## 🛂 **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**. --- ## ✅ **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. --- ## 🕒 **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 --- ## 🔗 **More Info** * [K-1 Visa Guide – USCIS](https://www.uscis.gov/family/family-of-us-citizens/visas-for-fiancees-of-us-citizens) --- 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. --- # 🧾 **Form I-129F: Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) or Spouse** --- ## 📌 **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). --- ## 🔍 **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. --- ## 🗃️ **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. --- ## 💵 **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** --- ## ✍️ **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). --- ## 📲 **E-Notification** * Use **Form G-1145** to get text/email confirmation of acceptance. * Clip it to the first page. --- ## ⚠️ **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. --- ## 🔄 **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. --- ## 🧯 **Fraud and Victim Resources** * **Report suspected marriage fraud**: ICE Online Tip Form * **Victims of Immigration Crime**: Contact ICE VOICE Office --- ## ⏱️ **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) --- Here is a **comprehensive technical reference section** for the **sibling-based immigration process** in the U.S., integrated as an additional module in your larger immigration documentation. --- # 👥 **Petitioning to Bring Siblings to the U.S. as Permanent Residents** --- ## 📌 **Overview** U.S. citizens aged **21 or older** may sponsor their **siblings (brothers and sisters)** for lawful permanent residence (Green Card). Legal **permanent residents (Green Card holders)** are **not eligible** to sponsor siblings. --- ## 🗂️ **Required Documentation** The **petitioner** (U.S. citizen) must submit: * ✅ **Form I-130**, Petition for Alien Relative *(Only one Form I-130 is needed per sibling; do **not** file separate forms for their spouse or minor children.)* * ✅ **Proof of U.S. citizenship**, one of: * Valid U.S. **passport** (copy) * U.S. **birth certificate** * **Consular Report of Birth Abroad** * **Naturalization certificate** * **Certificate of citizenship** * ✅ **Proof of sibling relationship**: * Your **birth certificate** * Your **sibling’s birth certificate** * Both must show **at least one common parent** --- ## 🧾 **Special Sibling Scenarios** If the sibling relationship arises through: * **Adoption** * **Step-relationships** * **Paternal half-siblings** 👉 You must provide **additional legal documentation** establishing the familial relationship as valid under U.S. immigration law (e.g., adoption decree, marriage/divorce certificates showing timeline alignment, evidence of parental legitimacy). --- ## ⏳ **While the Petition is Pending** > ❌ **Siblings cannot immigrate while Form I-130 is pending.** * They are generally **ineligible for nonimmigrant visas** due to **immigrant intent**, unless a strong case can be made under specific exceptions. * Entry to the U.S. must wait until **immigrant visa processing** is completed and a **visa number becomes available** via consular processing. For more, see: * [Adjustment of Status](https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/adjustment-of-status) * [Consular Processing](https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/consular-processing) --- ## ❌ **Denials and Appeals** If Form I-130 is **denied**: * The denial notice will include **instructions for filing an appeal**. * Appeals are submitted via **Form I-290B**, Notice of Appeal or Motion. * After fee processing, the appeal is referred to the **Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)**. --- ## 🔄 **Following-to-Join Benefits** ### Applicable to: * Spouses and/or children of immigrants **who obtained permanent residence via preference categories**, and: * Were **married or had children** at the time of their own green card issuance * Those relationships still exist ### Benefits: * No need for a **separate I-130** petition * **No wait** for additional visa numbers ### How to Apply: #### If adjusted in the U.S.: File: * ✅ **Form I-824**, Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition * ✅ Copy of original immigrant petition (e.g., I-130) * ✅ Copy of **Form I-797** (approval notice) * ✅ Copy of your **Green Card (Form I-551)** > If filing **concurrently** with Form I-485, no additional documentation is needed. #### If immigrant visa was issued **via consulate**: Contact the **National Visa Center (NVC)**: * 📧 Email: **[NVCInquiry@state.gov](mailto:NVCInquiry@state.gov)** * 📬 Mail: ``` National Visa Center, ATTN: WC 32 Rochester Ave. Portsmouth, NH 03801-2909 ``` # 👪 **Petitioning to Bring Parents to the U.S. as Permanent Residents** --- ## 📌 **Eligibility Overview** Only **U.S. citizens aged 21 or older** may petition to bring **parents** (mother, father, step-parent, or adoptive parent) to the U.S. as **lawful permanent residents**. > ⚠️ **Green Card holders cannot sponsor their parents.** --- ## 🗂️ **Required Documentation by Parent Type** | **If you are a U.S. citizen and your…** | **You must submit…** | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Mother lives outside the U.S.** | - Form I-130
- Your birth certificate (showing both your name and your mother’s name)
- Proof of citizenship (U.S. passport or naturalization certificate) | | **Father lives outside the U.S.** | - Form I-130
- Your birth certificate (showing your name and both parents’ names)
- Proof of citizenship
- **Parents’ civil marriage certificate** | | **Father is biological, but you were born out of wedlock and NOT legitimated before age 18** | - Form I-130
- Your birth certificate (with father’s name)
- Proof of citizenship
- **Evidence of a bona fide relationship before age 21 or marriage** (e.g., financial/emotional support) | | **Father is biological, born out of wedlock but you WERE legitimated before age 18** | - Form I-130
- Your birth certificate (with father’s name)
- Proof of citizenship
- **Evidence of legitimation** (e.g., parent marriage, state/country legitimation law) | | **Step-parent** | - Form I-130
- Your birth certificate (with names of your birth parents)
- Civil marriage certificate between birth parent and step-parent (must be **before your 18th birthday**)
- Proof that all prior marriages were legally terminated (divorce, death, annulment) | | **Adoptive parent** | - Form I-130
- Your birth certificate
- Proof of citizenship
- **Adoption decree** (must be completed **before your 16th birthday**)
- **Statement of cohabitation** showing dates and places lived together
- Any legal name change documents | > 🔁 If **names have changed**, include legal name change documents (e.g., marriage certificate, court decree, adoption paperwork). --- ## 🔁 **After Filing Form I-130** ### ✅ **If Approved:** * If parent is **outside the U.S.**, they will receive instructions from the **U.S. consulate** for **immigrant visa processing**. * If parent is **already inside the U.S.**, they may **adjust status** by filing **Form I-485**, possibly **concurrently** with I-130. ➡️ See [Concurrent Filing of Form I-485](https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/concurrent-filing-of-form-i-485) for more. --- ## 💼 **Employment Authorization (Work Permit)** | **If Parent is…** | **Work Authorization Info** | | ---------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Admitted on immigrant visa (consular processing)** | No separate work permit needed. Passport will be stamped to authorize work until Green Card arrives. | | **In U.S. adjusting status via Form I-485** | Can file:
- **Form I-765** for Employment Authorization
- **Form I-131** for Travel Authorization | --- ## 🧒 **Important Note on Siblings** * **Minor children of your parents (i.e., your siblings)** **cannot** be included in the same petition. * After your parent receives a Green Card, **they** may sponsor their children. ➡️ See: **[Bringing Siblings to the United States as Permanent Residents](#)** (cross-reference with sibling section) --- ## ❌ **What if My Petition is Denied?** * The **denial letter** will explain your **right to appeal** and **filing deadline**. * File **Form I-290B**, Notice of Appeal or Motion. * The appeal is reviewed by the **Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)**.