K-1 Fiance Visa Lawyer

Immigration » K-1 fiance visas

A K-1 visa allows the foreign fiance(e) of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States to marry the citizen within 90 days. After the wedding, the new spouse applies for a green card from inside the United States. Only U.S. citizens can petition for a K-1; permanent residents cannot.

K-1 requirements

The petitioner is a U.S. citizen.
Both people are legally free to marry.
The couple has met in person at least once within the two years before filing, unless a waiver applies for extreme hardship or for long-standing cultural or religious custom.
Both intend to marry within 90 days of the fiance(e) arriving in the United States.
The petitioner can show sufficient income or assets to support the fiance(e).

Step by step

The U.S. citizen files Form I-129F with USCIS.
After USCIS approval, the case moves to the National Visa Center and then to the U.S. consulate in the fiance(e)’s country.
The fiance(e) completes the visa application, medical exam and consular interview.
With the K-1 visa issued, the fiance(e) enters the United States and the couple marries within 90 days.
The spouse files Form I-485 to adjust status, together with a work permit application.

Important points

The 90-day marriage deadline cannot be extended.
A K-1 holder can adjust status only through marriage to the person who petitioned.
Children under 21 may qualify for K-2 visas.
The International Marriage Broker Regulation Act (IMBRA) requires disclosure of certain criminal history and prior petitions.
Travel and visa restrictions affecting nationals of certain countries, and consular processing times, can affect K-1 cases. We check the current rules for your country.

K-1 or marry first?

Some couples marry abroad and use a spousal immigrant visa, which is a marriage-based green card through consular processing, instead of a K-1. The better path depends on your timeline, where you want to marry and your family’s circumstances. We compare both options with you. See also our family-based green card page and our page on consular processing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a K-1 case take?

Timing varies with USCIS and consulate workloads and can take many months. We explain the current picture when you contact us.

What if we do not marry within 90 days?

The K-1 holder must leave the United States. A K-1 holder cannot adjust status without marrying the petitioner.

Can my fiance(e) marry someone else after arriving?

No. Adjustment of status on a K-1 is available only through marriage to the U.S. citizen who filed the petition.

Do we need documents translated?

Foreign-language documents submitted to USCIS or a consulate need a complete certified English translation. We can help with that.

How we work with clients nationwide

We represent clients in all 50 states because immigration law is federal. Every client receives access to our secure client portal, where you can message our firm 24/7, upload documents and follow your case from anywhere. The Law Office of Elena Vlady, PLLC is based in Austin, Texas.

K-1 fiance visas guide

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This page is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Immigration rules, fees and processing times change often. Last updated: November 2026.

Last updated:

November 12, 2026