K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa

Application procedure

The process begins with the U.S. citizen filing Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)) with USCIS. Once the petition is approved, the case is forwarded to the U.S. consulate in the fiancé(e)’s home country. The applicant must then complete the visa process, which includes filling out Form DS-160, attending a consular interview, and undergoing a medical examination.

After receiving the K-1 visa, the foreign fiancé(e) may enter the United States and has 90 days to marry their sponsor. Failure to marry within this period results in the loss of legal status and the requirement to leave the country.

Requirements

To qualify for a K-1 visa, the following conditions must be met:

• the sponsor must be a U.S. citizen (Green Card holders are not eligible to file for a K-1 visa),

• both parties must be legally free to marry (e.g., no ongoing marriages),

• the couple must have met in person within the past two years, unless specific exceptions apply,

• sufficient evidence of the relationship must be provided (e.g., photos, correspondence, shared travel records).

Limitations

The K-1 visa is valid only for 90 days from the date of entry and cannot be extended. The foreign fiancé(e) cannot legally remain in the U.S. if the marriage does not take place within this timeframe. Moreover, the visa is tied to the specific relationship and cannot be used to marry someone else or for other purposes.

Once the marriage is completed, the applicant may apply for a Green Card, but this requires additional steps, fees, and review by immigration authorities. Until lawful permanent residence is granted, the fiancé(e)’s immigration status remains temporary.

Summary

The K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa is a special nonimmigrant visa category that allows U.S. citizens’ fiancés and fiancées to enter the country for marriage. While the process involves strict requirements and limitations, it is one of the most common pathways to permanent residency for spouses of U.S. citizens. The K-1 visa bridges immigration formalities with the personal goal of starting a family in the United States.

👉 If you plan to apply for a K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa, use our online form at uspassportapplicationonline.com to ensure all documents are properly prepared and avoid unnecessary delays.