There’s no greater feeling in the world than being with your fiancé(e), and that’s why it’s so difficult waiting to reunite with your significant other while your visa is stuck in processing. The K1 visa processing times can be lengthy, so having an accurate estimate of how long the process will take makes all the difference and enables you to set your expectations.
In this guide, we’ll go over each form and step of the K1 visa process, the overall K-Visa timeline, I-129F processing time, and more to ensure your fiancé can reunite with you in the U.S. as soon as possible.
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What is the K-1 Visa?
The K-1 Visa is a petition filed by a U.S. citizen requesting to bring their fiancé(e) to the United States for marriage. When it comes to K-1 visa processing times, the form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé document is of interest.
K-1 Visa Processing Times in 2026
According to USCIS data, the average K-1 Visa processing time in 2026 is ~7.7 months. This is the time it takes for USCIS to adjudicate the submitted Form 129-F.
VisaNation Tip:
There is no way a guarantee of processing time frames. Each petition is subject to take longer or shorter depending on the case specifics. Unfortunately, premium processing is not available for the K-1 visa petition.
How to Check K-1 Fiancé Visa Processing Times
To check the most up-to-date I-129F processing time:
- Visit the USCIS processing time website.
- Next, for the form, select I-129F
- For Form category, select K1/K2/K3/K4
- For Service Center, you must select “SCOPS” which stands for Service Center Operations (SCOPS). It is the directorate within USCIS that manages the different service centers
- Press the button “get processing times,” and the webpage will provide an up-to-date estimate.
USCIS updates the processing times for the K-1 Visa every month, so check back regularly for the latest information.
K-1 Fiance Visa Timeline
Understanding the K1 visa timeline is crucial for effective planning and preparation for any legal endeavor. This fiancé(e) visa timeline refers to the moment when you apply for your I-129F to the moment when you receive your visa approval.
- I-129F Processing: Approximately 7.7 months
- USCIS transfers the case to NVC: 2 to 3 weeks after USCIS approval
- K-1 Visa Interview: Scheduled within 4-6 weeks after receiving a letter from the embassy or consulate (timing may vary by location). The fiancé(e) will need to complete Form DS-160 and undergo a medical exam before the interview.
- Inspection at a Port of Entry: Must enter the U.S. within 6 months of visa issuance (inspection happens upon arrival)
- Marriage: Must occur within 90 days of arrival in the U.S.
- Adjustment of Status: typically 6 to 12 months
I-129F Processing
After the U.S. Citizen submits the I-129 petition, the paperwork is typically processed by USCIS in 7.7 months.
NVC
After the Form 129-F is approved by USCIS, the case is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC). NVC will communicate with the foreign fiancé(e) via email or letter, typically within 2 to 3 weeks. The NVC will then assign a case number and forward your petition to your local U.S. embassy or consulate within a month.
Timeframe: 2-3 weeks
Interview at the Embassy/Consulate
The U.S. embassy or consulate will then communicate with the foreign Fiancé, including information about the visa interview and required documents. The foreign Fiancé must fill out the DS-160 online and print out the confirmation page for the interview, which contains a unique barcode associated with the application.
Timeframe: 4-6 weeks
Travel to the United States
After the K-1 Visa post-interview, the foreign fiancé(e) can enter the U.S. and must get married within 90 days to the U.S. sponsor.
If you do not get married in the 90-day window, the foreign fiancé(e) must leave the United States. If they stay, they will violate immigration laws and could face removal or deportation.
Adjustment of Status
After marriage in the U.S., the foreign-born spouse can file for adjustment of status to permanently work and live in the country by filing Form I-485. This typically takes an average of 6-12 months to process, although our firm is frequently seeing applications processed in as little as 3 months.
Timeframe: 3-12 months
Get the Fiancé Visa
How to Expedite the K-1 Visa Process Time?
While premium processing service is unavailable for the K-1 visa, there are specific steps to take to get your visa approved without delay. The following tips will not only expedite the process but will also significantly reduce the chances of your K-1 visa application denial:
Understand K-1 Visa Eligibility Requirements
The two of you must be legally eligible to marry in the United States.
- This means you both are at the legal age to marry, which is at least 18 years old.
- There must be proof that neither of you is currently in a valid marriage to another person.
- The sponsor and beneficiary must legally dissolve all previous marriages. This will require documents like death, divorce, and annulment records.
Check out what is considered a Courthouse Wedding for Immigration.
It’s Never Been Easier to Get the K-1 Visa
Prepare Necessary Supporting Documents Beforehand
The K-1 visa involves several forms and documents at each application stage. Therefore, crucial supporting evidence must be well-prepared and submitted accordingly.
Supporting documents include:
- Letter of intent to marry
- Sufficient proof of financial ability to support the foreign fiancé(e)
- Adequate evidence of a bona fide relationship.
- Proof of time spent together, such as photos, travel records (boarding passes or bus tickets) in places visited together.
Find out how much a K-1 visa costs
Work With a VisaNation Attorney
It would be best to work with an experienced K-1 visa immigration attorney from the beginning to the end of the application process. Your immigration lawyer will help you prepare your case following the USCIS standard and guide you throughout the process.
- An experienced K-1 visa lawyer will explain the process and how to expedite the K-1 processing time if possible.
- Our attorneys understand how stressful the process can be for obtaining a K-1 fiancé(e) visa and will do everything in our power to ease the burden.
How To Extend Your K-1 Visa?
Only a consular officer can revalidate your K-1 visa, as long as there is sufficient proof that both parties can legally get married and intend to within 90 days of the beneficiary’s admission.
If you’re interested in extending your K-1 visa, it’s best to seek the aid of a qualified immigration attorney who can send the written request to the embassy. The attorney will need to include a written statement of intention to move forward with the marriage in the package. It’s important to note that marriage fraud carries strict penalties.
USCIS officers can identify a bona fide relationship from one out of convenience or a means of deception for citizenship.
K-1 Visa Process Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find answers to questions that our immigration attorneys are commonly asked.
What is the K-1 visa fee?
- The fee for the I-129F: $675
- After that form is approved, the U.S. citizen’s fiancé will have to undergo a medical exam: $50-$300 (prices may vary based on the provider and missing vaccines you need).
- The fee for the DS-160 K-1 visa application: $265.
- If additional people plan to travel with the fiancé on the K visa, they must pay a separate fee and apply. For instance, if the alien fiancé has one minor child coming with them to the U.S. on a K-2 visa, an additional $265 would apply.
- Additional lawyer fees are also applicable if you enlist the services of one. Processing time can be much longer if Form I-129F is completed incorrectly.
VisaNation can help you submit your application right the first time, avoiding unnecessary delays. Start your application today!
What is NVC Processing Time?
Processing times for NVC may vary, but you can always check the status of your case and find out what stage you are at. The part of your fiancé’s visa that is processed by the NVC is only a small part of the entire process. It is crucial not to confuse NVC processing with USCIS processing. Although both are mandatory parts of the application process, the USCIS will take longer than the NVC.
Can my fiancé/fiancée work in the U.S. with a K-1 visa?
Once your fiancé/fiancée enters the U.S. on a K1 visa, they can apply for work authorization by filing Form I-765, which allows them to work legally while the adjustment of status is in progress.
Can we get married outside of the United States with a K-1 visa?
No, the purpose of a K1 visa is to allow the foreign fiancé/fiancée to enter the United States specifically for the purpose of getting married within the country. If you plan to marry outside the U.S., a different visa type may be required.
Can we apply for a K1 visa if we met online?
Yes, meeting online does not disqualify you from applying for a K-1 visa. However, you must provide evidence to demonstrate a genuine and bona fide relationship.
Can I visit my fiancé/fiancée while the K-1 visa is being processed?
Yes, you can visit your fiancé/fiancée during the K1 visa process, but it’s important to abide by the rules of temporary visitor status. Overstaying your authorized visit may complicate the immigration process.
How long is the I-129F petition valid for after approval by USCIS?
The I-129F is valid for 4 months from the date of approval. So make sure to have plans set to see each other soon after the approval or even start planning before approval.
What should I do after being issued a K-1 visa?
Congratulations! You will receive your passport with the K-1 visa in it from the Consular Officer in a sealed envelope along with the other documents you provided. Keep this packet unopened – the DHS official will open it when you enter the United States. You are eligible for a single admission at a U.S. port-of-entry during the validity period of the visa (6 months from issuance). In addition, you must get married to a U.S. citizen partner within 90 days of coming to the United States.
Do children have to accompany the foreign fiancé on the first trip?
Minors of the foreign fiancé partner can either accompany them the first time to the U.S. or follow-to-join (come later), but it must be within the validity period of their K-2 visa. “Separate petitions are not required if the children accompany or follow to join you within one year from the date of issuance of your K-1 visa. If they want to travel later than one year from the date your K-1 visa was issued, they will not be eligible to receive K-2 visas, and separate immigrant visa petitions will be required.”
Learn about being the Spouse of U.S. Citizen K-3 Visa.
Do my children need to file separately for their adjustment of status?
Yes, applications for the adjustment of status must be submitted separately for children. Your children should not be and are not allowed to be included in your individual Adjustment of Status application.
Can I apply for my Green Card and Social Security Number at the same time?
Previously, you could not, but this changed in August 2021. With the new process, after USCIS approves your I-485, they will electronically send your information directly to the Social Security Administration to process your number. Also, the fee for filing Form I-485 will not change.
How VisaNation Can Help
Have additional questions regarding K-1 processing time or bringing your fiancé(e) to the United States? Working with an experienced immigration attorney will not only likely expedite the process but will also significantly reduce the chances of having your application denied. This is where we can be of help.
VisaNation Law Group K-1 visa lawyers have helped many people file and acquire their fiancé(e) visas. They will help you prepare your application, including submitting your affidavit of support, letter of intent to marry, and necessary supporting documents according to the USCIS requirements. In addition, you can count on us to help you and your fiancé(e) live together in the U.S. You can schedule a consultation with one of their K-1 visa experts today. Get started today with a consultation!