What Is a Fiancé(e) Visa and Who Can Apply?

A fiancé(e) visa, or K-1 visa, allows a foreign national to enter the United States to marry their U.S. citizen fiancé(e). The visa is for couples who intend to marry within 90 days of the foreign partner’s arrival. The U.S. citizen files the petition. The foreign national then applies for the visa.

You can apply for this visa if you are a U.S. citizen and your foreign partner lives abroad. You must prove a genuine relationship. You also must show you have met in person at least once in the two years before filing. There are some exceptions for meeting in person, such as extreme hardship.

The purpose of this visa is to facilitate marriage. The foreign fiancé(e) cannot use the K-1 visa to enter the U.S. for other purposes. The U.S. citizen must meet certain income requirements. This ensures the U.S. government that the foreign national will not become a public charge.

If you are a U.S. citizen, you can petition for your fiancé(e). If you are a foreign national, you are the beneficiary of the petition. The process starts with the U.S. citizen. The foreign national cannot begin this process on their own.

You must be legally free to marry. This means any previous marriages must be terminated. Both partners must be at least 18 years old. You must have a bona fide relationship. You must be able to prove that you plan to get married. The visa is a temporary permit to enter the country to marry. After marriage, the foreign partner can apply for permanent residence.

Which Documents Are Required for a Fiancé(e) Visa Application?

Preparing the right documents is crucial for your fiancé(e) visa application. You start with Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e). The U.S. citizen files this form. You also need to submit proof of U.S. citizenship, like a copy of your passport or birth certificate.

Evidence of a bona fide relationship is critical. You must show that your relationship is real. This includes photos together, travel itineraries, and communications like emails, text messages, and call logs. You also need to show proof that you have met in person within the last two years. This could be copies of airline tickets or hotel receipts.

Both you and your fiancé(e) must provide biographical documents. This includes your birth certificates and passports. If either of you has been married before, you need to provide divorce decrees or death certificates. You must show you are legally free to marry. Your fiancé(e) will also need to submit a police certificate from their home country. This shows they do not have a criminal record.

Financial documents are also required. The U.S. citizen must file an Affidavit of Support, Form I-134. This form proves they can financially support the foreign fiancé(e). You may need to provide tax returns, W-2s, and proof of income. This prevents the foreign national from becoming a financial burden on the U.S. government. Having all these documents prepared in advance can speed up your application.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Fiancé(e) Visa Approved?

The timeline for a fiancé(e) visa can vary. There are several stages in the process. The total time can range from 9 to 12 months. The process starts when the U.S. citizen files the Form I-129F. It then goes to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

USCIS processing times can take several months. You can check current processing times on their website. The agency reviews the petition to ensure the relationship is legitimate. They also confirm the U.S. citizen is eligible to file.

After USCIS approves the petition, it moves to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC assigns a case number and forwards the file to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. This stage can also take some weeks.

The final stage is the consular processing. This is where the foreign fiancé(e) prepares for their visa interview. They must gather all required documents and complete a medical exam. The interview itself is the final step. The consular officer reviews the application and conducts the interview. They make the final decision.

Several factors can affect the timeline. These include backlogs at USCIS or the NVC. The efficiency of the U.S. embassy in your fiancé(e)’s country also plays a role. Any request for additional evidence can add months to the process. Being prepared and organized can help avoid delays.

What Is the Difference Between a Fiancé(e) Visa and a Spouse Visa?

The primary difference between a fiancé(e) visa (K-1) and a spouse visa (IR-1/CR-1) lies in where the marriage occurs. A fiancé(e) visa is for a couple who will marry in the United States. A spouse visa is for a couple who are already married. The foreign spouse applies for the visa from abroad to enter the U.S. as a permanent resident.

The fiancé(e) visa process starts with the U.S. citizen filing a petition. Once the foreign fiancé(e) arrives in the U.S., they must marry within 90 days. After the marriage, the foreign partner files to adjust their status to a permanent resident. This is a two-step process.

The spouse visa process is different. The U.S. citizen files a petition for their married spouse. The spouse goes through consular processing abroad. Once the visa is issued, they enter the U.S. as a conditional or immediate permanent resident. This is a one-step process.

Spouse visas offer a direct path to a Green Card. Fiancé(e) visas require an extra step after arrival. The spouse visa holder can work immediately upon arrival. The fiancé(e) visa holder needs to apply for a work permit. The spouse visa may be more suitable for couples who are already married. The fiancé(e) visa is for couples who want to have their wedding in the U.S.

How Much Does a Fiancé(e) Visa Cost in 2025?

The cost of a fiancé(e) visa can change. It is important to know the current fees. The first fee is for filing Form I-129F. This is the petition for Alien Fiancé(e). The U.S. citizen pays this fee to USCIS.

After the petition is approved, the foreign fiancé(e) will have additional costs. There is a visa application fee. This is paid to the U.S. embassy or consulate. The fee covers the processing of the visa application.

The fiancé(e) must also undergo a medical exam. The cost of this exam can vary. It depends on the country and the specific clinic. The exam must be performed by a panel physician approved by the U.S. government.

Other potential costs include fees for police certificates. You may need to pay for translations of documents. If you hire an attorney to help with the process, that will add to the total cost.

The total cost can exceed a thousand dollars. The fees are non-refundable. The costs are subject to change. Always check the official government websites for the most current fee schedule. You must budget for these expenses. They are part of the process.

Can You Work in the U.S. on a Fiancé(e) Visa?

No, you cannot work on a fiancé(e) visa alone. A fiancé(e) visa (K-1) allows a foreign national to enter the United States to marry. It does not grant the right to work. To work, you must obtain a separate document.

Once you enter the U.S. on a K-1 visa, you must marry your U.S. citizen partner within 90 days. After the marriage, you can file for Adjustment of Status to become a permanent resident. At the same time, you can also apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

The EAD allows you to work legally in the U.S. while your Green Card application is pending. The EAD application is filed with Form I-765. This process can take several months. You cannot start working until you receive the EAD.

Working without authorization is illegal. It can jeopardize your ability to get a Green Card. This is a serious violation. You must wait for your EAD to arrive.

Some people apply for the EAD at the same time as their adjustment of status. This is the recommended approach. It can shorten the wait time for your work permit.

The K-1 visa is a temporary, non-immigrant visa. Its purpose is for marriage. It is not for employment. You must follow the legal process to gain work authorization.

Top Reasons Why Fiancé(e) Visa Applications Get Refused

Fiancé(e) visa applications can be denied for several reasons. One of the most common is a failure to prove a bona fide relationship. The U.S. government wants to ensure the relationship is real. They look for genuine intent to marry. Insufficient evidence can lead to a denial. You must provide ample proof, such as photos, travel records, and communications.

Another reason for refusal is failing to meet the financial requirements. The U.S. citizen must demonstrate they can support their foreign fiancé(e). The U.S. government uses poverty guidelines to determine if the U.S. citizen has the necessary income. If the income is too low, the application can be denied.

A past criminal record can also be a significant issue. A foreign fiancé(e) with a history of certain crimes may be found inadmissible. This includes crimes of moral turpitude or drug offenses. The visa can also be denied if there are immigration violations. These include overstaying a previous visa.

Inconsistencies during the interview can also lead to a denial. The consular officer will ask questions about the relationship. Your answers must match the information on your forms. Any discrepancies can raise suspicion.

The U.S. citizen’s history can also cause problems. Previous petitions for other foreign nationals can raise flags. A history of multiple petitions may suggest a fraudulent pattern. It is important to be truthful and provide all required information.

Do Fiancé(e) Visa Holders Have to Marry Within 90 Days?

Yes, they must. The 90-day rule is a strict requirement for a fiancé(e) visa (K-1). The purpose of this visa is to facilitate marriage. The foreign national is given 90 days from the date of entry into the United States to marry their U.S. citizen partner.

The wedding must be legally performed. This means the couple must obtain a marriage license. They must have a valid ceremony. The marriage ceremony must take place before the 90 days are up.

If the couple does not marry within this timeframe, the foreign national is considered to be in the U.S. unlawfully. Their K-1 visa expires. They lose their legal status. They cannot file for Adjustment of Status. This can lead to deportation.

It is important to have a plan for the wedding. The couple should prepare in advance. They must consider the time it takes to obtain a marriage license in their state. The U.S. government takes this rule seriously.

There are no extensions to the 90-day period. The rule is clear. If you are a K-1 visa holder, you must marry your U.S. citizen fiancé(e). If you don’t, you will have to leave the country. Staying longer is a violation of your visa.

Can You Bring Children on a Fiancé(e) Visa?

Yes, you can bring children. A foreign national with a fiancé(e) visa can bring their unmarried children under 21 with them. These children are eligible for a K-2 visa.

The U.S. citizen must include the children in the initial petition. They must list them on Form I-129F. The children will then be processed alongside the primary applicant.

The K-2 visa allows the children to enter the U.S. The children can enter at the same time as their parent. They can also enter up to a year later. They must enter while the K-1 visa is still valid.

Once in the U.S., the children’s parent must marry the U.S. citizen. After the marriage, the children can file for Adjustment of Status. They can get their Green Cards.

Just like the K-1 visa holder, K-2 visa holders must file for Adjustment of Status. They must file at the same time or after the K-1 visa holder files.

The children must remain unmarried. They must be under 21. If they turn 21 before their visa is issued, they may lose their eligibility. This is why it is important to act quickly.

Bringing children on the K-2 visa is a common part of the fiancé(e) visa process. It allows families to immigrate together.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Fiancé(e) Visa Online

Applying for a fiancé(e) visa is a multi-step process. The first step is for the U.S. citizen to file Form I-129F. This form is not available to file online. You must print and mail it. The online process for this visa is limited.

You can, however, access forms and check your case status online. The U.S. citizen fills out the Form I-129F. They gather all supporting documents. This includes photos, proof of a relationship, and evidence of U.S. citizenship. They mail this package to the correct USCIS service center.

USCIS will send a receipt notice. This notice includes a case number. You can use this number to check your case status online on the USCIS website. This is how you track the petition.

Once USCIS approves the petition, it is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC will then forward it to the appropriate U.S. embassy. The foreign fiancé(e) will then receive instructions. They will be directed to complete an online visa application, Form DS-160.

The DS-160 is a non-immigrant visa application. This form must be completed online. The foreign fiancé(e) will upload a photo and pay the visa fee. They will then schedule an interview at the U.S. embassy.

The online process for the fiancé(e) visa is not a single portal. It is a series of online and offline steps. It involves filing forms and checking status online. The final steps, like the interview, are done in person.

Why Choose Law and Visas for Your Fiancé(e) Visa Application

Navigating the fiancé(e) visa process can be complex. You can choose to handle it yourself. However, a single mistake can lead to delays or denials. Law and Visas offers a specialized approach. Our team understands the nuances of U.S. immigration law. We provide tailored guidance.

You can save time and reduce stress. We handle the paperwork. We prepare you for your interview. Our experience means we anticipate potential issues. We ensure your application is complete and accurate. This minimizes the risk of a Request for Evidence (RFE).

Our services provide peace of mind. You know your application is in capable hands. You can focus on your future with your partner. Don’t risk your application on a technicality. Rely on our expertise to guide you. We help you present a strong, compelling case.

Why Law and Visas is the Best Immigration Lawyer in Nigeria?

Law and Visas provides expert immigration legal services. The firm focuses on various visa types. They serve clients in Lagos and globally. The team stays current with immigration laws.

Their legal services include family reunification. They also work with corporate immigration. The firm assists with work permits and student visas.

They offer a personalized approach. Every case gets tailored attention. This helps clients with specific needs. Their global reach helps people from different countries.

The firm’s ethical practice builds trust. Transparency is a core value. This gives clients confidence. They handle the details. You can avoid common mistakes. This reduces delays.

Their service is client-centric. They keep clients informed. This makes the immigration journey less stressful.

Law and Visas as Your Fiancé(e) Visa Agent in Nigeria

Applying for a fiancé(e) visa from Nigeria can be difficult. The process has many specific steps and requirements. Law and Visas helps you navigate this. We act as your trusted agent.

Our team knows the requirements for Nigerian applicants. We help you gather the correct documents. We ensure your application is complete. A complete application avoids common mistakes. This prevents delays. We also prepare you for the interview at the U.S. Consulate.

We provide a clear path forward. We simplify the complex legal language. You will understand each stage of your application. Our goal is to make your visa journey smoother. We help you focus on your relationship and future. Let us handle the legal process. Your dream of a life with your partner in the U.S. is our priority.