K-1 fiancé(e) visa
The K-1 lets a U.S. citizen bring a foreign fiancé(e) to the United States to marry within 90 days. After the marriage the K-1 entrant adjusts status to permanent residence. It is faster than waiting for a spousal immigrant visa in some cases and slower in others, and it locks the couple into marrying the petitioner and nobody else.
Who it is for. U.S. citizens - not permanent residents - engaged to a foreign national, with any of the fiancé(e)'s unmarried children under 21 as K-2 derivatives.
The forms, in order
- 1
File Form I-129F with evidence of the relationship and of having met in person within two years
The in-person meeting requirement can be waived for extreme hardship or established cultural practice.
- 2
Wait for USCIS approval and transfer to the National Visa Center
- 3
Complete the visa application and attend the interview abroad
- 4
Enter the United States and marry within 90 days
There is no way to convert K-1 status other than marrying the petitioner.
- 5
File for adjustment of status, a work permit and advance parole
- 6
Remove conditions if the marriage was under two years old at approval
Where it goes wrong
- Missing the 90-day marriage deadline leaves the person out of status with no alternative route through the K-1.
- A K-1 entrant can only adjust through marriage to the petitioner; marrying anyone else forecloses adjustment.
- Working before the EAD arrives is unauthorised - K-1 status does not carry work permission by itself.
- Consular K processing has slowed under the 2025-26 interview and vetting expansions.
What changed in 2025 and 2026
- Expanded social media vetting and restored in-person interviews have lengthened K visa processing.
- State guidance on adjudicating applicants in their country of residence affects couples where the fiancé(e) lives in a third country.