Love knows no borders, and at Alvva, we understand that sometimes we form a loving bond with someone who lives far away. When love blossoms between a U.S. citizen and their partner from another country, applying for a K-1 fiancé visa can help you start a new life together. Let’s explore how to apply for a K-1 fiance visa and make your dreams come true.
K-1 Fiancé Visa Timeline: Important Considerations
We know distance between you and your loved one can be tough. It’s also important to understand your options for starting a life together in the U.S. Sometimes it might be more practical to wait until after marriage and apply for a marriage-based Green Card instead. Getting a K-1 fiancé visa takes about 7 months, while a marriage-based visa can take around 10-13 months, but it gives you more flexibility once you enter the U.S. Check out our blog posts for more details on both options.
How to Qualify for a K-1 Fiancé Visa
The K-1 fiancé visa helps you and your foreign partner reunite in the U.S. to get married. But there are some important rules you need to follow:
- One of you must be a U.S. citizen (Green Card holders can’t sponsor a fiancé for this visa).
- Both of you must be single and ready to get married (in other words, not currently going through a divorce).
- Prove that your love is real (photos, trips, letters, testimonies from friends or family).
- Show that you’ve met in person at least once in the past two years, or give valid reasons why you haven’t.
- Promise in writing to get married within 90 days of arriving in the U.S.
- The U.S. citizen must have enough money to support their fiancé (at least 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines).
Good news! Love conquers all, and K-1 fiancé visas are available to couples of any gender. Love has no limits!
How to Apply for a K-1 Fiancé Visa
When you’re ready to start your lives together, follow these steps to apply for a K-1 fiancé visa:
- Submit Form I-129F to show that you plan to get married.
- Include proof of U.S. citizenship, a copy of the foreign passport, statements from both of you, and required photos.
- Wait patiently for USCIS to review your application (this usually takes about 30 days).
- Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a case number. Your documents will be sent to the nearest consulate or embassy in your country, where you’ll complete Form DS-160 and pay the required fees. Finally, you’ll have an approval interview, and then you’ll be on your way to the U.S. with a 6-month visa!
K-1 Fiancé Visa Costs
You’ll need to cover the following K-1 fiancé visa expenses, along with any other costs that may come up, like document preparation and travel:
- Form I-129F filing fee: $535 USD
- Medical exam: about $200 USD
- K-1 visa application fee: $265 USD
In total, you’ll spend at least $1,000 USD to make your long-distance love a reality (not including the $1,225 fee for Permanent Residency after marriage).
At Alvva, we’re committed to offering peace of mind and a brighter future for the Latino community, one loving couple at a time. We plan to offer support for fiancé visas in the future, but if you decide that a marriage visa is the right path for you and your partner, we’re here to help. If you want support in preparing your marriage Green Card application, get started here.
