Fiancé(e) Visas (K-1): How Congruence Law, P.C. Helps U.S. Citizens Bring Their Partners to the United States to Marry

Bringing a loved one to the United States to begin a life together is a deeply personal and emotional decision. For U.S. citizens engaged to foreign nationals, the K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa provides a unique pathway to unite on American soil and legally marry. At Congruence Law, P.C., we help clients navigate this high-stakes process with sensitivity, precision, and experienced legal support.

The K-1 visa allows a U.S. citizen to sponsor a foreign fiancé(e) to come to the United States with the intent to marry within 90 days of arrival. Once married, the foreign national can apply for lawful permanent residency (green card) through Adjustment of Status. The process is governed by strict requirements, tight timelines, and careful documentation, making legal guidance especially valuable.

To qualify for a K-1 visa, both the petitioner and the beneficiary must be legally free to marry and must have met in person at least once within the two years prior to filing Form I-129F, unless a hardship or cultural exception applies. The relationship must be genuine and entered into in good faith—not merely for immigration benefits.

At Congruence Law, P.C., we assist clients through every step of the K-1 visa process, beginning with the filing of Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e). We guide our clients in compiling persuasive evidence of the relationship, including documentation of in-person meetings, communications, travel records, photographs, and sworn declarations. We prepare and file a complete I-129F package with USCIS, ensuring it includes all necessary forms, exhibits, and translations where required.

Once USCIS approves the petition, the case moves to the National Visa Center and is then forwarded to the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate for visa issuance. We support our clients in completing the online DS-160 visa application, assembling the required documents for the consular interview (including police certificates, financial affidavits, and the medical examination), and preparing for the interview itself.

We also advise on the Affidavit of Support (Form I-134), which must show that the U.S. petitioner has adequate income or assets to support the fiancé(e) during their time in the U.S. prior to marriage and adjustment of status. While this form is less demanding than the I-864 required for immigrant visas, it must still be accurate and complete to avoid processing delays.

There are several common pitfalls that can delay or derail K-1 visa applications. These include insufficient evidence of the relationship, failure to meet the in-person meeting requirement, incomplete financial documentation, and inconsistencies in how the couple’s relationship is described across forms and interviews. In addition, failure to marry within 90 days after entry on a K-1 visa invalidates the visa and can create future immigration complications, including inadmissibility or denial of status.

Another issue arises when the foreign fiancé(e) brings children. K-2 visas are available for accompanying minor children, but must be carefully included in the petition, and the children must enter the U.S. within one year of the K-1’s issuance. Each child must also adjust status after the marriage takes place.

At Congruence Law, we help clients avoid these risks through careful screening, strategic planning, and proactive case management. We prepare detailed, well-organized filings that demonstrate the legitimacy of the relationship and ensure compliance with all requirements. We also provide in-depth interview preparation for the foreign fiancé(e), covering common consular questions, documentation expectations, and how to handle any concerns raised by the consular officer.

After the couple is married in the United States, we assist with filing Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) for the foreign spouse, as well as applications for work and travel authorization. We continue to advise clients through conditional residency (if the marriage is under two years old) and the later Form I-751 to remove conditions on permanent residence.

The K-1 process is emotionally significant and legally complex. At Congruence Law, P.C., we understand what’s at stake—for hearts, families, and futures. We provide legal clarity, responsive communication, and tailored support to help our clients bring their partners to the United States and take the next step toward permanent life together.

To explore whether the K-1 visa is right for you and begin the process with confidence, contact us at immigration@congruence.com. We’re here to help you bring love home—legally and securely.