
How long is a K-1 fiance visa valid?
After issuance, the K-1 fiancé visa is valid for 6 months. However, once an entry stamp is made, the clock shortens to 90 days. The alien must marry the original petitioner within this 90 day period. There is no way to extend the 90 day period.
How long does it take to get a fiance visa?
In general K-1 processing times can range anywhere from six to twelve months, depending on the complexity of the case as well as other information requested by USCIS. Fiance visas are issued to the fiance of a citizen in order for them to enter into the country and subsequently get married.
Can a US citizen apply for a fiance visa?
Fiancé (e) visas are issued to the fiancé (e) of a citizen in order for them to enter into the country and subsequently get married. In order to establish this classification, the U.S. citizen in the relationship must file an I-129 Petition for Relative or Fiancé (e) with USCIS.
Why would a fiance visa be denied?
Here are the Top 10 Reasons a Fiance Visa Case will be denied. Your fiancé has violated the terms of his or her U.S. visa in the past. Overstaying a visa by more than 180 days for example can cause your fiancé to not be able to obtain a fiancé visa for 3 years.

Can a fiancé visa be extended?
No, it cannot be extended. If you and your fiancé who is here on a K-1 fiancé visa are not married within 90 days the visa expires and your fiancé will have to leave the United States.
Which is faster spouse or fiancé visa?
Application Process and Timeline for Fiancé(e) and Spousal Visa. If your main goal is to get to the U.S. as quickly as possible, then the K-1 fiancé(e) visa is likely the fastest option. But if your goal is to get an actual green card as soon as possible, then a marriage-based visa will be quicker.
How long do you have to stay married on a fiancé visa?
90 daysWhat Is a K-1 visa? A K-1 visa — also called a fiancé visa — allows the engaged partner of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States, as long as the couple gets married no more than 90 days later. The newly married spouse can then apply for permanent residence (a “green card”) based on marriage.
How long is a K-1 visa good for after marriage?
90 daysK1 nonimmigrant status automatically expires 90 days after entry into the U.S. This 90-day window cannot be extended and if the couple does not marry within 90 days, the foreign fiancé and his or her children must leave the U.S.
How long does fiancé visa take 2022?
approximately 9 to 12 monthsAs of March 2022, K-1 visa processing took approximately 9 to 12 months (USCIS time to process Form I-129F). Click here to see exact ranges based on your service center. In addition to that, it takes between three to four weeks to receive notice from the National Visa Center with further instructions.
Do fiancé visas get denied?
There are various reasons why a consular may deny a K1 visa petition, including but not limited to: The petitioner does not meet the necessary requirements. The foreign national does not meet the necessary requirements. The relationship seems suspicious or fraudulent.
How much does fiancé visa cost?
Fiancé or K-1 visa cost: $2,025 The U.S. citizen partner completes the appropriate government form (I-129F – “petition for a K-1 Visa”), and mails it to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), along with the $535 filing fee.
Can you travel to the US while waiting for a fiancé visa?
Can my fiancé visit me in the US while waiting for a K-1 fiancé visa? Yes – your fiancé may visit the US, so long as they have a valid B-1/B-2 visa or ESTA. However, your fiancé should expect more scrutiny at the border.
When can fiancé visa get citizenship?
Thus, although it is not possible to determine exactly when a K-1 status holder will be eligible for naturalization, a K-1 status holder should expect to be eligible to apply for naturalization three years and about 3 months after marrying the K-1 petitioner and submitting the adjustment of status application.
How many times can you apply for fiancé visa?
Can I apply for another K-1 Visa? You can only apply for a K-1 fiancé visa one time in a 2-year period, and only two times total. So if it has been more than 2 years you are okay. If it has been less than 2 years you will need a waiver.
How long does it take to bring spouse to USA 2022?
Average time -- Five to 14.5 months (as of early 2022) for approval of the Form I-130, and additional time depending on individual circumstances. Summary of the Process -- The U.S. citizen starts the process by filing a Form I-130 with USCIS, either online or by mail.
Can you apply for a fiancé visa twice?
If you are the U.S. citizen petitioner for a K1 visa you can apply for a second K1 visa petition over 2 years after approval of your first K1 visa petition. If you want to file a K1 petition in less than two years, you will have to apply for a waiver of this rule.
Which is easier K-1 visa or spousal visa?
Citizens, the K1 Fiance Visa is still quicker and simpler for unmarried international couples seeking to get married. Marriage Visas generally take between 5-7 months from the time the I-130 Petition is filed at a USCIS Service Center to the day a Marriage Visa is issued. First, the Petition is filed with the USCIS.
Which is faster K1 or cr1 2022?
Processing time for K-1 was between three and 22 months in mid-2020 while the processing time for CR-1 was at least 12 months and could be up to 18 months.
How long does it take to bring spouse to USA 2022?
Average time -- Five to 14.5 months (as of early 2022) for approval of the Form I-130, and additional time depending on individual circumstances. Summary of the Process -- The U.S. citizen starts the process by filing a Form I-130 with USCIS, either online or by mail.
What's the difference between fiancé visa and spouse visa?
The primary difference between a fiancé(e) visa and a marriage visa is that with a fiancé(e) visa, the couple can marry in the United States. In contrast, a marriage visa requires the couple to marry outside of the U.S.
How to obtain the fiancé visa?
The process and subsequent obtaining of the K-1 visa for the United States includes the following requirements:
What is the K-1 fiancé visa?
The K-1 visa is used by the fiancé (e) to enter the USA to marry a U.S. citizen. The period of time established by law to carry out the marriage is 90 days maximum.
How to notify USCIS of a K-1 visa?
If the applicant is moving it is important that they notify USCIS by phone 1-800-375-5283 or by email.
What questions are asked in a K1 visa interview?
Some of the most frequently asked questions in the K1 visa interview are whether you have been married before and where you live. Also if the applicant has been convicted or prosecuted for a crime.
How to verify a K-1 visa?
The processing time of the fiancé K-1 visa can be verified in the letter that the Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) sends to the applicant. That is after the agency receives the request and reports having received the documents sent by the embassy.
What is a K-1 visa?
The K-1 visa is one of the most requested types of American non-immigrant visas.
How much is the K1 visa fee?
Complete and file Form I-129F and pay the filing fee of $ 535. The K1 visa application form can be paid by check or money order made out to: Department of Homeland Security. If you do it by credit card, you must fill out form G-1450.
How long can a fiancé stay on a visa?
Your fiancé has violated the terms of his or her U.S. visa in the past. Overstaying a visa by more than 180 days for example can cause your fiancé to not be able to obtain a fiancé visa for 3 years.
How long does it take to get a fiance visa?
You should receive the actual fiance visa within one week of the interview. However, sometimes this wait can be longer. 10. Once you come to the United States you will have 90 days to get married to the U.S. Citizen.
What is the income requirement for a fiancé?
( At the fiancé visa stage your income will need to be at least 100% of the federal poverty line.
Why is my fiance's visa denied?
Bonus tip: another reason fiance visa cases are denied is due to non-compliance with the International Marriage Broker Regulation Act (IMBRA). This act was enacted in 2005 but was really not enforced by USCIS until fairly recently. You must comply with this act or your case will be denied.
How long to wait to file a weaker case?
If your evidence is not strong enough it can and should be made stronger prior to filing the case. It is much better to wait an extra 30 days, obtain more evidence and file a much stronger case then it is to file a weaker case early.
What is the K-1 fiancé visa?
The K-1 visa allows the foreign-born fiancé of a U.S. citizen to travel to the United States to marry their partner within 90 days of arrival. The foreign spouse can then apply for a marriage green card.
Who will review my visa?
If you work with an immigration attorney, or a fiancé visa agency , they will carefully review your situation to verify that you meet all of the requirements.
How much does a K1 visa cost?
The United States citizen sponsor files the K1 visa petition with USCIS by mailing the completed I-129F petition package along with a check to the Department of Homeland Security for $510.
How long does it take to receive a notice of action from USCIS?
Two to three weeks after mailing your petition, you will receive a notice of action (NOA1) in the mail indicating USCIS has received your petition. You do nothing at this step.
What happens if a foreign partner doesn't have a passport?
Passport - If the foreign partner doesn't already have a passport, he or she will need to acquire one.
How long does it take to get an I-129F?
The current processing time for Form I-129F (“Petition for Alien Fiancé”) is 8-10 months, plus 4-6 weeks to receive an interview notice.
Can a fiancé's children get a K2 visa?
The fiancé's children who are under 21 and unmarried may be eligible for a K2 nonimmigrant visa. All that is necessary to include them during the K1 visa petition process is to include their names on the I-129F.
How Long Will K-1 Visa Process Take From Start to Finish?
This entire process from date of filing of the petition till the transfer of the file to the U.S. consulate normally tends to take up to a year; and sometimes more. USCIS approval of the I-129F alone was taking anywhere from five to 23 months in late 2020, depending on which Service Center was handling the file.
How long does it take to get married in the US?
Once the fiancé enters the United States, the marriage must take place within 90 days from the date of entry. But if you plan to apply for a green card, it's worth getting married early on during these 90 days, so that you'll have time to get the official marriage certificate and prepare your other paperwork for Adjustment of Status before the K-1 visa runs out.
What is a K-1 visa?
The fiancé visa (K-1) is issued to the fiancé of a U.S. citizen, allowing that person to enter the United States. Once the foreign fiancé enters the United States, he or she can marry the U.S. citizen and then, if desired, apply for a green card under the immediate relative category. The technical name for the process of applying for ...
How long does it take for a USCIS to process an I-797?
Once the petition is submitted, USCIS will review it for completeness. Assuming the citizen didn't forget to include something, he or she will, within a few weeks, receive a USCIS Form I-797 Notice of Action acknowledging receipt of the petition.
How to file an alien fiancé?
The U.S. citizen must start off the process by filing United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé, available for free download from the USCIS website.
Can a married couple get a green card?
But applying for a green card isn't required. Some fiancés use this visa simply to enter the U.S. and get married, after which the couple lives in the non-U.S. citizen's home country, or somewhere else. As the spouse of a U.S. citizen, of course, the former fiancé can always apply for a U.S. green card.
Can a spouse of a US citizen apply for a green card?
As the spouse of a U.S. citizen, of course, the former fiancé can always apply for a U.S. green card. WARNING: The description below refers to normal processing times. Unfortunately, the coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic has brought every part of the immigration process to a near standstill.
How long does it take to get a fiance visa?
From start to finish, it can take about a year to get a fiance visa. Processing times may vary. Errors, conflicting information, or missing documents resulting in a request for evidence may delay your application process.
How Much Does a Fiance Visa Cost?
In total, you can expect a fiance visa application to cost about $2,025. However, additional fees may apply. Between filing fees, the medical exam, and legal counsel, the entire process of applying for a fiance visa can cost up to $5,000.
How Does a Fiance Visa Work?
If your fiance is granted a K-1 visa, you must get married within 90 days of their entry to the United States .
Who Is Eligible for a Fiance Visa?
A K-1 visa will allow you to bring your foreign spouse to the United States. However, you must meet eligibility requirements. You may apply for a fiance visa if:
What if a Foreign Fiance Has Children?
Unmarried children under age 21 may accompany a parent traveling to the United States on a fiance visa. The only requirement is that they be legally recognized as the petitioner’s children. Children of an alien fiance may enter the U.S. on a K-2 visa. Children eligible for a K-2 visa include:
What is a K-1 visa?
A K-1 visa, also called a fiance visa, is issued to a fiance of a United States citizen. It grants an immigrant lawful entry into the country to marry the U.S. citizen petitioner. Eligibility requirements, fees, and time limits apply, and you’ll need to know them before filing the K-1.
How do I get a green card after getting married?
After getting married, you may apply for a green card by filing Form I-485, Adjustment of Status. This requests permanent residency so your spouse may live and work in the United States indefinitely.
How long does it take to get a visa approved?
Over 99% of all visa petitions manually reviewed by our experts get approval (Generally after 3 to 5 months).
How long does it take to get a divorce from an alien fiance?
If you do everything right, have no criminal record, and the alien fiance isn't from a high fraud area, it shouldn't take a year. In reality, lawyers probably quote a year to cover themselves. We do want you to know it is possible, but very rare - at least in our experience.
What is a fiancé visa?
Fiancé (e) visas are issued to the fiancé (e) of a citizen in order for them to enter into the country and subsequently get married. In order to establish this classification, the U.S. citizen in the relationship must file an I-129 Petition for Relative or Fiancé (e) with USCIS.
How long does it take to get married on a K-1 visa?
Has the K-1 visa been issued? At this point, the foreign fiancé (e) is able to enter the U.S. and has 90 days from the point of arrival to get married to the U.S. sponsor. From there the foreign-born spouse can prepare for an adjustment of status to permanently work and live in the country.
How long does it take for USCIS to process a petition?
Within two to three weeks of submitting the form, the USCIS will send the petitioner (U.S. citizen) notice of receipt to confirm that it has received the petition. The USCIS will review the form and may also notify the petitioner if they need additional information and documentation to process the petition.
What is the I-129F form?
The form must be submitted along with all required supporting documents. I-129F form is used to establish the relationship between the U.S. citizen and the foreign fiancé ( e).
How long does it take to get an I-129F?
Both the receipt of notice and adjudication of the I-129F form takes around 5-7 months. However, it could be longer, especially if the petition is not filed correctly or there are certain missing items. It is best to pay attention to details when filing the form so you can avoid unnecessary delays.
How old do you have to be to marry?
The two of you must be legally eligible to marry in the United States. This means you both are at the legal age to marry, which is at least 18 years old. Also, there must be proof that neither of you is currently in a valid marriage to another person.
Can a foreign fiancé get a K-1 visa?
If after the visa interview, the consular officer is convinced that the foreign fiancé (e) qualifies for the visa, then the K-1 nonimmigrant visa will be granted. Once the visa has been approved, the foreign fiancé (e) can then start preparing to travel to the U.S.

Timing of The K-1 Fiancé Visa Application Process
- Getting a K-1 visa is a multi-step process. The U.S. citizen must start off the process by filing United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé, available for free download from the USCIS website. Take a look at these tipson completing the form. In addition to Form I-129F, the U.S. citizen will need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship (su…
How Long Will K-1 Visa Process Take from Start to finish?
- This entire process from date of filing of the petition till the transfer of the file to the U.S. consulate normally tends to take up to a year; and sometimes more. USCIS approval of the I-129F alone was taking around 8.5 months in mid-2022. You can check how long the USCIS Service Center for your area is taking to make decisions on I-129Fs on the Check Case Processing Time…
Timing of U.S. Entry and Marriage to U.S. Citizen
- Once the K-1 visa has been issued by the consulate, the foreign fiancé can enter the United States and marry the U.S. citizen who filed the I-129F petition. The visa will be valid for U.S. entry for six months from the date it was issued. Once the fiancé enters the United States, the marriage must take place within 90 days from the date of entry. B...
Can A Lawyer Help?
- Engagement to a U.S. citizen does not necessarily mean that the foreign fiancé is entitled to a K-1 visa. An experienced U.S. immigration attorney can guide you through the entire process make sure it goes smoothly and quickly (or, as quickly as possible given the bureaucracy you're dealing with).