Learn about K-1 fiancé(e) visas and sponsoring a future spouse
If you are engaged to a U.S. citizen, you may be able to come to the U.S. to get married. Your future spouse must sponsor you, and you must apply for a K-1 fiancé(e) visa.
How to sponsor a fiancé(e) and apply for a K-1 visa
If you are engaged to a U.S. citizen and plan to marry and live in the U.S., your fiancé(e) must sponsor you first by filing a petition. After your fiancé(e)’s petition is approved, you can apply for a K-1 visa to come to the U.S.
Follow the steps to petition for a fiancé(e) and to apply for a K-1 visa. On that page, you will also learn:
- What documentation proves your eligibility by confirming your:
- Relationship with your future spouse
- Identity
- Income or financial support
- How to bring eligible children
- What forms to use
- What fees you must pay
What happens after your K-1 visa is approved?
If you are issued a K-1 visa:
- You must travel to the United States to marry your fiancé(e) within 90 days of arriving.
- After you marry, you may apply for an adjustment of status to get a Permanent Resident (Green) Card.
- K-1 visas expire after 90 days and cannot be extended.
- If you do not marry within 90 days, you must leave the country or face possible deportation.
LAST UPDATED: October 21, 2024
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