If you’re a U.S. citizen planning to marry someone who lives abroad, the K-1 fiancé(e) visa lets your partner come to the United States so the two of you can marry and start your life together. It’s a hopeful process — but a detail-heavy one, where small mistakes cause big delays. This guide explains how it works.
If you’re starting a fiancé(e) case in east Dallas, an experienced Dallas Immigration Attorney can help you file correctly and keep the process moving.
What is a K-1 visa, and who qualifies?
A K-1 visa allows the fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to enter the United States to marry that citizen within 90 days of arrival. To qualify, generally both partners must be legally free to marry, must have met in person within the two years before filing (with limited exceptions), and must intend to marry in good faith.
The Piri Law Firm, located at 8021 I-30 Frontage Rd in Dallas, TX 75228, helps couples through the K-1 fiancé(e) visa process, and you can review related options on its family-based visa page.
How does the K-1 process work?
The process usually begins when the U.S. citizen files Form I-129F with USCIS. After approval, the case moves to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the fiancé(e)’s country for a visa interview. Once the visa is issued and the fiancé(e) enters the U.S., the couple marries within 90 days, and the foreign spouse then applies for a green card through adjustment of status. The official starting point and instructions are on the USCIS Form I-129F page at uscis.gov/i-129f.
What is the 90-day rule?
After entering on a K-1 visa, the couple must legally marry within 90 days. This deadline is firm — if the marriage doesn’t happen in that window, the fiancé(e) is generally expected to leave the country. Planning the wedding timeline early helps avoid a scramble later.
How long does a fiancé(e) visa take?
Timelines vary with USCIS and consular workloads, often spanning many months from filing to the fiancé(e)’s arrival. You can check current estimates on the official USCIS processing times page at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times. A complete, well-documented petition is the best way to avoid delays from requests for additional evidence.
K-1 visa or marriage green card — which is right for us?
If your partner is abroad and you want them to come to the U.S. to marry, the K-1 is designed for that. If you’re already married, a marriage-based immigrant visa or green card petition may fit better. The right choice depends on where each of you lives and your timeline, which an attorney can help you weigh. Explore all immigration practice areas to compare.
Why work with a local Dallas firm?
A local attorney is easy to meet with and understands how these cases proceed. The Piri Law Firm emphasizes personalized attention so you’re never just a case number, a commitment to keeping families together, and clear communication so you always know where your case stands. The I-30 office serves clients throughout east Dallas, including the Casa View and Lake Highlands areas.
How do I get started?
The first step is a consultation. To schedule with The Piri Law Firm, call (214) 509-7897 or visit 8021 I-30 Frontage Rd, Dallas, TX 75228.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do my fiancé(e) and I have to have met in person? Generally yes — you must usually have met in person within the two years before filing, though limited exceptions exist. An attorney can advise whether an exception applies.
Can my fiancé(e) work after arriving on a K-1 visa? A K-1 entrant may apply for a work permit, though many wait to file for work authorization together with the green card application after marriage. An attorney can advise on timing.
What happens if we don’t marry within 90 days? The 90-day deadline is firm. If the marriage does not occur, the fiancé(e) is generally expected to depart the United States.
Does the firm serve Spanish-speaking clients? Yes. The firm exclusively serves the Latin community and provides guidance in a culturally familiar, accessible way.
How much does a K-1 visa case cost? Government filing fees apply, plus attorney fees that depend on the complexity of your case. A consultation is the best way to understand the total.
This article is general information, not legal advice. The Piri Law Firm | Attorney Michael Piri (Texas Bar No. 24096771) | 8021 I-30 Frontage Rd, Dallas, TX 75228 | (214) 509-7897
