Prior to 1970, there was no way for a United States citizen to bring his or her fiance(e) to the United States prior to marriage. The couple would have to marry abroad and then wait for the foreign spouse's I-130 visa petition to be approved.  The process was long and resulted in lengthy periods of separation for newlyweds.  In the 1970's, the United States Congress created the K-1 visa, which allows a foreign fiance(e)s to enter America for 90 days in order to marry a United States citizen.  After marriage, the K-1 visa holder can then apply for a CR-1/IR-1 permanent resident visa ("green card") and, later, apply for US citizenship.

In order to receive a K-1 visa, the US citizen must file an I-129F petition at a USCIS service center which, if approved, will be forwarded to the foreign embassy or consulate where the citizen's fiance(e) lives for further processing. Visit our K-1 Visa section for comprehensive and detailed information regarding the fiance(e) visa process.

This website is designed to explain the K-1 visa application process and provide information vital to a successful K-1 visa application. The site is sponsored by Millie Anne Cavanaugh, Esq., an attorney offering immigration services, including K-1 visa processing, throughout the United States. The Cavanaugh Law Office offers complimentary consultations for immigration issues.  Why use an attorney to file your K-1 visa petition?