K-1 Fiancé Visa Guide 2025 – By TRW Law Firm
Expert Legal Guidance for Marriage-Based U.S. Immigration from Bangladesh and Beyond
🔍 What is a K-1 Visa?
The K-1 visa, also known as the fiancé(e) visa, allows the foreign fiancé of a U.S. citizen to travel to the United States for the purpose of marrying within 90 days of arrival. Although categorized as a non-immigrant visa, it provides a direct pathway to permanent residency (green card) through marriage.
At TRW Law Firm, we assist Bangladeshi and international clients in successfully navigating every step of the K-1 visa process—from filing Form I-129F to adjusting status after marriage.
🔹 K-1 Visa Eligibility (2025)
To be eligible for a K-1 visa:
- The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen (green card holders are not eligible).
- Both parties must be legally free to marry.
- The couple must have met in person within the past 2 years, unless a waiver is granted.
- Both must intend to marry within 90 days of the fiancé(e)’s arrival.
- The petitioner must meet the income threshold of 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Note: Same-sex couples are eligible regardless of the foreign country’s marriage laws.
⚠️ New Update (Effective May 1, 2025)
USCIS has released a new version of Form I-129F, with mandatory formatting changes. Only the new edition will be accepted. This is part of USCIS’s digital transformation initiative aimed at reducing processing errors.
💰 K-1 Visa Costs in 2025
| Fee Type | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Form I-129F Filing Fee | $675 |
| DS-160 Visa Application Fee | $265 |
| Medical Examination | ~$200 |
Additional expenses may include document translations, passport photos, and obtaining civil documents like birth or divorce certificates.
⏱️ K-1 Visa Processing Timeline
- Form I-129F Processing: 4–7 months
- NVC & DS-160 Processing: 4–6 weeks
- Embassy Interview & Visa Issuance: 4–6 weeks
Total Estimated Time: 8–11 months from application to visa approval
📄 Step-by-Step: How TRW Helps You Get a K-1 Visa
✅ Step 1: File Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e))
The U.S. citizen must submit:
- Proof of citizenship
- Evidence of genuine relationship
- Proof of in-person meeting (e.g., flight tickets, photos)
- Statements of intent to marry within 90 days
- Passport-style photos of both parties
- Divorce or death certificates (if applicable)
TRW assists in drafting, reviewing, and filing your petition to ensure zero errors.
✅ Step 2: Complete DS-160 and Prepare for the Interview
The sponsored fiancé must:
- Complete the DS-160 form online
- Schedule a medical exam with a U.S.-approved doctor
- Gather supporting documents (passport, police clearances, proof of relationship)
- Attend the interview at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka or appropriate consulate
TRW will prepare a tailored interview prep kit and checklist for your documentation.
✅ Step 3: Arrival in the U.S. & Marriage
- The K-1 visa is valid for 6 months for entry
- Once in the U.S., the couple must marry within 90 days
TRW will assist in:
- Transitioning from K-1 visa to green card
- Filing Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status)
- Preparing employment authorization requests (Form I-765)
🧵 Income Requirements (2025)
To qualify as a sponsor:
- Your income must meet 100% of Federal Poverty Guidelines
- For a household of 2: $26,430
- Active military: 125% threshold applies
If the sponsor’s income falls short, TRW can guide you through securing a joint sponsor.
📈 Recent Policy Updates (2025)
- New Form I-129F Format: Mandatory use from May 1, 2025
- USCIS Digitization: Stricter review and fewer form errors
- Marriage Fraud Enforcement: ICE has archived its 2014 fraud campaign; however, scrutiny of K-1 applications remains high
🕹️ Common Reasons for Denial
- Inability to prove a genuine relationship
- Failure to meet income threshold
- Prior immigration violations
- Not meeting in person within 2 years
- Weak or inconsistent evidence
TRW Law Firm ensures your application is well-documented, legally sound, and tailored for success.
❓ K-1 Visa FAQs by TRW
Can I work in the U.S. on a K-1 visa? Yes, but only after filing Form I-765. This grants 90-day work permission.
Can my fiancé apply for a green card after marriage? Yes. After marriage, file Form I-485 to adjust status.
Can green card holders file for a K-1 visa? No. Only U.S. citizens may sponsor a K-1 visa.
Can I extend a K-1 visa? No. It expires 90 days after entry.
What if we never met in person? You may request a waiver for religious or hardship reasons, but these are rarely approved. TRW can assess waiver viability.
💼 Why Choose TRW Law Firm for Your K-1 Visa?
- ✅ 100% compliance with evolving USCIS requirements
- ✅ Experienced in Bangladesh-U.S. family immigration
- ✅ Personalized documentation strategy for your case
- ✅ Full support from petition to green card
✨ Start Your Journey Today
Want a hassle-free and legally sound K-1 visa process?
🔗 Book a consultation today: https://booking.tahmidurrahman.com
🌐 Visit: www.tahmidurrahman.com
📧 Email: info@tahmidur.com | info@trwbd.com
📞 Call: +8801708000660 | +8801847220062 | +8801708080817
At TRW Law Firm, we don’t just file forms. We secure futures.