How Do Fiancé Visas Work?

 Posted on October 15, 2025 in Family-Based Immigration

For couples with one partner living in a different country, the U.S. immigration process can feel long and uncertain. The K-1 fiancé visa offers a path for foreign nationals engaged to U.S. citizens to come to the United States for marriage. It is a process that requires patience, attention to detail, and a good lawyer. 

At Hafey & Karim, our Bay Area family immigration lawyers are ready to help you petition the U.S. government for the right to bring your fiancé here. Call 214-506-0671 to get started. 

What Is a Fiancé Visa?

The K-1 visa lets a foreign fiancé of a U.S. citizen come into the United States to get married. Once approved, the foreign fiancé must marry the U.S. citizen within 90 days of arrival. After marriage, the spouse can apply for a green card.

The K-1 visa exists to help couples build their lives together in the United States. It comes with specific eligibility rules and documentation requirements.

Who Can Get a K-1 Fiancé Visa?

To qualify for a fiancé visa under U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) guidelines, you must meet several key conditions:

• You must be a U.S. citizen. Green card holders cannot petition for a fiancé visa.

• You and your fiancé must plan on getting married within 90 days after your fiancé comes to the United States.

• You must have met in person at least once within the past two years, unless this would violate strict cultural or religious customs.

• Both of you must be legally free to marry. Any previous marriages must have been legally ended.

These requirements are designed to prove that the relationship is real and not just for immigration reasons.

How Does the K-1 Visa Process Work?

The process begins when the U.S. citizen files Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e).. Once approved, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC). From there, it goes to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the fiancé’s home country.

The foreign fiancé must complete a visa application. He or she will provide supporting documents such as police clearances and medical exams, and go to an interview. During the interview, consular officers assess whether the relationship is legitimate and confirm that both parties intend to marry.

If approved, the K-1 visa is issued, allowing entry into the United States for the 90-day marriage window. Once the couple marries, the foreign spouse can apply for a green card by filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

What Happens After a K-1 Visa Marriage?

After the wedding, the new spouse can stay in the United States while the green card application is processed. The couple will go to an interview with USCIS, where they must give evidence that their marriage is real. This can include joint bank statements, photos, leases, or affidavits from friends and family.

If the marriage is less than two years old when the green card is granted, the non-citizen spouse receives a conditional green card valid for two years. The couple must later file to remove those conditions and prove that the marriage is real and ongoing

Contact a Bay Area Fiancé Visa Attorney

If you or your fiancé is preparing to begin the immigration process, help is waiting. At Hafey & Karim, we are here to provide trusted legal support in English and Bengali, and our team offers translation assistance for Spanish, Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu.

We help families understand their rights and complete the K-1 visa process as efficiently as possible. To learn more or schedule a consultation, call a San Francisco immigration attorney today at 214-506-0671.