The K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa lets a U.S. citizen bring a foreign fiancé(e) to the United States to marry. After entry, the couple must marry within 90 days. Once married, the foreign spouse typically applies for Adjustment of Status (AOS) to become a lawful permanent resident.
Who Can Petition
Only a U.S. citizen can file a fiancé(e) petition — not a lawful permanent resident. The petitioner and beneficiary must have met in person at least once within the last 2 years.
K-1 Visa Process (Step-by-Step)
| Step | Action | Who Files |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | File Form I-129F with USCIS | U.S. citizen petitioner |
| 2 | USCIS review (and possible RFE) | USCIS adjudicates |
| 3 | Case moves to National Visa Center (NVC) | Automatic transfer |
| 4 | Complete DS-160 + prepare documents | Foreign fiancé(e) |
| 5 | Medical exam + visa interview at U.S. consulate | Foreign fiancé(e) |
| 6 | Enter the U.S. — must marry within 90 days | Both partners |
| 7 | File Adjustment of Status (I-485) after marriage | Foreign spouse |
K-1 Visa Fees and Total Cost (2026)
| Fee | Amount (2026) |
|---|---|
| USCIS Filing Fee (I-129F) | ~$675 |
| State Department K Visa Application Fee | $265 |
| Medical Exam | ~$200–$500 (varies by country) |
| Adjustment of Status (I-485) after marriage | $1,440 (most adult applicants) |
What Happens After Marriage: K-1 to Green Card
- Adjustment of Status (I-485): Main green card filing after marriage, including updated relationship evidence, medical exam (I-693), and financial support (I-864)
- EAD (I-765): Work authorization while green card is pending
- Advance Parole (I-131): Travel authorization while AOS is pending — traveling without this can abandon the I-485
- Conditional green card (2-year): If marriage is less than two years old at approval
- Remove conditions (I-751): Filed before the conditional card expires to receive a standard 10-year green card
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays or Denials
- Weak proof of in-person meeting
- Missing divorce documents from prior marriages
- DS-160 mismatches vs I-129F packet
- Thin relationship evidence for the interview
- Not understanding the 90-day marriage rule consequences
Key Takeaway
K-1 is a two-stage process: entry + marriage within 90 days, then green card via AOS. The 90-day rule is strict — failure to marry requires the fiancé(e) to depart. Document the relationship thoroughly and plan the full cost including the AOS stage.
FAQs
Can a green card holder sponsor a fiancé(e) with K-1?
No. The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen.
What if we don't marry within 90 days?
The fiancé(e) generally must leave the U.S. and may face serious immigration consequences for staying beyond the 90-day period.
Can children come on a K-1 case?
Children may qualify for K-2 status (unmarried, under 21) in many situations.