💍 Love knows no borders—and neither should your marriage. The K-1 fiancé(e) visa allows a U.S. citizen to bring their foreign fiancé(e) to the United States to get married and apply for a green card.
This article walks you through the full process, requirements, and how our legal team ensures your K-1 visa journey is fast and stress-free.
What Is a K-1 Visa?
📌 A K-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for the foreign fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen. Once issued, your fiancé(e) may enter the U.S. and must marry you within 90 days of arrival.
After marriage, they may adjust status to permanent resident (green card holder).
Who Is Eligible for a K-1 Visa?
✅ To qualify, you must:
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Be a U.S. citizen (green card holders are not eligible)
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Intend to marry within 90 days of your fiancé(e)’s entry
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Have physically met in person within the last 2 years (unless exempt)
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Be legally free to marry
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Meet income requirements to sponsor your fiancé(e)
Step-by-Step Guide to the K-1 Visa Process
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📝 Petition Filing
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File Form I-129F with USCIS
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Submit evidence of relationship, meeting in person, intent to marry
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📬 Approval and Case Transfer
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USCIS approves I-129F and sends case to National Visa Center (NVC)
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Then forwarded to U.S. consulate in your fiancé(e)’s home country
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🏛️ Visa Interview & Approval
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Fiancé(e) completes DS-160, attends medical exam, and interviews at U.S. embassy
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If approved, receives K-1 visa in passport
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✈️ Entry and Marriage
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Fiancé(e) enters the U.S.
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Must marry within 90 days
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📄 Adjustment of Status
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File Form I-485 to obtain a green card
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May also apply for work/travel permits
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Required Documents
📑 Key documents include:
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Proof of U.S. citizenship
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Passport-style photos
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Letters of intent to marry
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Evidence of relationship (photos, chats, travel)
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Police certificates, medical exams
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I-134 Affidavit of Support
Common Issues in K-1 Visa Applications
⚠️ Pitfalls to avoid:
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Incomplete documentation
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Failing to prove genuine relationship
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Missed deadlines for marriage or AOS
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Prior immigration violations by the fiancé(e)
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Past criminal history
BorderlessLawyers K-1 Visa Services
We support couples worldwide with:
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📝 I-129F petition prep
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📂 Evidence building and translation
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🧑⚖️ Interview preparation for embassy
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📄 Adjustment of status after marriage
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⏱️ Expedited filings when eligible
We’ve helped international couples in over 30 countries navigate the complex K-1 process successfully.
FAQs
Q: Can I bring my fiancé(e)’s child too?
👶 Yes—children under 21 may apply for a K-2 visa.
Q: Can I work on a K-1 visa?
🛑 Not until you apply for and receive a work permit (EAD) after marriage.
Q: What if we don’t marry in 90 days?
❌ Your fiancé(e) will be out of status and must leave the U.S.
Start Your Future Together—Now
Love deserves legal support. BorderlessLawyers ensures that your K-1 fiancé(e) visa journey is handled with care, speed, and precision—so you can focus on building a life together in the U.S.