Within what time frame must a fiancé of a USC marry to qualify for an immediate relative visa?

The fiancé of a U.S. citizen must marry within a period of 90 days from the date of entering the United States on a K-1 fiancé visa to qualify for an immediate relative visa. The K-1 visa is specifically designed for foreign nationals who are engaged to U.S. citizens, allowing them to enter the country with the intention of marrying.

This 90-day requirement is critical because it reinforces the purpose of the K-1 visa, which is to facilitate marriage to a U.S. citizen as a pathway to legal residency. If the marriage does not occur within this time frame, the visa holder is expected to return to their home country. By adhering to this timeline, both the U.S. citizen and their fiancé can ensure they follow the legal immigration process correctly and maintain compliance with U.S. immigration laws.