K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa
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Key Forms & Process
The process begins by filing Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)) with proof of U.S. citizenship, proof that you have met in person within the last 2 years (unless waived for cultural or extreme hardship reasons), and evidence of a bona fide relationship (photos, travel itineraries, chat logs, affidavits). After USCIS approval, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC), then to the U.S. embassy in your fiancé(e)’s home country. Your fiancé(e) files Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application), attends a medical exam, and completes an embassy interview. Once approved, they receive a K-1 visa and enter the U.S. You must marry within 90 days of entry. After marriage, we file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status), Form I-765 (Work Permit), and Form I-131 (Travel Permit) to transition to a green card.
What We Handle at ZubaidaLaw
Our legal advocates manage the entire K-1 journey: filing the I-129F accurately to avoid RFEs (Requests for Evidence), notarizing affidavits of intent to marry and relationship proof, preparing your fiancé(e) for the embassy interview (including overcoming 214(b) denial risks), and handling the post-marriage adjustment package. We also advise on the K-1 vs. CR1 decision: K-1 gets you together faster but requires an extra adjustment step; CR1 takes longer but grants a green card immediately upon entry. We help you choose the best path. If you have a child (K-2 visa), we include them as derivatives.
Call us at 865-382-2900 to determine if the K-1 visa is right for you and start your petition today.
It's a non-immigrant visa for the foreign fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to enter the U.S., marry within 90 days, then apply for a green card. Same-sex couples are fully eligible.
Typically 6–12 months from filing I-129F to visa issuance, depending on the U.S. embassy's backlog. It's generally faster than the CR1 spouse visa.
No, not immediately. After marriage, we file Form I-765 (work permit) and Form I-131 (advance parole for travel). These take 3–6 months to approve. Until then, they cannot work or leave the U.S.
The K-1 visa expires. Your fiancé(e) must leave the U.S. or face deportation. There is no extension. You would need to start over with a new visa.
Yes. Unmarried children under 21 of your fiancé(e) can receive K-2 visas as derivatives. They follow the same 90-day rule and adjustment process.
U.S. citizen petitioner (green card holders cannot file K-1)
Met in person within the last 2 years (exceptions available)
Both legally free to marry (no prior marriages, or divorced/widowed)
Bona fide relationship (not just to get a green card)
I-129F (petition), DS-160 (visa application), I-485 (adjustment after marriage), I-765 (work permit), I-131 (travel permit), plus I-864 (affidavit of support after marriage).
125% of Federal Poverty Guideline (approx. $25,550 for household of 2 in 2025). A joint sponsor can help if you don't meet it.
| Feature | K-1 Fiancé Visa | CR1 Spouse Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Time to be together | 6–12 months | 12–18 months |
| Work/travel immediately | No (3–6 months after marriage) | Yes (green card upon entry) |
| Steps | Visa + marriage + adjustment | Visa only |
| Total cost | Higher (two filings) | Lower (one filing) |
We help you choose based on your priorities.
Yes. We provide full notarization services for affidavits of intent to marry, relationship witness statements, and translated foreign documents. We also offer legal consultations for denied or complex K-1 cases.
