Fiancee Visa Application
What Is the K1 Visa and Who Needs It?
The K1 visa, often called the fiancé(e) visa, allows a foreign national to enter the United States specifically to marry a U.S. citizen. Once your fiancé arrives, you have exactly 90 days to get married. After the wedding, your spouse can apply for a green card without leaving the country.
This visa is only for U.S. citizens. If you hold a green card rather than citizenship, you cannot sponsor a K1. You would need to marry first and then apply for a marriage-based green card.
Same-sex couples are fully eligible. U.S. immigration law recognizes same-sex relationships regardless of the laws in your partner’s home country.
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Who Qualifies for a K1 Visa?
Both the U.S. citizen and the foreign fiancé(e) must meet specific eligibility requirements before USCIS will approve the petition.
The U.S. citizen sponsor must
Be a U.S. citizen (not a green card holder)
Be legally free to marry, meaning any previous marriages are officially dissolved
Meet the income requirement of at least 125% above the federal poverty guidelines, which is approximately $31,000 for a two-person household in 2026
Have met the foreign fiancé in person at least once within the past two years
The foreign fiancé(e) must:
Be legally free to marry
Have no prior immigration violations or bars to entr
Be willing to attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country
What Is the Step-by-Step K1 Visa Process?
1. File Form I-129F with USCIS
2. USCIS Reviews the Petition
3. Case Transfers to the National Visa Center
4. The Foreign Fiancé Completes Form DS-160
5. Medical Examination
6. Visa Interview at the U.S. Embassy
7. Enter the United States and Get Married
8. Apply for a Green Card
How Long Does the K1 Visa Take?
Timeline is one of the most common concerns for couples, and rightfully so. Processing times vary based on the USCIS service center, the U.S. embassy location, and whether your application has any complications.
USCIS Form I-129F Processing
National Visa Center Review
Embassy Interview Scheduling
Entry to the U.S. After Approval
Total (Filing to U.S. Entry)
Wait times at embassies vary widely. Some posts in Europe schedule interviews within weeks. Others in parts of Africa and Asia have backlogs exceeding 400 business days. Plan your wedding date around confirmed visa approval, not a projected one.
How Much Does a K1 Visa Cost?
Fees have increased significantly since the 2024 USCIS Fee Rule. Here is what to expect.
Form I-129F filing fee: $675
DS-160 visa application fee: $265
Medical examination: Varies by country, typically $200 to $500
The total government cost to get the visa itself is around $940.