Fiancé(e) Visa Immigration Attorney in Raleigh-Durham

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A K-1 visa, also known as a fiancé(e) visa, allows a U.S. citizen to bring their foreign fiancé(e) to the United States for the purpose of marriage. Once in the U.S., the couple must marry within 90 days. 

To qualify, the petitioner must be a U.S. citizen. Both parties must be legally free to marry, have met in person within the past two years (with limited exceptions), and intend to marry within 90 days of the fiancé(e)’s arrival in the U.S. 

The process involves three major steps:

1. File Form I-129F with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to prove the relationship and intent to marry.
    
2. Once approved, the Department of State (DOS) processes the K-1 visa application through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.
    
3. After entering the U.S. and marrying within 90 days, the foreign fiancé(e) applies for adjustment of status by filing Form I-485 with USCIS to become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).

The U.S. citizen petitioner typically needs to provide:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship (passport, birth certificate, etc.)
   
• Evidence of relationship (photos, messages, travel records)
   
• Statements of intent to marry
   
• Passport-style photos of both partners
   
• Proof of meeting in person within the last two years

The foreign fiancé(e) will need to bring the following to the visa interview:

• Valid passport
   
• Medical examination results from an authorized physician
   
• Police clearance certificates
   
• Birth certificate
   
• Evidence of financial support
   
• Proof of relationship

After marriage, to file Form I-485 for adjustment of status, the applicant needs:

• Copy of marriage certificate
   
• I-94 arrival/departure record
   
• Birth certificate
   
• Medical exam (Form I-693)
   
• Passport-style photos
   
• Evidence of bona fide marriage
   
• Evidence of financial support
   

The entire process usually takes 10 to 14 months, depending on USCIS and consular processing times. Processing times can vary by location and case complexity.

Children under 21 who are unmarried can come to the U.S. on K-2 visas as derivatives of the K-1 applicant. They can accompany the parent or follow within one year and must also apply for adjustment of status after the marriage.