K-1 — Fiancé(e) of a US Citizen

Visa overview

The K-1 allows the fiancé(e) of a US citizen to enter the United States in order to marry that citizen within 90 days of arrival. It is a hybrid: a temporary visa with an immigrant purpose. Two requirements define it. Both parties must be legally free to marry, meaning any previous marriages are fully and legally terminated. And the couple must generally have met in person within the two years before the petition is filed — a requirement with only narrow exceptions. After the marriage takes place, the K-1 holder applies to adjust status to permanent residence; the 90-day period is for the marriage, not for the residence application.

Who may qualify

• Fiancé(e)s of US citizens where both parties are legally free to marry
• Couples who have met in person within the two years before the petition is filed
• Couples who genuinely intend to marry within 90 days of the fiancé(e)’s arrival
• Unmarried children under 21 of the fiancé(e), who may accompany in the K-2 category

This is general information about the category, not an assessment of your circumstances.

Key requirements

• A petitioner who is a US citizen — permanent residents cannot use this category
• Evidence of having met in person within the two years before filing, unless a narrow exception applies
• Evidence that both parties are legally free to marry
• A genuine intention to marry within 90 days of entry
• Financial support evidence from the petitioner
• Admissibility, including the medical examination

Typical application process

1. 1The US citizen files the fiancé(e) petition with evidence of the relationship and of having met
2. 2On approval, the case is forwarded to the consulate handling the fiancé(e)’s country
3. 3The fiancé(e) completes the visa application and the medical examination
4. 4The fiancé(e) attends the consular interview, where the relationship is discussed directly
5. 5On approval, the fiancé(e) travels and must enter before the visa expires
6. 6The couple marries within 90 days of entry
7. 7The new spouse files to adjust status to permanent residence

Documents commonly required

• Evidence of the petitioner’s US citizenship
• Evidence of meeting in person: passport stamps, boarding passes, dated photographs together, hotel or travel records
• Relationship evidence over time: correspondence, call records, messages, evidence of trips
• Divorce decrees or death certificates ending any prior marriages, for both parties
• Signed statements of intent to marry from both parties
• Financial support evidence from the petitioner
• Passport, civil documents, police certificates and the medical examination report

Typical processing considerations

The K-1 spans petition processing, consular processing and then the adjustment of status application after the marriage — three stages, each with its own duration. The period allowed after entry in which to marry is fixed by statute and cannot be extended, so the marriage must be arranged before travel rather than organised afterwards. Couples sometimes compare this route with applying as a spouse after marrying abroad; which is preferable depends on individual circumstances, not on a general rule. No date or outcome can be guaranteed.

Common questions about the K-1