K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa

Requirements

• The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen, not a green card holder.
• Both of you must be legally free to marry.
• You met in person at least once in the 2 years before filing (limited waivers exist).
• You both intend to marry within 90 days of the K-1 entry.
• The citizen files I-129F; after approval, the fiancé(e) interviews at a U.S. embassy.

How long you can stay

The K-1 visa is single-entry and valid up to 6 months. K-1 status ends 90 days after entry and can't be extended.

Timeline

On Sep 25, 2026, USCIS listed K-1 I-129Fs at 13 months (80% of cases). Then the case goes to the embassy for an interview. After the wedding, the I-485 adds more months. Check current processing times.

Government fees

K visa holders don't pay the $235 USCIS Immigrant Fee. The I-485 and related fees apply after you marry. Medical exam costs are paid to the doctor and vary.

Typical attorney fees

Public flat fees show about $3,500–$5,500 for the K-1 stage. The I-485 after marriage is often billed separately.

Spouse & children

The fiancé(e)'s unmarried children under 21 can come on K-2 visas if listed on the I-129F. They can't enter before the parent.

Work

A K-1 can file I-765 right after entry, but that permit lasts only 90 days from entry. Many apply for work authorization with the I-485 after marrying.

Path to a green card

After marrying within 90 days, file I-485. If married under 2 years when approved, you get a 2-year conditional card and later file I-751.

Note for Korean applicants

For applicants in Korea, the U.S. Embassy in Seoul handles K-1 interviews. K-1 applicants are told to set social media accounts to public. Under the Korea reciprocity schedule, K-1 visas have no issuance fee and allow one entry within 6 months.

Key documents

• Form I-129F with proof the petitioner is a U.S. citizen
• Proof you met in person within the 2 years before filing
• Statements from both of you about your intent to marry within 90 days
• Divorce, annulment or death certificates for any prior marriages
• Evidence of a real relationship (photos, messages, travel records)

Common pitfalls

• Marrying before entry — a K-1 is then no longer the right path
• Missing the 90-day marriage deadline; K-1 status can't be extended
• Leaving social media private during visa vetting
• K-2 children traveling before the K-1 parent
• Forgetting the I-751 window if you receive a 2-year card

Rules in flux

Official sources

• Visas for Fiancé(e)s of U.S. Citizens — USCIS
• I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) — USCIS
• Fee Schedule (Form G-1055), edition 09/09/26 — USCIS
• 22 CFR 22.1 — Schedule of fees for consular services — eCFR
• Fees for Visa Services — U.S. Department of State
• U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country — South Korea — U.S. Department of State
• USCIS Immigrant Fee — USCIS
• Important Visa Information — U.S. Embassy & Consulate in the Republic of Korea — U.S. Embassy Seoul
• U.S. Visa Services — U.S. Embassy Seoul — U.S. Embassy Seoul
• Check Case Processing Times — USCIS
• Policy Alert PA-2026-05: Evidence, Requests for Evidence, and Notices of Intent to Deny (Aug 5, 2026) — USCIS

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