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Bring your fiancé to the United States so you can get married and start your life together.
The K-1 fiancé visa is designed for U.S. citizens who want to bring their foreign fiancé to the U.S. for marriage. While the process may sound straightforward, it involves multiple agencies, strict eligibility requirements, and careful documentation.
At Relocate Legal, we help couples across New York navigate the K-1 fiancé visa process from start to finish. From confirming eligibility to preparing your petition, guiding you through consular processing, and helping with next steps after marriage, our attorneys handle every detail so you can focus on your future together.
K-1 Fiancé Visa Services for New York Couples
Engaged couples often choose the K-1 fiancé visa because it allows them to marry in the United States and remain together during the green card process. However, K-1 cases are closely reviewed by USCIS and U.S. consulates to prevent fraud and ensure all legal requirements are met.
Our role is to make the process clear, organized, and manageable. We work with couples throughout New York, including New York City, Long Island, Westchester County, and Upstate New York, helping them avoid delays and unnecessary stress.
What Is a K-1 Fiancé Visa?
The K-1 fiancé visa allows a foreign-citizen fiancé of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States for the purpose of getting married.
Once your fiancé enters the U.S. on a K-1 visa:
You must marry within 90 days
The marriage must be to the same U.S. citizen petitioner
After marriage, your spouse may apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident without leaving the country
The K-1 visa is a temporary, single-entry visa, but it serves as a direct pathway to a marriage-based green card.
Who Qualifies for a K-1 Fiancé Visa?
To qualify for a K-1 fiancé visa, both partners must meet specific eligibility requirements. These requirements are strictly enforced, so accuracy and preparation matter.
You may qualify if:
You are a U.S. citizen (green card holders are not eligible to sponsor a fiancé)
You and your fiancé are both legally free to marry
You have met in person within the last two years
You intend to marry within 90 days of your fiancé entering the U.S.
You have a genuine, bona fide relationship
Our attorneys review your situation carefully to confirm eligibility and identify any potential concerns early.
The In-Person Meeting Requirement Explained
One of the most common K-1 eligibility issues involves the requirement that the couple must have met in person at least once within the past two years.
This meeting must be:
In-person (virtual meetings do not count)
Documented with evidence such as photos, travel records, or receipts
Never Met in Person?
In limited situations, the in-person meeting requirement may be waived. Waivers are possible when:
Cultural or religious customs prohibit pre-marital meetings
Meeting in person would cause extreme hardship
Waivers are not automatic and require strong supporting evidence. If this applies to your situation, we can evaluate whether a waiver is realistic and help prepare the necessary documentation.
Required Evidence for a Strong K-1 Petition
Strong documentation is critical to a successful K-1 fiancé visa application. USCIS and U.S. consulates look closely at the evidence to confirm that the relationship is real and that both parties intend to marry.
Proof of Relationship
Common relationship evidence includes:
Personal and Civil Documents
You will also need to provide:
Proof of Intent to Marry
USCIS requires evidence that you genuinely intend to marry within 90 days of entry. This may include:
We help organize and present this evidence clearly and persuasively.
Our Attorney-Led K-1 Fiancé Visa Process
The K-1 process involves several stages and multiple government agencies. Our attorney-led approach ensures nothing falls through the cracks.
File the I-129F Petition
The U.S. citizen sponsor files Form I-129F with USCIS to establish the qualifying relationship.
Estimated timeline:
6 to 9 months
We prepare the petition, supporting documentation, and evidence package to reduce the risk of delays or requests for evidence.
Consular Processing
Once USCIS approves the petition, the case is transferred to the National Visa Center and then to the U.S. embassy or consulate in your fiancé’s country.
Estimated timeline
2 to 4 months
We guide you through consular requirements and document preparation.
Visa Interview
Your fiancé attends a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
Estimated timeline
1 to 2 weeks
We help prepare your fiancé for common interview questions and ensure all documents are ready.
Enter the U.S. and Get Married
After visa approval, your fiancé enters the United States on the K-1 visa. You must marry within 90 days of entry.
Failure to marry within this period can result in serious immigration consequences.
Adjustment of Status After Marriage
Once married, your spouse applies for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident.
Estimated timeline
12 to 18 months
We assist with the green card application, work authorization, and travel documents.
Total Expected Timeline for the K-1 Visa Process
From filing to marriage, most K-1 cases take approximately:
10 to 15 months for K-1 visa processing
12 to 18 months for the green card after marriage
Processing times vary based on USCIS workload, consulate location, and case complexity.
Common Challenges in K-1 Fiancé Visa Cases
Even strong relationships can face challenges during the K-1 process. Common issues include:
Insufficient proof of relationship
Prior visa denials or overstays
Inconsistent answers during the interview
Missing or outdated documents
Financial sponsorship concerns
We identify these risks early and address them proactively.
About Relocate Legal:
Focused on Reuniting Families
Relocate Legal is a New York-based immigration law firm dedicated exclusively to family-based immigration. We focus on marriage-based green cards and fiancé visas because we believe families belong together.
By concentrating on these specific immigration paths, we have developed deep experience with USCIS standards, consular processing, and interview preparation. Our mission is to make immigration accessible, transparent, and as stress-free as possible.
Reviews From Couples We’ve Helped
“Julian Mignott really was great and went out of his way for us to help us with understanding the process and calmy explaining the steps we needed to go through. He even took time to give us a 2nd meeting to help us a little more with the immigration process, and his knowledge and help was invaluable. He was also bi-lingual which helped immensely and is rare to find. He was very patient and cared about our situation. He listened and provided us with answers and solutions that were very effective and saved us money and time. He really is a top notch attorney and worth every penny.”
— DK
“We really appreciate what Julian has done for us during our immigration journey and navigating the process. His availability has been key to getting our questions answered promptly but also ensuring we have done everything right the first time.”
— CW
“My husband and I are very grateful for the work Julián Mignott did. He is an excellent professional who kindly provided us with all the information we needed, ensuring that all our needs were met. I would definitely recommend this company. Thank you again for your work and commitment.”
— AC
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Bring Your Fiancé to the United States?
Starting your life together should be exciting, not stressful. With the right legal guidance, the K-1 fiancé visa process can be smooth and predictable.
Start with our free eligibility questionnaire, then schedule a consultation with an experienced immigration attorney to discuss your fiancé visa case.
