6.3 KiB
🛂 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.
- Select
I-129F Petition for Alien fiancé - Check your status Case Status Online
- Average 8 months
🔗 More Info
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.
-
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.
📥 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)
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Evidence of legal name change (if applicable)
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G-28 (if represented by attorney)
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Evidence supporting IMBRA waiver (if applicable)
🔹 K-1 Specific Evidence:
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Proof of intent to marry within 90 days
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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.
📲 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
- Check case status: USCIS Case Status Online