Non-citizens applying for a US marriage visa must submit a valid passport, a completed visa application form (DS-160), and a marriage certificate if already married abroad. Proof of the petitioner's US citizenship, evidence of the genuine relationship such as photos and correspondence, and police clearance certificates are also required. Medical examination results and financial support documents like Form I-864 Affidavit of Support strengthen the application.
What Documents Does a Non-Citizen Need for a US Marriage Visa?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Valid Passport | A non-citizen applying for a US marriage visa must have a valid passport issued by their country of citizenship as a primary identification document. This passport must be current at the time of visa application and entry into the United States to ensure compliance with immigration requirements. |
| 2 | Birth Certificate | A non-citizen applying for a US marriage visa must provide a certified birth certificate as proof of identity and familial relationships. This document is essential to establish eligibility and support the visa application process at the US consulate or embassy. |
| 3 | Police Clearance Certificate | Non-citizens applying for a US marriage visa must provide a Police Clearance Certificate from each country where they have lived for six months or more since the age of 16 to demonstrate a clean criminal record. This certificate is a critical part of the visa application process to ensure the applicant poses no security risk. |
| 4 | Medical Examination Report (Form I-693) | Non-citizens applying for a US marriage visa must submit a Medical Examination Report (Form I-693) completed by a USCIS-designated civil surgeon to verify they meet health requirements. This form includes vaccination records, screening for communicable diseases, and mental health evaluations crucial for visa approval. |
| 5 | Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) | Non-citizens applying for a US marriage visa must submit Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative), which establishes the qualifying relationship between the US citizen petitioner and the foreign spouse. Supporting documents for Form I-130 include proof of US citizenship, marriage certificates, and evidence of a bona fide marital relationship to ensure successful visa processing. |
| 6 | Form I-129F (for K-1 Fiancé Visa) | Non-citizens applying for a US marriage visa must submit Form I-129F to petition for a K-1 Fiance Visa, enabling their foreign fiance to travel to the United States for marriage. This form requires detailed personal information, proof of intent to marry within 90 days of arrival, and evidence of a bona fide relationship with the US citizen petitioner. |
| 7 | Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Application) | Non-citizens applying for a US marriage visa must complete Form DS-260, the Immigrant Visa Application, which collects detailed personal, biographical, and background information essential for visa processing. Accurate submission of Form DS-260 online, along with supporting documents like the marriage certificate and proof of financial support, is crucial for timely approval of the immigrant visa. |
| 8 | Form DS-160 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application, for K-1) | Non-citizens applying for a US K-1 fiance(e) visa must complete Form DS-160, the Nonimmigrant Visa Application, accurately and submit it online along with a valid passport, proof of the petitioner's US citizenship, and evidence of a bona fide relationship. The DS-160 form requires detailed personal, travel, and background information essential for consular processing and visa issuance. |
| 9 | Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status, if applying in the U.S.) | Non-citizens applying for a U.S. marriage visa while in the United States must submit Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, as part of the Adjustment of Status process. This form is essential for changing from a temporary visa holder to a lawful permanent resident based on marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. |
| 10 | Divorce or Death Certificates (if previously married) | Non-citizens applying for a US marriage visa must submit certified divorce decrees or death certificates to prove the legal termination of any prior marriages. Providing these official documents is crucial to establish eligibility and avoid delays in the visa approval process. |
| 11 | Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) | Non-citizens applying for a US marriage visa must submit an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) to demonstrate the petitioner's financial ability to support the foreign spouse, ensuring the immigrant will not become a public charge. This form requires evidence of the sponsor's income, assets, and proof of US citizenship or lawful permanent residency. |
| 12 | Court and Prison Records (if applicable) | Non-citizens applying for a US marriage visa must disclose any court and prison records as part of their background check to ensure eligibility and security clearance. Failure to provide these legal documents can result in visa denial or delays in the approval process. |
| 13 | Military Records (if applicable) | Non-citizens applying for a US marriage visa must provide military records if they have served in the armed forces, as these documents verify identity and service history. Military records, including discharge papers (DD-214) or active duty orders, are crucial for background checks and to establish eligibility during the visa process. |
| 14 | Proof of Relationship (photos, communication, joint assets) | Non-citizens applying for a US marriage visa must provide extensive proof of relationship, including recent photographs together, documented communications such as emails and messages, and evidence of joint assets like shared bank accounts or property ownership. These documents establish genuine intent to marry and verify the legitimacy of the relationship to US immigration authorities. |
| 15 | Visa Application Fee Receipt | A non-citizen applying for a US marriage visa must include the visa application fee receipt as proof of payment during their visa interview process. This receipt verifies that the necessary fees, currently set by the USCIS and the Department of State, have been paid and is crucial for the timely processing of the K-1 fiance(e) visa or CR-1/IR-1 spousal visa application. |
| 16 | Passport-Style Photographs | Non-citizens applying for a US marriage visa must submit passport-style photographs that meet specific requirements, including size of 2x2 inches, a clear, full-face view against a white or off-white background, and taken within the last six months to reflect current appearance. These photographs are critical for identity verification and must comply with the US Department of State guidelines to avoid delays in processing the visa application. |
| 17 | Evidence of Legal Entry (I-94, if already in the U.S.) | Non-citizens applying for a U.S. marriage visa must provide evidence of legal entry, such as the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, to prove lawful admission into the United States if already present in the country. This document confirms the date of entry, visa status, and authorized period of stay, which are critical for the visa petition process with USCIS. |
Overview of US Marriage Visa Document Requirements
| Document Type | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative | Petition filed by the U.S. citizen spouse | Establishes the qualifying relationship |
| Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa Application | Online application completed by the non-citizen spouse | Initiates the visa processing at the U.S. embassy or consulate |
| Marriage Certificate | Official document proving legal marriage | Confirms the marital relationship for visa eligibility |
| Proof of U.S. Citizenship | Copy of U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate | Verifies the petitioner's citizenship status |
| Affidavit of Support (Form I-864) | Financial sponsorship form completed by the U.S. citizen spouse | Demonstrates ability to support the immigrant spouse financially |
| Police Clearance Certificates | Background checks from the non-citizen's country of residence | Ensures no criminal history for visa eligibility |
| Medical Examination Report | Conducted by a USCIS-approved physician | Verifies health status and vaccination requirements |
| Passport | Valid passport for the non-citizen spouse | Required for international travel and visa stamping |
| Photographs | Visa-specific photos meeting U.S. State Department guidelines | Necessary for visa application processing |
Your preparation of these documents is crucial to a successful U.S. marriage visa application process.
Key Eligibility Criteria for Non-Citizen Applicants
Non-citizens applying for a US marriage visa must provide proof of a valid, legal marriage to a US citizen or permanent resident. You need to submit a completed Form I-129F or Form I-130, depending on your relationship status and visa category. Key eligibility criteria include valid identification documents, proof of genuine relationship, and meeting income requirements set by USCIS.
Essential Identification Documents Needed
Non-citizens applying for a US marriage visa must provide essential identification documents to prove identity and eligibility. These documents ensure your application is processed smoothly and meet the legal requirements set by US immigration authorities.
Key identification documents include a valid passport, which serves as primary proof of nationality and identity. Birth certificates are necessary to confirm personal details and familial relationships. Additionally, proof of legal marital status, such as divorce decrees or death certificates of previous spouses, must be submitted to verify eligibility for the marriage visa.
Proof of Genuine Relationship and Marriage
Non-citizens applying for a US marriage visa must provide thorough documentation to prove the authenticity of their relationship and marriage. These documents help establish the bona fide nature of the union to US immigration authorities.
- Joint Financial Records - Shared bank accounts, insurance policies, and leases demonstrate financial intermingling and a committed partnership.
- Photographs and Correspondence - Pictures from various occasions and consistent communication records highlight the ongoing, genuine relationship.
- Legal Marriage Certificate - An official marriage certificate from a recognized authority proves the legal union between the couple.
Providing comprehensive evidence of a genuine relationship and legally recognized marriage is essential for a successful US marriage visa application.
Financial Support and Affidavit of Support Requirements
Non-citizens applying for a US marriage visa must provide proof of financial support to meet the government's requirements. This ensures that the immigrant will not become a public charge during their stay.
The primary document for financial support is the Affidavit of Support (Form I-864), which your sponsoring spouse must complete. This form demonstrates they have sufficient income or assets to support the non-citizen applicant.
Civil and Legal Documents: Birth, Divorce, and Death Certificates
What civil and legal documents are required for a US marriage visa application? Birth certificates verify identity and parentage, while divorce and death certificates confirm the termination of previous marriages. These documents ensure eligibility by proving marital status according to US immigration laws.
Police Clearance and Medical Examination Reports
Non-citizens applying for a US marriage visa must provide a Police Clearance Certificate from all countries where they have lived for more than six months since age 16. This document verifies that the applicant has no serious criminal record and is essential for visa approval.
A medical examination report conducted by a USCIS-approved physician is also required. This examination ensures that you meet health standards and are free from communicable diseases that could pose a public health risk.
Passport, Visa Photos, and Related Travel Documents
Non-citizens applying for a US marriage visa must possess a valid passport that remains active throughout the visa application process and their stay in the United States. They are required to submit recent visa photos adhering to specific size and quality guidelines set by the US Department of State. Other essential documents include birth certificates, proof of legal entry into the US if applicable, and any previous visa or travel record documentation necessary for verifying identity and eligibility.
Common Mistakes in Document Preparation
Preparing documents for a US marriage visa requires careful attention to detail to avoid processing delays. Common mistakes often stem from incomplete or incorrect paperwork that can hinder your application.
- Missing or Incorrect Forms - Submitting outdated or improperly filled forms frequently causes visa denials or requests for additional information.
- Insufficient Proof of Relationship - Failing to provide clear evidence, such as joint financial documents or photographs, weakens the credibility of the marriage application.
- Failure to Translate Documents - Non-English documents must be professionally translated to meet USCIS standards and avoid rejection.
What Documents Does a Non-Citizen Need for a US Marriage Visa? Infographic
