Commonly asked Questions about the
K1 Visa

A Fiancee Visa (also known as a K1 Visa) is a travel document that allows a foreign fiancee of a U.S. Citizen to enter the United States for the sole purpose of getting married. Fiancee Visas are generally considered the quickest vehicle to
legally bring a foreign fiancee to the U.S. with
the intentions of marriage and immigration.

 

▪ Once approved, how long is the I-129F Petition
valid for and what happens if it expires before the Fiancee's K1
Visa interview?

Approved I-129F Petitions are valid for four months. Once they expire, they may be
revalidated by a Consular Officer at the embassy of record, prior to the
Fiance K1 Visa interview.

▪ Once the K1 Fiance Visa is issued, how long does the
fiancee have to enter the United States?

A K1 Fiance Visa is valid for a period of six months and, generally, may only be used for
one entry into the United States.

 

▪ Will the fiancee be able to work once he/she enters the United States
on a K1 Fiance Visa?

Yes. Once the fiancee enters the United States on a K1 Visa, he/she may immediately
apply for a Work Authorization Permit. However, since the fiancee must re-apply for a
Work Permit after the filing of an Adjustment of Status (which is required after the marriage),
we generally recommend waiting to apply for a work authorization until after the marriage
takes place.

▪ Can the fiance's children come to the United States prior to the marriage?

Yes. The children are eligible for K2 Visas which would allow them to accompany the fiancee or
follow the fiancee within 6 months of visa issuance. If the children do not apply for a K2 Visa, they
may also be eligible for a K2 Visa after the fiancee is married as long as the children apply within
1 year of the Fiancee's K1 Visa issuance.

▪ Can U.S. Citizens apply for more than one K1 Visa Petition?

A U.S. Citizen may not petition for more than one K1 Visa at a
time. However, if the marriage from a prior K1 Visa does not take
place and the fiancee leaves the U.S., the U.S. Citizen may again
petition for the same fiancee or another one in the future.

▪ Is the K1 Fiance Visa issued immediately following the embassy interview?

Each embassy has its own unique procedures. Some issue the K1 Visa the same day and
others process it within a few weeks and have it mailed by courier.

▪ Can a Permanent Resident use the K1 Fiance Visa Procedure?

No. Unfortunately, this benefit is only available to U.S. Citizens and you must be a U.S. Citizen to
be eligible to file for a K1 Visa Petition.