Fiance Visa

The K-1 fiancé(e) visa allows the foreign fiancé of a U.S. citizen to come to the U.S. and get married within 90 days. It’s a nonimmigrant visa, which means it allows for a temporary stay in the U.S., not permanent residency.

However, once married, the foreign spouse can apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).

The K-1 fiancé visa allows a U.S. citizen to sponsor their foreign partner to enter the United States legally. Each partner must prove they plan to marry within 90 days after the foreign fiancé arrives in the U.S.

To apply for a K-1 fiance visa, a U.S. citizen sponsor must:

• File Form I-129F: The sponsor starts the process by submitting Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), along with supporting documents and the filing fee to USCIS.
• Provide Proof of Relationship: Gather evidence to show your relationship is real. This includes things like photos, communication records, travel itineraries demonstrating in-person meetings, and other evidence of a committed relationship.
• Complete Form I-134: If approved by USCIS, your case goes to the National Visa Center and then the US embassy/consulate in your fiancé’s country. At this stage, you’ll fill out Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, to demonstrate your financial ability to support your fiancé(e).
• Support the Fiancé(e)’s Application: Help your fiancé(e) gather the required documents, prepare for their K1 visa interview, and possibly undergo a medical exam.
• Plan for Marriage and Adjustment of Status: Once your fiancé(e) comes to the U.S. on the K-1 visa, you are required to marry within 90 days.
• The U.S. citizen sponsor must meet the income requirements for a K-1 visa. To apply for a marriage green card, the sponsor must also meet specific income requirements for green cards.