To be eligible for a K-1 visa, the petitioner must be a U.S. citizen, as green card holders are not allowed to sponsor a fiancé(e) for this visa. Both the U.S. citizen and the foreign fiancé(e) must be legally free to marry, meaning any previous marriages must have ended in divorce, annulment, or death. They must also have a genuine intention to marry each other within 90 days of the foreign fiancé(e) entering the United States. Additionally, the couple must have met in person at least once within the two years prior to filing the petition, unless they qualify for a cultural or hardship waiver. The relationship must be legitimate and supported by evidence such as photos, messages, and travel records, and the U.S. petitioner must meet certain income requirements to financially support their fiancé(e).

Couples are eligible for the K-1 visa if the sponsor is a U.S. citizen and both partners plan to marry within 90 days of arrival in the U.S. The couple must have met in person in the past two years and be legally able to marry. The U.S. sponsor must also demonstrate the ability to support the fiancé(e) financially to meet the government’s minimum income standards.

K-1 visa eligibility hinges on strict compliance with U.S. immigration law. The U.S. citizen petitioner must demonstrate a bona fide relationship with the foreign fiancé(e), including documentation of an in-person meeting within two years unless waived. Both parties must be legally free to marry, and the petitioner must satisfy income thresholds to avoid public charge concerns. Failing to meet these elements can lead to denial or later adjustment issues.