS grants a limited waiver.
You intend to marry each other within the required 90 days.
Your fiancé must also meet the requirements for a visa and admission. An attorney can review questions about your circumstances, including financial support or an earlier immigration issue.
If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, discuss your situation during a consultation.
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Talk With an Immigration Attorney About Your K-1 Visa
Lindsey Harris founded Shoreline Immigration and serves as its managing attorney in Houston, Texas. She has held a Texas law license since 2014.
An immigration attorney can help you understand the petition requirements and the evidence needed to document your relationship. You can discuss questions about the visa interview and the application for permanent residency after marriage.
If you have concerns about your case, speaking with an attorney can help you understand what to address before filing.
Consultations are 30 minutes and cost $100 dollars. The meetings are held virtually from the comfort of your own home.
The K-1 Visa Process
1. File the petition
The U.S. citizen submits Form I-129F and supporting evidence to USCIS.
2. Complete the visa application and interview
After petition approval and transfer, your fiancé follows the assigned embassy or consulate’s instructions, including the DS-160, medical examination, required documents, and interview.
3. Travel and marry
If the visa is issued and your fiancé is admitted, you must marry within 90 days of entry.
4. Apply for permanent residency
After marriage, your spouse may apply for adjustment of status using Form I-485. Marriage itself does not grant a Green Card.
Discuss Your K-1 Visa Questions With an Attorney
During your consultation, you can discuss whether a K-1 visa fits your circumstances and what you and your fiancé should prepare.
Bring your questions about your relationship history, previous marriages, financial support, or an earlier immigration application. You can also ask about the steps after marriage and the legal assistance available for your case.
Schedule a consultation with Shoreline Immigration to discuss your situation and the next steps available to you.
Consultations are 30 minutes and cost $100 dollars. The meetings are held virtually from the comfort of your own home.
Common Questions About K-1 Visas
How long does the process take?
Timing depends on USCIS processing, consular availability, and your case. Additional review can extend the wait. Ask about the stages that apply to your situation.
Can my fiancé’s children apply too?
Unmarried children under 21 may qualify for K-2 visas. Discuss their ages and travel plans when reviewing your case.
What costs should we expect?
Budget for petition and visa fees, the medical examination, and later adjustment of status. Legal fees are separate from government charges. Ask what the firm’s representation would include.
What if we are already married?
The K-1 category is for engaged couples. If you have already married, an attorney can discuss the immigration options for your spouse.
Have the screening requirements changed?
Yes. The Department of State expanded online-presence review to K-1 applicants effective March 30, 2026. Applicants should follow current consular instructions. Nationality-based visa restrictions may also affect some cases, depending on the applicable rules and exceptions.
Speak With Shoreline Immigration About Your K-1 Visa
If you and your fiancé are planning to marry in the United States, schedule a consultation to discuss your eligibility, your questions, and how an immigration attorney can help with the process.
