K-1 Fiance Visa

The K-1 visa allows foreign nationals engaged to American citizens to come to the United States for the purpose of performing the marriage. According to the rules governing the K-1 fiance visa, the couple has a 90 day window in which to marry. If the marriage is not completed within this period, the K-1 fiance visa expires, and the visitor must return to his or her native country. The 90 day period cannot be extended. If the couple does marry within the 90 day window, the K-1 visa holder can then file form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status with the USCIS in order to become a permanent resident of the United States.

K-1 Fiance Visa
The K-1 fiancee visa application requires filing form I-129 with the USCIS. After the USCIS has approved the visa, the petitioner then has 4 months to utilize the visa and come to the United States, although that period can potentially be extended by consular officers. After coming to the United States on the K-1 visa, the visa holder cannot leave the U.S. and return on the same visa. He or she would be required to apply for an entirely new K-1 visa in order to return.

A fiance(e) is someone engaged or contracted to be married, and it is generally required that the couple have met in person within the last two years, although there can be exceptions to this rule.