K-1 Fiancé Visa Attorney in Chicago
The K-1 Fiancé Visa allows U.S. citizens to bring their foreign national fiancé(e) to the United States for the purpose of marriage. After marriage, the fiancé(e) can apply for adjustment of status to become a permanent resident. Our K-1 visa attorneys at Liberum Law in Chicago guide couples through the entire K-1 process, from I-129F petition through marriage and green card application.
K-1 visa requirements include that the petitioner must be a U.S. citizen, both parties must be legally free to marry, the couple must have met in person within the two years preceding the petition (with limited exceptions), and the couple must intend to marry within 90 days of the beneficiary’s entry to the U.S.
Our K-1 visa services include I-129F petition preparation, evidence compilation demonstrating a bona fide relationship, consular interview preparation, post-arrival adjustment of status (I-485) filing, and removal of conditions on residence.
Contact our K-1 fiancé visa attorneys at Liberum Law for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for a K-1 fiancé visa?
The U.S. citizen petitioner must intend to marry the foreign fiancé within 90 days of admission to the U.S. Both parties must be legally free to marry. The couple must have met in person within the 2 years before filing (limited waivers exist for cultural or hardship reasons).
How long does the K-1 process take?
Typical total processing: 8–14 months from filing to fiancé's arrival. After arrival and marriage within 90 days, adjustment to green card takes another 8–14 months. Total to green card: 16–28 months.
What happens after the fiancé arrives?
The couple must marry within 90 days. Then the foreign spouse files Form I-485 to adjust status to conditional green card (since marriage is under 2 years at issuance). Conditional green card lasts 2 years; Form I-751 to remove conditions must be filed in the 90 days before expiration.
Can my fiancé bring children on K-1?
Yes. Unmarried children under 21 of the K-1 beneficiary can come on K-2 derivative visas. They must immigrate within 1 year of the K-1 holder. After admission, they can adjust to green cards alongside or after the K-1 parent.
What if we decide to marry abroad first?
If you marry abroad, the K-1 visa is no longer appropriate — your spouse should pursue a CR-1 or IR-1 immigrant visa instead, which is slower to enter but provides immediate green card status on entry (no separate adjustment needed).
