Move to America

K-1 · K-2 · I-129F · DS-160

Move to America as a Fiancé(e)

For couples who are engaged but not yet married. A U.S. citizen petitions for their fiancé(e), who comes to the U.S. and must marry within 90 days.

Verified against official sources on 2026-10-25 Last verified: 2026-10-25

Core facts, form edition dates and recent notices were checked against the official pages listed below on October 25, 2026. Sections marked 'Our guidance' are our own advice, not official text. Official pages we used for this guide may show older 'last updated' dates. We say so where it applies.

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Step 1 of 8

Overview

The K-1 visa lets a foreign fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen travel to the United States to marry within 90 days. The U.S. citizen starts by filing Form I-129F with USCIS. After the marriage, the new spouse applies for a green card with Form I-485. K-1 status cannot be extended, and USCIS says a K-1 fiancé(e) generally may not apply for a green card on any basis other than marriage to the petitioner.

Who qualifies

  • The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen. USCIS lists proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate, naturalization certificate or unexpired U.S. passport.
  • Both of you must be legally free to marry. Earlier marriages must have legally ended.
  • You intend to marry within 90 days of your fiancé(e)'s admission to the U.S.
  • You met in person at least once within two years before you file. USCIS can waive this if meeting would violate strict, long-established customs, or would be an extreme hardship for the petitioner.
  • Children of the fiancé(e) can come as K-2 if they are unmarried, under 21, and listed on the I-129F.
Next: Your route

Step 2 of 8

Your route

Is the K-1 right for you?

Start here.

1. Is your partner a U.S. citizen?

  • Yes: You may be able to use the K-1 route. Continue.
  • No, a green card holder: USCIS says the I-129F petitioner must be a U.S. citizen, so the K-1 is not open to green card holders. Read the marriage guide instead, after you marry.

2. Are you already married?

  • No, engaged: The K-1 is for you. You must marry within 90 days of entering the U.S.
  • Yes: Use the marriage-based route. USCIS also lists a K-3 option, where a spouse awaits approval of a Form I-130. Read the marriage guide.

3. Have you met in person within the last two years?

  • Yes: You meet that requirement. Keep evidence such as travel records and photos.
  • No: You need a waiver based on strict customs or extreme hardship, with evidence. This depends on your facts, so consider legal advice.
Back Next: Forms

Step 3 of 8

Forms

Required forms

USCIS edition dates and fees were checked on October 25, 2026. Always use the current edition from the official page.

I-129F

Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)

Filed by the U.S. citizen to bring a fiancé(e) (K-1) and their children (K-2).

Fee: $675 (USCIS)

Current edition: 01/20/25 (checked Oct 25, 2026)

What it does
Asks USCIS to approve the engagement as a basis for a K-1 visa. It cannot be filed at an embassy, consulate or USCIS office abroad.
Who files it
The U.S. citizen petitioner.
When
First step, before the fiancé(e) applies for the visa.

You will usually need

  • Proof of U.S. citizenship
  • Evidence of a genuine intention to marry
  • Evidence you met in person within two years, or a waiver request with evidence
  • Proof that any earlier marriages ended
  • Details of any children who will come as K-2

Tip: USCIS lists paper filing only for this form, at its Dallas lockbox. Forms with pages from different editions, or unsigned, may be rejected.

Step-by-step walkthrough Official page for I-129F (opens in a new tab)

DS-160

Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application

Completed by the fiancé(e), and separately by each K-2 child.

Fee: $265 per K applicant (State Department)

What it does
The online application for the K visa. Print the confirmation page and bring it to the interview.
Who files it
The fiancé(e) and each child applying as K-2.
When
After the NVC sends the approved petition to the embassy or consulate.

You will usually need

  • Passport
  • Details of the petitioner and the relationship
  • Travel, address and work history

Tip: Each applicant needs their own application, including children.

Official page for DS-160 (opens in a new tab)

I-485

Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

Filed after the marriage to apply for the green card.

Fee: $1,440 paper · $1,390 online (USCIS)

Current edition: 09/18/26 (checked Oct 25, 2026)

What it does
Applies for permanent residence from inside the U.S.
Who files it
The new spouse, once married to the petitioner.
When
After the wedding, within the 90 days of K-1 status.

You will usually need

  • Marriage certificate
  • Proof of K-1 admission
  • Form I-864 from the U.S. citizen spouse
  • Other items in the current instructions

Tip: A new I-485 edition and public charge rule took effect September 18, 2026.

Step-by-step walkthrough Official page for I-485 (opens in a new tab)

Back Next: Process

Step 4 of 8

Process

Step-by-step stages

  1. Petitioner files Form I-129FWith USCIS. It cannot be filed abroad.
  2. USCIS approves and sends it to the National Visa Center (NVC)The NVC gives a case number and sends the petition to the embassy or consulate where your fiancé(e) lives.
  3. Fiancé(e) completes the DS-160Separate applications for each applicant, including K-2 children.
  4. Medical examBy a panel physician authorized by the embassy. Other doctors are not accepted.
  5. Visa interviewBring civil records, proof of the relationship and evidence of financial support. The officer may ask the sponsor for Form I-134.
  6. Visa issued, and admission by CBPA K-1 visa is single-entry and valid for up to six months. A visa does not guarantee admission; a border officer decides.
  7. Marry within 90 daysK-1 and K-2 status expire automatically after 90 days and cannot be extended.
  8. Apply for the green cardFile Form I-485 after the marriage. If the marriage is under two years old when the I-485 is approved, residence is conditional and Form I-751 follows.
Back Next: Costs and timing

Step 5 of 8

Costs and timing

Fees and official sources

Government fees as published by the agencies, checked on Oct 25, 2026. Fees change, so confirm on the official page before you pay. These are not Move to America's prices.

Paid to USCIS

FormWhat it is forFeeTiming
I-129F Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)The fee is $0 for the K-3 category based on a Form I-130 you filed. $675 Not currently verified
I-485 Adjust status after marriage (applicant 14 or older)Filed after the wedding. $1,440 paper · $1,390 online Not currently verified
I-751 Remove conditions, if residence is conditionalOnly if the marriage is under two years old when the I-485 is approved. $750 paper · $700 online Not currently verified

Source: USCIS Fee Schedule, Form G-1055, edition 10/16/26

Paid to the U.S. Department of State

FormWhat it is forFeeTiming
DS-160 K visa application fee (fiancé(e) or spouse of a U.S. citizen)Paid by each K applicant, including K-2 children. $265 Not currently verified

Source: Travel.State.Gov, Fees for Visa Services

  • USCIS says a request without the correct fee will be rejected, and cash can never be used for a filing or biometric fee.
  • Some applicants can ask USCIS for a fee waiver using Form I-912, but not for fees required under Public Law 119-21.
  • Medical exams, translations, passport photos and document copies cost extra.
  • Move to America's own charges ($2 per eligibility assessment, and optional community membership) are separate from every fee above.

Processing times

Processing times differ by case and by embassy. We do not yet have verified USCIS averages for Form I-129F, so we show none. Use the USCIS processing times tool for your case type.

Not currently verified

See all stages and USCIS averages

Back Next: Avoid mistakes

Step 6 of 8

Avoid mistakes

Common mistakes and red flags

Our guidance, not official text

  • Not meeting in person within two years and not preparing a waiver request
  • Forgetting to list children on the I-129F, so they cannot come as K-2
  • Not marrying within 90 days. K-1 status cannot be extended
  • Assuming a K-1 can lead to a green card on any basis other than marriage to the petitioner
  • Mixing pages from different form editions, or leaving a form unsigned
  • Little evidence of a genuine relationship: few messages, photos or visits

Frequently asked questions

Can a green card holder petition for a fiancé(e)?

No. USCIS says the petitioner must be a U.S. citizen.

How long is a K-1 visa valid?

The State Department says it allows a single admission within its validity period, which is a maximum of six months from issuance.

What if we do not marry within 90 days?

USCIS says K-1 status expires automatically after 90 days and cannot be extended. If you marry after that, the petitioner may file Form I-130 instead.

Back Next: What changed

Step 7 of 8

What changed

Official notices that may affect this pathway. Checked on October 25, 2026. The K-1 is a nonimmigrant visa, so the State Department's immigrant visa notices may not apply to it. Check the State Department's pages for your own case.

  • Jan 1, 2026 · White House / State Department

    Entry restrictions for nationals of listed countries

    A presidential proclamation effective January 1, 2026 suspends entry and visa issuance for nationals of 19 countries in full, and limits visas for nationals of 20 more. Use the lookup in the 'Entry restrictions by nationality' box below to check your nationality. The proclamation lists a small number of exceptions, and its text does not list one for immediate-relative or adoption immigrant visas.

    Read the official notice (opens in a new tab)

  • Sep 18, 2026 · USCIS

    New public charge rule for adjustment of status

    A DHS final rule took effect on September 18, 2026. It applies to Form I-485 applications postmarked or submitted online on or after that date. Officers weigh age, health, family status, assets and financial status, and education and skills. USCIS lists a new I-485 edition dated 09/18/26.

    Read the official notice (opens in a new tab)

Entry restrictions by nationality

Check whether the January 2026 proclamation affects your nationality.

Full restriction

  • Afghanistan
  • Burma
  • Burkina Faso
  • Chad
  • Republic of the Congo
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Eritrea
  • Haiti
  • Iran
  • Laos
  • Libya
  • Mali
  • Niger
  • Sierra Leone
  • Somalia
  • South Sudan
  • Sudan
  • Syria
  • Yemen

Travel documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority are also covered by the full restriction.

Partial restriction (immigrant visas, and B, F, M and J visas)

  • Angola
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Benin
  • Burundi
  • Cuba
  • Côte d'Ivoire
  • Dominica
  • Gabon
  • The Gambia
  • Malawi
  • Mauritania
  • Nigeria
  • Senegal
  • Tanzania
  • Togo
  • Tonga
  • Venezuela
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

Immigrant visas only

  • Turkmenistan

Exceptions in the proclamation text

  • Lawful permanent residents of the United States.
  • Dual nationals travelling on a passport from a country that is not on the lists.
  • Holders of certain diplomatic and international organization nonimmigrant visas (A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1 to G-4, NATO-1 to NATO-6).
  • Certain athletes and teams, with support staff and immediate relatives, travelling for major sporting events as determined by the Secretary of State.
  • Special Immigrant Visas for U.S. government employees, and immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran.
  • People who already held a valid visa on January 1, 2026. The proclamation says those visas are not revoked.
  • People already granted asylum in the U.S., and refugees already admitted.
  • Case-by-case national-interest exceptions can be granted by the Secretary of State or the Secretary of Homeland Security.
  • The proclamation text we read lists no exception for immediate-relative or adoption immigrant visas.
  • For Burundi, Cuba, Togo and Venezuela the text says entry stays limited as set out in an earlier proclamation (10949) and in this one, so check the State Department page for the exact visa categories.
  • We read the proclamation as published. It may have been amended since. Check the State Department page before you plan or pay for anything.

Presidential Proclamation 10998, effective 12:01 a.m. EST on January 1, 2026. Source: White House, text of the proclamation · State Department notice. Checked Oct 25, 2026.

Back Next: Get ready

Step 8 of 8

Get ready

Readiness checklist

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Official sources

The official pages and form instructions are the authority. If this guide differs, follow the official source.

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Move to America is an independent information and preparation service. We are not a government agency, not affiliated with USCIS or the U.S. government, and not a law firm. Nothing here is legal advice, and we cannot guarantee any visa or immigration outcome.