Bringing your future spouse to the United States is an exciting milestone, but applying for a fiancé visa (also known as the K-1 visa process) can be complex. Even small errors can cause long delays, additional costs, or denials. Knowing how to apply for a fiancé visa the right way, and how to avoid common pitfalls, can save you stress and heartache.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the K-1 visa process and highlight 7 common mistakes applicants make. By steering clear of these issues, you’ll put yourself on a smoother path to reuniting with your loved one in the U.S.
How to Know When You're Ready to Start the K-1 Visa Process
Before jumping into the paperwork, it’s important to make sure you're truly ready to start the K-1 visa process. This means more than just being engaged. Here are a few key indicators that you're prepared:
- You’ve met in person within the last two years. This is a requirement for eligibility unless you qualify for a rare exemption.
- You have a genuine, ongoing relationship. You’ll need to prove this with photos, messages, and other records.
- You're both legally free to marry. Any previous marriages must be legally terminated before applying.
- You're ready to marry within 90 days of arrival. The visa is for couples who plan to marry shortly after entering the U.S.
- You meet the income requirement. The U.S. citizen must be able to financially support their fiancé during the visa and green card process.
If you can check all of these boxes, you’re likely ready to begin. Taking time to prepare and gather documentation now can save months of delays later.
How to Apply for a Fiancé Visa
Before your fiancé can apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate, the U.S. citizen must first file a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This is done using Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé. The purpose of this petition is to demonstrate that you and your fiancé have a qualifying relationship under U.S. immigration law.
Submitting a complete and organized K-1 visa petition package helps avoid delays and RFEs (Requests for Evidence). A typical I-129F petition package might include:
- Cover letter listing all items in the package (recommended but optional)
- Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé (signed and dated)
- USCIS filing fee (currently $675)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- Passport-style photos
- Evidence of in-person meeting within the last two years
- Proof of a bona fide relationship
- Declarations of intent to marry (petitioner and beneficiary)
- Proof of legal termination of prior marriages (if applicable)
Of course, each case is different. Different supporting documents may be necessary for your situation. Review the USCIS instructions or use a service like to prepare your petition package. Your custom filing instructions will include a checklist of supporting documents.
Avoid These 7 Mistakes in the K-1 Visa Process
Even when couples meet all the requirements, many fiancé visa applications are delayed or denied because of avoidable errors. From missing evidence to overlooking deadlines, these mistakes can cost time, money, and peace of mind. By learning how to apply for a fiancé visa correctly and understanding the most frequent problems in the K-1 visa process, you can prepare a stronger petition and move more smoothly toward reuniting with your partner in the United States.
Failing to Meet the In-Person Meeting Requirement
USCIS requires that the couple has met in person within the past two years.
Some applicants mistakenly believe that online relationships or long-distance dating qualifies. But unless you’ve met face-to-face during the two years before filing, your petition will be denied.
Exceptions exist for cultural traditions or extreme hardship, but they are difficult to get. Most couples must prove an in-person meeting with photos, travel records, and other documentation.
Not Establishing a Genuine Relationship
USCIS checks for evidence of a bona fide relationship.
Too many petitions are denied because applicants don't provide enough proof that their relationship is real. This includes:
- Photos together over time
- Communication records (texts, emails, call logs)
- Travel itineraries
- Affidavits from friends and family
USCIS wants to see a consistent, evolving relationship, not just recent contact. Take this seriously. USCIS is always on the look out for marriage fraud.
Incomplete or Incorrect Form I-129F
Form I-129F must be fully and accurately prepared.
Even a small mistake on Form I-129F can cause a rejection or Request for Evidence (RFE), which delays your case. Common issues include:
- Missing signatures
- Incorrect dates
- Incomplete addresses
- Leaving required sections blank
Always double-check the form before filing. Using a service like CitizenPath helps ensure your form is error-free. Our online system reviews your petition for common errors and provides step-by-step guidance.
Insufficient Supporting Documents
You must prove eligibility with strong documentation.
Along with Form I-129F, you need to submit:
- Proof of citizenship for the petitioner
- Proof of meeting in person
- Evidence of relationship
- Signed statements of intent to marry within 90 days
If you miss required documents, USCIS may issue an RFE. In the current environment, some are simply being denied without acceptable evidence. Using CitizenPath can help ensure you have a strong package. What's more, well documented petition packages generally get the quickest processing.
Overlooking the Financial Requirement
The U.S. petitioner must meet minimum income guidelines.
Before the K-1 visa is approved, you (the U.S. citizen) must show that you can financially support the foreign fiancé during their stay. The petitioning sponsor prepares Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support. You must show income at or above 100% of the federal poverty guidelines (FPG). If your income is too low, you may need a joint sponsor or additional assets.
It's worth noting that you must have an income that is 125% of the FPG when the beneficiary applies for a green card. Again, it's possible to use a joint sponsor for family-based green card sponsorships.
Not Preparing for the Visa Interview
The visa interview is a critical part of the process.
Your fiancé will attend an in-person interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. The officer will ask about:
- The relationship history
- Future wedding plans
- Petitioner’s background
Applicants who aren't prepared or give inconsistent answers risk denial. Practicing answers and organizing documents in advance is key. Use the K-1 Visa Interview Checklist to prepare.
Missing the 90-Day Marriage Deadline
You must marry within 90 days of your fiancé’s arrival.
Once your fiancé arrives in the U.S. on a K-1 visa, you must legally marry within 90 days. If you don’t, your fiancé will be out of status and could face removal.
Have a plan. There is no extension for this deadline. If you change your mind or postpone the wedding, your fiancé may need to leave the country. On the other hand, beneficiaries who marry will be able to adjust status from K-1 visa to green card.
The Importance of Honesty in the K-1 Visa Process
Of course, it should go without saying that misrepresentation of facts will likely result in a visa denial. Being truthful throughout the K-1 visa process is important. Even if immigration officials don’t initially catch a lie, it can haunt the applicant later. For example, at the time of applying for a green card, USCIS officers may review previous visa cases. They will deny the green card if new information makes it apparent that a visa was fraudulently obtained previously. If at any point you feel as though a truthful answer on a visa application may be problematic, contact an immigration lawyer for guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Applying for a Fiancé Visa
How CitizenPath Helps with the K-1 Visa Process
Navigating how to apply for a fiancé visa doesn’t have to be overwhelming. CitizenPath provides an affordable, easy-to-use online service to help you prepare Form I-129F and avoid costly mistakes.
With CitizenPath, you get:
- Step-by-step guidance with simple explanations
- Alerts when we detect a problem
- Free eligibility quiz
- Detailed filing instructions
Thousands of couples have used CitizenPath to successfully bring their loved ones to the U.S. Sign up for our newsletter to receive expert immigration tips, updates, and how-to guides.
We provide support for the K-1 Fiancé Visa Petition (Form I-129F), Application to Adjust Status (Form I-485), and several other immigration services.
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