After K-1 arrival: marriage within 90 days and the green card application
Every fact links to its official source. Fees and processing times change; confirm on the linked page before you file. Last checked Oct 18, 2026.
Disclaimer: This guide is general information, not legal advice. Mabuhay & Beyond is not a law firm and can't help with individual cases or fill out forms. Rules and fees change; always confirm with USCIS and the U.S. Department of State, and consider talking to a licensed immigration attorney.
Talk to a licensed immigration attorney
Every case is different. Before you file, especially if there's a prior visa denial, overstay, criminal record, previous marriage, or big age or income question, we strongly recommend speaking with a licensed U.S. immigration attorney. Many offer low-cost first consultations.
Find an immigration attorney (AILA)
Looking for free or low-cost help? See the DOJ list of pro bono legal service providers.
Mabuhay & Beyond has no referral or affiliate arrangement with any attorney, AILA, or the DOJ.
Once your fiancé(e) is admitted on a K-1, two official rules frame the next months: marry the petitioner within 90 days, then apply to adjust status with USCIS. Here is what USCIS and the State Department say, with fees from the 10/16/26 USCIS fee schedule.
The 90-day marriage
- The K-1 holder must enter a bona fide marriage with the US citizen who filed the I-129F within 90 days of admission. USCIS · State Dept
- The marriage must be legally possible under the laws of the US state where it takes place, so check that state's marriage-license rules (usually set by the county). State Dept K-1
- Once you marry within 90 days, USCIS treats the K-1 entrant as an immediate relative, and "an immigrant visa is always available." USCIS
- If you don't marry the petitioner, USCIS says the K-1 entrant generally can't get a green card in any other category (with limited exceptions). USCIS
What USCIS lists for a K-1 adjustment packet
- Form I-485; copy of the I-129F approval notice (I-797); copy of your marriage certificate; two passport-style photos; copy of a government photo ID; copy of the birth certificate
- Copies of the passport page with the K-1 visa and the admission stamp; the I-94 (printable from cbp.gov/I94 if it was electronic)
- Form I-864 Affidavit of Support (or I-864EZ) if required
- Form I-693 medical report or vaccination record as required. USCIS says a medical exam done before arrival may mean you don't need another, but you still must show you met the vaccination requirements
- Police and court records, and waiver forms, if applicable. USCIS K-1 adjustment page
Fees (G-1055, edition 10/16/26)
- I-485 (age 14+): $1,440 paper / $1,390 online. Under 14 filing with a parent: $950 paper / $900 online. G-1055 (edition 10/16/26)
- I-864: no USCIS filing fee. Optional I-765 (work permit) and I-131 (advance parole): see the rows on our cost page. K nonimmigrants don't pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee. USCIS
Work, travel and conditional residence
- With a pending I-485 you can generally apply for work authorization on Form I-765. If you leave the US without advance parole while the I-485 is pending, USCIS says you will generally have abandoned the application. USCIS
- If you have been married less than 2 years when the I-485 is approved, USCIS grants conditional residence for 2 years; you later file Form I-751. See removing conditions.
- Processing times: check the USCIS processing times tool for I-485; we don't quote durations.
FAQ
- How long do we have to marry after a K-1 entry?
Within 90 days of the K-1 holder's admission, per USCIS and the State Department. - What is the I-485 fee after a K-1?
As of Oct 18, 2026 (G-1055 edition 10/16/26): $1,440 on paper or $1,390 online for applicants 14 and older. - Can the K-1 entrant travel abroad while the I-485 is pending?
USCIS says leaving without an advance parole document generally means the I-485 is abandoned. See Form I-131 and talk to an attorney before any travel.
Disclaimer: This guide is general information, not legal advice. Mabuhay & Beyond is not a law firm and can't help with individual cases or fill out forms. Rules and fees change; always confirm with USCIS and the U.S. Department of State, and consider talking to a licensed immigration attorney.
Talk to a licensed immigration attorney
Every case is different. Before you file, especially if there's a prior visa denial, overstay, criminal record, previous marriage, or big age or income question, we strongly recommend speaking with a licensed U.S. immigration attorney. Many offer low-cost first consultations.
Find an immigration attorney (AILA)
Looking for free or low-cost help? See the DOJ list of pro bono legal service providers.
Mabuhay & Beyond has no referral or affiliate arrangement with any attorney, AILA, or the DOJ.
