Fiance & Marriage Visa
Compare the main relationship-based immigration pathways for fiances and spouses of U.S. citizens.
K-1, CR-1 and IR-1 visas at a glance
The K-1 visa is a nonimmigrant fiance visa for a qualifying foreign fiance of a U.S. citizen. It allows the fiance to enter the United States for the purpose of marrying the petitioning U.S. citizen within 90 days of admission.
CR-1 and IR-1 are immigrant visa categories for qualifying spouses of U.S. citizens. The applicable spouse classification depends in part on the duration of the marriage at the relevant stage, but both are designed for a spouse who intends to immigrate permanently to the United States.
The correct path depends on whether you are married
K-1 is generally used for a qualifying foreign fiance of a U.S. citizen who intends to marry after entering the United States. CR-1 and IR-1 are immigrant spouse categories for qualifying married couples.
Fiance Visa
For a qualifying fiance of a U.S. citizen who plans to marry the petitioner after entering the United States.
Conditional Spouse
An immigrant spouse classification that generally applies when the marriage has not yet reached two years at the relevant admission stage.
Immediate Relative Spouse
An immigrant spouse classification generally associated with a qualifying marriage that has reached the applicable two-year duration threshold.
The fiance route begins before the marriage
- The U.S. citizen petitioner generally files Form I-129F.
- The relationship must meet the applicable legal requirements.
- The applicant completes visa processing after the petition stage.
- After admission in K-1 status, the couple must marry within 90 days.
- Additional immigration steps follow after the marriage.
CR-1 and IR-1 begin with an existing marriage
- The petitioner generally files Form I-130.
- The marriage relationship must be legally valid.
- After the petition stage, immigrant visa processing may continue.
- Financial sponsorship and civil documents are typically required.
- The applicant attends the immigrant visa interview.
Not sure whether K-1 or a spouse visa fits your situation?
Tell us about your relationship during a free consultation.