Connect With an Immigration Lawyer
Enter Your Zip Code to Connect with a Lawyer Serving Your Area
Enter Your Zip Code to Connect with a Lawyer Serving Your Area
K-1 Visa for Fiance(e) of U.S. Citizen
More About This Topic
Related Ads
Someone who is engaged to marry a U.S. citizen may wish to obtain a fiancé visa in order to hold the wedding in the United States. The person’s unmarried children under the age of 21 may also come, using K-2 visas.
The K-1 and K-2 fiancé visas last for 90 days. You are expected to get married within that time. Once you’ve done so, the immigrant fiancé and children may apply for U.S. lawful permanent residence (green cards), using a process called adjustment of status.
Eligibility for a K-1 Fiance Visa
A foreign-born person who intends to marry a U.S. citizen may be eligible to come to the U.S. for the wedding, using a K-1 or “fiancé” visa, if he or she also meets the criteria described here.
Find out whether your intended marriage will qualify the foreign-born fiance for a U.S. visa.
What to expect if the foreign-born fiance has a criminal record.
Timing an upcoming divorce and an application for a K-1 fiance visa.
Although most K-1 fiance visa applications are approved, be aware of these possible complicating factors when preparing yours.
When to Use a K-1 Fiance Visa
Should you get married before the immigrant comes to the U.S., or after?
Why Canadians must use a K-1 rather than an easier alternative to U.S. entry.
Choosing between a B-2 visitor visa and a K-1 fiance visa for U.S. entry in connection with a planned marriage.
Personal Meeting Requirement
How to satisfy the personal meeting requirement, and what exceptions apply.
Applying for a K-1 Fiance Visa
Learn about the timing, forms, documents, and other aspects of successfully applying for a K-1 fiance visa.
Foreign-born fiances who might not realize that their U.S. spouse-to-be has a criminal record will gain information through a law called IMBRA.
Rights and Restrictions in the U.S. on a K-1 Visa
Learn the best strategy for quickly obtaining a U.S. work permit.
After the Marriage
How to submit the required forms and documents to apply for a green card following entry on a K-1 visa and marriage.
If the Marriage Doesn't Happen Within 90 Days
Strategies when the K-1 applicant fails to get married and apply for adjustment of status on time.
If the Marriage Doesn't Happen at All
Options to obtain legal status in the U.S. if the marriage doesn't happen on time and the K-1 visa expires.
Additional Resources
Fiance and Marriage Visas: A Couple's Guide to U.S. Immigration
A comprehensive guide to qualifying for and receiving a K-1 fiance visa -- and subsequently a U.S. green card.
A comprehensive guide to qualifying for and receiving a K-1 fiance visa -- and subsequently a U.S. green card.
LA-WS5:0.9.22.120430.13848