K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa Overview
A K-1 visa, or a US fiancé(e) visa is a non-immigrant visa issued to an alien who wishes to enter the U.S. for the purpose of marriage to a U.S. citizen. The “K” visa category for fiancés of U.S. citizens and their accompanying minor children (K-2 visa) was created to speed up the immigration process of bringing a fiancé(e) to the United States for marriage.
This K visa spares fiancés a long separation from their intended spouse, while continuing their processing for permanent resident status, or immigrant status, after the marriage takes place through adjustment of status.
K-1 Visa Eligibility Requirements
Before starting down the K-1 path, you’ll need to determine if you’re even eligible for the visa. To petition your fiance for a K-1 visa, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen aged 18+
- Intend to marry within 90 days
- Be legally free to marry
- Met in person within 2 years of application date
- Meet the fiance visa income requirements
After the K-1 Visa Issuance
After issuance, the K-1 fiancé visa is valid for 6 months. However, once an entry stamp is made, the alien must marry the original petitioner within a 90 day period.
There is no way to extend the 90 day period. A K-1 fiancé visa is only valid for one entry. Usually, a wedding is planned by the time the alien enters, so there are no surprises with the time shortage.
After marriage, the alien will need to file an adjustment of status.
This process converts the alien from a non-immigrant to an immigrant, and grants permanent residency (green card). With the green card, the alien can stay in the U.S. legally, work, and exit and re-enter the U.S. without the need for further visas.
Government Fees
USCIS Filing Fee: $510
Embassy Fee: $265
Total Government fees: $775
The above fees don’t include the adjustment of status cost, which comes after marriage for the green card.
