What Is the Fiance Visa Process for Bringing a Foreign Fiance to the US?
Key Takeaways
- The K-1 visa allows U.S. citizens to bring their foreign fiancé(e) to the U.S. to get married within 90 days of arrival.
- The process involves filing Form I-129F, completing consular processing, and attending an embassy interview.
- Costs currently range from $2,500 to $8,000, and processing takes 6-10 months on average.
Overview of the K-1 Visa Process
If you’re a U.S. citizen and engaged to a foreign national, the K-1 fiancé(e) visa allows your partner to come to the U.S. so you can marry and apply for a green card. You must meet specific requirements and go through a multi-step application process to qualify. This includes filing petitions, providing proof of a genuine relationship, and attending an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
The entire process can take several months, and mistakes or missing documents can cause delays. Careful planning and proper documentation can help make things go more smoothly.
Steps to Apply for a K-1 Visa
Bringing your fiancé(e) to the U.S. requires completing several steps:
- File Form I-129F: Submit a Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) to USCIS with proof of your relationship and intent to marry within 90 days of arrival.
- Complete Background Checks: Both you and your fiancé(e) must pass background checks. Your fiancé(e) will need police certificates from every country they have lived in for over six months since age 16.
- Provide Relationship Evidence: USCIS requires proof that your relationship is real. This includes photos, travel records, messages, and witness statements from friends or family.
- Pay Visa Fees: Expect fees for Form I-129F ($675), visa application ($265), medical exam ($200-$800), and post-marriage adjustment of status ($1,440).
- Schedule and Attend the Visa Interview: Your fiancé(e) must attend a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country, bringing all required documents to prove the legitimacy of your relationship.
Main Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a K-1 visa, you and your fiancé(e) must meet certain requirements:
- Proof of Intent to Marry: You must show plans to marry within 90 days of your fiancé(e)’s arrival, such as venue bookings or wedding preparations.
- Proof of In-Person Meeting: You must have met at least once in person within the past two years before filing the petition. Evidence includes travel itineraries, passport stamps, or photographs.
- U.S. Citizenship Proof: You must provide proof of your U.S. citizenship, such as a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate.
- Financial Stability: You must meet 100% of the federal poverty guidelines to financially support your fiancé(e), or you may need a joint sponsor.
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K-1 Visa Costs and Processing Time
The total cost of a K-1 visa can currently range from $2,500 to $8,000, depending on legal fees and additional expenses:
- USCIS Filing Fee (Form I-129F): $675
- Visa Application Fee: $265
- Medical Exam: $200–$800 (varies by country)
- Adjustment of Status (after marriage): $1,440
- Legal Fees (optional): $2,000–$5,000
Processing Time
The K-1 visa process takes approximately 6-10 months, but delays can happen due to:
- USCIS backlogs and case processing times
- Embassy appointment wait times
- Requests for additional evidence (RFEs) if documents are missing or incomplete
Need Help With Your K-1 Visa?
The fiancé(e) visa process can be confusing, and small mistakes can cause delays or denials. A lawyer can help ensure your paperwork is complete, provide guidance on proving your relationship, and help you handle any unexpected issues. Marble is here to simplify the process so you and your fiancé(e) can start your life together in the U.S. without unnecessary stress.
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