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What the K-1 visa is
The K-1 is a temporary visa for the fiancé(e) of a US citizen, who must marry the petitioner within 90 days of entry. Under 8 U.S.C. 1184(d)(1), if the marriage does not take place within three months of admission, the K-1 holder and children must depart or face removal.
Eligible children of a K-1 applicant may receive K-2 visas; the petitioner must list them on Form I-129F, and they must travel within one year of the K-1 visa issuance.
Couples who are already married use the spousal immigrant visa route instead, which starts with Form I-130 (USD 675 under 8 CFR 106.2).
Legal requirements
The petitioner is a US citizen. Permanent residents (green card holders) cannot file K-1 petitions.
Free to marry. Both parties must be legally free to marry when the petition is filed and afterwards. Anyone previously married needs evidence of divorce or a former spouse's death, and the marriage must be valid under the law of the state where it will take place.
Met within 2 years. 8 U.S.C. 1184(d)(1) requires an in-person meeting within 2 years before the petition is filed. USCIS may waive this, for example where meeting before marriage is contrary to custom or would cause the petitioner extreme hardship.
IMBRA limits. 8 U.S.C. 1184(d)(2) bars approval where the petitioner has filed K-1 petitions for two or more other people, or where fewer than 2 years have passed since a previously approved petition was filed, unless waived; waivers are generally unavailable to petitioners with a history of violent offenses.
K-1 steps
Step one: the US citizen files Form I-129F with USCIS (USD 675 under 8 CFR 106.2). It cannot be filed at a US Embassy or a USCIS office abroad.
Step two: after approval, the National Visa Center assigns a case number and forwards the petition to the embassy or consulate where the fiancé(e) lives. The petition is valid for four months from approval, and a consular officer may extend it if it expires before processing is complete.
Step three: the fiancé(e) completes the DS-160, has a medical exam with an embassy-designated physician and attends the interview.
Step four: after the visa is issued, enter the US, marry within 90 days and file Form I-485 for permanent residence.
Documents
The State Department's K-1 page lists the following.
- DS-160 confirmation
- Passport valid at least six months beyond the intended stay
- Birth certificate
- Divorce or death certificates for any previous spouses of both parties
- Police certificates from every country of residence for six months or more since age 16
- Medical exam
- Evidence of financial support (Form I-134 may be requested)
- Two 2 x 2 inch photos
- Evidence of the relationship
- Proof of fee payment
Documents from Thailand. The State Department's civil documents schedule says police certificates are issued by the Police Clearance Service Center of the Royal Thai Police, for a fee of THB 100 and in about 30 business days; birth certificates are available free from the district (amphur) registration office where the birth took place.
After arrival in the US
The K-1 holder must marry the petitioner within 90 days and then file Form I-485: USD 1,440 for applicants 14 or older, or USD 950 for a child under 14 filing with a parent. The petitioner submits Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support), which has no fee. K-2 children must file their own adjustment applications.
K-1 and K-2 visas for Thai nationals allow one entry within 6 months and carry no reciprocity fee.
Visa Connext K-1 service
Visa Connext checks eligibility under 8 U.S.C. 1184(d), prepares relationship evidence and supporting documents for Form I-129F, prepares the DS-160, coordinates Thai documents such as police certificates and translations, and prepares applicants for the interview. See our US visa service.
Frequently asked questions
Do we have to have met in person for a K-1?
Yes, within 2 years before the petition is filed, unless USCIS grants a waiver, for example where meeting before marriage is contrary to custom or would cause the petitioner extreme hardship.
Within how many days must we marry?
Within 90 days of entry. If the marriage does not take place, the K-1 holder and children must depart.
Source: 8 U.S.C. 1184(d)(1)
What are the K-1 fees?
Form I-129F is USD 675, plus a visa application fee per applicant and a medical exam; after the marriage, Form I-485 is USD 1,440 for applicants 14 or older.
Source: 8 CFR 106.2 · U.S. Department of State: K-1
Can a green card holder file a K-1?
No. The K-1 petitioner must be a US citizen.
Source: U.S. Department of State: K-1
Can my fiancé(e)'s children come too?
Yes, on K-2 visas. The petitioner must list them on Form I-129F; each child applies and pays separately and must travel within one year of the K-1 visa issuance.
Source: U.S. Department of State: K-1
How long is a K-1 visa valid for a Thai national?
One entry within 6 months, with no reciprocity fee.
Source: Reciprocity: Thailand
Where do I get a Thai police certificate for a K-1?
From the Police Clearance Service Center of the Royal Thai Police, for THB 100 in about 30 business days. Certificates are needed from every country of residence for six months or more since age 16.
Source: Reciprocity and Civil Documents: Thailand · U.S. Department of State: K-1
Sources and legal texts used on this page
- 8 U.S.C. 1184(d) — Fiancé(e) petitions and IMBRA limits
U.S. Code 2024 edition (govinfo) · checked 30 Oct 2026 - U.S. Department of State — Nonimmigrant Visa for a Fiancé(e) (K-1)
checked 30 Oct 2026 - 8 CFR 106.2 — USCIS fees
last amended 91 FR 51971 (11 Aug 2026) · checked 30 Oct 2026 - U.S. Department of State — Reciprocity and Civil Documents: Thailand
checked 30 Oct 2026