You found the person you want to spend your life with, and now a border stands between you. For a U.S. citizen engaged to someone abroad, the K-1 fiancé(e) visa is the path that brings them here so you can marry and build a life together. It’s a process with clear steps — and a few traps worth knowing before you start. Here’s how the K-1 works for Florida couples.
What the K-1 visa is
The K-1 is a visa that lets the fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen enter the United States specifically to get married. The key rule that defines it: once your fiancé(e) arrives, you must marry within 90 days. After the wedding, your spouse applies to become a permanent resident from inside the U.S. The K-1 is the entry ticket; the green card comes after the marriage.
Who qualifies
To pursue a K-1, generally you must be a U.S. citizen, both of you must be legally free to marry, and you must intend to marry within 90 days of entry. In most cases, the law also requires that the two of you have met in person within the two years before filing — there are narrow exceptions, but it’s a real requirement that catches couples off guard. Above all, the relationship has to be genuine, and you’ll need to be ready to show it.
The steps, in order
- File the petition. The U.S. citizen files Form I-129F with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to establish the relationship.
- USCIS review. Once approved, the case moves to the National Visa Center and then to the U.S. embassy or consulate in your fiancé(e)’s country.
- The interview abroad. Your fiancé(e) attends a consular interview, completes a medical exam, and — if all goes well — receives the K-1 visa.
- Entry and marriage. Your fiancé(e) enters the U.S. and you marry within 90 days.
- Adjustment of status. After the wedding, your spouse files to become a lawful permanent resident (the green card).
Where K-1 cases go wrong
The most common problems are avoidable. Couples underestimate the evidence of a genuine relationship they need to provide. They miss the in-person-meeting requirement. They treat the 90-day marriage deadline as flexible — it isn’t. And many forget that the K-1 is only the beginning: the real goal is the green card that follows, and a misstep early can complicate that later. Getting the paperwork complete and consistent the first time keeps the whole process on track.
K-1 versus marrying abroad
Some couples marry abroad first and pursue a spousal visa instead of a K-1. Each path has trade-offs in timing, cost, and where you’ll be during the wait. The right choice depends on your circumstances — where you each live, how soon you want to be together, and your plans. It’s worth a conversation before you commit to one route.
You can read more on our immigration and fiancé(e) visa pages, or learn about Lisa Marie Santamarta, who guides Broward County couples through the K-1 process in English and Spanish.
Frequently asked questions
How long do we have to get married on a K-1 visa?
You must marry within 90 days of your fiancé(e)’s entry into the United States. The deadline is firm, so it’s important to plan the wedding accordingly.
Do we have to have met in person to file for a K-1?
In most cases, yes — the law generally requires that you met in person within the two years before filing. There are narrow exceptions, but it’s a requirement many couples don’t expect.
What happens after we get married?
After the wedding, your spouse applies to become a lawful permanent resident (a green card) through adjustment of status, from inside the United States. The K-1 is the entry step; the green card follows the marriage.
Is a K-1 visa or marrying abroad faster?
It depends on your circumstances. Each path has different timing, cost, and trade-offs about where you’ll be during the wait. The right route is worth discussing before you choose.
If you’re a U.S. citizen hoping to bring your fiancé(e) home, call DiStefano Law at (954) 572-8000 for a free, confidential consultation, in English or Spanish, or reach out through our contact page.