At Yellow Law Group, we help couples navigate the fiancé visa process smoothly, so you can begin your life together without delays or complications.

What is a Fiancé Visa?

A fiancé(e) visa (K-1 visa) allows a U.S. citizen to bring their foreign fiancé to the U.S. to marry. It’s a temporary visa, and you must marry within 90 days of arrival.

Requirements for a K-1 Fiancé Visa

As a U.S. citizen, you can sponsor your fiancé, but certain conditions must be met:

• You must be a U.S. citizen (not a green card holder).
• You both must intend to marry within 90 days of your fiancé’s arrival.
• You must both be legally free to marry (not married to others, of legal age, and not closely related).
• You must have met in person within the past two years.
• You must show you can financially support your fiancé.
• You must prove your marriage is genuine—not for immigration purposes only. Supporting documents include:
  • Letters, photos, and proof of travel together
  • Statements from family and friends

After marriage, your spouse can apply for a green card to become a permanent resident.

Fiancé Visa Process

The process is the same across all states. Here’s how it works:

1. File Petition: You, as the U.S. citizen, file Form I-129F with USCIS to start the process.
2. Petition Approval: If USCIS approves, they send the petition to the U.S. Department of State, which forwards it to the U.S. embassy or consulate in your fiancé’s country.
3. Visa Application: Your fiancé fills out Form DS-160 and attends an interview at the embassy or consulate.
4. Visa Issued: If approved, your fiancé has six months to enter the U.S. and must marry within 90 days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What if my fiancé is already in the U.S.?
  If your fiancé is already in the U.S., you cannot apply for a fiancé visa. Instead, you should apply for a marriage visa (K-3 visa).

• What if we don’t marry within 90 days?
  If you don’t marry within 90 days, the visa expires and your fiancé must leave. They cannot change their visa status. In some cases, a conditional waiver may be available, but it’s essential to speak with an attorney immediately.

• Can my fiancé’s children get visas?
  Yes, children under 21 and unmarried can be included in the petition and receive a K-2 visa.

• Can the 2-year meeting requirement be waived?
  In certain cases, such as extreme hardship or cultural customs, the requirement to meet in person can be waived, but it’s rare.
• How long does the process take?
  The fiancé visa process typically takes 13 to 18 months. The more complete and accurate your application, the quicker it can be approved.

Common Challenges with Fiancé Visas

Some typical issues petitioners face include:

• Confusing the fiancé visa with a marriage visa.
• Incomplete or incorrect forms (I-129F or DS-160).
• Insufficient proof of a genuine relationship.
• Not marrying within 90 days of arrival.

Get Expert Help

Applying for a fiancé visa can be complex. A family immigration attorney can help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your application is successful.

Contact Yellow Law Group

To start your journey together, contact Yellow Law Group. Our experienced K-1 visa attorneys will guide you through every step. Call us at +1 (201) 899-6194 or fill out the form online to schedule your consultation. Let us help you bring your fiancé to the U.S. and begin your life together.