What is the K-1 Visa? The K-1 fiancé visa allows a foreign national fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States for the sole purpose of getting married. Once married, the K-1 holder can apply for a Green Card (Adjustment of Status) without leaving the U.S.
Core Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| U.S. Citizen Petitioner | The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen (not a Green Card holder / LPR — they must use a different petition, Form I-130) |
| Both Legally Free to Marry | Any prior marriages must have been legally terminated by divorce, death, or annulment before filing |
| Met in Person Within 2 Years | The couple must have physically met at least once within the 2 years immediately before filing Form I-129F. Rare exceptions for extreme cultural/religious hardship only |
| Genuine Intention to Marry | Both parties must have a bona fide intent to marry. Must marry within 90 days of the fiancé(e) entering the U.S. |
| Financial Support (Income) | Petitioner must demonstrate income at or above 100% of the HHS Federal Poverty Guidelines for the household size. This is shown via tax returns, W-2s, and pay stubs |
K-1 Timeline Estimator
Enter your planned Form I-129F filing date to estimate your K-1 visa timeline (based on current average USCIS processing times of 5–8 months):
The Complete K-1 Process — Step by Step
- File Form I-129F with USCIS: The U.S. citizen files the Petition for Alien Fiancé(e). Include relationship evidence: photos together, travel records showing your in-person meeting, communication history (messages, call logs), and any declarations about the relationship.
- USCIS Processing (5–8 months avg.): USCIS reviews the petition. An RFE (Request for Evidence) can add 3–6 months to this stage. Avoid RFEs by filing a thorough initial packet.
- NVC Transfer (~1 month): After USCIS approves, the case is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC), which sends it to the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Consular Processing — DS-160 & Medical Exam: The foreign fiancé(e) completes Form DS-160 online, pays the visa fee, undergoes a medical exam by an approved physician, and collects supporting documents (police clearance, photos, relationship evidence).
- Consulate Interview: The foreign fiancé(e) attends an in-person interview at the U.S. embassy/consulate. The officer will assess relationship authenticity.
- Entry & 90-Day Marriage Window: After the K-1 visa is issued, the fiancé(e) must enter the U.S. and marry within 90 days. After marriage, file Form I-485 (AOS) to get a Green Card.
The 90-Day Rule is Absolute: If you do not marry within 90 days of the K-1 holder entering the U.S., they must leave the country. There are no extensions to the K-1 status and no exceptions. Failure to depart results in an unlawful presence bar that can affect future immigration benefits.
Family Immigration Resources
→ USCIS Form I-129F→ USCIS Live Processing Times→ I-485 Green Card AOS Guide→ I-864 Income CalculatorAfter the K-1 — Next Steps
- 💍 Marry within 90 days
- 📋 File Form I-485 for Green Card
- 💼 File Form I-765 for work authorization (EAD)
- ✈️ File Form I-131 for Advance Parole to travel abroad