How to Petition for a Family-Based Immigration Visa to the U.S.
June 12, 2025How to Petition for a Family-Based Immigration Visa to the U.S.
June 12, 2025
The K-1 Fiancé Visa in the US: What It Is and How to Apply
For many couples, the K-1 nonimmigrant visa is the first official step in building a life together in the United States. If you're a U.S. citizen engaged to someone living abroad, this visa allows your fiancé(e) to enter the country with the intention of getting married. It’s a well-known process—but that doesn’t mean it’s straightforward. Even small mistakes can lead to frustrating delays or risk denial altogether.
In this guide, we’ll break down what U.S. citizens need to know about qualifying for the K-1 fiancé visa, how the process works, what sponsors should be prepared for, and what to expect once your partner arrives.
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone.
Our experienced team at Strang Immigration is here to guide you through each step—so you can focus on what really matters. Reach out today to talk through your specific situation.
Who is the K-1 Visa For—and What Does It Require?
The K-1 fiancé visa is available to U.S. citizens who intend to marry a foreign national within 90 days of their travel to the United States. Permanent residents are not eligible to apply. Both people must be legally free to marry and must have seen each other in person at least once in the two years before filing—unless they qualify for a narrow waiver based on hardship or cultural practices.
Beyond proving the relationship, couples also need to show they genuinely plan to marry and intend to live together. This part matters: the government will take a close look at this evidence from the citizen sponsor before approving the visa.
How Long Does The Fiancé Visa Application Take?
One of the most common questions we hear is, When it comes to the fiancé visa, how long does it take?
While timelines can vary, most couples can expect the full K-1 process to take between 9 and 14 months from the time they file the initial petition to the date the visa is issued. That estimate includes case review by USCIS, transfer to the National Visa Center, scheduling at the embassy, and final visa processing for the visa applicant.
Processing times depend on several factors—including the service center handling the case, the embassy’s local caseload, and whether additional evidence is requested. Delays are common, especially when documents are incomplete or interview prep is rushed. Starting with a complete, well-organized petition is still the best way to avoid preventable setbacks. For the most up-to-date information, you can also check the USCIS website directly.
How Do I Apply for a K-1 Fiancé Visa So My Partner Can Enter the United States?
The process begins when the U.S. citizen submits Form I-129F to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. If USCIS approves the petition, it’s then forwarded to the National Visa Center and on to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the fiancé(e)’s country. From there, the foreign fiancé completes a medical exam, submits additional documentation, and prepares for the visa interview.
If the visa case is approved, the K-1 visa is issued, and the fiancé (visa holders) may enter the United States. The couple must marry within 90 days of arrival. After the wedding, the foreign spouse can apply for a green card through adjustment of status.
Fiancé Visa Interview Questions: What to Expect When Applying for a Visa
Another key concern for applicants is knowing what to expect during the final interview. Many people search for fiancé visa interview questions to get a sense of how to prepare and what documents to bring to your interview. The interview is a critical step in the process and often determines whether the visa is granted.
Interviews are conducted at the U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Expect an interview by a consular officer where they will ask questions to verify the authenticity of the relationship and ensure that both parties meet the eligibility requirements. Common questions to ensure the visa is valid include:
- How did you meet?
- When was the last time you saw each other in person?
- What do you know about each other’s families?
- What plans have you made for the wedding?
- The officer may also request to see photos, travel records, or written correspondence.
There’s no script, but consistency and honesty are essential. Well-prepared couples who understand their timeline and can explain their relationship clearly tend to do well.
Did You Apply for a K-1 Visa? Why Applications Get Delayed or Denied
K-1 visa applications are often denied not because the relationship isn’t real, but because the evidence is weak, incomplete, or inconsistent. Submitting the wrong version of a form, missing an interview appointment, or failing to meet income requirements can trigger long delays—or a denial that’s tough to reverse. That’s why proper immigration legal counsel is crucial to your success.
For couples with more complex histories—such as previous visa refusals, limited time spent together in person, or significant age or language differences—it’s especially important to build a strong, well-documented case from the start.
K visa applicants should also be aware: there is no additional time after the visa expires to get married. The marriage must take place within the 90-day period following entry, or the fiancé will lose legal status and may need to leave the country.
Once married, the foreign national becomes the spouse of a U.S. citizen and can apply to adjust status from within the United States. It’s also critical to know that the K-1 is a single-entry visa—if a fiancé leaves the U.S. before the wedding or without advance travel authorization, they may not be allowed back in, even if they still intend to marry his or her U.S. partner.
What Happens to your Fiancé Visa After You Get Married
Once the couple marries within the 90-day timeframe, the foreign spouse can apply for permanent residency card by filing Form I-485. While the green card application is pending, they may also request work and travel authorization.
If the couple has been married for less than two years at the time of green card approval, the spouse will receive a conditional green card. This is valid for two years. Later, the couple must file to remove conditions and transition to full lawful permanent residence.
For a full breakdown of what happens after marriage, check out our step-by-step guide to the marriage green card process.
Which is Faster, a Fiancé Visa or a Spouse Visa?
In most cases, the fiancé visa offers a slightly quicker path to entering the United States. It typically takes around 9 to 14 months from the initial petition to visa issuance, while a spouse visa often takes 12 to 18 months. However, the fiancé visa requires an additional step: after the couple marries in the U.S., the foreign spouse must apply separately for a green card through adjustment of status.
With a marriage green card, that green card is granted upon entry. For couples already married or comfortable with a longer wait in exchange for fewer steps, the spouse visa may be the better fit. You can learn more about other types of family-based immigration options in this guide on who you can petition for. For those prioritizing time together in the U.S. sooner, the K-1 remains a popular choice.
You can learn more about family-based petitions in this article.
Why Legal Help Makes a Difference When You Apply For Your Visa
Even the strongest relationships can run into obstacles during the fiancé visa process. It’s not just a matter of paperwork—officers are trained to identify gaps, inconsistencies, or signs of ineligibility, and they have wide discretion in how they evaluate each petition.
At Strang Immigration, we help clients prepare K-1 cases with precision and care. Whether your situation is straightforward or includes complications like income concerns, long-distance timelines, or past visa issues, we’ll guide you through each step with a strategy built around your unique situation.
If you're planning to bring your fiancé(e) to the United States, we can help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Book a consultation today to start your next chapter.
