What Is the 2-Year Rule for the K-1 Visa?
The “2-year rule” for the K-1 fiancé visa refers to a key eligibility requirement:
The U.S. citizen and their foreign fiancé(e) must have met in person at least once within the two years before filing Form I-129F (the petition for the K-1 visa).
Why It Matters:
USCIS uses this rule to help verify that the relationship is genuine and ongoing. Couples must provide proof of this meeting, such as:
- Photos together
- Travel documents (boarding passes, passport stamps)
- Hotel receipts or itineraries
- Witness statements
Exceptions to the Rule:
You may request a waiver of this requirement if:
- Meeting in person would violate strict cultural or religious customs, or
- It would result in extreme hardship to the U.S. citizen petitioner.
However, these waivers are rarely granted, and most couples are expected to meet in person before applying.
