How difficult is it to get a fiancé visa?

Obtaining a K-1 fiancé(e) visa for the United States can be a complex and time-consuming process that requires a lot of paperwork, patience, and often, assistance from a legal professional. The stakes are high because if the application is denied, or the couple does not marry within 90 days, the foreign fiancé(e) may need to leave the United States. There are several steps and requirements that both the U.S. citizen and the foreign fiancé(e) must meet in order for the K-1 visa to be granted. These include:

Filing the Petition: Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)
This involves compiling detailed information about both parties, proof of their relationship. The sponsor must also show that they meet income requirements, or have a co-sponsor who does. If the petition is approved by USCIS, it is sent to the National Visa Center and then to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the foreign fiancé(e)’s country.

Visa Application: The foreign fiancé(e) applies for the K-1 visa, typically by filling out Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application. The applicant will also need to undergo a medical examination and get certain vaccinations.

Interview: The foreign fiancé(e) attends an interview at the U.S. Embassy or consulate. They will need to bring various documents to the interview, including proof of the relationship and financial support.

Visa Decision: If the visa is granted, the foreign fiancé(e) can travel to the United States. The couple must get married within 90 days of the foreign fiancé(e)’s arrival. After marrying, the foreign spouse can apply for adjustment of status to become a permanent resident (green card holder).

Do I need a lawyer for the K1 visa?

You may start by asking if it is worth getting a lawyer for a K-1 visa, or if you can just submit the application yourself. Technically, yes, you can apply for a fiancé visa without help from an immigration lawyer. As explained above, this can be a time-consuming and difficult process. You can learn more about when it is helpful to hire an immigration lawyer in Boundless’ guide.

NOTE: With our Premium (Lawyer-Guided Application) service, Boundless offers independent K-1 visa attorney support, a simplified application process, and guaranteed visa approval (or your money back). Get the benefits of an attorney without the high price tag!

Can a lawyer speed up a K-1 visa?

The time it takes to get a K-1 visa can vary widely. Here are the recent timelines. Things that could cause a K-1 application to take longer include how quickly the necessary paperwork is completed and processed, the workload at the relevant agencies, and any additional administrative processing required. Generally speaking, the more organized and error-free the final application package is, the less time it will take to process. Combine this with a lower chance of errors or denial, and accessing a K-1 visa lawyer through Boundless Immigration becomes the obvious choice.