How the fiancé visa (K-1) process works

What the K-1 is for

The K-1 is for couples where one partner is a U.S. citizen and the other lives abroad, and they intend to marry in the United States. After the foreign fiancé enters on the K-1, the couple must marry within 90 days of entry — a requirement set by U.S. immigration law — and the new spouse then applies to adjust to permanent resident status. A related rule worth knowing: in general, the couple must have met in person within the two years before the petition is filed. Because the details and any exceptions are fact-specific, confirm current requirements with USCIS and the U.S. State Department.

Couples who are already married generally use the marriage green card (I-130) path instead. Which path fits depends on the facts; this guide does not decide that.

The stages, in order

The K-1 runs across more than one government agency, which is part of why it takes a while:

1. The petition (USCIS). The U.S. citizen files the I-129F with USCIS to establish the relationship. The current I-129F filing fee is $675; confirm the amount with the USCIS Fee Calculator before filing.
2. National Visa Center and the consulate (Department of State). Once USCIS approves the petition, the case moves to the State Department and then to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the fiancé's country. The fiancé completes a visa application and attends an interview abroad. There are separate State Department and medical-exam costs at this stage: the K-visa application (MRV) fee is currently $265, and every applicant must complete a medical exam with an authorized panel physician, whose fee varies by country and provider. Confirm current consular fees on the U.S. State Department site for the relevant embassy or consulate.
3. Entry and marriage. With the K-1 visa, the fiancé enters the United States, and the couple marries within the required window.
4. Adjustment of status. After marrying, the new spouse files to adjust status to permanent resident (a green card). If that green card is granted within two years of the marriage, it is typically conditional, which later leads to an I-751 to remove conditions, covered in a separate guide.

How long it takes

Because the K-1 crosses agencies and includes a consular interview abroad, timelines are long and vary by country and workload, and they move over time. Check the official USCIS processing-time tool for the petition stage and the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate for the visa stage to get current estimates.

What it costs

The all-in cost spans several stages: the $675 USCIS I-129F petition fee, the $265 State Department K-visa application (MRV) fee, and the medical exam with a panel physician (cost varies by country and provider), plus any preparation cost. Later, adjusting status after marriage carries its own separate USCIS fees. Confirm current figures with the USCIS Fee Calculator and the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate.

When you may want an attorney

Prior marriages that were not properly ended, prior visa denials, certain criminal history, or questions about the bona fides of the relationship are common reasons to consult a licensed immigration attorney on a K-1. ImFiled is a document preparation service, not a law firm, and will flag when a situation looks like it needs an attorney.