K-1 Fiancé Visa

A K-1 Fiancé visa allows a U.S. citizen to bring their fiancé(e) to the United States for the purpose of getting married.

To sponsor a K-1 visa, the U.S. citizen petitioner must meet the following requirements:

Be a U.S. citizen: Only U.S. citizens are eligible to sponsor a K-1 Fiancé visa.
Be free to marry: The U.S. citizen petitioner must be legally able to marry their fiancé(e) under the laws of their state of residence.
Have met their fiancé(e) in person within the past two years: The U.S. citizen petitioner must have met their fiancé(e) in person at least once within the two years before filing the petition.
Have a genuine intention to marry: The U.S. citizen petitioner must have a bona fide intention to marry their fiancé(e) within 90 days of their arrival in the United States.
Meet financial requirements: The U.S. citizen petitioner must meet certain financial requirements to show that they can financially support their fiancé(e) in the United States and will not be a public charge.

$1,099.00

*Government Fees are NOT Included in LAWCADDY Price

A K-1 Visa is a Short-term Status

After a K-1 Fiancé visa holder and their U.S. citizen fiancé(e) get married in the United States, which must be within 90 days of their arrival in the US, the K-1 visa holder can apply to adjust their status to become a lawful permanent resident (LPR) by applying for a Green Card. Here are the general steps: The K-1 visa holder will need to file an Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Submit supporting documentation: The K-1 visa holder will need to submit additional documentation, including biographical information, civil documents, and financial support documents. Attend a biometrics appointment: USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment for the K-1 visa holder to provide fingerprints and a photograph. Attend an interview: USCIS will schedule an interview for the K-1 visa holder and their U.S. citizen spouse to attend. Receive a decision: If the adjustment of status application is approved, the K-1 visa holder will receive their Green Card in the mail. It is important to note that the K-1 visa holder must apply to adjust their status to become a lawful permanent resident within 90 days of entering the United States on their K-1 visa. Additionally, the eligibility requirements and application process for adjustment of status can be complex and require careful attention to detail. The LAWCADDY system makes the process simple, with access to help from an experienced Immigration attorney at any point along the way.

Fees: There are several fees associated with the K-1 Fiancé visa. The fees may vary based on the location of the U.S. embassy or consulate where the visa interview will take place. The fees include:

Filing fee: $535. This fee must be paid to USCIS when the petition is filed.
Immigrant visa application fee: $265. This fee must be paid to the U.S. Department of State when the visa application is submitted to the U.S. embassy or consulate.
Medical examination and related costs: The cost for the required medical examination and related costs will vary based on the location of the exam and the specific requirements of the U.S. embassy or consulate.
Biometric fee: $85. This fee is required for all applicants for a K-1 visa who are over the age of 14.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to process a K-1 Fiancé visa?

The processing time for a K-1 Fiancé visa can vary depending on various factors such as the volume of applications received by USCIS, the complexity of the case, and the workload of the U.S. embassy or consulate. As of March 2023, the estimated processing time for a K-1 Fiancé visa is approximately 5 to 7 months.

Can my fiancé(e) work in the United States on a K-1 visa?

No, a K-1 Fiancé visa does not authorize the foreign fiancé(e) to work in the United States. After the marriage, the foreign spouse can apply for work authorization and a Green Card.

Can my fiancé(e) bring dependents with them on a K-1 visa?

No, dependents cannot accompany the foreign fiancé(e) on a K-1 visa. The fiancé(e)’s children may be eligible to apply for K-2 visas to accompany the fiancé(e) to the United States. See the next FAQ about K-2 Visas.

How do I apply for a K-2 Visa for my Fiance's children to come with them to the US?

The process is very similar to the process for the K-1, the US Citizen sponsor can sponsor both the K-1 fiance and their k-2 child(ren). However, seperate applications must be filed. LAWCADDY can help! Purchase a K-1 Visa package for the Fiance and each of their children and use our simple forms to complete all the required paperwork, collect and submit the appropriate applications in the US and in your home country.