🛠️ What You Can Do on This Page 🛠️ Que Puedes Hacer en Esta Pagina
K-1 vs CR-1 CompareComparar K-1 vs CR-1
Which path is faster for you?Cual camino es mas rapido para ti?
75-Country CheckerVerificador de 75 Paises
Is your fiance's country paused?Esta pausado el pais de tu prometido/a?
Timeline CalculatorCalculadora de Tiempo
Realistic wait by embassyEspera realista por embajada
Evidence ChecklistLista de Evidencia
Prove bona fide relationshipProbar relacion genuina
Explore This Guide:Explora Esta Guia:
Critical 2026Critico 2026
How USCIS Detects Fraud vs How to Prove Genuine Relationship Como USCIS Detecta Fraude vs Como Probar Relacion Genuina
Under Operation Twin Shield, K-1 cases face intense scrutiny. Here's what they look for - and how legitimate couples can prepare. Bajo la Operacion Twin Shield, los casos K-1 enfrentan escrutinio intenso. Esto es lo que buscan - y como las parejas legitimas pueden prepararse.
Red Flags USCIS Looks ForSenales de Alerta que USCIS Busca
What triggers scrutinyQue dispara escrutinio
VS
How to Prove GenuineComo Probar Genuino
Evidence that worksEvidencia que funciona
TAP EITHER SIDE TO EXPAND DETAILSTOCA CUALQUIER LADO PARA EXPANDIR DETALLES
👨🦱 Large Age GapGran Diferencia de Edad
15+ year difference triggers reviewDiferencia de 15+ anos dispara revision
WHY IT'S FLAGGED:
- Statistical correlation with fraud
- Power imbalance concerns
- Officers trained to probe deeper
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💕 Document Shared InterestsDocumenta Intereses Compartidos
Show genuine connection despite ageMuestra conexion genuina a pesar de la edad
HOW TO OVERCOME:
- Photos showing shared activities/hobbies
- Letters explaining how you met and connected
- Family affidavits confirming genuine relationship
- Long relationship history (longer = better)
⏱ Short RelationshipRelacion Corta
Less than 6 months before filingMenos de 6 meses antes de solicitar
WHY IT'S FLAGGED:
- Quick engagements = fraud pattern
- Less time to build evidence
- May indicate transactional arrangement
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📋 Intensive DocumentationDocumentacion Intensiva
Quality over quantity evidenceCalidad sobre cantidad de evidencia
HOW TO OVERCOME:
- Daily communication logs from day 1
- Multiple in-person visits documented
- Detailed timeline with specific dates
- Consider waiting to file until 6+ months
👥 Prior K-1/Spouse PetitionsPeticiones K-1/Conyuge Previas
History of multiple sponsorshipsHistorial de multiples patrocinios
WHY IT'S FLAGGED:
- Pattern suggests fraud schemes
- Must disclose all prior petitions
- IMBRA requirements triggered
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📜 Full Disclosure + ContextDivulgacion Completa + Contexto
Be upfront with explanationsSe directo con explicaciones
HOW TO OVERCOME:
- Disclose everything - hiding is worse
- Explain prior relationship circumstances
- Show this relationship is different/genuine
- Consider attorney assistance - mandatory IMBRA waiver may be needed
💻 Met on Dating App/WebsiteConocidos en App/Sitio de Citas
International dating sites scrutinizedSitios de citas internacionales escrutados
WHY IT'S FLAGGED:
- Romance scam patterns often start here
- "Mail order bride" stereotype
- Requires more evidence of genuine evolution
✓
📷 Document Relationship EvolutionDocumenta Evolucion de la Relacion
From first message to engagementDesde primer mensaje hasta compromiso
HOW TO OVERCOME:
- Keep screenshots from original messages
- Show progression: app -> texting -> calls -> video -> meeting
- Document ALL in-person visits thoroughly
- Get affidavits from friends who witnessed relationship develop
🌐 No Common LanguageSin Idioma Comun
Couple cannot communicate directlyLa pareja no puede comunicarse directamente
WHY IT'S FLAGGED:
- Major fraud indicator
- Questions genuine emotional connection
- Interview will test communication
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📚 Show Learning EffortsMuestra Esfuerzos de Aprendizaje
Document language learning and communication methodsDocumenta aprendizaje de idioma y metodos de comunicacion
HOW TO OVERCOME:
- Enroll in language classes - provide certificates
- Show Duolingo/app progress
- Document how you communicate (translator apps, basic phrases learned)
- Practice before interview - you WILL be tested
📱 Social Media Red FlagsSenales de Alerta en Redes Sociales
Inconsistencies or hidden profilesInconsistencias o perfiles ocultos
WHAT THEY CHECK:
- Status still shows "single"
- No photos together posted
- Active on dating apps after engagement
- Friends don't acknowledge relationship
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✅ Clean Up & DocumentLimpia y Documenta
Make profiles consistent with realityHaz perfiles consistentes con la realidad
HOW TO OVERCOME:
- Update relationship status on ALL platforms
- Post engagement announcement
- Delete dating apps (or explain if keeping for legitimate reasons)
- Don't delete old posts - looks suspicious
- Screenshot positive engagement from friends/family
Protect Yourself from K-1 Fraud & ScamsProtegete del Fraude y Estafas K-1
Romance ScamsEstafas Romanticas
Never send money to someone you haven't met in person. Scammers create fake profiles and fabricate emergencies to extract money before any visa filing.
"Guaranteed Approval" ServicesServicios de "Aprobacion Garantizada"
No one can guarantee visa approval. Avoid "visa mills" that promise fast processing for high fees. Only USCIS and DOS process visas.
Fake Immigration AttorneysAbogados de Inmigracion Falsos
Verify any attorney at your state bar website. "Notarios" are NOT attorneys. Check AILA membership for immigration specialists.
Marriage Fraud SchemesEsquemas de Fraude Matrimonial
Entering a fraudulent marriage is a federal crime (up to 5 years prison + $250K fine). Both parties are prosecuted. Don't do it.
Understanding the K-1 Fiance VisaEntendiendo la Visa K-1 de Prometido/a
What is the K-1 Visa?Que es la Visa K-1?
The K-1 "fiance visa" allows a U.S. citizen to bring their foreign fiance(e) to the United States for the purpose of getting married. After marriage, the fiance can apply for adjustment of status to become a permanent resident.
The K-1 Process Step-by-StepEl Proceso K-1 Paso a Paso
1️⃣
File I-129F PetitionPresenta Peticion I-129F
U.S. citizen petitioner files Form I-129F with USCIS. Include evidence of relationship, proof of meeting in person, and intent to marry.
Timeline: 5-9 months for approvalTiempo: 5-9 meses para aprobacion
2️⃣
NVC ProcessingProcesamiento NVC
After USCIS approval, case transfers to National Visa Center. NVC forwards to the appropriate U.S. embassy/consulate.
Timeline: 1-2 monthsTiempo: 1-2 meses
3️⃣
Embassy InterviewEntrevista en Embajada
Fiance attends interview at U.S. embassy. Complete DS-160, medical exam, and bring all documentation. Visa valid for 4 months.
Timeline: Varies by embassy (1-8 months)Tiempo: Varia por embajada (1-8 meses)
4️⃣
Enter US & MarryEntrar a EE.UU. y Casarse
Fiance enters U.S. on K-1 visa. MUST marry within 90 days of entry. Cannot extend this deadline. Marriage must be to the petitioner only.
Timeline: 90-day deadlineTiempo: Plazo de 90 dias
5️⃣
Adjustment of StatusAjuste de Estatus
After marriage, file I-485 to adjust status to permanent resident. Concurrently file I-765 for work permit and I-131 for travel document.
Timeline: 6-12 months for green cardTiempo: 6-12 meses para green card
Trump 2026 Changes Affecting K-1Cambios Trump 2026 que Afectan K-1
75-Country Immigrant Visa PausePausa de Visa de Inmigrante de 75 Paises
As of January 21, 2026, DOS has paused immigrant visa issuance at consulates for nationals of 75 countries. K-1 visas ARE affected. If your fiance is from a paused country, consular processing is indefinitely delayed. Use the checker tool above.
Enhanced Fraud Scrutiny (Operation Twin Shield)Escrutinio de Fraude Mejorado (Operacion Twin Shield)
All K-1 petitions now face heightened review. USCIS has monthly fraud detection quotas. Expect longer processing times, more RFEs, and potential Stokes interviews even for legitimate couples. Prepare extensive evidence.
Mandatory Social Media DisclosureDivulgacion Obligatoria de Redes Sociales
All visa applicants must disclose social media handles. Officers actively review profiles for inconsistencies. Ensure your online presence supports your relationship claims.
K-1 Visa RequirementsRequisitos de Visa K-1
Petitioner Requirements (U.S. Citizen)Requisitos del Peticionario (Ciudadano EE.UU.)
Must be a U.S. CitizenDebe ser Ciudadano de EE.UU.
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Green card holders (permanent residents) cannot file K-1 petitions. Only U.S. citizens qualify. If you're an LPR, consider CR-1 spousal visa instead after marriage abroad.
Legally Free to MarryLegalmente Libre para Casarse
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Must be single, divorced, or widowed. Provide divorce decrees or death certificates for any prior marriages. Annulment documents if applicable.
Met Fiance in Person Within 2 YearsConocio al Prometido/a en Persona en los Ultimos 2 Anos
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You must have physically met in person at least once within 2 years before filing. Video calls don't count. Exceptions exist for extreme hardship or cultural/religious customs.
Financial Ability to SupportCapacidad Financiera para Mantener
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Must demonstrate income at 100% of federal poverty guidelines via I-134. For 2026, household of 2 = $21,150/year minimum. Can use joint sponsor if needed.
Beneficiary Requirements (Fiance)Requisitos del Beneficiario (Prometido/a)
Legally Free to MarryLegalmente Libre para Casarse
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Same as petitioner - must be single, divorced, or widowed. Documents must be officially translated to English if in another language.
Admissible to the United StatesAdmisible a los Estados Unidos
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No criminal inadmissibility, health-related grounds, or prior immigration violations that bar entry. If issues exist, waivers may be possible (consult attorney).
Pass Medical ExaminationPasar Examen Medico
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Must complete medical exam with USCIS-approved panel physician before embassy interview. Includes vaccinations, TB test, and general health screening.
Intent to Marry Within 90 DaysIntencion de Casarse en 90 Dias
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Must genuinely intend to marry the petitioner within 90 days of U.S. arrival. This deadline cannot be extended for any reason.
Filing Fees (2026)Tarifas de Solicitud (2026)
| Form/FeeFormulario/Tarifa | AmountCantidad | NotesNotas |
|---|---|---|
| I-129F (Petition) | $675 | Filed with USCIS by petitioner |
| DS-160 (Visa Application) | $265 | Paid to embassy/consulate |
| Medical Exam | $200-400 | Varies by country/physician |
| I-485 (Adjustment) | $1,440 | After marriage, filed in US |
| I-765 (Work Permit) | $0 | Included with I-485 |
| Total EstimateTotal Estimado | $2,500-2,800 | Not including attorney fees |
K-1 Visa FAQ
No. K-1 visa holders cannot work until they receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). You must first marry, then file I-485 (adjustment of status) along with I-765 (work permit application). EAD processing typically takes 3-6 months. This is a key disadvantage vs. CR-1 spousal visa, where beneficiaries can work immediately upon entry.
If you don't marry within 90 days, your fiance must leave the United States before the 90 days expire. There is no extension available. Remaining beyond 90 days results in unlawful presence, potential deportation, and bars to future immigration benefits. If the relationship ends, the fiance cannot simply marry someone else - they must depart.
Yes. Unmarried children under 21 can receive K-2 derivative visas. They are included on the I-129F petition. Each child will need their own DS-160 and medical exam. After you marry, you'll file separate I-485 for each child. K-2 children have the same 90-day status as the K-1 parent.
If your fiance's country is paused, consular processing for K-1 is indefinitely delayed. Options include: (1) Wait for the pause to be lifted (unknown timeline). (2) If your fiance is already legally in the US, file I-485 directly (rare for K-1 situations). (3) Marry abroad in a non-paused third country, then file CR-1 (complex, requires legal residence in that country). (4) Consult an immigration attorney for case-specific strategies.
A Stokes interview is a fraud detection interview where both partners are separated and asked detailed questions about their relationship, then answers are compared. Common triggers: age gap, short relationship, prior petitions, inconsistent stories. If your relationship is genuine, don't panic - just ensure you actually know each other well. Questions include: What did you eat for dinner last night? What side of the bed do you sleep on? What color is your bedroom? Be honest and consistent.
Only with Advance Parole. After filing I-485, you can file I-131 for advance parole (travel document). Leaving without approved advance parole will abandon your adjustment application. AP is usually approved along with EAD as a combo card. Processing takes 3-6 months. Plan accordingly - no international travel until you have the document in hand.
It depends on what you measure. K-1 typically gets your fiance to the US faster (12-18 months). But CR-1 results in a green card upon entry, while K-1 requires an additional 6-12 months of adjustment processing. Total time to green card: K-1 = 18-30 months, CR-1 = 14-24 months. CR-1 also allows immediate work authorization. Use our comparison tool above to see which is better for your situation.