K-1 Visa
Fiancé(e) Guide
The K-1 visa bridge is the fastest way to bring your partner to the United States for your wedding. We guide you from engagement to your Green Card.
What is a K-1 Visa?
The K-1 is a non-immigrant visa that allows the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States for the express purpose of marrying the U.S. citizen petitioner.
Crucially, you must marry within 90 days of arrival. After the marriage, your spouse can apply to adjust their status to a Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder).
The 3 Pillars of K-1
- Met In Person: Must have met physically in the last 2 years.
- Bona Fide: The relationship and intent to marry must be genuine.
- 90-Day Rule: Strict timeline to marry upon U.S. entry.
- K-2 Visas: Children can join on derivative visas.
Your Journey Timeline
Stage-by-stage guide from filing to residency.
The I-129F Petition
The U.S. sponsor files the initial petition with USCIS showing eligibility.
Embassy Phase
The case is sent to the consulate for the DS-160 and in-person interviews.
Arrival & Wedding
Enter the U.S. with K-1 status, marry within 90 days, and file for Adjustment of Status.
The In-Person Rule
You MUST have met your fiancé(e) in person within the last two years. This is a strict statutory requirement.
*Rare waivers are available for religious or cultural reasons, but the documentation burden is exceptionally high.
Critical Checklist
Documentation is the key to passing the consular interview.
- **Travel Evidence:** Flight tickets and hotel receipts.
- **Correspondence:** Log of chats, emails, and calls.
- **Photos:** Time-stamped photos together.
- **Affidavits:** Statements from family and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if we don't marry within 90 days?
The the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) must leave the U.S. or they will be in violation of their non-immigrant status, which can lead to deportation and a bar on future entry.
Can the K-1 work immediately?
No. Unlike the CR-1 spouse visa, the K-1 holder must file for Employment Authorization (EAD) as part of their Adjustment of Status after the marriage.
What if we decide NOT to marry?
The K-1 visa cannot be "changed" to another visa category (like a work or student visa). If the marriage does not happen, the K-1 holder must leave the U.S.
Your Wedding in America Starts Here
Our firm handles the legal complexities so you can focus on your special day. Let us secure your fiancé(e)'s future in the USA.
Request K-1 Case Review