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If you’re a US citizen engaged to someone abroad, you’ve probably realized that bringing your fiancé(e) to the United States isn’t as simple as booking a flight. The K-1 visa process is your golden ticket—but it comes with rules, paperwork, and a timeline that must be followed carefully.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, step by step.
What is a K-1 Fiancé Visa, and Who Needs One?
The K-1 fiancé visa , often referred to as a K visa , is a nonimmigrant visa that allows a foreign national engaged to a US citizen to enter the country for the purpose of marriage. However, there’s one major requirement: you must get married within 90 days of their arrival. If you don’t, your fiancé(e) will have to leave the US
Once married, your spouse can apply for an adjustment of status to become a permanent resident (green card holder). This process involves multiple government agencies, including:
- US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- The National Visa Center (NVC)
- The US Embassy or Consulate in your fiancé(e)’s home country
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
So, how do you make this happen? Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Filing Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)
The journey begins with filing Form I-129F with USCIS. This form is your official request to bring your fiancé(e) to the US
Eligibility Requirements
- You must be a US citizen (green card holders are not eligible for a K-1 visa).
- Both you and your fiancé(e) must be legally free to marry (single, divorced, or widowed).
- You must have physically met in person at least once in the past two years (unless you qualify for an exemption).
- You must both intend to marry within 90 days of your fiancé(e)’s arrival.
Required Documents
When submitting Form I-129F, you’ll need:
- Proof of US citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate)
- Evidence of your relationship (photos, travel records, communication logs)
- Statements confirming your intention to marry within 90 days
- Passport-style photos
- Documentation of previous marriage terminations (if applicable)
Once USCIS approves your petition, it moves to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.
Step 2: National Visa Center (NVC) Processing
The NVC assigns your case a number and forwards it to the US Embassy or Consulate in your fiancé(e)’s country. Your fiancé(e) will then receive a letter explaining what to do next.
What Your Fiancé(e) Needs to Do
- Complete Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
- Obtain a passport (valid for at least six months beyond intended stay in the US)
- Gather police clearance certificates from any country they’ve lived in for six months or longer
- Schedule and complete a medical examination with an approved physician
- Provide proof of your relationship (more photos, travel history, engagement proof)
- Submit an Affidavit of Support (Form I-134) to prove financial stability
Step 3: K-1 Visa Interview at the US Embassy or Consulate
Once all documents are in order, your fiancé(e) will attend a visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate. A consular officer will review the application and ask questions to verify the legitimacy of your relationship.
Common Interview Questions
- How did you and your fiancé(e) meet?
- When was the last time you saw each other in person?
- What are your fiancé(e)’s hobbies, interests, and daily routines?
- Have you met each other’s families?
- What are your wedding plans?
If everything checks out, the K-1 visa is typically issued within a few weeks.
Step 4: Entering the United States
Once your fiancé(e) gets their K-1 visa, they can travel to the United States. However, they must be inspected and admitted by a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at a port of entry.
Important Reminders:
- You must get married within 90 days of your fiancé(e)’s arrival.
- The K-1 visa holder does not automatically receive work authorization—your fiancé(e) will need to apply for a work permit separately.
- If you don’t get married within the 90-day period, your fiancé(e) must leave the US
Step 5: Applying for Adjustment of Status
After marriage, the foreign spouse must apply for a green card by filing Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) with USCIS.
Required Documents for Green Card Application
- Marriage certificate
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- Proof of continued relationship (joint lease, shared bank accounts, photos)
- Copy of K-1 visa and Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)
- Medical examination report (if not submitted earlier)
- Financial evidence proving the US citizen can support their spouse
Once approved, your spouse will receive a conditional green card valid for two years. After this, they must file Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence) to obtain a permanent green card.
What About K-2 Visas for Children?
If your fiancé(e) has eligible children of K-1 visa applicants, they may qualify for K-2 visas. However, they must:
- Be listed in the Form I-129F petition
- Enter the US before the K-1 visa expires
Can a K-1 Visa Holder Become a Public Charge?
A concern for many applicants is whether obtaining a K-1 visa could make them become a public charge. Immigration officials assess the financial situation of the visa applicant to determine if they will rely on public assistance. Providing a strong Affidavit of Support from the citizen sponsor is crucial in demonstrating financial self-sufficiency.
Common Reasons for K-1 Visa Denials
The K-1 visa process isn’t always smooth sailing. Some common reasons for denials include:
- Lack of evidence of a bona fide relationship
- Not meeting financial requirements
- Incomplete or inaccurate paperwork
- Previous immigration violations
Hiring an experienced immigration attorney can make a huge difference in avoiding these pitfalls.
Bring Your Fiancé(e) Home – Start Your K-1 Visa Process Today
Bringing your fiancé(e) to the US is a big step, and the K-1 visa process can feel like a mountain of paperwork. But with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to be stressful. At Altius Immigration Law, our K-1 visa lawyers are here to help you every step of the way.
If you need help with your visa application, reach out to Altius Immigration Law today . Love shouldn’t have to wait—and neither should your future together!
