## 🛂 **Overview**

The **K-1 visa** allows a **foreign fiancé(e)** of a **U.S. citizen** to enter the U.S. for the purpose of **marrying within 90 days**. After marriage, the foreign spouse may apply for a **Green Card**.

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## ✅ **Eligibility Requirements**

You may apply if:

* You are a **U.S. citizen**.
* You and your fiancé(e) **intend to marry within 90 days** of U.S. entry.
* You are **both legally free to marry**.
* You have **met in person** within the **past 2 years**, unless granted a waiver for cultural or hardship reasons.

---

## 📝 **5-Step Process**

### **Step 1: Petition (USCIS)**

* File **Form I-129F** to petition for your fiancé(e).
* USCIS reviews, may request more info.
* If approved, the case is sent to the **National Visa Center (NVC)**.

### **Step 2: Visa Application (State Department)**

* NVC sends the approved petition to the **U.S. Embassy/Consulate** near your fiancé(e).
* Your fiancé(e) applies for the **K-1 visa** and attends an interview.
* If approved, the visa is valid for **6 months**, **single entry**.

### **Step 3: Entry (CBP)**

* Fiancé(e) travels to the U.S. and is inspected by **Customs and Border Protection (CBP)**.
* CBP makes the **final decision** to admit.

### **Step 4: Marriage**

* Must marry **within 90 days** of entry.

### **Step 5: Green Card (USCIS)**

* After marriage, spouse files **Form I-485** for **Adjustment of Status** (Green Card).
* Interview is usually required.
* If married **less than 2 years**, Green Card is **conditional** and valid for **2 years**.
* File **Form I-751** to remove conditions before it expires.

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## 🕒 **Processing Times**

* Times vary. Check [USCIS Processing Times](https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/).
* Select `I-129F Petition for Alien fiancé`
* Check your status [Case Status Online](https://egov.uscis.gov/)
* Average 8 months

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## 🔗 **More Info**

* [K-1 Visa Guide – USCIS](https://www.uscis.gov/family/family-of-us-citizens/visas-for-fiancees-of-us-citizens)

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Here is a **deep technical reference guide** for **Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)**, suitable for legal, immigration, or operations professionals needing precision and completeness.

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# 🧾 **Form I-129F: Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) or Spouse**

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## 📌 **Purpose**

Used by **U.S. citizens** to request:

* A **K-1 visa** for a **foreign fiancé(e)** and their **K-2 eligible children**, to marry in the U.S. within 90 days of entry.
* A **K-3 visa** for a **foreign spouse** and their **K-4 children**, while awaiting adjudication of **Form I-130** (Petition for Alien Relative).

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## 🔍 **Edition & Format**

* **Current Edition Date**: **01/20/25**
* Ensure *all pages* match this edition; inconsistent versions may be rejected.
* Edition date located at the bottom of each page.
* Use Adobe Reader for viewing/printing.

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## 🗃️ **Filing Location**

### If using **U.S. Postal Service (USPS):**

```
USCIS
Attn: I-129F
P.O. Box 660151
Dallas, TX 75266-0151
```

### If using **FedEx, UPS, DHL:**

```
USCIS
Attn: I-129F (Box 660151)
2501 South State Highway 121 Business, Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067-8003
```

> ❌ Do **not** file at USCIS international offices.

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## 💵 **Filing Fee**

* Check current fee at [USCIS Fee Schedule](https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-fees).
* **Payment Methods**:

  * Money order, personal or cashier’s check (payable to *U.S. Department of Homeland Security*)
  * Credit/debit card via **Form G-1450**
* **Important**:

  * Fees are **non-refundable**.
  * Submit **separate payments per form** (no combined payments).
  * Use the [USCIS Fee Calculator](https://www.uscis.gov/feecalculator).

---

## 📥 **Initial Evidence Checklist**

> *Do not submit this checklist with the form.*

### 🔹 **For All Petitions (K-1 or K-3):**

* Proof of **U.S. citizenship** (one of):

  * Birth certificate (U.S.-issued)
  * Naturalization/citizenship certificate
  * Form FS-240 (CRBA)
  * Unexpired U.S. passport (copy)
  * Statement from a U.S. consular officer
* Legal termination of prior marriages (if applicable):

  * Divorce decree, annulment order, or death certificate
* **One color passport-style photo** each of petitioner and beneficiary (taken within 30 days)
* Evidence of legal name change (if applicable)
* G-28 (if represented by attorney)
* Evidence supporting **IMBRA waiver** (if applicable)

### 🔹 **K-1 Specific Evidence**:

* Proof of **intent to marry** within 90 days
* Evidence of **in-person meeting within 2 years** OR

  * Request for waiver citing:

    * Cultural/social customs
    * Extreme hardship to petitioner

### 🔹 **K-3 Specific Evidence**:

* Copy of **Form I-797C** (showing Form I-130 filed)
* Valid **marriage certificate**

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## ✍️ **Form Completion Requirements**

* **Mandatory Fields** (*Form will be rejected if missing*):

  * Part 1: Petitioner's full name, DOB, mailing address, classification sought
  * Part 2: Beneficiary’s full name, DOB, classification sought
* **Signature**: Required. Unsigned forms will be rejected.
* Use [Tips for Filing Forms by Mail](https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-guidance/tips-for-filing-forms-by-mail).

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## 📲 **E-Notification**

* Use **Form G-1145** to get text/email confirmation of acceptance.
* Clip it to the first page.

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## ⚠️ **Do NOT Include**:

* Electronic items (e.g., CDs, USBs, greeting cards with chips)
* Graphic photos or DNA samples
* Non-paper materials

> Acceptable: photos or **copies** of evidentiary items.

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## 🔄 **Withdrawal Requests**

* Submit **signed written withdrawal** before visa issuance to USCIS.
* If visa already issued: contact **U.S. Department of State**.
* After K-1/K-3 admission to U.S., petition cannot be withdrawn.

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## 🧯 **Fraud and Victim Resources**

* **Report suspected marriage fraud**: ICE Online Tip Form
* **Victims of Immigration Crime**: Contact ICE VOICE Office

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## ⏱️ **Processing & Status Tracking**

* View **processing times**: [USCIS Processing Times](https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/)
* Check **case status**: [USCIS Case Status Online](https://egov.uscis.gov/)

---

## 🔗 **Downloads**

* [Form I-129F (PDF)](https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-129f.pdf)
* [Instructions for I-129F (PDF)](https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-129finstr.pdf)