To file a Fiance(e) Visa (K-1) petition, essential documents include Form I-129F, a completed petition for a nonimmigrant fiance(e), evidence of the petitioner's U.S. citizenship, and proof of a bona fide relationship such as photos, correspondence, or travel records. Both parties must provide valid passports and recent photographs meeting USCIS specifications. Additional supporting documents may include affidavits of support, divorce decrees if previously married, and police clearance certificates to verify eligibility and establish genuineness.
What Documents are Required for a Fiancé(e) Visa (K-1) Petition?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Intent to Marry Letter | The Intent to Marry Letter is a crucial document for a Fiance(e) Visa (K-1) petition, demonstrating the petitioner's genuine commitment to marry within 90 days of the beneficiary's U.S. entry. This letter must clearly state the couple's plans to marry, and both parties should typically sign it to strengthen the petition's credibility. |
| 2 | IMBRA Waiver (International Marriage Broker Regulation Act) | The IMBRA waiver is required when an international marriage broker collects and provides a fiance(e) visa petitioner's personal information, necessitating specific consent and background disclosures under the International Marriage Broker Regulation Act. Key documents for the K-1 visa petition include Form I-129F, evidence of the bona fide relationship, proof of U.S. citizenship of the petitioner, and signed IMBRA compliance forms demonstrating informed consent and partner background information. |
| 3 | Proof of In-Person Meeting Evidence | Proof of in-person meeting for a Fiance(e) Visa (K-1) petition typically includes dated photographs together, travel itineraries, boarding passes, hotel receipts, and eyewitness affidavits verifying the meeting occurred within the two-year requirement. Consular officers require credible evidence demonstrating the couple's face-to-face interaction to satisfy the statutory mandate under U.S. immigration law. |
| 4 | Passport-Stamped Travel Itineraries | Passport-stamped travel itineraries provide crucial evidence of the petitioner and beneficiary's in-person meeting, a mandatory requirement for the K-1 visa petition under U.S. immigration law. These documents must clearly show dates, locations, and entry/exit stamps correlating with the relationship timeline to satisfy USCIS scrutiny. |
| 5 | Online Relationship Evidence (Chat/Video Call Logs) | Online relationship evidence, such as detailed chat logs, screenshots, and video call records, is crucial to substantiate the bona fide nature of a fiance(e) visa (K-1) petition. These digital communications must clearly demonstrate ongoing, genuine interaction between the petitioner and beneficiary, supporting the authenticity of the relationship for USCIS review. |
| 6 | Certified Divorce Decree(s) or Death Certificate(s) (if applicable) | Certified divorce decrecree(s) or death certificate(s) must be submitted as proof of the termination of any prior marriages when filing a Fiance(e) Visa (K-1) petition. These documents are essential to establish eligibility by demonstrating that both petitioners are legally free to marry. |
| 7 | Form DS-160 Confirmation Page | The Form DS-160 Confirmation Page is a critical document in the K-1 fiance(e) visa petition process, confirming the completion of the online nonimmigrant visa application. This confirmation page must be printed and presented during the visa interview to validate the applicant's submission and ensure processing continuity. |
| 8 | Financial Sponsor's IRS Tax Return Transcripts | The financial sponsor must submit IRS tax return transcripts for the most recent three years to verify income eligibility for the K-1 visa petition. These transcripts provide official proof of the sponsor's ability to support the fiance(e) without reliance on public benefits. |
| 9 | Original I-94 Arrival/Departure Record | The original I-94 Arrival/Departure Record is a critical document required for the Fiance(e) Visa (K-1) petition to verify the petitioner's lawful entry into the United States. This form, issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, must be submitted along with the Form I-129F to prove continuous lawful status and support the visa approval process. |
| 10 | Evidence of U.S. Citizenship (e.g., Digital Naturalization Certificate Copy) | Proof of U.S. citizenship is essential for a K-1 visa petition and can be established through primary documents such as a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Digital Naturalization Certificate copy. Submitting a digital copy of the naturalization certificate ensures verifiable, authenticated evidence that expedites processing at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). |
Understanding the K-1 Fiance(e) Visa
The K-1 Fiance(e) Visa allows a U.S. citizen to bring their foreign fiance(e) to the United States for marriage. Understanding the required documents is crucial for a successful petition process.
- Form I-129F Petition - This is the official petition filed by the U.S. citizen to initiate the K-1 visa process.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship - The petitioner must provide valid evidence such as a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate.
- Evidence of a Genuine Relationship - Photos, correspondence, and joint financial documents help prove the legitimacy of the relationship.
- Proof of Intent to Marry - Both parties must provide statements declaring their intention to marry within 90 days of arrival in the U.S.
- Biographical Information - Documents such as birth certificates and police clearances are required for both the petitioner and the fiance(e).
Timely and accurate submission of these documents supports a smoother processing of the K-1 fiance(e) visa petition.
Eligibility Criteria for K-1 Visa Applicants
What documents are required to prove eligibility for a K-1 Fiance(e) Visa petition? Proof of a genuine relationship is essential, including evidence of having met in person within two years prior to filing. Relationship documents such as photographs, communication records, and affidavits from friends or family help establish legitimacy.
What financial requirements must you meet for the K-1 Visa eligibility criteria? The petitioner must submit Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, demonstrating sufficient income to support the fiance(e) above the U.S. poverty line. Recent tax returns, pay stubs, and employment verification serve as supporting evidence.
Which official forms are necessary for initiating a K-1 visa petition? The petitioner needs to file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiance(e), along with supporting documents. These include proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport, and identification documents of the fiance(e).
Step-by-Step K-1 Visa Application Process
| Step | Required Documents | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Form I-129F Submission | Completed Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiance(e) | Petitioner files Form I-129F to start the K-1 visa process with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). |
| 2. Proof of U.S. Citizenship | Birth certificate, U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship | Petitioner must prove U.S. citizenship to qualify for sponsoring a fiance(e). |
| 3. Evidence of Relationship | Photos together, phone records, travel itineraries, correspondence, affidavits from friends/family | Documentation confirming a bona fide relationship between petitioner and fiance(e). |
| 4. Proof of Having Met in Person | Plane tickets, passport stamps, hotel receipts, photographs together | Applicants must demonstrate an in-person meeting within two years prior to filing, as required by law. |
| 5. Form DS-160 | Completed Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) | Fiance(e) completes Form DS-160 online as part of the U.S. embassy or consulate interview process. |
| 6. Valid Passport | Passport valid for at least six months beyond intended entry into the U.S. | Fiance(e) must possess a valid passport for visa issuance and travel. |
| 7. Medical Examination Report | Completed medical examination by an authorized physician | Medical exam results are required to ensure fiance(e) meets health standards. |
| 8. Police Clearance Certificates | Police certificates from all countries where fiance(e) has lived for more than six months | Clearance certificates demonstrate no serious criminal background. |
| 9. Form I-134 or Affidavit of Support | Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, financial documents like tax returns, employment letters | Petitioner must prove ability to financially support the fiance(e) and prevent public charge. |
| 10. Marriage Intent Statement | Written statements from both petitioner and fiance(e) expressing intent to marry within 90 days of U.S. entry | This confirms commitment to marry after K-1 visa approval and entry into the U.S. |
Required Forms for the K-1 Petition
The primary document required for a Fiance(e) Visa (K-1) petition is Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiance(e). This form initiates the visa process and must be completed accurately to avoid delays.
Supporting documents include proof of U.S. citizenship, evidence of the relationship, and intent to marry within 90 days of entry. These documents establish the legitimacy of your petition and support the I-129F form.
Essential Supporting Documents for K-1 Visa
Filing a fiance(e) visa (K-1) petition requires specific documentation to prove eligibility and intent to marry. Essential supporting documents verify the relationship and meet U.S. immigration requirements.
- Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiance(e) - This is the primary form filed by the U.S. citizen petitioner to initiate the K-1 visa process.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship - You must provide a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate to demonstrate your U.S. citizenship.
- Evidence of a Genuine Relationship - Submit photos together, correspondence, and affidavits to establish a bona fide engagement and intent to marry within 90 days of entry.
Proof of Bona Fide Relationship
The Fiance(e) Visa (K-1) petition requires extensive proof of a bona fide relationship to demonstrate the legitimacy of the engagement. Evidence includes photographs together, correspondence, and affidavits from friends or family confirming the relationship.
Documentation such as travel itineraries showing visits, joint financial assets, or communication records like emails and phone logs strengthens the petition. Establishing the genuine nature of the relationship ensures smoother processing of Your visa application.
Financial Evidence and Affidavit of Support
Filing a Fiance(e) Visa (K-1) petition requires submitting detailed financial evidence to demonstrate the petitioner's ability to support the immigrant. Key documents include recent tax returns, pay stubs, and an employment verification letter. The Affidavit of Support (Form I-134) must be notarized to prove the financial commitment towards your fiance(e) during the visa process.
Preparing for the K-1 Visa Interview
Preparing for the K-1 visa interview requires gathering several key documents to prove the legitimacy of the relationship and meet USCIS requirements. Essential documents include the completed Form I-129F petition, valid passports, birth certificates, police clearance certificates, medical examination results, and evidence of the relationship such as photos and correspondence. Proof of financial support, proof of meeting in person within two years, and the approved petition notice are also critical for a successful K-1 visa interview.
Common Mistakes in K-1 Visa Filing
Filing a K-1 fiance(e) visa petition requires essential documents such as Form I-129F, proof of U.S. citizenship of the petitioner, and evidence of a genuine relationship. Common mistakes include submitting incomplete forms and missing supporting documents, which can delay processing.
Incorrect or insufficient evidence of meeting in person within two years or unclear proof of intent to marry often causes denials. Failure to provide certified translations for foreign documents is another frequent error. Ensuring all documents are accurately completed and properly organized improves the chances of approval for Your K-1 visa petition.
What Documents are Required for a Fiancé(e) Visa (K-1) Petition? Infographic
