Question 1

How long does the K-1 visa take?

Accepted Answer

On average, 8-16 months from I-129F filing to visa in hand. The process goes through USCIS (I-129F approval, 6-12 months), NVC (transfer, 1 month), and consular interview (1-3 months). Brazilians are processed at the São Paulo consulate.

Question 2

What happens if you don't marry within 90 days on K-1?

Accepted Answer

The foreign fiancé must leave the US. K-1 cannot be extended and cannot be converted to another status. Marrying after 90 days to someone else also doesn't resolve it — marriage must be to the petitioner within the window, or the process restarts from zero with a new I-130.

Question 3

K-1 or CR-1: which is better?

Accepted Answer

Depends on urgency and marital status. K-1 is faster for reuniting the couple in the US (8-16 months vs 12-18 for CR-1), but requires post-marriage adjustment of status (extra ~$1,400 + 6 additional months). CR-1 is cheaper overall and enters the US already as a Green Card holder.

Question 4

What are the K-1 requirements?

Accepted Answer

The petitioner must be a US citizen, both must be legally free to marry, and they must have met in person within the past 2 years (limited cultural or religious exceptions exist). The petitioner must also meet income requirements (125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines).

Item	USD
I 1 2 9f	$675
Ds 1 6 0	$265
I 4 8 5	$1,440
Biometrics	$0
USCIS filing fees	$2,380
Attorney fees	$3,500 – $7,000
Certified translations	$800
Medical exam	$400
Estimated TOTAL	$6,880 – $13,705

K-1 Fiancé Visa

Who Can Apply?

Estimated Investment

Process Timeline

Consultation + Eligibility Assessment

Document Collection

Petition Drafting

USCIS Submission

USCIS Decision

Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing

Frequently Asked Questions

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