Bring your fiancé(e) to the U.S. to marry
A U.S. citizen can petition for a foreign fiancé(e) to come to the United States to get married. Green card holders cannot use the K-1 visa.
Who qualifies. You and your fiancé(e) must both be legally free to marry, and in most cases you must have met in person within the two years before filing. Your fiancé(e)'s unmarried children under 21 may come along on K-2 visas.
After arrival. You must marry within 90 days of your fiancé(e)'s entry. After the wedding, your spouse applies for a green card from inside the U.S. A K-1 visa holder generally cannot switch to another status or adjust through a different petitioner, so the plan should be clear before travel.
K-1 or marry first? Some couples instead marry abroad and file a spousal petition. Which path is faster or better depends on your circumstances, and we can walk you through both. Already married? See our Marriage-Based Green Cards page.
Engaged and planning your move? Schedule a consultation with immigration attorney Galina Urman. Consultations are available in English and Russian.
