K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa Lawyer
A K-1 visa lets the foreign fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen travel to the United States to marry within 90 days and then apply for a green card. We handle the I-129F petition, prepare the embassy interview and complete the adjustment of status after the wedding.
Massachusetts Bar since 2014 · AILA member · Consultations in English, Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi and Spanish · Cases handled nationwide
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Key Facts
- Only U.S. citizens can file
- Form I-129F (fee $675)
- Must have met in person within 2 years
- Marry within 90 days of entry
- Then file Form I-485 for the green card
What Is a K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa?
The K-1 is a nonimmigrant visa for the fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen. The citizen files Form I-129F with USCIS. After approval, the case moves to the National Visa Center and the U.S. embassy, where the fiancé(e) attends an interview. After entering the U.S., the couple must marry within 90 days, and the new spouse then applies for permanent residence.
Unmarried children under 21 of the fiancé(e) can come on K-2 visas.
Marry in the U.S. The wedding happens here, with family and friends.
Children can come too. Eligible children travel on K-2 visas.
Straight to a green card. After the wedding, the spouse adjusts status without leaving the U.S.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a K-1 Visa?
K-1 cases are refused for missing proof of an in-person meeting, inconsistent answers at the interview, prior marriages that were not legally ended or criminal-history issues of the petitioner under the International Marriage Broker Regulation Act.
We confirm the K-1 is the right choice instead of marrying first, prepare the evidence, coordinate with the embassy and file the green card application on time after the wedding.
Who Qualifies for a K-1 Visa?
- The petitioner is a U.S. citizen. Permanent residents cannot file for a fiancé(e).
- Both are free to marry, with any prior marriages legally ended.
- A genuine intention to marry within 90 days of the fiancé(e)’s arrival.
- Met in person within the two years before filing, unless a waiver applies for extreme hardship or strict cultural or religious custom.
- The fiancé(e) is admissible and the citizen meets the Affidavit of Support requirement at the adjustment stage.
K-1 Fiancé Visa vs. CR-1 Spousal Visa
| Question | K-1 fiancé(e) | CR-1/IR-1 spouse |
|---|---|---|
| Wedding | In the U.S., within 90 days | Before filing, anywhere |
| Status on arrival | Temporary; must apply for a green card | Permanent resident on entry |
| Work on arrival | Only with a work permit | Yes |
| Total government fees | Higher (I-129F plus I-485) | Lower (I-130 plus consular fees) |
| Who can file | U.S. citizens only | U.S. citizens and permanent residents |
Many couples who can marry abroad choose the spousal visa. We help you compare timing and cost for your situation.
The K-1 Visa Process, Step by Step
- Consultation — eligibility, meeting history and the K-1 vs. spousal choice.
- File Form I-129F — with proof of citizenship, the in-person meeting and intent to marry.
- USCIS approval — the case moves to the National Visa Center and the embassy.
- DS-160, medical exam and documents — completed by the fiancé(e).
- Embassy interview — we prepare the fiancé(e) in detail.
- Travel and marriage — marry within 90 days of entry.
- Adjustment of status — file Form I-485 with the I-864, plus work and travel permits.
K-1 Visas in 2026: What to Expect
Longer embassy waits and more screening. Some embassies have long interview queues, and expanded vetting since 2025 can add administrative processing after the interview. Some nationalities face entry restrictions, so check before choosing the K-1 route.
Two sets of fees. The I-129F fee is $675 since April 2024, and the green card application after the wedding has its own fees.
The 90-day rule is strict. If you do not marry within 90 days, the fiancé(e) must leave the U.S.
What Evidence Proves a Genuine Relationship?
- Photos together and travel records showing the in-person meeting
- Messages and call history over time
- Engagement ring receipt, wedding plans or venue booking
- Letters from both partners stating the intent to marry
- Statements from family and friends
Documents We Will Ask For
- Proof of the petitioner’s U.S. citizenship
- Passport photos and passports
- Evidence of meeting in person within two years
- Divorce or death certificates for prior marriages
- Statements of intent to marry
- Police certificates and medical exam (fiancé(e))
- Petitioner’s tax returns and proof of income
How much does a K-1 visa cost?
Government costs include the $675 I-129F fee, the embassy visa fee and medical exam, and later the green card application fees. We explain our legal fees clearly during your consultation, before you decide to hire us.
K-1 Fiancé Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Can a green card holder apply for a K-1 visa?
No. Only U.S. citizens can file Form I-129F. Permanent residents must marry first and file Form I-130 for their spouse.
How long does a K-1 visa take?
It depends on USCIS processing and the embassy. Many cases take around a year or longer from filing to the interview.
What happens if we do not marry within 90 days?
The K-1 status ends and the fiancé(e) must leave the U.S. The status cannot be extended or changed to another visa.
Can my fiancé(e) work after arriving on a K-1?
The fiancé(e) can apply for a work permit, but most couples file it with the green card application after the wedding.
Do we have to have met in person?
Yes, within the two years before filing, unless USCIS grants a waiver for extreme hardship or a strict cultural or religious custom.
Is a K-1 visa faster than a spousal visa?
Not always. Processing times are often similar, and the spousal visa gives a green card on arrival. We compare both for your case.
Why Clients Choose Us?
Simple, guided process designed to make your immigration journey clear and manageable.
Strategy Calls
We Set Realistic Timelines
We File Carefully and Thoroughly
Ongoing Updates
Remote Capability
K-1 Fiancé Visa Lawyer – Ready to take the next step?
Every case starts with a careful review of your history and evidence. Book a consultation and we will explain your options, the risks and the realistic timeline before you decide anything.
Consultations are available in English, Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi and Spanish, by phone, video or in person in Woburn.
