What is a K-1 Visa
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The K-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows a foreign fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States for the purpose of getting married. Once the couple marries (within 90 days of arrival), the foreign spouse can apply for a green card (adjustment of status) and begin the path to permanent residency.
Key Benefits:
Allows couples to be together while completing immigration
Path to green card and eventual citizenship
Children of the fiancé(e) can immigrate too
Everything you need to know about K-1 Visas
To be eligible, you must meet all of the following:
The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen
Green card holders cannot sponsor a K-1 visa
Both people must be legally free to marry
All previous marriages must be legally ended
The couple must have met in person within the last 2 years
Exceptions apply for cultural or religious reasons
The intent must be to marry within 90 days of entry
The U.S. citizen must meet financial requirements
Must prove they can financially support the fiancé(e)
Process Overview:
U.S. citizen files Form I-129F with USCIS
USCIS approves and sends the petition to the U.S. embassy/consulate abroad
Foreign fiancé(e) applies for a K-1 visa interview
If approved, they enter the U.S. and must marry within 90 days
After marriage, apply for adjustment of status (Form I-485) to get a green card
6 to 12 months for petition and visa process
90 days to marry once in the U.S.
Green card process after marriage can take 6 to 18+ months
You haven’t met in person in the last 2 years (without a valid exception)
You or your fiancé(e) are already married
You fail the background or financial checks