Many people choose K-1 thinking it's the simplest. In some cases, marrying in Brazil may be more strategic.
The K-1, known as the fiancé(e) visa, allows a foreign national to enter the United States to marry the U.S. citizen who filed the petition. The marriage must take place within 90 days of entry. After the wedding, the beneficiary must file Form I-485 to apply for adjustment of status and obtain the Green Card.
According to USCIS data for fiscal year 2026, updated through May 31, the median processing time for the I-129F petition was approximately 7.8 months. This figure represents only the USCIS stage — the NVC transfer, consular interview scheduling, and adjustment of status process after arrival add more time to the total.
Since March 30, 2026, K-1 visa applicants are subject to expanded online presence review. Social media profiles must be public or accessible for consular verification. This should be considered when preparing the application.
Important note: Since January 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of State has suspended the issuance of immigrant visas for Brazilian citizens, including spousal visas CR-1 and IR-1. The suspension remains in effect with no official end date. The I-130 petition can still be filed and processed, the NVC can advance, and consular interviews may be scheduled — but the visa cannot be issued while the pause is in place. The exception applies to dual nationals who apply using a passport from a country not included in the suspension list.
Under the CR-1 or IR-1 process, the spouse enters the United States with an immigrant visa and is admitted as a permanent resident. The physical Green Card is mailed by USCIS afterward — it does not arrive before boarding. Those admitted through this process may live and work legally in the US from the moment of admission.
According to USCIS fiscal year 2026 data, the median processing time for I-130 petitions for immediate relatives was approximately 12.9 months — covering only the USCIS stage. The NVC, document review, and consular interview add more time. And currently, visa issuance remains paused for most Brazilian citizens.
As of July 2026, the K-1 is not covered by the suspension applied to immigrant visas and continues to be processed for Brazilian citizens. CR-1 and IR-1 petitions and documents can advance administratively, but visa issuance is paused — making it impossible to estimate when the beneficiary will actually be able to enter the US as a permanent resident.
The K-1 may make sense when the couple is not yet married, wishes to hold the wedding in the US, is financially prepared for the adjustment of status, and is aware of the expanded social media review. It is necessary to demonstrate that the relationship is genuine and that the couple met in person within two years prior to the petition, with limited exceptions.
Beginning the I-130 process can still be strategic for couples who are already married and want to move documentation forward while waiting for the consular process to resume. Those with dual nationality holding a passport from a country not affected by the suspension may have a different situation and should verify their case individually.
Immigration consultant specializing in serving Brazilians and Hispanics in the US, focused on ethics, transparency and strategic guidance at every step.
Artigo muito bem explicado! Tirou todas as minhas dúvidas sobre o processo. Obrigada!
Conteúdo excelente. Preciso de orientação personalizada — vou entrar em contato.