Who the K-1 is for
#- Fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens planning to marry in the U.S.
- Couples who meet eligibility and relationship evidence requirements
- Applicants planning to pursue adjustment of status after marriage
Official guidance to review
#Use official guidance for I-129F petitions, interview preparation, and DS-160 requirements.
Requirements checklist (high level)
#- Form I-129F filed by the U.S. citizen sponsor
- Evidence of a bona fide relationship
- DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application
- Consular interview and medical exam
Documents and evidence
#Expect relationship evidence, proof of intent to marry, and civil documents. Follow consular post instructions for document formats and translations.
U.S. documents checklistK-1 fiancé(e) overviewReview the DS-160 form guideStep-by-step overview
#- U.S. citizen sponsor files Form I-129F with USCIS.
- NVC processing and DS-160 completion.
- Medical exam and consular interview.
- Enter the U.S., marry within 90 days, then apply to adjust status.
Fees (verify before you pay)
#Fees include USCIS petition filing fees and Department of State visa fees.
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • USCIS filing fees
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • Visa fee schedule (Department of State)
Processing times
#USCIS petition timelines and interview availability affect overall processing time.
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • USCIS processing times tool
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • Visa appointment wait times (Department of State)
Common mistakes that cause delays
#- Submitting weak relationship evidence
- Missing medical or interview documents
- Not planning for adjustment of status after entry
Next steps
#Use Find My Visa to build a sequenced plan with official sources and deadlines.
FAQs
Is the K-1 only for fiancé(e)s, not spouses?
Yes. The K-1 is for a fiancé(e) to enter the U.S. and marry the U.S. citizen sponsor.
Do I need Form I-129F?
Yes. The U.S. citizen sponsor files Form I-129F to start the K-1 process.
Do we have to marry within 90 days?
Yes. After entry on a K-1, you must marry the sponsoring U.S. citizen within 90 days.
Can K-1 applicants work after entry?
K-1 entrants can apply for work authorization, but many couples apply during adjustment of status after marriage. Always follow current USCIS instructions.
Sources
Last reviewed: 2026-01-29
- Fiancé(e) visa (K-1) (Department of State)
- Family immigration (Department of State)
- Family of U.S. citizens (USCIS)
- Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) (USCIS)
- Visa interview information (Department of State)
- Visa denials (Department of State)
- DS-160 online application (Department of State)
- Visa fee schedule (Department of State)
- Visa appointment wait times (Department of State)
- USCIS processing times tool
- Adjustment of status (USCIS)
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.
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