Visa Focus Friday: The K‑1 Visa

This week, we are spotlighting the K‑1 fiancé(e) visa, a special nonimmigrant category designed to unite engaged couples when one partner is a U.S. citizen.  Whether your relationship began abroad or online, the K‑1 visa enables your partner to enter the United States to marry you and start your life together.

The K-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that permits the foreign partner of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States with the intent to marry within 90 days. Following the marriage, the foreign fiancé(e) may apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident.

Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the K-1 visa, the following requirements must be met:

• The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen.
• Both parties must be legally free to marry.
• The couple must intend to marry within 90 days of the fiancé(e)’s entry.
• The relationship must be genuine, supported by evidence such as photos, correspondence, and affidavits.
• The petitioner must demonstrate the ability to financially support the fiancé(e) at an income level above the federal poverty guidelines to ensure the fiancé(e) will not rely on public assistance.
• The couple must have met in person within two years prior to filing Form I-129F*.

*Exception to the In-Person Meeting Rule:  If meeting in person would violate strict, long-established cultural or social customs, or if meeting would cause extreme hardship to the petitioner, a waiver request can be included with the petition, supported by credible evidence.

The Application Process

1. File Form I-129F with USCIS, including proof of citizenship, relationship, intent to marry, and evidence of the in-person meeting or waiver.
2. Upon approval, the petition is sent to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the foreign fiancé(e)’s country.
3. The fiancé(e) completes visa application forms, undergoes a medical exam, and attends an interview.
4. Once the K-1 visa is granted, the fiancé(e) travels to the United States.
5. The couple must marry within 90 days of arrival.
6. After marriage, the foreign spouse applies for adjustment of status to lawful permanent residency.

Why the K-1 Visa Matters
The K-1 visa is vital in reuniting couples separated by borders, providing a clear, lawful path to marriage and permanent residency. It balances family unity with immigration law to ensure genuine relationships enter the United States.

At Stommes Immigration
We guide couples through every step of the K-1 visa process, helping gather strong evidence, prepare petitions, and navigate interviews. Contact us at [email protected] for trusted legal assistance in bringing your fiancé(e) home.

 If you have questions about your visa status or if you are an employer exploring immigration options, we are here to help.  At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal landscapes.
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The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.  To schedule a Consultation to discuss your legal immigration options, please email us at [email protected].