K-1
K-1 allows a foreign fiancé to travel to the United States to marry the petitioning US citizen. Both must be legally free to marry and show their intention to marry within 90 days of entry on K-1.
From the visa to the residence application
The process begins with the US citizen’s I-129F petition, followed by the fiancé or fiancée’s consular K-1 application abroad. After entering and marrying the petitioner within the required period, the beneficiary may apply for adjustment of status. The visa does not automatically grant a Green Card.
Requirements for the couple
Both must be legally free to marry. Previous marriages must have legally ended, supported by divorce, annulment or death records; separation alone is insufficient. An in-person meeting within the two years before filing is generally required. Exceptions are limited and must be demonstrated. Same-sex couples may apply for K-1 under the same requirements.
Relationship evidence
Evidence may include photographs and meeting records, communications between the couple, statements from people close to them, invitations, reservations and wedding plans. The selection depends on the case: not every example is mandatory, and wedding expenses do not guarantee approval.
Children of the fiancé or fiancée: K-2
Unmarried children under 21 of the fiancé or fiancée may be eligible for K-2. They must be identified in the petition and remain unmarried and under 21 at admission as K-2. They may travel with or after the K-1 principal, never before. After the principal marries the citizen petitioner within 90 days, children admitted in K-2 may apply for adjustment of status if the requirements are met; they must remain unmarried.
Financial support and the stage after marriage
The K-1 consular stage requires evidence of financial support and may use I-134 according to consular instructions. After marriage, adjustment of status uses I-485 and generally requires the I-864 affidavit of support. These are different assessments and documents: evidence submitted for the visa does not automatically replace the residence-stage requirement.
How we can help
01 · Understand
Your history and goals guide the initial assessment and identification of relevant issues.
02 · Organize
The team identifies the information and evidence needed and explains the scope of the proposed work.
03 · Follow through
You receive guidance on the stages of our services and next steps, according to the agreed scope.
Frequently asked questions
Is K-1 already permanent residence?
No. The visa allows entry for the intended marriage. A Green Card involves a later stage and its own requirements.
Who can apply for K-1?
A foreign fiancé or fiancée of a US citizen, to enter and marry in the US. The citizen files the petition; the beneficiary applies for the visa abroad.
Must we have met in person?
Generally yes, within the two years before filing. Waivers may involve strict and long-established cultural or social customs or extreme hardship to the petitioner; they are not automatic.
How can we demonstrate a genuine engagement?
Organize the evidence of time together, communication and genuine intent to marry described above. The team advises which documents are relevant to the couple’s history.
What is the deadline to marry after entry?
Marriage to the US citizen petitioner must take place within 90 days of K-1 entry. Residence then requires a separate application.
Will residence be conditional?
If the marriage is less than two years old when residence is granted, residence is conditional for two years. Removing conditions requires a later procedure; it is not automatic.
Which situations prevent qualification for K-1?
Not being free to marry, failing the meeting requirement without an applicable waiver or lacking genuine intent to marry within the deadline are examples. Other admissibility requirements must also be assessed.
Can my children accompany me with K-2?
Yes. Unmarried children under 21 may qualify for K-2 and travel with or after the K-1 holder, never before. They must be listed on the petition. Age, remaining unmarried and adjustment after the marriage are explained in the section on K-2 children.
Do I need to send documents when I first get in touch?
The team will explain which information is needed and the appropriate channel for sending private documents.
Can approval or a timeline be guaranteed?
No. Government decisions and processing times depend on the authorities and the circumstances of each case.
Information in context
Informational content. Eligibility, documentation and strategy depend on individual assessment and the rules applicable to the case.
Official reference ↗USCIS — fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens ↗