Bringing Your Fiancé to the U.S.: A Step-by-Step Guide to the K-1 Visa

August 21, 2025

Bringing Your Fiancé to the U.S.: A Step-by-Step Guide to the K-1 Visa

Finding love across borders is a beautiful thing—but navigating the U.S. immigration process to reunite with your fiancé can be complex. If you're a U.S. citizen and ready to begin your life together with a foreign fiancé, the K-1 visa is the key to bringing them to the United States legally and starting your journey toward marriage and permanent residency. At Diaz Shafer Immigration in Tampa, Florida, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.


What Is the K-1 Fiancé Visa?

The K-1 visa allows a U.S. citizen to bring their foreign fiancé to the United States to get married. Once your fiancé arrives in the U.S., you must marry within 90 days—a hard deadline with no exceptions. After marriage, your spouse can apply for adjustment of status to obtain a green card and begin the path to permanent residency.


The K-1 Visa Process: Step by Step

  1. File Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e))
    This form establishes the legitimacy of your relationship. You must prove you’ve met in person within the last two years and that you are both legally free to marry.
  2. USCIS Approval & NVC Processing
    After approval, the petition goes to the National Visa Center, which forwards it to the U.S. embassy or consulate in your fiancé’s country.
  3. Fiancé Visa Interview
    Your fiancé attends an interview and medical examination. If approved, they’ll receive a visa to travel to the U.S.
  4. Marriage Within 90 Days
    Once your fiancé enters the U.S., you must marry within 90 days. Afterward, they can apply for a green card by filing Form I-485.



Why Work With Diaz Shafer Immigration?

Applying for a K-1 visa involves strict deadlines, detailed documentation, and complex legal requirements. Diaz Shafer Immigration offers trusted legal guidance to ensure you avoid costly mistakes or delays. From filing your petition to preparing for interviews, we’re with you every step of the way. Let us help you focus on your relationship while we handle the legal path to permanent residency.

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