What Is the Process for Obtaining a Fiancé(e) Visa? 

If the person you plan to marry is not a U.S. citizen, you may petition for a K-1 fiancé(e) nonimmigrant visa to allow them to enter the United States. Once admitted on a K-1 visa, you must marry within 90 days or your fiancé(e) will lose legal immigration status. 

The application process involves multiple federal agencies, including the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the U.S. Department of State (DOS), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which conducts background checks. On average, USCIS approval can take about a year, though timelines vary. 

Many people come to the United States to find a better life for themselves and their families. Their goal is to keep the family together in their new home. At Bassey Immigration Law Center P.A., that’s our goal, too. We can guide you through the process and ensure all documentation is properly prepared and filed for a K-1 fiancé(e) nonimmigrant visa. 

What Do You Need to Provide to Obtain a Fiancé(e) Visa? 

The U.S. citizen must file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), with the USCIS. They must provide: 

• Evidence of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate. 

• Proof that any previous marriages by either intended spouse ended in divorce or the death of the prior spouse. 

• Evidence that you and your fiancé(e) met in person at least once during the two years before the application date. This requirement can be waived if such a meeting would result in extreme hardship for the U.S. citizen or violate the foreign national fiancé(e)’s cultural practices.  

• A color passport-type photo of you and your fiancé(e) taken within 30 days of the application date.  

In addition, the U.S. citizen must file Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support.  

If the USCIS approves Form I-129F, the petition is sent to the Department of State’s National Visa Center, which forwards it to the U.S. Embassy where your partner resides.  

K-1 Nonimmigrant Visa  

After the petition is transferred to the foreign fiancé(e)’s home country, they must apply for the K-1 visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate. This stage requires: 

• Completing Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application. 

• Submitting civil documents, such as a birth certificate and police certificates. 

• Undergoing a required medical examination by an authorized physician. 

• Attending an in-person visa interview, where a consular officer will review the case and supporting evidence. 

If the visa is approved, the fiancé(e) can enter the United States on a K-1 visa and must marry within 90 days. 

What Happens If You Don’t Marry Within 90 Days on a K-1 Visa? 

As the U.S. citizen petitioner, you must marry your fiancé(e) within 90 days of their arrival on a K-1 visa. If the marriage does not take place in time, your fiancé(e) will lose their legal status and could face deportation. If you marry after the deadline, you may still file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to help your spouse apply for a green card.  

Contact Bassey Immigration Law Center, P.A. for a Consultation 

The family-based immigration lawyers at Bassey Immigration Law Center have a long history of helping to reunite families in Florida and throughout the United States. For more information about obtaining a fiancé(e)  or spousal visa, contact an experienced immigration lawyer today to schedule an affordable consultation.  

About Bassey Immigration Law Center, P.A.

Bassey Immigration Law Center, P.A., led by attorney Aniefiok Bassey, provides comprehensive immigration services to individuals, families, and businesses in Florida and beyond. With over 20 years of experience, the firm assists clients with a wide range of immigration matters, from family reunification and green cards to business visas and deportation defense. The diverse, multilingual team is dedicated to supporting clients through the complex immigration process, with a special focus on citizenship, asylum, and LGBTQ+ immigration needs. They offer affordable initial consultations and are committed to delivering personalized, strategic guidance for achieving clients’ immigration goals.