The fiancé visa process isn’t just complicated; it’s deeply personal. Every delay feels like a roadblock to your future. Every missing document is one more reason to worry. The many forms. Government deadlines. Requests for proof that your relationship is “real enough.” Suddenly, your love story is stuck in limbo, buried under USCIS codes and long wait times.
This guide is intended to give you the clarity you need to move forward with the Fiancé Visa process, without the costly mistakes that keep couples apart.
What Are Fiancé Visas?
A fiancé visa, officially called a K-1 visa, lets a U.S. citizen bring their foreign fiancé to the United States to get married. It’s a nonimmigrant visa, which means it’s temporary and comes with specific conditions.
The biggest one? You must get married within 90 days of your fiancé’s arrival.
This visa allows your partner to enter the U.S. legally, but it doesn’t give them a green card or permanent status right away. That part comes later. For now, the K-1 visa process is about one thing: getting you both in the same place, legally, to start your life together.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
Before anything else, you need to meet the main fiancé visa requirements. That means both you and your fiancé must be legally allowed to marry. If either of you has been married before, you must show proof the marriage ended.
Only U.S. citizens can petition for a fiancé visa. If you’re a green card holder, you’ll need to look at other options. And yes, USCIS checks this detail closely.
You and your fiancé must have met in person at least once in the last two years. That meeting must have happened face-to-face, not through video calls. There are exceptions, but they’re rare and require solid documentation.
The government also needs to see that:
- Both of you are free to marry
- You have a real plan to marry within 90 days of arrival
- Your relationship is genuine, not just for immigration purposes
Step-by-Step Application Process
The fiancé visa process includes several steps. Missing a document or deadline could stall your case for months.
File Form I-129F
This is the petition to get things started. You, the U.S. citizen, file this with USCIS.
Wait for USCIS Review
You’ll first get a receipt notice (NOA1), then an approval notice (NOA2) once they review everything. This stage often takes a few months.
Case Goes to the National Visa Center
Once approved, USCIS sends your case to the National Visa Center. The NVC assigns a case number and forwards it to the U.S. embassy where your fiancé lives.
Apply for the Visa
Your fiancé completes Form DS-160 and schedules an interview at the embassy. The embassy will provide instructions on how to proceed locally.
Complete the Medical Exam
The exam is mandatory. Your fiancé must complete it with an approved panel physician.
Attend the Visa Interview
This step is big. Your fiancé needs to bring all required documents and be prepared to answer personal questions.
Some fiancé visa interview tips include:
- Stay calm and answer honestly
- Know basic facts about your relationship
- Bring strong supporting evidence
If all goes well, the K-1 visa gets approved, and your fiancé can travel to the U.S.
Supporting Documentation You’ll Need
Paperwork tends to be the biggest cause of delays. That’s where most of the common fiancé visa mistakes happen. Missing pages, incorrect dates, or mismatched info can raise red flags.
Some documents that are usually required include:
- Proof you are a U.S. citizen
- Evidence of your in-person meeting (photos, boarding passes, receipts)
- Signed letters from both of you confirming your intent to marry
- Proof of your relationship, like emails, messages, or joint plans
- Copies of identification, passports, and completed forms
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-134) showing financial responsibility
You might also include social media screenshots, cards, or anything else that proves your relationship is real. Honestly, more is better, as long as it’s organized and relevant.
Financial Requirements
The U.S. citizen must show they can support their fiancé after arrival. This helps prove the foreign partner won’t become dependent on public support.
The sponsor’s income should be at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size. If the income doesn’t meet the requirement, it’s possible to include a joint sponsor.
What Happens After Entry?
Once your fiancé enters the U.S., the clock starts ticking. You have 90 days to get married. That part is non-negotiable. If the wedding doesn’t happen in time, your fiancé must leave the country. No exceptions, no extensions.
After the wedding, your spouse applies for a green card. This process is called Adjustment of Status. While it’s pending, they can’t leave the country unless they also apply for travel permission.
They also can’t work unless they get a work permit. That’s why it helps to file for work authorization at the same time as the green card.
Path to a Green Card and U.S. Citizenship
Getting a green card through a K-1 visa is a two-step process. First comes the marriage and Adjustment of Status. Then, your spouse receives a conditional green card, valid for two years.
At the end of the two years, you both apply to remove those conditions. After that, the green card becomes permanent.
Once your spouse has had a green card for at least three years, they might be eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship. The requirement is that you’re still married and living together at the time of application.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Fiancé visas can be a great option for couples ready to build their future in the U.S., but getting approved takes planning, patience, and a solid understanding of the process. From meeting the eligibility rules to submitting the right forms, every step matters.
At Vanderwall Immigration, our team includes people from immigrant families, so we understand how personal this process is. With fixed fees, flexible payment plans, and direct access to experienced attorneys, you’ll never be left wondering what’s next.
Schedule a confidential appointment with us today if you’re ready to take the next step.
