The K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa USA, often called the “90-day fiancé(e) visa,” is a temporary nonimmigrant visa that allows a U.S. citizen to sponsor a foreign national fiancé(e) to enter the United States for the purpose of marriage.

Once the K-1 visa is approved and issued, the foreign national fiancé(e) may travel to the United States. The visa is valid for 90 days, during which the couple must marry. This requirement gives rise to the common name “90-day fiancé(e) visa.”

If the marriage occurs within the 90-day period, the foreign national spouse may then apply for a marriage-based green card through adjustment of status.

Important Clarifications About the K-1 Visa

• There is no such thing as a “fiancé(e) green card.”

• The K-1 visa does not grant permanent residence on its own.

• A green card is obtained only after marriage to the U.S. citizen sponsor and approval of the adjustment of status application.

• Only U.S. citizens may sponsor a fiancé(e) for a K-1 visa.

• Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) cannot file for a fiancé(e) visa and must instead pursue a spousal immigrant visa after marriage.

At Bridgewood & Co., our fiancé(e) visa attorneys help couples understand whether the K-1 visa is the most effective first step toward permanent residence.

K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa vs. Spouse Immigrant Visa

The primary distinction between these two options is timing and immigration status:

• The K-1 visa is a temporary nonimmigrant visa used to enter the U.S., marry, and then apply for a green card.

• A spouse immigrant visa is an immigrant visa that grants permanent residence upon entry into the United States.

Only engagement is required for a K-1 visa, while the spouse immigrant visa requires the couple to be already married.

Choosing between these options depends on your personal circumstances, timing, and long-term plans. This is one of the most common questions couples ask, and our attorneys carefully evaluate each case to recommend the most effective strategy.

K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa Process

The K-1 fiancé(e) visa process involves multiple steps and strict requirements. Our attorneys guide clients through every phase, including:

Six Key Steps in the K-1 Visa Process

1. File Form I-129F
   The U.S. citizen files Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)) with USCIS.

2. File the Visa Application
   After USCIS approval, the foreign national submits Form DS-160 to the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate.

3. Medical Exam & Interview
   The fiancé(e) completes a medical exam and attends a visa interview.

4. Enter the United States
   The K-1 visa is typically valid for six months for entry.

5. Marriage Within 90 Days
   The couple must marry within 90 days of entry.

6. Apply for Adjustment of Status
   After marriage, the foreign spouse applies for permanent residence (green card).

Bridgewood & Co. supports couples from initial filing through green card approval.

Timeline for a K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa

On average, the K-1 visa process takes 9–14 months, though timelines may vary by consulate and global conditions.

Typical milestones include:

• USCIS receipt notice: 1–3 months

• USCIS approval (I-129F): 6–10 months

• Consular processing & interview scheduling: 1–4 months

• Entry to the U.S.: within 6 months of visa issuance

• Adjustment of status after marriage: 6–14 months

There is no premium processing available for K-1 visas.

Documents Required for a K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa

Common forms and filings include:

• Form I-129F – Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)

• Form DS-160 – Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application

• Form I-134 – Affidavit of Support

• Form I-693 – Medical Examination

• Form I-485 – Adjustment of Status

• Form I-765 – Employment Authorization

• Form I-131 – Travel Document

Supporting evidence is required to demonstrate eligibility and relationship authenticity.

K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate:

• The petitioner is a U.S. citizen

• Both parties are legally free to marry

• The couple has met in person within the past two years (with limited exceptions)

• The relationship is genuine and entered in good faith

• Financial eligibility under federal poverty guidelines

• Medical admissibility and absence of disqualifying criminal history

Same-sex couples are fully eligible under U.S. immigration law, regardless of local laws in their country of origin.

Cost of a K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa

K-1 visa costs generally include:

• USCIS filing fees

• Consular application fees

• Medical exam costs

• Adjustment of status filing fees

• Legal fees (if represented by counsel)

Costs vary depending on case specifics and country of processing. Our attorneys help clients avoid unnecessary delays or denials that can increase costs.

K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa Interview

The visa interview is conducted at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad and focuses on:

• The authenticity of the relationship

• The intent to marry

• Admissibility to the United States

While the U.S. citizen does not attend the interview, Bridgewood & Co. provides thorough interview preparation so clients feel confident and prepared.

There Is No “Fiancé(e) Green Card”

Although often searched online, a “fiancé(e) green card” does not exist. Permanent residence is obtained only after marriage and approval of a marriage-based green card application.

How Bridgewood & Co. Can Help

Our K-1 fiancé(e) visa services include:

• Case evaluation and strategy development

• Petition and application preparation

• Interview preparation

• K-2 visa assistance for children

• Adjustment of status and green card filings

At Bridgewood & Co., we provide strategic, compassionate, and detail-oriented representation to help couples reunite and build their future in the United States.