Who Qualifies for a K-1 Visa
The K-1 visa is only available to U.S. citizens, and Green Card holders cannot petition for a fiancé visa. To qualify, you and your fiancé must meet a few core K-1 visa requirements set by USCIS.
- You are a U.S. citizen sponsoring a foreign-citizen fiancé
- You’ve met your fiancé in person at least once within the past 2 years
- Both of you are legally free to marry
- You intend to marry within 90 days of your fiancé’s arrival in the U.S.
Our K-1 Visa Application Services
We review your relationship and circumstances to confirm you meet USCIS requirements before you file.
We prepare and file Form I-129F with the evidence USCIS needs to see a genuine, bona fide relationship.
We help you complete your K-1 visa document checklist, including proof of your relationship, in-person meetings, and eligibility to marry.
We handle your filing correctly the first time, reducing the risk of delays or Requests for Evidence.
We prepare you and your fiancé for the consular interview, so you know what to expect and how to answer.
We stay with you through NVC processing, the K-1 visa interview, and the transition to adjustment of status after marriage.
How Long Does It Take to Get a K-1?
Once your fiancé enters the U.S. on a K-1 visa, the clock starts; you must marry within 90 days, or your fiancé must leave the country. After the wedding, your spouse can apply for a Green Card through adjustment of status without leaving the U.S., along with work authorization and, if needed, a travel document.
Our team at Colavecchio & Colavecchio Law helps you navigate K-1 visa processing times and every critical deadline, from marrying within 90 days of arrival to filing Form I-485, so your spouse can pursue permanent residency with confidence. Contact us at 615 242 3333 to start your visa processing today.
Why Choose Us
We have over 16 years of professional experience with proven results.
We have an outstanding reputation for immigration law.
You are more than just a number in our eyes.
Book Your Consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to get a K-1 fiancé visa?
The entire process typically takes 10 to 18 months from filing Form I-129F to your fiancé’s entry into the U.S. This includes USCIS petition processing, which currently averages around 7 to 12 months, plus additional time for the National Visa Center, embassy processing, and the visa interview.
2. Is a K-1 visa the same as a fiancé visa?
Yes. “K-1 visa” and “fiancé visa” refer to the same thing: a nonimmigrant visa that allows the foreign fiancé of a U.S. citizen to enter the U.S. specifically to marry within 90 days of arrival.
3. How much income is needed for a K-1 visa?
You must show income at or above 100% of the federal poverty guideline for your household size, which includes both you and your fiancé. For a household of two, this threshold is a little over $20,000 annually as of 2026. If your income falls short, a qualified joint sponsor can help meet the requirement.
4. How often are K-1 visas denied?
Denial rates for K-1 petitions have run in the 25% to 30% range in recent years, higher than for marriage-based visas, largely because the relationship hasn’t yet been legally formalized through marriage at the time of filing.
5. What are the red flags for a K-1 visa?
Common red flags include a lack of evidence that you’ve met in person, minimal communication history, a large age gap without explanation, a very short courtship before engagement, inconsistent statements about the relationship, and family or friends who know little about the relationship. None of these automatically causes a denial, but they invite closer scrutiny and stronger evidence requirements.
