A K-1 visa is a visa issued to the fiancé or fiancée of a United States citizen to enter the United States. A K-1 visa requires a foreigner to marry his or her U.S. citizen petitioner within 90 days of entry, or depart the United States. Once the couple marries, the foreign citizen can adjust status to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States (Green Card holder). Although a K-1 visa is legally classified as a non-immigrant visa, it usually leads to important immigration benefits and is therefore often processed by the Immigrant Visa section of United States embassies and consulates worldwide.
In 2014, the Department of State issued a total of 35,925 K-1 visas to fiancées of U.S. citizens.[1] Including derivative categories—mostly for children of fiancées—a total of 41,488 visas in the K category were issued.[2]
In 2018, the total cost for all parts of the K-1 Visa was US$2,025.