Last updated on February 27, 2026
A K-1 visa, also known as a fiancée/fiancé visa, is a temporary visa that allows a foreign national engaged to a U.S. citizen to enter the country with the intention of marrying. It is intended to make it easier for engaged couples who are separated by international borders to reunite.
In order to obtain fiancée visa or fiancé visa, the U.S. citizen partner must file a petition (Form I-129F) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to demonstrate a genuine intent to marry.
When the petition is approved, the foreign fiancé(e) can apply for a K-1 visa at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They are then permitted to enter the United States for a period of 90 days to marry their U.S. citizen partner. Following the marriage, the foreign spouse can petition for adjustment of status in the United States to become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
At Borjas Law Group, LLC., our skilled K-1 visa lawyers in Chicago can help you navigate the complexities of the application process. We have helped many couples start their lives together in the United States and can do the same for you.
Reach out to us online or call 312-788-2783 to schedule a consultation. Our attorneys speak English, Spanish and Tagalog, and we have access to professional translators in most languages to assist clients all around the world.
To be eligible for a K-1 fiancée visa, both the U.S. sponsor and the foreign partner must have met in person during the previous two years prior to submitting Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e). Photographs, travel records such as airline tickets and hotel receipts, passport stamps, or military orders may be used as evidence of this meeting.
The sponsoring U.S. citizen partner needs to provide proof of their American citizenship, such as a birth certificate, valid U.S. passport, consular officer’s statement, or naturalization certificate.
The foreign partner must reside outside the United States, be unmarried, and have met the U.S. citizen sponsor within two years before completing Form I-129F. They should not have a criminal record that disqualifies them and should be ready to submit any documents requested by USCIS.
Once approved, the foreign fiancée/fiancé has six months to enter the United States. To maintain their K-1 status, the couple must marry within 90 days of reuniting.
There are additional requirements as well:
The U.S. citizen must also prove their eligibility to sponsor their fianc(é)e. This includes proving that they are a citizen and that they have the financial means to support their fianc(é)e.
The couple must also prove that their marriage will be legal in the state in which they marry.
The fianc(é)e must prove that they are of legal age to marry and that they are not already married to someone else.
If either party has been previously married, they must prove that their previous marriage has been legally terminated.
The U.S. citizen sponsor must prove that they have a permanent residence in the United States or that they are a U.S. citizen by birth.
To be sure that you and your fianc(é)e are eligible for this process, speak with a skilled K-1 visa attorney in Chicago at Borjas Law Group, LLC..
Couples exploring the K‑1 process often need clarity about how this visa differs from other family‑based options. The answers below can provide practical guidance, allowing you to understand the requirements and potential outcomes.
A fiance visa, technically known as the K-1 nonimmigrant visa, allows a foreign national engaged to a U.S. citizen to enter the United States for the purpose of getting married. To qualify for a “fiancee visa,” the couple must generally prove they have met in person within the last two years and have a bona fide intent to marry within 90 days of the foreign partner’s arrival.
A K‑1 visa allows a foreign national fiancé to enter the United States for the purpose of marrying a U.S. citizen within 90 days of arrival. It is designed for couples who are not yet married but intend to marry soon after the foreign partner enters the country. A spousal visa, by contrast, is available only after a marriage has already taken place and generally leads directly to permanent resident status upon entry.
The K‑1 process often moves faster at first, but the foreign national must still complete the adjustment of status after the marriage, which adds additional steps and costs. Couples deciding between the two options often consider timing, location of the wedding and potential long‑term processing needs.
The U.S. citizen petitioner must show sufficient income to meet at least 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines when submitting the initial K‑1 petition. The income requirement increases to 125% of the guidelines when filing the later affidavit of support. These financial requirements help demonstrate that the foreign national fiancé will not become dependent on government assistance.
If the petitioner’s income does not meet the threshold, assets may sometimes be used to supplement the shortfall. In certain cases, a joint financial sponsor may also be permitted, although the rules differ between the K‑1 stage and the adjustment of status stage. Knowing what is required helps couples prepare the strongest possible financial documentation.
A denial can occur for several reasons, including incomplete documentation, concerns about the validity of the relationship and any issues uncovered during background checks. When a denial is issued, the notice will explain the reason and outline whether the decision may be appealed.
Some denials can be challenged through a formal appeal or a motion to reopen or reconsider, while others require filing a new petition with additional evidence. Reviewing the denial notice carefully and addressing specific concerns is essential for determining the most effective next step.
Contact us at 312-788-2783 for personalized visa assistance. Our attorneys speak Spanish and Tagalog, and we have access to professional translators in most languages to assist clients worldwide.
