What Is the K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa?
The K-1 Visa allows a foreign fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States for the purpose of marrying within 90 days of arrival. After the marriage, the foreign spouse can file for adjustment of status to obtain a green card.
Key details:
After marriage, the couple begins the process for the foreign spouse to become a lawful permanent resident by obtaining a green card through marriage.
Only a U.S. citizen (not a green card holder) can sponsor the K-1 Visa.
The foreign fiancé(e) must enter the U.S. on the K-1 and the couple must marry within 90 days, or the foreign fiancé(e)’s status will expire.
Call us now for a free case review of your K-1 Visa case: (213) 375-4084
Is the K-1 Visa Right for You?
K-1 Visa is Right for You if:
- You are a U.S. citizen and your fiancé(e) lives abroad.
- You want your partner to enter the U.S. to marry you within 90 days.
- You plan to live together in the U.S. and eventually apply for a green card.
The K-1 Visa is Not Best If:
- If you are already married, you should consider the CR-1/IR-1 spouse visa instead.
- If you are a permanent resident (green card holder) rather than a U.S. citizen as you cannot sponsor a K-1.
- If you do not intend to marry within 90 days of your fiancé(e)’s arrival.
Eligibility for K-1 Visa: Key Requirements You Must Meet
| Requirement | What It Means |
| U.S. Citizen Sponsor | The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen, over the age of 18. |
| Legal Ability to Marry | Both you and your fiancé(e) must be legally free to marry with no current spouse, and your future marriage must be valid per U.S. law. |
| In‐Person Meeting Rule | You must have met your fiancé(e) in person at least once in the last 2 years. We recommend more in-person meetings where possible. |
| Intent to Marry Within 90 Days | Once the fiancé(e) arrives in the U.S., the marriage must take place within 90 days. |
| Financial Support | The U.S. citizen sponsor must meet the income requirements, typically at or above 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for the household. |
K-1 Visa Process
1. File Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e))
You begin by filing Form I-129F with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This petition establishes your relationship and your intent to marry in the U.S.
2. National Visa Center (NVC) Processing & Embassy Interview
Once approved, your petition goes to the National Visa Center (NVC) and then to the U.S. embassy or consulate in your fiancé(e)’s country for the visa interview.
3. Fiancé(e) Travels to the U.S. for Marriage
After the K-1 Visa is issued, the foreign fiancé(e) arrives in the U.S. and the couple must marry within 90 days.
4. Apply for Adjustment of Status (Green Card)
Post-marriage, the foreign spouse files Form I-485 to obtain a marriage green card.
Processing Time & Costs (2025 Estimates)
The average processing time in 2025 is 10-12 months from I-129F filing to visa issuance. This will vary depending on several factors. Our immigration attorney can give you an estimation if we file your application.
Typical government fees:
- Form I-129F Uscis filing fee: $675
- DS-160 online visa application fee: $265
- Additional costs: medical exam, document translations, courier fees
Fees vary by country and may change without notice. Please refer to the USCIS fee calculator for updated fee information.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Delays
- Using the wrong form version. Ensure you are using the most current edition of Form I-129F.
- Incomplete proof of relationship. Make sure you upload sufficient evidence (photos, messages, travel records) showing you and your fiancé(e) are in a genuine relationship.
- Missing in-person meeting evidence.
- Income requirements not met. If the sponsor’s income is insufficient, you may consider adding a joint sponsor with restrictions.
- Marrying after 90 days. The marriage must take place within 90 days of entry or the visa becomes invalid. This will cause issues when trying to obtain an adjustment of status.
Why Choose ILOLA for Your K-1 Visa Application
At ILOLA, we specialize in fiancé(e) visas and have helped thousands of couples nationwide. When you partner with us, you’ll receive:
- Personalized attorney-led case review and guidance
- Meticulous document preparation and filing
- Interview prep and full support through green card filings
- Nationwide service, we help couples no matter where they live and offer virtual appointments
Call (213) 375-4084 or submit our contact form for a free consultation today. Let us help you bring your fiancé(e) to the U.S. and begin your life together.
K-1 Visa Success Stories
We initially hired Winston/Linda and team ten years ago to handle my wife's initial green card application. The whole process went smoothly, as the team addressed all of our concerns in thorough/timely manner. I felt that the application prep was in good hands at every point in the process. The application was filed timely, and she received her green card in about 3 months.
Lawrence L.
I am so grateful to Linda and her team for their amazing work! They helped me get my green card in less than two months, and everything went smoothly. Linda and her team were quick, knew exactly what to do, and were also very kind and supportive. I felt taken care of the whole time. If you need a lawyer who works fast and cares, Linda and her team are the best choice!
M V
Yet ANOTHER 5 star review for these folks! We started the process for my wife's green card two years ago and were lucky to be in a very favorable position for the application but that didn't mean that it didn't take time and jumping through strange and sudden hoops. Linda, Winston, Pedro, Arturo and the whole team at ILOLA were always expert and highly expedient at keeping our concerns at bay. Email responses came almost instantly and at one point my wife said their quick replies probably kept her from getting an ulcer! They were professional and friendly and always made us feel like we were seen - we never felt like our case was ever off their radar. We would genuinely and whole-hearted recommend this team and feel lucky that they happened to be the first immigration lawyers that we called.
Luke Warner
Linda is a fantastic immigration lawyer and I cannot recommend her practice enough. When you work with Linda and her team you will receive: clear communication, fast responses, deep knowledge of rules and regulations, decades of experience with successfull cases, attention to detail and professionalism. Linda helped me get my permanent residence in a little over 3 months. She built my case and we filed for an extraordinary ability I-140 petition on May 2024. When that was approved with no RFE's she helped me file for adjustment of status I-485 on June 2024. Thanks to her skills and dedication I just received my green card on August 2024! Hiring Linda as my representation has been one of the best decision I've ever made!
Carlos Laguna
Linda and her team were truly amazing in handling my immigration case! From their prompt responses to all my questions to the seamless filing of paperwork, they made the entire process feel like a breeze. The support and guidance I received at every step were invaluable, and I can't express how grateful I am. What's even more incredible is that I received my green card in less than two months – a testament to their efficiency and expertise.
I genuinely couldn't be happier with the outcome, and if you find yourself in need of immigration assistance, I wholeheartedly recommend Linda's outstanding team. 🌟
Yasmin Zekaria
Winston, Linda, Juan, Arturo and the team are very good at what they do. They worked on my green card process and I couldn't be any more happier with their amazing service. They are professional and very hands on. Every time I had a question or concern they responded immediately. The whole process went smoothly. They took care of me every step of the way and not once did I had any issues with the forms that needed to be filled out. They made it so easy for me. I will forever be thankful for their hard work in making this happen.
I highly recommend ILOLA to anyone who is need of immigration services. You will be in good hands.
Oscar Cervantes
Linda Lee and her team were incredibly helpful, responsive and transparent every step of the way. From our first initial call to receiving approval of benefits, they were great. They left no stone unturned while collecting details for our case ensuring we had no issues further along the process. If you’re looking for an efficient and friendly team to help you through your green card application process, my wife and I would highly recommend them. Thank you Linda & co! 5*****
Joe Campbell
I really want to recommend immigration law office of Los Angeles, You were super patient and empathetic with me. Thank you to your entire team and the great work you do together. My green card process only lasted 90 days, thank you to God and to you for your help. I can only thank you very much for your empathy with your clients. If I ever needed help with any case again, I would contact you again. Your work was impeccable. I highly recommend it. Linda, Pedro, Winston, and Arturo, what a great team you make. Thank you for everything.
