Prepare Your USCIS Form I-129FFiancé(e) K-1 Petition

The United States offers multiple options for immigrants to enter the country legally. A United States citizen may file Form I-129F to sponsor a foreign fiancé(e). However, specific requirements must be met, both before and after receiving a fiancé(e) visa.

For example, a K-1 visa is only for fiancé(e)s living outside of the United States. Additionally, both parties must be free to marry, and they must do so within 90 days.

An engagement ring rests on top of a U.S. entry visa sticker. Petitioners who want to bring their fiancé(e) to the U.S. may apply using Form I-129F.

Who May File a Petition for a Fiancé(e) Visa Using Form I-129F?

A permanent resident, or green card holder, may not file Form I-129F to sponsor a fiancé(e). Only a U.S. citizen who is looking to have their fiancé(e) enter the United States and get married may file Form I-129F.

The U.S. citizen and their fiancé(e) must be legally free to marry within 90 days of entrance into the United States.

The U.S. citizen and their fiancé(e) should have met within two years immediately before filing this petition. This requirement may be waived if meeting your fiancé(e) in person would result in extreme hardship to the petitioner or violate your fiancé(e)’s foreign culture or social practice. However, the traditional arrangements must be met under the custom or practice.

U.S. citizens may also file Form I-129F if they have filed or will file Form I-130 and they’d like to obtain a nonimmigrant visa for their spouse to enter the U.S. and await the processing of form I-130.

Things to Remember When Completing Form I-129F

• Answer all questions fully and honestly
• Provide supporting evidence for your claims about yourself and your fiancé(e) or spouse.
• Include your form of payment with your application.
• Sign your petition

How Much Does It Cost to Petition for an Alien Fiancé(e)?

Filing fees will apply when a U.S. citizen sponsors a fiancé(e). You may expect the following fees:

• $295 FileRight application package preparation fee
• $535 USCIS filing fees to file Form I-129F
• $265 visa interview fee
• $200 medical exam
• $85 USCIS biometric services

USCIS does not charge a fee for petitions for K-3 status if the petition is being filed by the same U.S. citizen and it is based on a pending Form I-130, Petition of Alien Relative.

USCIS won’t refund your money, even if your application is denied. Working with an immigration filing service will ensure your application is correct and complete.

What Happens After I Submit My Petition?

Once U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) receives your Form I-129F, the agency processes the application. USCIS will then send you:

• A confirmation receipt notice of your petition
• A notice of a biometrics appointment date, if needed
• An interview appointment date may be scheduled
• A written notice or decision.

Normally, when the USCIS approves the petition, the agency sends it to the U.S. Department of State’s National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC notifies both you and your fiancé(e) of the invitation to apply for a nonimmigrant visa. The invitation extends to qualifying dependents as well.

When the time comes for the relative to immigrate, the petitioner must agree to be his or her financial sponsor by filing Form I-134, Affidavit of Support. The form states your commitment of financial support to your immigrating fiancé(e).

How Long Does It Take to Get a Fiancé(e) Visa?

USCIS typically takes 8 to 10 months to process your Fiancé(e) K-1 Petition application after you file Form I-129F. After that, you may expect to wait for another four to six weeks before receiving an invitation to interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

The USCIS officer who conducts your visa interview may approve your petition immediately after the interview. If USCIS does not have enough information to make a decision on your case, you will receive a request for evidence (RFE). Be sure to gather all additional documents requested and send them together in one document packet.

What Should You Do After Receiving a Fiancé(e) Visa?

After an immigrating fiancé(e) receives a petition approval, they will get their passport containing a K-1 visa and a sealed document packet. Do not open this packet. Bring it with you to the United States and present it to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officer upon entry.

A K-1 visa will allow you to enter the United States within six months of the date it is issued. After entering the country, you must marry your U.S. citizen fiancé(e) within 90 days.

Do I Need to Sponsor My Fiancé(e)’s Children Separately?

If you are engaged to someone with dependent children, they can also come to the United States legally. You do not need to file separate petitions for children. When you file Form I-129F, list all your fiancé(e)’s children.

What Happens if You Do Not Get Married?

A fiancé(e) K-1 petition is meant for a U.S. citizen to bring their foreign fiancé(e) to the United States. You will have 90 days to get married after entry. This visa cannot be extended.

If you do not get married, the alien fiancé(e) and any accompanying children will have to leave the United States. However, if you get married and break up after filing a petition to adjust status to permanent resident, they may be allowed to remain in the country.

Applying for a Green Card

If you legally enter the United States by way of a fiancé(e) K-1 petition, you may then apply for a permanent resident card, commonly referred to as a green card. File Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.