Bringing your fiancé(e) to the United States? Attorney Ali Latif helps U.S. citizens in Columbus file I-129F petitions and navigate the K-1 visa process. We speak English, Arabic, and Spanish.
Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship. Do not include confidential information in your message. Our intake form is powered by Clio, a secure legal practice management platform. View Clio's privacy policy.
The K-1 fiancé visa allows a U.S. citizen to bring their foreign-born fiancé(e) to the United States for the purpose of getting married. Once the fiancé(e) enters the U.S. on the K-1 visa, the couple must marry within 90 days. After the wedding, the foreign-born spouse can apply for a green card through adjustment of status.
Only U.S. citizens can petition for a K-1 visa — permanent residents (green card holders) are not eligible to file. Both partners must be legally free to marry, and the couple must have met in person at least once within the two years before filing, unless a waiver applies.
If your fiancé(e) has children under 21 who are unmarried, they may be eligible for K-2 visas to accompany the K-1 visa holder to the United States.
Important: Immigration law and USCIS policies are changing rapidly. Processing times, fees, and evidence requirements are subject to change. Always verify current requirements at uscis.gov or consult with an attorney before filing.
Couples often wonder whether to file for a K-1 fiancé visa or a CR-1/IR-1 spousal visa. The K-1 is for couples who want to marry in the U.S. The spousal visa is for couples who are already married and want the foreign spouse to enter as a permanent resident. Each option has different timelines, costs, and requirements — an attorney can help determine which path is right for your situation.
The U.S. citizen files Form I-129F with USCIS to petition for their fiancé(e). You must prove you have met in person within the past 2 years.
USCIS reviews the petition. Current processing time is approximately 7-10 months. You may receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) if more documentation is needed.
After USCIS approves the petition, it is forwarded to the National Visa Center, which assigns a case number and sends it to the appropriate U.S. Embassy.
Your fiancé(e) completes Form DS-160, undergoes a medical exam, and attends a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in their home country.
Once the K-1 visa is issued, your fiancé(e) enters the U.S. and you must marry within 90 days. This deadline cannot be extended.
After the wedding, your spouse files Form I-485 to adjust status to permanent resident. They can also apply for a work permit and travel document.
These are government fees only. Attorney fees are separate and vary by case complexity. Verify current fees at uscis.gov/feecalculator.
I-129F (Fiancé Petition)
USCIS filing fee ($50 discount if filed online)
Biometrics Fee
Fingerprinting for the U.S. citizen petitioner
DS-160 (Visa Application)
Nonimmigrant visa application at U.S. Embassy
Medical Exam
Required physical exam for the visa applicant
USCIS Immigrant Fee
Green card production fee after marriage and I-485 filing
Fees current as of early 2026. After marriage, additional fees apply for adjustment of status (I-485: $1,440, I-765 work permit: $520).
As of 2026, the total timeline from filing to U.S. entry is approximately 8-12 months. USCIS processing of the I-129F takes about 7-10 months, followed by embassy scheduling and interview.
Yes. Once your fiancé(e) enters the U.S. on the K-1 visa, you must legally marry within 90 days. This deadline cannot be extended. If you do not marry within 90 days, your fiancé(e) must leave the country.
The K-1 visa itself does not authorize employment. After entering the U.S., your fiancé(e) can apply for a work permit (Form I-765). After marriage, the work permit is typically filed alongside the I-485 adjustment of status.
USCIS generally requires that the couple has met in person at least once within two years of filing. Limited exceptions exist for couples who can demonstrate extreme hardship or cultural/religious customs that prevent meeting. An attorney can help assess whether a waiver may apply.
K-1 fiancé visa services available to clients throughout the greater Columbus metro area:
In-depth articles by Attorney Ali Latif on K-1 vs CR-1 strategy, family-based immigration, and visa overstay risks for Columbus couples.
Step-by-step guidance for navigating family-based immigration applications with recent policy updates.
2026 guide for Columbus couples on marriage-based green cards — mandatory interviews, documentation, filing fees (~$3,005), and key policy changes.
Overstaying a visa triggers a 3- or 10-year reentry bar. This 2026 Columbus guide covers unlawful presence rules, penalties, and options that may still remain.
Side-by-side: fiancé visa vs spouse green card — timing, cost, and trade-offs.
Spouse nonimmigrant visa — when it applies and when it does not.
After marrying on a K-1, the next step is adjusting status to permanent resident.
Income requirements the U.S. citizen petitioner must meet at adjustment.
Received a Request for Evidence on your I-129F? Time-sensitive response strategy.
Naturalization may be available 3 years after the marriage green card.
Schedule a consultation to discuss bringing your fiancé(e) to the United States. We serve Columbus and all of Central Ohio.
Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship. Do not include confidential information in your message. Our intake form is powered by Clio, a secure legal practice management platform. View Clio's privacy policy.
Consultations available in English, Arabic, and Spanish