Fiancé(e) Visa vs. Spousal-Based Green Card Overview

Are you and your partner planning to embark on your new life together in the United States soon, and wondering whether a Fiancé(e) Visa (K-1 Visa) or a Spousal Visa (CR-1/IR-1 Visa) is the most appropriate option for you?

Navigating the U.S. Immigration process can be daunting, as each visa has its own set of requirements, procedures and timelines. This blog post aims to simplify both visa options for couples, providing a comprehensive comparison to help you determine the most suitable choice for your unique situation.

Understanding the Key Differences Between Fiancé(e) Visa and Spousal Visa

The Fiancé(e) Visa is specifically designed for couples where one partner is a U.S. citizen (LPRs cannot petition their fiance) and the other is a foreign national who intends to marry their U.S. citizen partner inside the United States within 90 days of arrival on a K-1 visa. It is essential to note that the Fiancé(e) Visa is a non-immigrant visa and does not grant permanent residency immediately. After marriage, the foreign national will need to file for permanent residency, the Form I-485, Application for Adjustment of Status.

Whereas, the Spousal Visa is designed for couples who are already married. Under this type of visa, the foreign national spouse enters the U.S. as a permanent resident because their immigrant visa is approved at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate. They receive their “Green card” in the mail a few weeks after entering the U.S.

Although both the Fiancé(e) Visa and the Spousal Visa share the ultimate goal of family unity by allowing a foreign national to become a permanent resident in the U.S., understanding their distinctions is essential for the couple to determine the most appropriate path for their specific situation and to ensure a smooth and successful immigration process.

Eligibility Requirements for Fiancé(e) and Spousal Visas: A Comparison

To be eligible for a Fiancé(e) Visa, you and your U.S. citizen fiancé(e) must:

• Intend to get married within 90 days of your arrival in the U.S.
• Have met in person at least once within the two years before filing your fiancé(e) visa petition (in some particular narrow situations, this requirement is waived)
• Are free to marry
• Have a bona fide relationship based on love and the intention to establish a life together

To be eligible for a Spousal visa, you must show:

• You are legally married to either a U.S. citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident, and your marriage must be recognized as valid under U.S. law
• Your marriage is bonafide
• Your U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident Spouse must meet certain financial requirements to support you financially and prevent you from becoming a public charge

Both spouses of U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents are eligible for spousal visas, but spouses of LPRs are subject to a visa quota per the Visa Bulletin on the Department of State Website. unlike Fiancé(e) Visas. However, processing times can vary for each.

How to Apply and How Long It Takes for Fiancé(e) and Spousal Visas

The processing time for a fiancé(e) visa typically takes approximately 10 to 24 months, depending on the USCIS Field Office or Service Center. This includes approval of Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiance(e) by USCIS, and the subsequent National Visa Center (NVC) process, culminating in an interview at the U.S. Embassy. Upon arrival in the U.S., you must marry the U.S. citizen within 90 days and then initiate the process to adjust your status, to obtain a Green Card. This process, too, can take several months, typically around 10-12 months.

The processing time for a marriage visa depends significantly on whether your spouse is a U.S. Citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident. For spouses of U.S. citizens, the visa becomes available immediately after approval of the Form I-130 Petition for Alien Relative by USCIS. As of early 2025, Form I-130 Petition processing takes approximately 16.5 months and an additional 2-3 months typically pass before the approved petition transfers to the NVC for further processing, which can take several more months before the U.S. Embassy schedules an interview. The total average processing time for a spousal-based visa for the spouse of a U.S. Citizen can be as long as 24 months.

If you are married to a Lawful Permanent Resident, unlike the immediate availability of a visa for spouses of U.S. citizens, your visa application will not be processed immediately. This is due to the visa quota system imposed on visas for spouses of LPRs and can be determined by refering to the Visa Bulletin released fresh each month. Because of this quota, there is a possibility that you may be placed on a waiting list, which could potentially lead to a significant delay in obtaining your visa.

Visa processing times are subject to variation due to several factors, such as visa quotas, processing times at National Visa Center, and finally interview wait times at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where your case will consular process. Further, even after the interview, there can be delays due to additional background checks and case being placed in 221(g) administrative processing.

Need assistance determining whether a Fiancé(e) or Spousal Visa is appropriate for your situation? HBM Law Offices can help you evaluate your options.

When deciding which visa is right for you, it’s essential to consider your circumstances timelines, and do a cost/benefit analysis for both.

• K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa: This option is often faster than the Spousal Visa process, but it can be more expensive due to the additional fees and requirements involved.
• Spousal Visa: If you are already married, it allows you to enter the U.S. and immediately apply for permanent residency (green card) and work permit. This option is generally less expensive than the K-1 Fiancé(e) visa, but it can take longer to process.
• Cost Considerations: The K-1 Fiancé(e) visa typically involves more fees than the Spousal Visa, including fees for the visa application, medical examination, and adjustment of status. The Spousal Visa generally has fewer fees, making it a more affordable option for many couples.

Ultimately, the best visa option for you will depend on your specific situation and priorities. That’s where the expertise of an experienced immigration attorney can make all the difference. At HBM Law Offices, we specialize in family-based immigration law and have over a decade of experience helping couples navigate the visa process smoothly at the Post (see the list of Embassies/Consulates we have experience with), and determine the most suitable option for their unique circumstances.

Immigration Attorney Himani of Des Moines, Iowa will carefully assess your circumstances, provide personalized guidance on whether a Fiancé(e) Visa or Spousal Visa is the right fit for you, red flgas/blind spots in your case, and share current wait times at the respective Post. We’ll explain the eligibility requirements, the application process, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of each option, empowering you to make an informed decision.

With our dedicated support, you can focus on what truly matters – your future together. Don’t let the complexities of immigration law stand in your way. Contact HBM Law Offices today to learn more and book a consultation.