K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa 2026: The $675 Petition, the 90-Day Rule & K-1 vs CR-1
Published 2026-08-11 · Sources: USCIS — Fiancé Visas, Department of State — K Visas
The K-1 fiancé(e) visa is the path for a U.S. citizen who is engaged to a foreign-citizen partner and wants to marry on U.S. soil. The petition that opens the case — Form I-129F — costs $675 in 2026. Once the visa is issued and the partner arrives, the couple has 90 days to marry, after which the new spouse adjusts status to a green card. This guide walks through the process and how the K-1 stacks up against the CR-1 spouse visa.
Step-by-step K-1 process
- File Form I-129F ($675). The U.S. citizen petitioner files with USCIS. USCIS approves and forwards the case to the National Visa Center, then to the embassy or consulate.
- Consular processing. The fiancé(e) completes the online visa application and attends an interview. A separate K-visa application fee is paid at the embassy; confirm the current amount on travel.state.gov. Medical exam and civil documents are required.
- Enter the U.S. and marry within 90 days. The K-1 is single-entry and expires if the marriage does not happen in the 90-day window.
- Adjust status after marriage. File Form I-485 (adjustment of status) plus work/travel authorization (I-765 / I-131) so the new spouse can work and travel while the green card is pending.
The 90-day rule, in plain terms
The K-1 status exists for one purpose: marriage to the petitioner. That must occur within 90 days of entry. There is no extension. If the marriage does not take place in time, the K-1 holder must depart. Planning the wedding before the visa interview helps avoid a close call.
Costs to expect
| Step | Form / fee | Paid by |
|---|---|---|
| Petition | I-129F — $675 | U.S. citizen petitioner |
| Consular K visa | Separate embassy fee (confirm on travel.state.gov) | Fiancé(e) |
| Adjustment after marriage | I-485 $1,440 + I-765 $520/$470 + I-131 $630/$580 | New spouse |
Fee figures are from USCIS Form G-1055 (Edition 02/17/2026, verified 2026-08-11) except the consular K fee, which is set by the Department of State — confirm the live amount before filing.
K-1 vs CR-1 spouse visa
| K-1 fiancé(e) | CR-1 spouse | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry status | Nonimmigrant, must marry in 90 days | Enters as a lawful permanent resident |
| Work / travel on arrival | No — must file I-765 / I-131 after marriage | Yes, immediately |
| Typical path to entry | Often faster to the U.S. | Usually longer consular wait |
| Green card timing | After marriage + I-485 | On entry |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the K-1 fiancé(e) visa?
The K-1 is a nonimmigrant visa for the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen. It lets the partner enter the United States to marry the petitioner within 90 days of arrival. After the marriage, the new spouse files for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident.
What is the I-129F petition fee in 2026?
The petition that starts the K-1 process — Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) — costs $675 in 2026 (USCIS Form G-1055, Edition 02/17/2026; verified 2026-08-11). A separate K-visa application fee is paid later at the U.S. embassy or consulate; confirm the current consular amount on travel.state.gov.
What is the 90-day marriage rule?
A K-1 holder must marry the U.S. citizen petitioner within 90 days of entering the United States. If the couple does not marry in that window, the K-1 status expires and the immigrant must leave; there is no extension of the 90-day limit.
K-1 or CR-1 — which is better?
The K-1 usually gets the partner to the U.S. faster, but the green card comes later (after marriage and a separate adjustment filing). The CR-1 is an immigrant spouse visa: the partner enters as a lawful permanent resident directly, can work and travel right away, but the consular process can take longer before entry. The right choice depends on timing, work needs, and travel plans.