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K-1 — Fiancé(e) of U.S. Citizen
United StatesUnited States•North America
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K-1 — Fiancé(e) of U.S. Citizen

Residency Pathway PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–10 months

Varies by processing route

Estimated Cost

USD $940

Stay Duration

3 months

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information
United States flag

Living in United States

Cost of Living
Baseline
Avg Salary$52,000
Quality of Life
185/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Enter the U.S. to marry a U.S. citizen within 90 days of arrival. Must have met in person within the last 2 years.

The K-1 is a US nonimmigrant visa that allows a foreign-national fiancé(e) of a US citizen to enter the country for the sole purpose of marrying their US-citizen sponsor. The couple must have met in person within the past two years and intend to marry within 90 days of the visa holder's arrival.

The visa allows a single 90-day entry and is not renewable. After marriage, the holder files Form I-485 to adjust to permanent resident status — work requires a separate EAD. Children may accompany on K-2 status. The I-129F petition fee is $675; the DS-160 MRV fee is $265.

This visa is ideal for foreign nationals engaged to a US citizen who plan to marry in the US and pursue permanent residency.

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Cost Breakdown

I-129F USCIS filing feeUSD $675
MRV nonimmigrant visa application fee (DS-160)USD $265
Medical exam (panel physician)—
TotalUSD $940

Processing Time

USCIS petition (I-129F)6–10 months
Consular processing1–3 months

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant3 months

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

IR-1 — Spouse of U.S. Citizen
United States flagUnited States

IR-1 — Spouse of U.S. Citizen

ValidityIndefinite
ProcessingVaries
View Visa Details
CR-1 — Conditional Resident Spouse of U.S. Citizen
United States flagUnited States

CR-1 — Conditional Resident Spouse of U.S. Citizen

ValidityIndefinite
Processing9 months – 3.0 years
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen

Both parties must be legally free to marry

Must have met in person within the past 2 years (exceptions for extreme hardship or cultural/religious reasons)

Not barred by criminal history, prior visa overstays, or fraud

U.S. citizen petitioner must meet income requirements to support fiancé(e)

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

21,640 USD/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport (6+ months validity beyond intended stay)

Birth certificate

Police certificates from all countries lived in 6+ months since age 16

Medical exam results from authorized panel physician

Evidence of bona fide relationship (photos, communications, travel records)

Divorce or death certificates for any prior marriages

Two passport-style 2×2 photos

Financial support evidence (Form I-134 Affidavit of Support may be requested)

Form DS-160 confirmation page

Visa fee payment receipt

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Clear, defined pathway to U.S. permanent residency (green card) after marriage
  • Children (K-2 visa) may accompany or follow within 1 year
  • Same-sex couples receive equal immigration benefits
  • Single-entry validity provides certainty of admission upon approval

Worth Knowing

  • Marriage must occur within 90 days of U.S. entry — no extensions
  • Visa is single-entry only
  • Long overall processing time (often 8–14+ months)
  • Fiancé(e) cannot work in the U.S. on K-1 status alone (must apply for EAD after marriage and filing I-485)
  • Sealed embassy packet must not be opened by applicant
  • Adjustment of Status after marriage involves separate fees and processing time
  • Syrian nationals must apply through the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan
  • IMBRA compliance if met through international matchmaking

Application Process

1

U.S. citizen files Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)) with USCIS

2

USCIS approves petition and transfers case to National Visa Center (NVC)

3

NVC forwards case to U.S. Embassy or Consulate in fiancé(e)'s country

4

Fiancé(e) completes Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application)

5

Fiancé(e) pays visa application (MRV) fee

6

Fiancé(e) completes medical exam with authorized panel physician

7

Fiancé(e) attends visa interview at U.S. Embassy or Consulate

8

If approved, travel to the U.S. and marry within 90 days of entry

9

After marriage, file for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) to become a permanent resident

Application Forms

I-129F
Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)
Fill online
DS-160
Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
Fill online
I-134
Declaration of Financial Support
Fill online
I-485
Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status
Fill online
I-864
Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA
Fill online

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