K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa: Steps, Forms and What Happens After You Arrive
Updated October 31, 2026. Sources: USCIS.gov.
Not legal advice. GreenCardBlog.com is an independent information site, not a law firm and not affiliated with USCIS or any government agency. Immigration rules, fees and timelines change. Always confirm details on USCIS.gov and consider speaking with a licensed immigration attorney about your situation.
The K-1 visa lets the foreign fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen travel to the United States to marry. It's only for fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens, not green card holders. Sources: USCIS: Visas for Fiancé(e)s of U.S. Citizens and the U.S. State Department K-1 page.
Basic eligibility
- The petitioner is a U.S. citizen.
- You both intend to marry within 90 days of the fiancé(e)'s admission to the U.S.
- You are both legally free to marry.
- You met in person at least once within the two years before filing, unless USCIS grants a waiver for the reasons it lists.
The steps
- Form I-129F. The U.S. citizen files the Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) with USCIS.
- Approval and transfer. After approval, the case goes to the State Department's National Visa Center and then to the U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Visa application and interview. The fiancé(e) completes the online visa application (Form DS-160), a medical exam with an approved panel physician, and an interview.
- Travel and marriage. After admission, the couple must marry within 90 days. The K-1 status can't be extended past that.
- Green card. After the wedding, the foreign spouse files Form I-485 to adjust status. See our I-485 guide.
K-1 vs. spousal visa
| K-1 fiancé(e) visa | Marry first, then immigrant visa (IR-1/CR-1) | |
|---|---|---|
| Where you marry | In the U.S., within 90 days | Anywhere, before applying |
| Petition | Form I-129F | Form I-130 |
| Green card | Separate I-485 filing after arrival | Green card issued after entry as an immigrant |
Fees and processing times change; check the USCIS fee page and USCIS processing times before you choose.
Children
Eligible unmarried children under 21 of the K-1 fiancé(e) may be able to come as K-2 visa holders. Ask the consulate and read the State Department page for details.
When to get help
Prior marriages, immigration violations, criminal history or a long gap since you last met in person are all reasons to talk to an attorney. See how to find a green card lawyer.
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