Bring your fiancé(e) to the U.S. — and marry within 90 days.

What the K-1 covers

The K-1 is a non-immigrant visa for the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen. It’s structured around a specific intent: the fiancé(e) enters the U.S., the couple marries within 90 days of arrival, and the new spouse then files for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident.

This pathway is distinct from the CR-1/IR-1 spousal visa, which is used when the marriage has already happened abroad. The choice between K-1 and CR-1 is a key strategic decision — see our K-1 vs CR-1 comparison.

Who qualifies

The K-1 requires:

1. U.S. citizen petitioner (lawful permanent residents cannot file K-1)
2. Genuine intent to marry within 90 days of the fiancé(e)‘s arrival
3. Both parties legally free to marry — divorces finalized, no existing marriages
4. Met in person within the past 2 years (with limited exceptions for cultural or religious reasons)
5. No criminal history that triggers IMBRA disclosures (though many situations are disclosable, not disqualifying)

The full timeline

The K-1 has more steps than most family-based visas:

Total to permanent residency: typically 3-4 years from initial filing.

What we handle

1. Eligibility analysis — confirm both parties qualify
2. I-129F preparation with comprehensive evidence of relationship (photos, communications, travel records, joint plans)
3. NVC and consular liaison — manage the handoff from USCIS to State Department
4. Interview prep — what to expect, common questions, document checklist
5. Adjustment of status filing post-marriage
6. Removal of conditions (I-751) at the 2-year mark

K-1 vs CR-1 — the strategic choice

The K-1 has one big advantage and one big disadvantage compared to the CR-1 (spousal visa for already-married couples):

K-1 advantage: the fiancé(e) typically arrives in the U.S. faster — often 8-12 months versus 12-18 months for CR-1.

K-1 disadvantage: total time to green card is longer because adjustment of status happens after entry. CR-1 enters with green card already issued.

K-1 advantage: allows the couple to marry in the U.S., which some prefer for family reasons.

CR-1 advantage: spouse can work immediately upon arrival; K-1 spouse must wait for the EAD that’s usually issued during AOS.

Common pitfalls

• Insufficient evidence of relationship — USCIS scrutinizes the genuine nature of the intended marriage. We help prepare a thorough evidence package.
• In-person meeting requirement — the parties must have met within the past 2 years. Long-distance relationships that started during COVID are often eligible for waivers but require careful documentation.
• 90-day deadline — failing to marry within 90 days of arrival means the fiancé(e) must depart the U.S.
• Prior marriages not properly terminated — divorce decrees from foreign jurisdictions sometimes need authentication.

Costs

Plus medical exams (~$500) and translation/apostille of foreign documents.