What Is The Difference Between A Fiancé Visa & A Marriage Visa?

A Fiancé Visa, also known as a K-1 Visa, is a nonimmigrant Visa that allows an individual to enter the United States in order to marry their fiancé within 90 days of arrival. This Visa is intended for individuals who are engaged to be married and plan to live together in the United States. Click for more info.

If You Are In A Serious Relationship With A U.S. Resident Or U.S. Citizen Learn About The Immigration Differences Between Each Fiancee And Marriage Visa

In order to qualify for a Fiancé Visa, the following requirements must be met:

  • The individual must be engaged to be married to a U.S. citizen.
  • The couple must have met in person at least once within the past two years. Exceptions to this requirement may be made in certain circumstances, such as if the requirement would violate strict and long-established customs of the individual’s culture or social practice, or if the requirement would result in undue hardship for the individual.
  • The individual must have a valid passport and be able to provide proof of their identity.
  • The individual must pass a medical examination and be found to be in good health.
  • The individual must be able to demonstrate that they have a clear purpose for traveling to the United States and that they have the intention of returning to their home country after their visit.

Once the individual arrives in the United States on a Fiancé Visa, they must marry their fiancé within 90 days. After the marriage, the individual can apply for a Green Card, which allows them to live and work in the United States permanently.

A Marriage Visa, on the other hand, is a type of immigrant Visa that allows an individual to enter the United States as the spouse of a U.S. citizen. There are two types of Marriage Visas: the CR-1 Visa, which is for individuals who have been married for less than two years, and the IR-1 Visa, which is for individuals who have been married for more than two years.

In order to qualify for a Marriage Visa, the following requirements must be met:

  • The individual must be married to a U.S. citizen.
  • The marriage must be a valid and legal marriage in the country where it was performed.
  • The individual must have a valid passport and be able to provide proof of their identity.
  • The individual must pass a medical examination and be found to be in good health.
  • The individual must be able to demonstrate that they have a clear purpose for traveling to the United States and that they have the intention of living permanently in the United States with their spouse.

Unlike a Fiancé Visa, a Marriage Visa does not have a time limit for the individual to marry their spouse. The individual can apply for a Green Card as soon as they arrive in the United States and become a permanent resident.

In summary, a Fiancé Visa is intended for individuals who are engaged to be married and plan to live together in the United States, while a Marriage Visa is intended for individuals who are already married to a U.S. citizen and plan to live permanently in the United States with their spouse. Both Visas allow the individual to apply for a Green Card and become a permanent resident, but the process and requirements for each are slightly different.

More about us.

Get Help From An U.S Immigration Attorney

    How To Find Us

    Austin Office
    Lincoln-Goldfinch Law

    1005 E 40th St
    Austin, TX 78751

    Waco Office

    Lincoln-Goldfinch Law

    1616 Austin Avenue, Suite A
    Waco, TX 76701
    By Appointment Only

    Austin & Waco

    Call or Text: (855) 502-0555
    Fax: (512) 323-9351