K-1 fiancé(e) visa: photo and application guide
Travel to the United States to marry a US citizen sponsor within 90 days of entry.
Quick answer
2 × 2 inch photo · DS-160 · $265 application fee
Prepare a 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm) biometric photo on a plain white background. File the DS-160 after USCIS I-129F petition approval and pay $265 application fee; USCIS petition $675 paid by the US citizen sponsor. Processing time The wait is made up of three stages — USCIS, the National Visa Center and the consulate — and it changes every month. Check the current time for your form in the USCIS Check Case Processing Times service. Interview: Yes, mandatory in-person interview. Last reviewed .
Application route
| Full name | K-1 Fiancé(e) of a US Citizen Visa |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Travel to the United States to marry a US citizen sponsor within 90 days of entry. |
| Application form | DS-160 after USCIS I-129F petition approval |
| Fee | $265 application fee; USCIS petition $675 paid by the US citizen sponsor |
| Processing time | The wait is made up of three stages — USCIS, the National Visa Center and the consulate — and it changes every month. Check the current time for your form in the USCIS Check Case Processing Times service |
| Interview | Yes, mandatory in-person interview |
| Official portal | US Department of State — K-1 fiancé(e) visa ↗ |
Photo specification
The K-1 fiancé(e) visa uses the shared US visa photo standard. The same photo file works for DS-160 upload and the printed copy at the consulate appointment.
| Size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) |
|---|---|
| Head height | 1 to 1⅜ inches (22–35 mm) chin to crown — 50% to 69% of the image height |
| Background | plain white or off-white, even illumination |
| Pose | Front-facing, head level, both ears visible when possible |
| Expression | Neutral facial expression, both eyes open (no smile) |
| Glasses | Not allowed (banned since 2016 except medical exemption) |
| Digital file | JPEG, minimum 600 × 600 pixels (1:1 aspect), maximum 240 KB |
What to watch out for with the K-1 fiancé(e) visa
The K-1 photo is reused on the visa sticker and also flows into the Adjustment of Status (AOS) packet after marriage. A photo taken before significant appearance change (different hairstyle, weight loss, glasses) creates trouble downstream when the same photo appears on multiple immigration documents.
Frequently asked questions about the K-1 fiancé(e) visa
What size photo do I need for a K-1 fiancé(e) visa?
2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm). The K-1 fiancé(e) visa uses the same photo specification as all other US consular visas: square format, plain white background, head 1 to 1⅜ inches (22–35 mm) chin to crown — 50% to 69% of the image height.
What form do I file for a K-1 fiancé(e) visa?
DS-160 after USCIS I-129F petition approval. The form is filed online; the photo is uploaded as part of the same submission.
How much does the K-1 fiancé(e) visa cost?
$265 application fee; USCIS petition $675 paid by the US citizen sponsor. Photo and document preparation costs are separate.
How long does the K-1 fiancé(e) visa take to process?
The wait is made up of three stages — USCIS, the National Visa Center and the consulate — and it changes every month. Check the current time for your form in the USCIS Check Case Processing Times service. Plan the photo within the last 6 months but not earlier — a stale photo from before significant appearance change creates trouble at the appointment.
Is the K-1 fiancé(e) visa interview mandatory?
Yes, mandatory in-person interview. The biometric photo is captured at the interview alongside fingerprints; bring the digital file plus one printed 2 × 2 inch photo.
Other US visa categories
Prepare your K-1 fiancé(e) visa photo
Upload a portrait — Anfas.Pro applies the 2 × 2 inch crop, white background and DS-160-ready file size automatically.