Disclaimer: We assist with federal U.S. immigration (USCIS) matters only. Attorney Scott A. Maki is licensed in Minnesota only and cannot assist with state-law matters in any other state, including North Dakota.
A K-1 fiancé visa lets the foreign fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen come to the United States to get married. After the wedding, your spouse can apply for a green card without leaving the country.
The K-1 is only one path. For some couples, marrying first and filing for a spouse visa works better. This page helps you compare.
Who qualifies for a K-1 fiancé visa?
- The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen. Green card holders cannot file for a K-1.
- Both of you must be legally free to marry, with any earlier marriages ended.
- You must intend to marry within 90 days after your fiancé(e) enters the U.S.
- Generally, you must have met in person within the 2 years before filing. Limited exceptions exist.
Your fiancé(e)’s unmarried children under 21 may be able to come too, on K-2 visas.
How does the K-1 process work?
- File Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), with USCIS.
- After approval, the case goes to the National Visa Center and then to the U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Your fiancé(e) completes a medical exam and attends a visa interview.
- Your fiancé(e) enters the U.S. on the K-1 visa.
- You marry within 90 days.
- Your new spouse files Form I-485 to get a green card.
Why the right evidence matters
USCIS decides K-1 fiancé(e) visa cases based on the forms and evidence you file. Under USCIS policy guidance issued August 5, 2026, officers can now deny an application that is missing required evidence without first sending a Request for Evidence (RFE). In other words, you may not get a second chance to fix it.
We know what USCIS looks for, and we prepare and organize the evidence for you, so your case is complete the first time. Thinking about filing on your own? Read this first.
K-1 fiancé visa vs. spouse visa
Both paths lead to a green card. However, they differ in important ways:
- K-1: you marry in the U.S. Afterward, you file a second application for the green card, which adds cost and steps.
- Spouse visa (CR-1/IR-1): you marry first, usually abroad. Your spouse enters the U.S. as a permanent resident, with no separate green card application.
The right choice depends on where you want to marry, your timeline, and your budget. We can walk through both options with you. See our marriage green card page for the spouse path.
How long does a K-1 visa take?
Timing depends on USCIS and on the embassy that handles your case. See the USCIS processing times page and check the embassy’s own wait times.
Common questions
What if we do not marry within 90 days?
The K-1 status ends and cannot be extended. Your fiancé(e) would generally need to leave the U.S. Plan your wedding date carefully.
Can my fiancé(e) work after arriving?
A K-1 visitor can apply for a work permit. In practice, most couples wait and file for the work permit with the green card application after the wedding.
How we help
- Decide whether the K-1 or a spouse visa fits you best
- Prepare a strong I-129F petition
- Get your fiancé(e) ready for the embassy interview
- Handle the green card application after the wedding
Planning to bring your fiancé(e) to the U.S.? Call (218) 461-4654 or send us a message. You will talk directly with the attorney.
Related pages
Official information: USCIS Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e).
This page provides general information, not legal advice. Every case is different, and immigration rules change often.