A K-1, or “fiancé visa,” is a temporary visa available only to fiancés of U.S. citizens who are living outside of the United States and intend to get married within 90 days of arriving in the United States. A marriage green card is available to spouses of both U.S. citizens and U.S. green card holders, whether living in the United States or abroad, and ultimately provides permanent residence.

More info about the pros and cons of visas for fiancés vs. spouses

There are many ways to get a green card, and the timeline for each pathway is different. Depending on the situation, the marriage-based green card process can last as little as 10 months or over 3 years.

See which processing time applies to your own marriage-based green card application

The K-1 fiancé visa is available to fiancés of U.S. citizens who are living outside of the United States and intend to get married within 90 days of arriving in the United States.

More info about the fiancé(e) visa path for engaged partners of U.S. citizens

The total cost for each type of green card application can vary. Government fees for marriage-based green cards are $1760 if the spouse seeking a green card lives in the United States and $1200 if the spouse lives abroad, in addition to other costs, such as a fee for a required medical examination.

More info about government fees and other common expenses for green card applications

To be eligible for a marriage-based green card, the applicant must have a U.S. financial sponsor (usually the sponsoring spouse) who certifies in an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) that their annual income is at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (100% for military sponsors). The exact minimum income required depends on where the sponsor lives, the size of their household, and other factors.

More info about marriage visa income requirements

The final step in the marriage-based green card process is the interview, where the interviewing officer’s primary goal is to assess the authenticity of the marriage. Marriage green card interview questions can focus on the history of the couple’s relationship, as well as their daily activities and future plans as a married couple.

More info about how to prepare for a successful green card interview

A “bona fide” marriage means 2 people who intend to build a future together and who did not marry only for immigration purposes. Evidence of an authentic marriage can include joint financial documents, evidence of living together (cohabitation), tickets and photos from trips taken together, among others.

More info about showing sufficient proof of a “bona fide” marriage in your spousal visa applicatio

Although a spouse seeking a green card from abroad can technically visit their spouse in the United States on a tourist visa, doing so is generally discouraged. Not only do immigration officers often deny entry to the United States upon learning of the tourist’s pending green card application, but “misrepresenting” one’s intentions for visiting could also jeopardize the application.

More info about precautions to take when visiting your spouse