To apply for a K-1 Fiance Visa, key documents include a valid passport for the foreign fiance, proof of U.S. citizenship of the sponsoring partner, and Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiance. Evidence of a genuine relationship, such as photos, correspondence, and proof of meeting in person within the last two years, is essential. Supporting documents like birth certificates, police clearances, and medical examination results must also be submitted during the visa interview process.
What Documents are Required for K-1 Fiancé Visa?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Intent to Marry Statement | The K-1 Fiance Visa requires an Intent to Marry Statement signed by both the U.S. citizen petitioner and the foreign fiance, confirming their genuine intention to marry within 90 days of the fiance's entry into the United States. This document is crucial for demonstrating the legitimacy of the relationship to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) during the visa application process. |
| 2 | I-94 Arrival/Departure Record | The I-94 Arrival/Departure Record is a critical document for the K-1 Fiance Visa application, serving as official proof of lawful entry and duration of stay in the United States. Applicants must provide a copy of their most recent I-94, which can be obtained online through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website, to validate their legal status and support the visa petition process. |
| 3 | IMBRA Compliance Documentation | IMBRA compliance for a K-1 fiance visa requires submitting evidence of bona fide relationship, proof of legal capacity to marry, and documented proof of U.S. petitioner's income at or above 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Detailed criminal background checks, police clearance certificates, and documentation addressing any past criminal or immigration violations must also be included to satisfy statutory requirements. |
| 4 | Proof of Meeting Requirement (Photos, Boarding Passes) | Proof of meeting the U.S. citizen petitioner is essential for the K-1 fiance visa application, requiring documentation such as photos together and boarding passes as evidence of in-person meetings. These materials demonstrate the bona fide nature of the relationship, which USCIS scrutinizes to ensure compliance with meeting requirements. |
| 5 | Form I-134 Affidavit of Support | Form I-134 Affidavit of Support is a crucial document required for the K-1 Fiance Visa application, demonstrating the U.S. citizen sponsor's financial ability to support the fiance(e) without government assistance. This form must include proof of income, such as recent tax returns and employment verification, ensuring the foreign fiance meets the financial requirements set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). |
| 6 | K-1 Medical Examination Report (DS-3025 Vaccination Document) | The K-1 Medical Examination Report, including the DS-3025 Vaccination Document, is a mandatory part of the K-1 fiance visa application process, confirming the applicant has met the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) vaccination requirements. This sealed form must be submitted by a designated civil surgeon or panel physician after a thorough medical examination to ensure the fiance meets all health and vaccination criteria before visa approval. |
| 7 | Petitioner’s Proof of U.S. Citizenship (Digital Copy Preferred) | The petitioner must provide a digital copy of proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a U.S. passport, birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or certificate of citizenship, to meet the K-1 fiance visa requirements. Submitting clear digital copies expedites processing and verifies the petitioner's eligibility to sponsor the foreign fiance(e). |
| 8 | Digital Relationship Timeline (Chat Logs, Video Calls Records) | For a K-1 Fiance Visa application, a detailed Digital Relationship Timeline including chat logs, video call records, and dated messages serves as crucial evidence of a genuine and ongoing relationship. These digital documents must be organized chronologically and clearly demonstrate consistent communication leading up to the petition, strengthening the authenticity of the relationship for USCIS review. |
| 9 | Social Media Relationship Evidence | Social media relationship evidence for the K-1 fiance visa includes messages, photos, comments, and tagged posts demonstrating consistent communication and genuine relationship history. Submission of screenshots from platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp helps prove the couple's ongoing connection and authenticity to USCIS. |
| 10 | Certified English Translations of Foreign Documents | Certified English translations of all foreign documents are mandatory for the K-1 fiance visa application to ensure USCIS accurately evaluates the evidence. These translations must be complete, accurate, and accompanied by a certification from the translator attesting to their proficiency and the document's fidelity. |
Introduction to K-1 Fiance Visa Documentation
The K-1 Fiance Visa allows a foreign fiance(e) to enter the United States to marry their U.S. citizen partner. Proper documentation is essential to ensure the visa application process proceeds smoothly.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship - The petitioner must provide evidence of their U.S. citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate.
- Form I-129F Petition - This form initiates the K-1 visa application and must be completed and submitted by the U.S. citizen fiance(e).
- Supporting Relationship Evidence - Documents like photographs, correspondence, and affidavits verify the genuine relationship between the couple.
Eligibility Criteria for K-1 Fiance Visa Applicants
The K-1 fiance visa requires specific documents to prove eligibility for entry into the United States. Eligibility criteria include proof of citizenship of the U.S. petitioner and evidence of having met in person within two years before filing.
Documents needed generally include a Form I-129F, a valid passport for the foreign fiance, birth certificates, police certificates, and proof of the intent to marry within 90 days of arrival. Your eligibility also depends on meeting the legal capacity to marry and a bona fide relationship.
Essential Forms Required for K-1 Fiance Visa
What documents are required for a K-1 fiance visa application? The most essential form is the Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiance(e), which the U.S. citizen files to start the process. Supporting documents include proof of citizenship, evidence of the relationship, and intent to marry within 90 days of entry.
Which other forms are necessary to complete the K-1 visa process? After petition approval, the foreign fiance(e) must submit Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, along with civil documents like birth certificates and police clearances. Medical examination results and passport photos also form a crucial part of the submission at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship Documentation
Proof of U.S. citizenship is a crucial document for the K-1 Fiance Visa application. You must provide a valid U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, or a naturalization certificate as evidence. These documents verify your citizenship status to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Evidence of Genuine Relationship
| Document | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Communication | Email exchanges, chat logs, phone call records, and social media interactions | Demonstrates ongoing contact and genuine relationship |
| Photographs Together | Photos from trips, family events, celebrations, and everyday moments | Validates the authenticity of the relationship over time |
| Affidavits from Friends and Family | Written statements from people who know both parties well | Supports the credibility of Your relationship |
| Travel Itineraries and Tickets | Records of visits to each other including boarding passes and hotel bookings | Confirms in-person meetings and commitment |
| Engagement or Wedding Planning Documents | Receipts, contracts, or communications relating to the engagement or wedding | Shows intent to marry and serious commitment |
| Proof of Financial Support | Bank statements, money transfer receipts, or bills paid on behalf of each other | Indicates financial interdependence and genuine relationship |
| Joint Ownership or Lease Agreements | Documents showing shared property or living arrangements | Evidence of cohabitation and commitment |
Financial Support and Affidavit of Support Requirements
The K-1 fiance visa application requires evidence of financial support to ensure the beneficiary will not become a public charge in the United States. The petitioner must submit an Affidavit of Support (Form I-134), demonstrating sufficient income or assets to support the fiance.
Form I-134 must include proof of the petitioner's income, such as recent tax returns, pay stubs, and employment verification. The petitioner's income should meet or exceed 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size. If income is insufficient, assets or a joint sponsor can be used to fulfill the financial requirements.
Police Certificates and Criminal Background Records
The K-1 fiance visa application requires applicants to submit police certificates from all countries where they have lived for six months or more since turning 16. These certificates verify the absence of any criminal record and help ensure the applicant does not pose a security risk. Consular officers use these documents to assess the applicant's eligibility and integrity during the visa issuance process.
Medical Examination Documentation
Medical examination documentation is a crucial requirement for the K-1 fiance visa application process. You must submit proof of a completed medical exam conducted by an authorized physician approved by the U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Authorized Physician Examination - You must undergo a comprehensive medical examination performed by a designated civil surgeon or panel physician.
- Vaccination Records - Up-to-date vaccination records must be provided as part of the medical examination to meet U.S. public health guidelines.
- Medical Report Submission - The completed and sealed medical report from the physician must be submitted directly with your visa application or brought to the consular interview.
Additional Supporting Documents for K-1 Visa Interview
The K-1 fiance visa requires several essential documents for the interview, including proof of the petitioner's U.S. citizenship and evidence of a bona fide relationship. Additional supporting documents help establish the legitimacy and seriousness of the engagement.
These documents may include photographs of the couple together, communication records, and affidavits from friends or family confirming the relationship. Financial documents such as the petitioner's Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, and proof of income are crucial to demonstrate the ability to financially support the fiance(e).
What Documents are Required for K-1 Fiancé Visa? Infographic
