The Benefits of a K-1 Fiancé Visa
Weighing the benefits of a K-1 fiancé(e) visa
If you’re considering a K-1 fiancé visa to join your U.S. citizen partner, it’s important to understand its advantages. This guide focuses specifically on the benefits of the K-1 visa and how it compares to other visa options. While we won’t cover the full application process here, we’ll help you understand why the K-1 visa might be the right choice for your situation.
What is the K-1 Fiancé Visa?
The K-1 visa allows the non-U.S. fiancé of an American citizen to enter the United States to get married. Couples must marry within 90 days of the non-citizen partner’s arrival.
Top 5 Benefits of the K-1 Visa
- Fast Process: It usually takes 6-8 months from application to approval. This is quicker than many other visas. Learn more about K-1 processing timelines here.
- Marry in the USA: You can have your wedding anywhere in America. Big city or small town, beach or mountains – it’s your choice.
- Work Permission: Once the K-1 visa holder files to adjust their status, they can also request travel documents and work permits while the green card request is processing.
- Faster Path to Green Card: After marriage, you can apply for a green card without leaving the USA. Many documents you used for the K-1 visa will help with this process.
- Open to All Couples: Same-sex couples can use the K-1 visa too. This is very helpful if your home country doesn’t allow same-sex marriage.
Want to live with your loved one in the U.S.? Answer our 5-minute questionnaire to get started.
K-1 Visa vs. Other Options
K-1 Visa or Marriage Visa (CR-1/IR-1)?
Both lead to a green card, but there are important differences:
- Speed: K-1 is usually faster (6-9 months vs. 12-18 months for marriage visas).
- When to Marry: For K-1, marry after U.S. entry. For CR-1/IR-1, marry before applying.
- Work Status: K-1 holders apply for work permission after arrival. CR-1/IR-1 holders can work immediately upon arrival.
- Travel: CR-1/IR-1 holders can easily travel in and out of the U.S. K-1 holders need extra paperwork to travel after entry.
Learn more about the pros and cons of K-1 Fiancé visas vs. Spousal Visas here.
K-1 Visa vs. Family Visas
The K-1 is specifically for fiancés. Other family visas are for different relationships:
- Immediate Family Visas: For spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 of U.S. citizens.
- Extended Family Visas: For other relatives or family of green card holders.
K-1 visas are often faster than many extended family visa options.
Want to live with your loved one in the U.S.? Answer our 5-minute questionnaire to get started.
Additional Benefits to Consider
- Benefits for Children: If you have unmarried children under 21, they may be eligible for K-2 visas to join you in the USA.
- Simpler Adjustment of Status: After marriage, the process to get a green card (known as adjustment of status) is often smoother for K-1 visa holders compared to other visa types.
- Potentially Lower Overall Costs: Government fees for a K-1 visa can be higher than those for married-couple visas, but overall costs might be lower, especially when factoring in travel and time expenses associated with multiple trips abroad for a spousal visa process.
- Cultural Transition: Entering the U.S. before marriage allows you time to adjust to American culture and your new life together before taking the big step of marriage.
- Interview Process: The K-1 visa interview is often less intensive compared to some other immigration interviews, as the focus is primarily on proving the legitimacy of your relationship.
Important Things to Know About the K-1 Visa
Here are a few things to keep in mind when considering whether or not to apply for a K-1 visa:
- 90-Day Rule: You must marry within 90 days of arriving in the USA.
- Meeting Requirement: You must have met in person within two years before applying. There are some exceptions.
- Financial Needs: The U.S. citizen must prove they can support you financially.
- One Chance: You can only marry the U.S. citizen who sponsored your K-1 visa.
If you’re feeling unsure about whether to apply for a K-1 visa versus a marriage green card, Boundless has put together a detailed guide comparing the two options. You can also take our 5-minute questionnaire to explore your visa options and determine which path is right you. Get started today!