How To Write a Cover Letter for Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé)

To prepare a K-1 fiancé(e) visa application for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you must complete the required forms, gather supporting documents, and pay fees. It’s not mandatory to include a cover letter in your application packet, but doing so can help keep your application materials organized and make sure you don’t miss any required documents. You can also use the cover letter to highlight anything you want USCIS to know about your visa application. This article explains what a K-1 fiancé visa cover letter is and the elements it should include. There’s also a template you can use to write your own.

Jonathan Petts

Written by Jonathan Petts .  Updated May 17, 2023

What Is a Form I-129F Cover Letter?

You’ll need to file Form I-129F : Petition for Alien Fiancé if you are a U.S. citizen who wants your foreign partner to receive a K-1 visa . Though it’s not required, writing a cover letter to supplement this form can be helpful for USCIS. A cover letter is a document that outlines your application contents and addresses any unusual circumstances you’d like to flag for your application readers.

A cover letter can give your USCIS officer a useful overview of you and your partner’s case. You can also use your cover letter as a personal checklist to make sure you’ve included all necessary documents in your package.

Is a Cover Letter Required for My Form I-129F Application?

USCIS does not require a cover letter for your Form I-129F petition package. However, it’s often beneficial for applicants to include cover letters. A cover letter can help your USCIS officer better understand and evaluate your overall application.

If there is anything unclear about you and your foreign fiancé’s relationship, a cover letter gives you the opportunity to address these concerns upfront. Remember that USCIS only wants to distribute K-1 visas to couples in genuine relationships. If there is anything unusual about how your relationship started or progressed, you may wish to address it with a disclaimer in your cover letter. 

If you call attention to any unusual circumstances in your cover letter, you’ll be able to explain your side of the story in greater detail. By giving USCIS greater clarity on your case, you can make it easier for the USCIS officer to process your application.

What Should My K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa Cover Letter Include?

You should begin your Form I-129F cover letter with a heading and greeting. Your heading should provide USCIS officials with your mailing address, your name, and your foreign partner’s name. Your introduction should then explain your reasons for writing this cover letter. Use your introduction to give USCIS a basic overview of your relationship and tell them you are seeking a K-1 visa for your fiancé.

Checklist of Information To Include in Your K-1 Fiancé Visa Cover Letter

USCIS will find it most helpful if you include the following information in your cover letter:

Your contact information

The USCIS address to which you’re sending this letter

Your full name as the petitioner

Your fiancé’s full name as the beneficiary

A note stating which form and visa you are filing an application for

A list of all the supporting documents you’ve included in your package, in bullet points:

You must include evidence of your U.S. citizenship, such as your birth certificate , copy of your naturalization certificate, Form FS-240, an unexpired U.S. passport, or an original statement from a U.S. consular officer verifying that you are a citizen with a valid passport.

You’ll also need evidence that you and your fiancé have legally terminated any previous marriages. For example, you may need to include divorce decrees , annulment orders, or a former spouse’s death certificate.

You’ll need one color passport-style photograph of yourself.

You’ll also need one color passport-style photograph of your fiancé taken within 30 days of filing.

If you or your fiancé have ever changed your name, you’ll need to provide evidence of this legal name change.

You’ll need evidence that you and your fiancé intend to marry within 90 days of their admission into the United States.

Finally, you’ll also need evidence that you and your fiancé have met in person within two years of filing for this visa. Alternatively, you may submit evidence that an in-person meeting would cause extreme hardship or violate strict traditions of your fiancé’s foreign culture.

Your signature and the date

Lastly, you should thank USCIS for their time and conclude your letter. Remember that this cover letter should be the first part of your application package that USCIS sees. You should place it at the top of your overall package before mailing it out to the appropriate USCIS office.

Where To Send Your Form 1-129F Application & Cover Letter

Note that USCIS processes Form I-129F at its Dallas lockbox, so you should mail your application to the address below that corresponds with your chosen mailing method:

U.S. Postal Service (USPS)

Attn: I-129F

P.O. Box 660151

Dallas, TX 75266-0151

FedEx, UPS, and DHL

Attn: I-129F (Box 660151)

2501 South State Highway 121 Business

Lewisville, TX 75067-8003

Note that there is a $535 fee to file Form I-129F. You may pay this fee with a money order, personal check, or cashier’s check. You should make any checks payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” When filing at a USCIS lockbox, you also have the option to pay by credit card. To pay with a credit card, you’ll need to file Form G-1450 : Authorization for Credit Card Transactions.

Form I-129F Cover Letter Template

You may use the following template for guidance when writing your USCIS Form I-129F cover letter. However, be sure to edit each field to reflect your own situation. You should replace each [bracketed field] with personalized information. To access an editable version of the Form I-129F cover letter sample below, you may make a copy of this sample USCIS cover letter .

Your foreign partner will be known as the “beneficiary” in this visa petition. You, the U.S. citizen sponsoring your foreign partner, are the “petitioner.” Note that you must be a U.S. citizen to sponsor your foreign partner’s K-1 visa application. U.S. green card holders cannot apply for K-1 visas for their foreign partners.

[Petitioner’s Street Address]

[Petitioner’s City, State  ZIP code]

[Relevant USCIS mailing address]

RE:[Marriage Green Card Application]

Beneficiary:[Immigrant’s Full Name]

Petitioner:[Citizen/Green Card Holder’s Full Name]

To Whom It May Concern:

Enclosed, please find my [K-1 Fiance Visa Application] for [Immigrant’s Full Name], the beneficiary, and [Petitioner’s Full Name], the petitioner and [U.S. citizen/Green Card Holder fiance] of the beneficiary. The following documents accompany and support this application:

Filing Fee Payments

[Check or Money Order] in the amount of [Current Fee Amount] for Form I-129F or  

Form G-1450 authorizing payment of the filing fees for all included forms (credit card charge authorization if you completed one)

[OPTIONAL Form G-1145 (e-notice authorization if you requested them in our system)]

Petitioner’s Form I-129F

[List of supporting documents]

If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at [Phone Number].  Thank you very much for your prompt consideration of my [K-1 Fiance Visa Application].

[Petitioner’s Full Name]

[Petitioner’s Signature]

[Signature Date]

Tips for Writing Your K-1 Fiancé Visa Cover Letter

Be sure to write your letter clearly and concisely. Remember that your cover letter is only a summary of your application contents, so you won’t need to write too many details in this letter. You should also use bullet points when listing your included application materials. Using bullet points will help your USCIS officer more easily understand your application throughout the visa process.

Within your letter, you’ll want to mention that the documents you’ve provided throughout your package are accurate and unaltered original documents or photocopies. If you’ve included any certified translations in your package, be sure to mention this too. 

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How To Write A K1 Visa Cover Letter

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December 6, 2021 by Beeraj Patel, Esq.

A K1 visa cover letter is a short and simple opening page for your Form I-129F (K1 visa) application. A cover letter is not required by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), but it can be helpful to clarify your application and to add a level of professionalism. This review discusses how you can write a cover letter that enhances your K1 visa application .

What Is A K1 Visa Cover Letter (Form I-129F)?

The K1 visa is an immigration visa for foreign nationals that are engaged to a U.S. citizen. It allows the U.S. citizen to sponsor their fiancé so that they can come into the country for the purpose of marriage. Upon entry to the United States, the foreign national has 90 days to be married.

A K1 visa cover letter is included in the front of your Form I-129F that the U.S. citizen submits on behalf of their foreign fiancé. Once again, a cover letter is not required by the USCIS, but it can help ensure a successful application.

What Is The Purpose Of The K1 Visa Cover Letter?

The purpose of this letter is to make it easier for the USCIS consular to process the K1 visa application . The cover letter should be short, organized, and easy for the consular to read. Ideally, the primary section of the letter should have bullet points that highlight the content that you have included in your K1 visa application.

Who Needs A Cover Letter?

K1 visa applicants (the U.S. citizen that is engaged to a foreign national) must submit Form I-129F to start the K1 visa process . A K1 visa cover letter can be helpful to include with your K1 visa application.

A Step-by-Step Guide To Writing Your K1 Visa Cover Letter

The best way to write a letter is to consult with an immigration attorney that has experience assisting foreign nationals (and their fiancé) through the K1 visa process. However, generally speaking, you can write a successful cover letter by ensuring all of the details you include are accurate, writing an introduction for the letter, listing the content that is included in your Form I-129F, and offering a thank you note and signature at the bottom of your letter.

Ensure That All Of The Details Are Accurate

The first and most important step in writing a cover letter is to ensure all of your information is accurate . You should first ensure that the consular understands that this is a K1 visa application (Form I-129F). Be sure to also verify that the USCIS address is accurate as well. Your letter can be any size, but the standard size is 8.5 by 11.

Write The K1 Visa Cover Letter Introduction

The next step to writing your letter is to craft the introduction. This should include a brief introduction of yourself and your fiancé. Be sure to use your full names and use a few sentences to describe your situation. Keep in mind, clear and concise should be the focus, so avoid making the introductory section longer than necessary.

List The Content Of Your Cover Letter

The next step in the K1 visa cover letter, and the primary purpose for the letter, is to list the contents that you are including in your application in the order that they are presented. The best way to do this is to list each included item in bullet format. For example, you may need to include the following into your K1 visa application and include a bullet point for each item:

  • The Form I-129F
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship
  • The status of your fiancé
  • Relationship information
  • Any additional items

You may need to include additional documents. Be sure to provide a bullet point with a brief (yet detailed) description of each one. This helps the consular find everything they need in a timely manner and properly review your K1 visa application.

Thank The USCIS And Provide The Date And Your Signature

The last step to writing a K1 visa cover letter is to provide a thank you to the USCIS for their time and assistance in processing your K1 visa application . Be sure to end your cover letter with the date and your signature as well.

Get In Touch With An Immigration Attorney At Pride Immigration

An immigration attorney can help you through every step, including crafting your K1 visa cover letter. Pride Immigration assists foreign nationals and their fiancé (the U.S. citizen) through the K1 visa process. If you have additional questions and would like to schedule a consultation, then give us a call today at (571) 520-6116 or contact us online .

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K1 Fiance Visa Step-by-Step Guide on Filing an I-129F for a Foreign Fiance

Documentary Proof of Having Met in Person in the Past Two Years and an Ongoing Relationship: Use as many of these items are possible. There is no minimum, but the more you can provide the less likely you are that you will receive an RFE . Additionally, please note that providing proof of your ongoing and genuine relationship in this package may benefit you by allowing the consulate to have access to this information prior to them formally contacting the non US Citizen fiance. Many high risk consulates approach cases with a skeptical eye and providing this information early on in the original I-129F package will help them in their preliminary review of your case.  

Mail the I-129F Package to the USCIS You should mail the completed form(s) to the   USCIS address here . Mail the package with return receipt requested / delivery confirmation. Send via USPS.

IMPORTANT! Make   TWO   copies of the entire package before you send it in. This includes the money orders too. You want to have a perfect replica of the package you are sending in. All Forms that you submit must be originals with original signatures. Supporting Evidence that you submit may be photocopies. Retain   ALL   original supporting Evidence since the USCIS has the right to check them by issuing an RFE ( Request For Evidence ). If you receive an RFE , follow the direction exactly, and make two copies of what you sent back. During any future interviews the USCIS may also want to examine the original supporting evidence.  

Create a VJ Timeline  

What to send to your fiance once the I-129F is approved (Receive NOA2):

NOTE: Tip Regarding Vaccination Records The K-1/2 beneficiary will be required by the embassy to have a "medical" done prior to the visa interview. Part of this interview will require that previous vaccinations are documented and potentially   additional required vaccinations   performed. Once this is complete the doctor will note this on a DS-3025 form that will be sent to the embassy. During the medical appointment request an official copy of the vaccination records from the physician (or a copy of the completed DS-3025 if they will give it to you) as this will be helpful to have on hand in the future (specifically it can be helpful when filing for   Adjustment of Status   if your DS-3025 form is not available).

After the K-1 Fiance Visa is Approved: Upon entering the US on a K-1 Visa, the visa holder must get married to the original I-129F sponsor (for the K-1 Visa) within 90 days. If the marriage does not take place within 90 days or the K-1 Visa holder marries someone other than the original US Citizen who petitioned for them, the K-1 Visa holder will be required to leave the United States. Until the marriage takes place, the K-1 visa holder is considered a non-immigrant. A non-immigrant is a foreign national seeking to temporarily enter the United States for a specific purpose. A K-1 Visa holder can not obtain an extension of the 90-day time limit. If the K-1 Visa holder intends to live and work permanently in the United States they should   apply to become a permanent resident   after the marriage. Please note, K-1 Visa holder will receive a "green card" and conditional permanent residence status for two years. Conditional permanent residency is granted when the marriage is less than two years old at the time the Adjustment of Status application is processed. Note:   A K-1 Visa holder can enter the United States only one time with this visa. Upon entry, the K-1 visa is cancelled, and an   Electronic I-94   is issued upon entry and becomes the controlling document. If the K-1 entrant leaves the U.S. before marriage to the original petitioner, re-entry into the U.S. might not be allowed without a new visa. Also, if the K-1 entrant has applied for and is waiting on approval of an Adjustment of Status petition, the K-1 entrant should not leave the U.S. without also having   applied for and received approved Advance Parole   -- doing so could result in the inability to re-enter the U.S., and it indicates abandonment of the petition for Adjustment of Status. (Note that even approved Advance Parole does not guarantee re-entry into the U.S.)

Edited June 17, 2023 by Captain Ewok

k1 visa cover letter sample 2022

NOTE: The above information does not address the specific requirements for any given case and is not a substitute for the advice of an attorney.

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Posted November 24, 2019

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What supporting documents do military personnel use for I-134?

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Posted November 27, 2019

On 11/24/2019 at 1:46 PM, Otemia said: What supporting documents do military personnel use for I-134?

Here ya go:

cathjeff

Posted December 11, 2019

Hello visajourney..i was interviewd last dec 9. The consul says it went well and she gave me 2 pamphlet about domestic violence..but she notice my birth certificate was late registered so she gave 221g paper and wrote need any document like supporting document on my birt cert..i send it the next day and they already recieved as of this time..just wanna ask how long will i have to wait for my visa to approved? Hope to hear and get an an advise..am i approved? Just curious thanks and have a good day

loren jellison

loren jellison 0

Posted December 31, 2019

hi guys ..happy new year ...i just wanna ask about my status ...i recieve a RFE which is about my i 864 ... do i need to do a cover letter for that or what kind of form i need to send ?? we are not filling for a joint sponsor ... thank you and your response much appreciated ...

Penguin_ie

Penguin_ie 5,984

*****  Please post questions in our FORUMS, not here *********

Posted July 23, 2020

We don’t have enough space to write down addresses, is it okay to add a blank page as a supplement specifying the parts and items? 

Posted March 27, 2021

NOT CORRECT!!!! YOU DO NOT NEED A WET INK SIGNED LETTER OF INTENT FROM BENEFICIARY TO BE MAILED, a photocopy of the signed document is ABSOLUTELY okay. 

2 forms of proof of this - the official I129f instructions states this: PROOF 1 of 2 - pg 2 of https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-129finstr.pdf Each petition must be properly signed and filed. For all signatures on this petition, USCIS will not accept a stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature. note:  a signature is not a stamp, and it is not type written.  Typewritten definition is to be a font from computer or typewriter.

PROOF 2 of 2 - from USCIS policy manual https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-1-part-b-chapter-2  see valid signatures, it says it in plain English A signature is valid even if the original signature on the document is photocopied, scanned, faxed, or similarly reproduced. Regardless of how it is transmitted to USCIS, the copy must be of an original document containing an original handwritten signature, unless otherwise specified. The regulations do not require that the person signing submit an “original” or “wet ink” signature on a petition, application, or other request to USCIS.

Mario82

Posted May 6, 2021

Hello.  Does the letter  certifying an intent to marry within 90 days of entering the US has to be notarized?

BeautyfromAshes

BeautyfromAshes 10

Posted June 23, 2021

On 5/5/2021 at 5:44 PM, Mario82 said: Hello.  Does the letter  certifying an intent to marry within 90 days of entering the US has to be notarized?

No. Just a sworn statement "I declare under penalty of purgery that the foregoing is true and correct." 

Then sign and date 

Posted July 29, 2021

Does anyone what the current timeline  or backlog for k1 Visa In Haiti?

Scotten

Posted March 26, 2022

Hello guys, can someone please help me and explain to me what’s the Invoice ID number coz me and my fiancé we have been waiting for this for over 8month now since our file was sent to Kenya coz it’s where I am going to have my visa interview from.can someone help me understand this. Do I have to first pay for the visa interview for me to have the invoice or ?

surya jaiswal 0

Posted March 29, 2023

Thank you for this complete guide about how to get a Fiance Visa, still i had some doubt but A1 passport and visa provider agency helped me a lot to get it done, thanks!

BrandEll526620 0

Posted May 20, 2023

I am a US citizen, planning to file my I-129 form this month (May), but I might be changing my address on November. New address still to be determined as I'll still be looking for a new apartment. Any advice? Should I file the form now or wait for when I move and file it then? Or is there an option to update my mailing address once I get the NOA ?

Jason Sypsa

Jason Sypsa 0

Posted May 22, 2023

On 5/20/2023 at 7:42 AM, BrandEll526620 said: I am a US citizen, planning to file my I-129 form this month (May), but I might be changing my address on November. New address still to be determined as I'll still be looking for a new apartment. Any advice? Should I file the form now or wait for when I move and file it then? Or is there an option to update my mailing address once I get the NOA ?

You should go ahead and file. You are able to change your address as soon as you get the first NOA .

Posted January 19

Just a heads up as of 1/18/2024: I sent an original copy of my birth certificate along with a photocopy of the birth certificate. I received them both back along with a copy of first page of the I-129f petition, a copy of the front of the envelope I sent it in, and a letter from the "SERVICE CENTER DIRECTOR" essentially stating that I didn't need to send the birth certificate and should wait until they ask for it if they decide it is necessary because it slows processing.

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Nonimmigrant Visa for a Fianc(é)e (K-1)

Important notice:.

Important Information for Syrian applicants processing in Amman, Jordan :  Interviews are scheduled by the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan in order to help facilitate entry into Jordan. This applies to all K visa petitions received at the National Visa Center for Syrian applicants currently residing in Syria. 

Important Notice :  Effective December 1, 2017, the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi will no longer process K visas. The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai will be the interview location for all K visas in India. This change applies to all K visa petitions received at the National Visa Center  on  or  after  December 1, 2017. 

Important Notice: Same-sex Marriage

Same-sex spouses of U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), along with their minor children, are now eligible for the same immigration benefits as opposite-sex spouses. Consular officers at U.S. Embassies and Consulates will adjudicate their immigrant visa applications upon receipt of an approved I-130 or I-140  petition from  USCIS . For further information, please see our  FAQ’s .

  • Overview: What is a K-1 Visa?
  • What Is a "Fiancé(e)"?

The International Marriage Broker Regulation Act of 2005 (IMBRA)

The first step: filing the petition, the second step: applying for a visa, required documentation, review additional u.s. embassy/consulate-specific instructions, medical examination and vaccination requirements, proof of financial support and affidavit of support forms, do the same income requirements apply to form i-134 as apply to form i-864.

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How to apply for a social security number card, when you are a permanent resident, further questions, overview: what is a k-1 visa.

The fiancé(e) K-1 nonimmigrant visa is for the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a United States (U.S.) citizen.  The K-1 visa permits the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) to travel to the United States and marry his or her U.S. citizen sponsor within 90 days of arrival.  The foreign-citizen will then apply for adjustment of status to a permanent resident (LPR) with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Because a fiancé(e) visa permits the holder to immigrate to the U.S. and marry a U.S. citizen shortly after arrival in the United States, the fiancé(e) must meet some of the requirements of an immigrant visa. Eligible children of K-1 visa applicants receive K-2 visas.

What Is a “Fiancé(e)”?

Under U.S. immigration law, a foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen is the recipient of an approved Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), Form I-129F, who has been issued a nonimmigrant K-1 visa for travel to the United States in order to marry his or her U.S. citizen fiancé(e). Both the U.S. citizen and the K-1 visa applicant must have been legally free to marry at the time the petition was filed and must have remained so thereafter. The marriage must be legally possible according to laws of the U.S. state in which the marriage will take place.

In general, the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) and U.S. citizen sponsor must have met in person within the past two years. USCIS may grant an exception to this requirement, based on extreme hardship for the U.S. citizen sponsor to personally meet the foreign-citizen fiancé(e), or, for example, if it is contrary in the U.S. citizen sponsor’s or foreign-citizen fiancé(e)’s culture for a man and woman to meet before marriage.

Detailed information about IMBRA requirements is contained in the  Form I-129F , Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), instructions.

  • You, the U.S. citizen sponsor, must file  Form I-129F , Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), with the USCIS office that serves the area where you live. See  Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)  for information on where to file the petition. Further information is available on the USCIS website under  Fiancé(e) Visas .  Note: Form I-129F cannot be filed at a U.S. Embassy, Consulate, or USCIS office abroad.
  • After USCIS approves the petition, it is sent to the  National Visa Center (NVC) . The NVC will give you a case number and send your petition to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where your fiancé(e) lives.

The NVC will mail you a letter when it sends your fiancé(e) case to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Once you receive this letter, inform your fiancé(e) to take the below-listed actions to apply for a K-1 visa and prepare for the interview.

Eligible children of K-1 visa applicants may apply for K-2 visas. Separate applications must be submitted for each K visa applicant, and each K visa applicant must pay the visa application fee.

You, the foreign-citizen fiancé(e), (and eligible children applying for K-2 visas) will be required to bring the following forms and documents to the visa interview:

  • Completed  Form DS-160 , Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application . You (and any eligible children applying for K-2 visas) must: (1) complete Form DS-160 and (2) print the DS-160 confirmation page to bring to your interview. 
  • A passport valid for travel  to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the U.S. (unless  country-specific agreements  provide exemptions).
  • Birth certificate .
  • Divorce or death certificate(s ) of any previous spouse(s) for both you and the U.S. citizen sponsor
  • Police certificates  from your present country of residence and all countries where you have lived for six months or more since age 16 (Police certificates are also required for accompanying children age 16 or older)
  • Medical examination  (vaccinations are optional, see below)
  • Evidence of financial support  ( Form I-134 , Affidavit of Support, may be requested)
  • Two (2) 2x2 photographs . See the required photo format explained in  Photograph Requirements
  • Evidence of relationship  with your U.S. citizen fiancé(e)
  • Payment of fees,  as explained below

Note:  The consular officer may ask for additional information, such as photographs and other proof that the relationship with your U.S. citizen fiancé(e) is genuine. Documents in foreign languages, other than the language of the country in which the application takes place, should be translated. Applicants should take to the visa interview clear, legible photocopies of civil documents and translations, such as birth and divorce certificates. Original documents and translations will be returned.

There may be additional instructions for collecting documentation needed for your K visa interview. Review U.S. Embassy/Consulate-Specific Instructions  here , to learn what additional requirements there are, if any.

In preparing for the interview, applicants will need to schedule and complete a medical examination. Before the issuance of an immigrant or K visa, every applicant, regardless of age, must undergo a medical examination which  must be performed  by an authorized panel physician. You will be provided instructions regarding medical examinations from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply for your visa, including information on authorized panel physicians. See  Medical Examination  for more information, including a list of panel physicians by country, and frequently asked questions.

K visa applicants are encouraged to get the vaccinations required under U.S. immigration law for immigrant visa applicants.  Although such vaccinations are not required for K visa issuance, they will be required when adjusting status to that of legal permanent resident following your marriage. Applicants are therefore encouraged to fulfill these vaccination requirements at the time of the medical examination. See  Vaccination Requirements for IV Applicants  for the list of required vaccinations and additional information.

During the visa interview, applicants will be required to present evidence to the consular officer that they are not likely to become a public charge in the United States. You may present evidence that you are able to financially support yourself or that your U.S. citizen fiancé(e) is able to provide support. The Consular Officer may request that a  Form I-134 , Affidavit of Support be submitted by the U.S. citizen fiancé(e).

The U.S. citizen fiancé(e) will need to submit Form I-864 to USCIS with the application for adjustment of status to that of legal permanent resident following the marriage.

No. The 125 percent of the federal poverty guideline minimum income requirement, the most recent year's tax return, and other requirements only apply when Form I-864 is needed. Applicants presenting Form I-134 will need to show that their U.S. sponsor's income is 100 percent of the federal poverty guideline.

Fees are charged for the following services: 

  • Filing an Alien Fiancé(e) Petition, Form I-129F
  • Nonimmigrant visa application processing fee, Form DS-160 (required for each K visa applicant)
  • Medical examination (required for each K visa applicant; costs vary from post to post)
  • Other costs may include translation and photocopying charges, fees for getting the documents required for the visa application (such as passport, police certificates, birth certificates, etc.), and travel expenses to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate for an interview. Costs vary from country to country and case to case.
  • Filing  Form I-485 , Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status

For current fees for Department of State, see  Fees for Visa Services . For current fees for USCIS, see  Check Filing Fees  on the USCIS website.

You should read the  Rights and Protections pamphlet  before your visa interview to learn about your rights in the United States relating to domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse and protection available to you. The consular officer will verbally summarize the pamphlet to you during your interview. Additionally, K-1 visa applicants will be provided with any existing criminal background information on their U.S. citizen fiancé(e)s that USCIS received from other government agencies during processing of their Form I-129F petitions.

My Petition Expired – Can It Be Extended?

The I-129F petition is valid for four months from the date of approval by USCIS. A consular officer can extend the validity of the petition if it expires before visa processing is completed.

Ineligibilities for Visas

Certain conditions and activities may make you, the applicant, ineligible for a visa. Examples of these ineligibilities include: drug trafficking;  overstaying  a previous visa; and submitting fraudulent documents.

If you are ineligible for a visa, you will be informed by the Consular Officer and advised whether there is a  waiver  of the ineligibility and what the waiver process is. Learn more and see the complete list of  ineligibilities .

For Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), you can visit the USCIS website for the status of your  petition .

Once your case has been received from NVC by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that will process it, the length of time varies from case to case according to its circumstances. Some cases are delayed because applicants do not follow instructions carefully or supply incomplete information. (It is important to give us correct postal addresses and telephone numbers.) Some visa applications require further  administrative processing , which takes additional time after the visa applicant's interview by a Consular Officer.

If you are issued a K-1 visa, the Consular Officer will give you your passport containing the K-1 visa and a sealed packet containing the civil documents you provided, plus other documents prepared by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. It is important that you  do not open the sealed packet . Only the DHS immigration official should open this packet when you enter the United States. As the K-1 visa holder, you must enter the United States either before or at the same time as any qualifying children holding K-2 visas.

With your visa, you can apply for a single admission at a U.S. port-of-entry within the validity of the visa, which will be a maximum of 6 months from the date of issuance.  You must marry your U.S. citizen fiancé(e) within 90 days of your entry into the United States.

No. Your eligible children may apply for K-2 visas based on the approval of Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), that your U.S. citizen fiancé(e) filed on your behalf, but your U.S. citizen fiancé(e) must list the children on the petition. Separate visa applications must be submitted for each K-2 visa applicant, and each applicant must pay the K visa application fee.

After your marriage, your children will need to file separately from you for adjustment of status. They cannot be included on your application for adjustment of status. More information about adjustment of status is available on USCIS’s website under  Green Card (Permanent Residence) .

Important Notice:  Under U.S. immigration law, a  child  must be unmarried. In order to file for adjustment of status for your child following your marriage to your U.S. citizen spouse, the child’s stepchild relationship with your spouse must be created before the child reaches the age of 18.

Your children may travel with (accompany) you to the United States or travel later (follow-to-join). Like you, your children must travel within the validity of their K-2 visas. Separate petitions are not required if the children accompany or follow to join you within one year from the date of issuance of your K-1 visa. If they want to travel later than one year from the date your K-1 visa was issued, they will not be eligible to receive K-2 visas, and separate immigrant visa petitions will be required. If your child has a valid K-2 visa and you have already adjusted status to that of permanent resident, your child may still travel on the K-2 visa.

Entering the United States: Port of Entry

A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to the U.S. port-of-entry and request permission to enter the United States. You should be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have authority to permit or deny admission to the U.S. Upon arrival at the port-of-entry, be prepared to present to the CBP officer your passport with visa and your unopened/sealed packet containing your documents. Travelers should review important information about admissions and entry requirements on the CBP website under  Travel .

Information for K-1/K-2 visa holders about adjustment of status, permission to work in the United States, and travel outside of the United States is available on the USCIS website under  Fiancé(e) Visas .

To learn about applying for a Social Security Number Card, visit the website for the  Social Security Administration .

Coming to the United States to live permanently, you will want to learn more about your status as a  Lawful Permanent Resident . See  Welcome to the United States: A Guide for New Immigrants  to review information on the USCIS website about living in the United States.

  • If your inquiry concerns a visa case in progress at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, you should first contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate handling your case for status information. Select  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  to review their website for contact information.
  • Before making an inquiry, we request that you carefully review this website. Often, the answers to questions are easily found which enables us to help other applicants and U.S. sponsors in need of assistance. Due to the volume of inquiries we receive, Visa Services cannot promise an immediate reply to your inquiry.
  • You can find contact information for our Public Inquiries Division at  Contact Us .

More Information

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I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)

ALERT: On Jan. 31, 2024, we published a  final rule in the Federal Register that adjusts the fees required for most immigration applications and petitions. The new fees will be effective April 1, 2024.

Applications and petitions postmarked on or after April 1, 2024, must include the new fees or we will not accept them.

What to Know About Sending Us Your Form

The new filing fee is effective for filings postmarked April 1, 2024, and later. If you are filing an acceptable prior form edition on or after April 1, 2024, you must include the new filing fee.

Use this form to petition to bring your:

  • Fiancé(e) (K-1) and their children (K-2) to the U.S. so you may marry your fiancé(e); or
  • Spouse (K-3) and their children (K-4) to the U.S. to await the approval of a Form I-130 filed on behalf of your spouse.

How to Report Suspected Marriage Fraud U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has an online tip form to report suspected benefit/marriage fraud or other violations.

Help for Immigration Crime Victims Different types of support are available through ICE’s  Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) Office .

Forms and Document Downloads

Form I-129F (PDF, 731.59 KB)

Instructions for Form I-129F (PDF, 313.68 KB)

Form Details

04/01/24 . Starting June 3, 2024, we will accept only the 04/01/24 edition. Until then, you can also use the 03/21/22 edition. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions. The new filing fee is effective for filings postmarked April 1, 2024, and later. If you are filing an acceptable prior form edition, you must include the new filing fee.

Dates are listed in mm/dd/yy format.

If you complete and print this form to mail it, make sure that the form edition date and page numbers are visible at the bottom of all pages and that all pages are from the same form edition. If any of the form’s pages are missing or are from a different form edition, we may reject your form.

If you need help downloading and printing forms, read our instructions . 

File Form I-129F at the USCIS Dallas lockbox.

U.S. Postal Service (USPS): USCIS Attn: I-129F P.O. Box 660151 Dallas, TX 75266-0151 FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries: USCIS Attn: I-129F (Box 660151) 2501 South State Highway 121 Business Suite 400 Lewisville, TX 75067-8003

We cannot adjudicate this form at USCIS international offices.

You can find the filing fee for Form I-129F by visiting our Fee Schedule page.

The fee is effective for filings postmarked April 1, 2024, and later.

You can pay the fee with a money order, personal check, cashier’s check or  pay by credit card or debit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions . If you pay by check, you must make your check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

When you send a payment, you agree to pay for a government service. Filing fees are final and non-refundable, regardless of any action we take on your application, petition, or request, or if you withdraw your request. If you pay by credit card or debit card, you cannot later dispute the payment. Use our Fee Calculator to help determine your fee.

If you are submitting multiple forms, pay each filing fee separately. We are transitioning to electronically processing immigration benefit requests, which requires us to use multiple systems to process your package. We may reject your entire package if you submit a single, combined payment for multiple forms.

Please do not submit this checklist with your Form I-129F. The checklist is an optional tool to use as you prepare your form, but does not replace statutory, regulatory, and form instruction requirements. We recommend that you review these requirements before completing and submitting your form. Do not send original documents unless specifically requested in the form instructions or applicable regulations.

If you submit any documents (copies or original documents, if requested) in a foreign language, you must include a full English translation along with a certification from the translator verifying that the translation is complete and accurate, and that they are competent to translate from the foreign language into English.

Did you provide the following?

  • A copy of your birth certificate, issued by a civil registrar, vital statistics office, or other civil authority showing you were born in the United States; 
  • A copy of your naturalization or citizenship certificate issued by USCIS or the former Immigration and Naturalization Service; 
  • A copy of Form FS-240, Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), issued by a U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate; 
  • A copy of your unexpired U.S. passport; or 
  • An original statement from a U.S. consular officer verifying you are a U.S. citizen with a valid passport;
  • Final Divorce decree;
  • Annulment order; or
  • Death certificate for their prior spouse;
  • One color passport-style photograph of yourself and one for your fiancé taken within 30 days of you filing this petition; 
  • Evidence of legal name change (if applicable); and
  • Evidence to support an International Marriage Broker Regulation Act waiver (if applicable).

If you are petitioning to classify your fiancé(e) as a K-1 nonimmigrant , did you provide the following?

  • Evidence you and your fiancé(e) intend to marry within 90 days of their admission into the United States as a K-1 nonimmigrant; and
  • Evidence you met your fiancé(e) in-person within two years of you filing your Form I-129F. If you haven’t met within two years, submit evidence that meeting in-person would violate strict and long-established customs of your fiancé(e)’s foreign culture or social practice or would be an extreme hardship on the petitioner.

If you are petitioning to classify your spouse as a K-3 nonimmigrant , did you provide the following?

  • A copy of the Form I-797C, Notice of Action, showing you have filed Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, on behalf of your spouse; and 
  • A marriage certificate.

Complete all sections of the form. We will reject the form if these fields are missing:

  • Classification Sought for Your Beneficiary
  • Family Name
  • Your Mailing Address
  • Date of Birth
  • Classification Sought for Beneficiary

Filing Tips:  Review our  Tips for Filing Forms by Mail  page for information on how to ensure we will accept your form.

Don’t forget to sign your form. We will reject any unsigned form.

E-Notification: If you want to receive an e-mail and/or text message that we have accepted your form at a USCIS lockbox, complete Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance , and clip it to the first page of your form.

Do not include:

  • Anything that contains electronic chips and batteries (such as musical greeting cards) or any non-paper materials such as CD-ROMS, DVDs, toys, action figures, or thumb drives. We will not accept these types of materials. However, we will accept photographs or copies of these items;
  • Any biological or genetic samples as DNA evidence. For information on DNA testing and submitting DNA samples, please visit the Department of State’s  webpage ; or
  • Graphic photos of childbirth or intimate relations as evidence of a relationship or marital bona fides.
  • Fiancé(e) Visas
  • Optional Checklist for Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)
  • Department of State Link: Nonimmigrant Visa for a Fiancé(e) (K-1)
  • K-3 Nonimmigrant Visas
  • Department of State Link: Nonimmigrant Visa for a Spouse (K-3)

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Home » K-1 Visa Path to a Marriage-Based Green Card

K-1 Visa Path to a Marriage-Based Green Card

K-1 fiancé visa explained, what is a k-1 visa.

A foreign citizen may use the K-1 visa to travel to the United States for the purpose of marriage to his or her U.S. citizen fiancé. Once married to the U.S. citizen sponsor, the foreign citizen may apply for permanent residence – represented by a green card — inside the United States.

It’s one of two fundamental ways for a U.S. citizen and foreign citizen to unite in the United States. Alternatively, the couple could marry outside the United States and the foreign spouse would immigrate as an immediate relative (spouse of a U.S. citizen) through consular processing .

We’ve assembled a detailed K-1 visa overview that provides a look at the different steps in the path to a green card. In this process, the petitioner is always a U.S. citizen fiancé, and the beneficiary is the foreign citizen fiancé. If you're ready to get started, see how CitizenPath can help .

The K-1 is a nonimmigrant visa, but it behaves like an immigrant visa. The U.S. Department of State categories the K-1 visa as a dual intent visa. That means it's a nonimmigrant visa, however, the beneficiary may have an immigrant intent.

Eligibility for Fiancé Visa

What are the k-1 visa requirements.

Only the fiancé of a U.S. citizen has a qualifying relationship for the K-1 visa process. The fiancé of a lawful permanent resident does not qualify. Additionally, the couple must satisfy all three of the following requirements:

  • Be legally free to marry and intend to marry within 90 days of the fiancé’s admission to the United States.
  • The requirement to meet in person would violate strict and long-established customs of the foreign national’s culture or social practice, and that any and all aspects of the traditional arrangements have been or will be met in accordance with the custom or practice; or
  • The requirement to meet in person would result in extreme hardship to the U.S. citizen.
  • Meet the requirements set in the International Marriage Broker Regulation Act of 2005 .

K-2 Visas May be Issued to Children

If the foreign fiancé has minor children (unmarried and under age 21), they can generally immigrate as well. Upon approval, the child applicant receives a K-2 visa. K-2 children may generally enter the U.S. at the same time as the K-1 fiancé or shortly thereafter.

K-1 Visa Application Process

Do i need to file form i-129f, petition for alien fiancé(e).

There is a visa application, but there's a process to get there first. Before the foreign fiancé may apply for the K-1 visa, the U.S. citizen must file a petition that establishes a qualifying relationship. In other words, there’s a process to confirm that there’s a legitimate relationship that includes an evaluation of the requirements listed above.

The process begins with the U.S. citizen filing Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) , with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In fact, the petition package should include Form I-129F along with several supporting documents. Generally, the petition package includes:

  • USCIS filing fee
  • Proof of U.S. citizenship
  • Evidence any previous marriages have been terminated
  • Passport-style photos
  • Evidence of in-person meeting with fiancé
  • Evidence of intention to marry within 90 days
  • Evidence of a genuine relationship

Additional supporting documents may be necessary. Therefore, refer to your personalized filing instructions from CitizenPath. When you prepare your petition through CitizenPath, we will generate personalized filing instructions based on your specific situation. Our instructions provide detailed guidance on supporting documents, samples, how to organize the package, and where to mail it.

A similar process is available to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents that want to bring a spouse (as well as any of the spouse's children) to the U.S. This process begins with the petitioner filing Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative. Unlike the K-1 visa, this path is available to the spouses of permanent residents also. Learn more in consular processing .

Should I immigrate through a K-1 or CR-1/IR-1 Visa?

If you are considering a marriage-based green card, there may be more than one option. And there are trade-offs between immigrating as a spouse and fiancé. Explore your paths to immigrate based on different factors such as cost, marriage status and location.

K-1 Consular Interview

What happens after uscis approves form i-129f.

Provided that the petition package is well prepared with all supporting evidence, USCIS will typically approve an I-129F in 6 to 9 months. Upon approval, USCIS moves your case to the National Visa Center (NVC). Expect the transition of your case to the NVC to take at least a month. They will contact the foreign fiancé to request the K-1 visa application (DS-160) and medical exam. The NVC will do a background check, collect additional documents, and then forward your case to the respective U.S. embassy or consulate.

Submit the K-1 Visa Application

Submit the online nonimmigrant visa application ( DS-160 ). You can only find the application on the U.S. State Department website. Any eligible children that will accompany the K-1 fiancé must also submit separate applications. Provide answers in English only. The U.S. citizen fiancé may assist or act as an interpreter through this process for the foreign national fiancé. Be sure to print the DS-160 confirmation page for the interview.

Get the Medical Examination

Every applicant, regardless of age, undergoes a medical examination which must be performed by an authorized panel physician. The U.S. embassy will provide directions including a list of approved physicians. Although some vaccinations are not required for K-1 visa issuance, they will be necessary when adjusting status to green card holder following the marriage. Therefore, it makes sense to get them at this time.

The embassy will schedule an interview soon after they've they've collected the these documents and done they're pre-processing. The K-1 visa interview will take place at a U.S. embassy or consulate near the beneficiary. The K-1 applicant and generally any children who you want to receive K-2 visas should attend. In some cases, the U.S. citizen may attend, but it is not required.

The embassy will provide the applicant with a letter that includes a list of items to bring. Typically, the applicant will need to take the following items:

  • Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
  • Passport valid for at least six months beyond intended period of stay in the U.S.
  • Police certificates from your present country of residence and all countries where you have lived for six months or more since age 16
  • Medical examination
  • Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support
  • Passport-style photos (2)
  • Evidence of bona fide relationship with the U.S. citizen petitioner

The consular officer will interview the beneficiary to verify the validity of the relationship. For a more detailed overview of how to prepare and what to take to the consular interview, read K-1 Interview Checklist .

The consular officer will generally provide a decision at the end of the interview. The officer may even be able to issue the K-1 visa the same day. However, the visa is typically delivered by courier to the applicant within one week.

U.S. Entry and Marriage

What happens at the interview.

The K-1 visa holder has 6 months to use the visa to enter the United States. Couples should use this time (if necessary) to do any final wedding planning. If several family members intend to travel, this window of time gives you time to coordinate. However, a formal wedding is not required. You may get married in a setting that fits you.

The U.S. embassy will provide the visa holder with a package of documents typically called the "visa packet." Upon arrival to the United States, the K-1 entrant will give the visa packet to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry.

After admission to the United States, the foreign citizen must marry the U.S. citizen within 90 days. The K-1 visa cannot be extended beyond the 90-day period. If there is no marriage, the foreign citizen is required to depart the United States by the 90th day. Of course, most marriages go on as planned. Typically, the foreign citizen spouse plans to stay permanently in the United States. In this case, he or she must apply for a green card through a process called adjustment of status .

k-1 visa holder has 6 months to enter the US

Time Line for Fiancé Visa

How long does the k-1 visa take.

The entire K-1 visa timeline from petition to visa may take 9 to 12 months for typical applicants. Understanding the steps in this timeline is even more critical for engaged couples because of wedding plans. Planning for wedding ceremonies that involve a K-1 visa entrant generally require some flexibility. It’s difficult to know exactly when the embassy will schedule an interview and issue the K-1. For a closer look at processing times and steps, take a look at the K-1 processing time .

For the fastest processing, ensure that you meet the requirements and submit a well-prepared petition. Small mistakes and oversights can result in a time-consuming Request for Evidence. CitizenPath can help you navigate this process by submitting a strong petition.

Adjustment of Status

How do i go from k-1 visa to green card.

In simple terms, adjustment of status is the process of applying for a green card from inside the United States. An adjustment of status application typically includes several forms submitted together. The green card time line may take about one year. During this time, the foreign spouse is able to obtain work authorization and travel abroad, provided he or she submits the correct paperwork as a part of the adjustment of status package.

Upon approval of the adjustment of status through a K-1 entry , the foreign spouse becomes a permanent resident of the United States. Subsequently, USCIS will issue a green card as evidence of this status. Permanent resident status gives a person the right to live permanently and work in the United States.

Costs for K-1 Path to a Green Card

How much does it cost to get a green card through a fiancé visa.

In addition to the initial I-129F petition, there are other costs associated with a K-1 fiancé visa. There is an additional cost for the actual visa application and also an immigration medical exam. To clarify, the medical exam must be conducted by a physician approved by the embassy. Costs can vary based on country and typically fall in the range of $50 to $300. Finally, foreign citizen spouses who plan to stay in the United States must adjust status to permanent residence. These costs are spread out over about a year.

*Includes some non-essential forms that can removed for a cost savings

Similar services from an attorney generally cost in excess of $5,000 (plus government fees). CitizenPath is an exceptional solution for do-it-yourselfers that want the reassurance they’re doing everything correctly. Users answer simple questions and receive ready-to-sign forms and detailed filing instructions. We customize your filing instructions based on your answers in the petition so you know what to do for your specific situation. The filing instructions provide detailed directions on supporting documents, how to organize your petition, and where to mail it.

How CitizenPath Helps You

How do i get started with the visa process.

CitizenPath's affordable, online service makes it easy to prepare Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Relative. Designed by immigration lawyers, the K-1 Visa Petition Package helps you eliminate the common errors that create delays, rejections and even denials. That's because the service alerts you when your answer to a question may be a problem. You'll also get customized filing instructions based on your situation. It's a powerful, do-it-yourself tool that puts you in control. And we've got your back -- CitizenPath provides live customer support and provides a money-back guarantee that USCIS will approve the petition. Get started >>

CitizenPath K-1 Visa Petition Package

Frequently Asked Questions

Your fiancé may be able to enter the United States on a B visitor visa or visa waiver program. However, it’s highly discouraged and may even be fraudulent. The purpose of a B-2 visa is temporary visits for pleasure, not permanent immigration. By entering the United States with the preconceived intent to marry and then adjust status to permanent resident, a foreign national has violated the terms of the visa. A K-1 visa has a dual intent. The visa holder is allowed to apply for a green card.

Persons in the United States with a K-1 visa are eligible to apply for employment authorization. Specifically, they must apply (using Form I-765 ) and be granted an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before accepting a job. For practical purposes, this doesn't work. That's because the processing time for Form I-765 is significantly greater than 90 days. The EAD would only be valid during the 90 days of the K-1 visa. Further, there is a $410 fee when applying for this eligibility category. It's wasted time and money, but...

It does make sense to apply for employment authorization when adjusting status to permanent resident. The applicant may file Form I-765 concurrently with Form I-485. There is no additional USCIS fee. And the EAD will be valid for one year.

A K-1 visa holder is also permitted to attend school.

Many people want to know if getting a fiancé visa or spouse visa is better. The answer depends on your needs. Everybody is different.

A K-1 visa for fiancés and a CR-1 visa for spouses each have their own benefits and disadvantages. For a more comprehensive analysis, read K-1 Fiancé Visa or Marriage Visa: Which is Better?

Although there are some exceptions, you generally must have met your fiancé in person within the two years immediately before filing Form I-129F. That means that you and your fiancé must have been together in the same physical space, unless the U.S. citizen petitioner establishes that either:

Waivers for this requirement are unusual. Waivers are rarely granted by USCIS because so few couples are able to meet the stringent requirement of extreme hardship. If you require a waiver to the in-person meeting requirement, CitizenPath recommends that you prepare your Form I-129F with the assistance of an immigration attorney.

The K-1 visa terms stipulate that the beneficiary and petitioner marry within 90 days of the K-1 entry. If the couple does not marry within this time frame, the foreign national must depart the United States.

Failing to depart the U.S. will put the foreign national in violation of the terms of the visa, also called a visa overstay. Once the foreign national has overstayed a visa, he or she is potentially removable (deportable).

If the couple marries outside of the 90 days, it is generally possible to adjust status as an immediate relative (spouse of a U.S. citizen). However, this would require an additional petition fee (Form I-130) and may require the assistance of an attorney.

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  1. Sample Letter K1 Visa Sample Business Letter

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  2. Cover Letter Sample K1 Visa

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  3. what to write in a visa application letter

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VIDEO

  1. K1 Visa Cover Letter

  2. K1 Visa. Bank Verification Letter !

  3. K1 Visa. NOA2 Letter now to the NVC !

  4. I 129F Tutorial Cover Letter & Supporting Docs

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  6. #06 K1 Visa: Fill out Form I-134

COMMENTS

  1. How To Write a Cover Letter for Form I-129F (Petition ...

    To prepare a K-1 fiancé(e) visa application for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you must complete the required forms, gather supporting documents, and pay fees. It's not mandatory to include a cover letter in your application packet, but doing so can help keep your application materials organized and make sure you don't miss any required documents. You can also use the ...

  2. Sample I-129F Cover Letter Templates

    Sample I-129F Cover Letter. CitizenPath offers a sample I-129F cover letters for your use. There is an example for fiancé-based petitions (K-1 visa request) and another example for spouse-based petitions (K-3 visa request). Select the one that matches your need and modify it for your use.

  3. Cover Letter for K1 Visa

    K1 Cover Letter Sample. Here is a simple example of how to write a K1 cover letter: February 2023. USCIS Dallas Lockbox. Dear Sir or Madam, My name is Amber Nick (passport number: D2233001), I am a German citizen who lives in Berlin, Germany, where I work as an accountant at a private company called ASSCT and have a monthly income of €3,700 ...

  4. How To Write A K1 Visa Cover Letter

    The first and most important step in writing a cover letter is to ensure all of your information is accurate. You should first ensure that the consular understands that this is a K1 visa application (Form I-129F). Be sure to also verify that the USCIS address is accurate as well. Your letter can be any size, but the standard size is 8.5 by 11.

  5. cover letter

    It can be as simple as: [Your Full Name] [Your Address] I-129F Cover Letter. To Whom It May Concern: I am filing the enclosed Form I-129F, Petition on behalf of [Beneficiary's Full Name], the beneficiary. I, [Your Full Name], am a U.S. citizen petitioner, and [Beneficiary's Full Name] is my fiancé.

  6. Sample Cover Letter for I-129F, K-1 Visa

    Cover Letter for I-129F, K-1 Visa - Fiance Petition. Microsoft Word Version. Rahul Gupta. 123 Park Avenue, Iselin, NJ 08830 USA. Home: 732-391-9293. Work: 732-733-4087. United States Department of Homeland Security. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

  7. I-129F cover letter sample

    7. One passport-type photo (see specification) of the foreign fiance. Write the full name of the foreign fiance on the back. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag "Photo of (insert foreign fiance name) ". Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding I-129F. Removal of Conditions.

  8. I-129F Cover Letter

    This about my cover letter and how I filled out the form I-129F.Form I-129F: https://www.uscis.gov/i-129fAddress to file I-129F: https://www.uscis.gov/forms/...

  9. K1 Fiance Visa Step-by-Step Guide on Filing an I-129F for a Foreign

    A K-1 Visa holder can not obtain an extension of the 90-day time limit. If the K-1 Visa holder intends to live and work permanently in the United States they should apply to become a permanent resident after the marriage. Please note, K-1 Visa holder will receive a "green card" and conditional permanent residence status for two years.

  10. PDF Summary of Process for The K-1 Fiancé/Fiancée Program

    A K-1 visa allows a United States citizen to bring a fiancé or fiancée to the United States for the purpose of marriage and becoming a lawful permanent resident. The 5-step process involves U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

  11. Optional Checklist for Form I-129F (Alien Fiancé (e)/K-1)

    This is an optional checklist to assist petitioners with filing Form I-129F. Do not submit this checklist to USCIS. NOTE: This optional checklist does not replace or change statutory or regulatory requirements. We recommend that you review these requirements, as well as the appropriate form instructions, before completing and submitting Form I ...

  12. Nonimmigrant Visa for a Fianc(é)e (K-1)

    The Second Step: Applying for a Visa. The NVC will mail you a letter when it sends your fiancé (e) case to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Once you receive this letter, inform your fiancé (e) to take the below-listed actions to apply for a K-1 visa and prepare for the interview. Eligible children of K-1 visa applicants may apply for K-2 visas.

  13. I-129 Cover Letter Sample

    The cover letter will act as a table of contents of what's included in your submission package. To Whom it May Concern. I am submitting an I-129F Petition for K-1 Visa as the petitioner, on behalf of my fiancé [insert name], who is the beneficiary. We met within the past two years on [insert date ], while I was visiting [insert place] .

  14. Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)

    If you are filing an acceptable prior form edition on or after April 1, 2024, you must include the new filing fee. Use this form to petition to bring your: Fiancé (e) (K-1) and their children (K-2) to the U.S. so you may marry your fiancé (e); or. Spouse (K-3) and their children (K-4) to the U.S. to await the approval of a Form I-130 filed on ...

  15. K-1 Declaration Sample For Use With Form I-129F

    A K-1 declaration can help fulfill the requirement to prove a bona fide relationship when filing Form I-129F for a K-1 visa. (888) 777-9102. Blog. Learning Center. LOGIN. Search Submit Clear. ... Sample K-1 Declaration ... If the foreign fiancé is unable to write the letter in English, provide a copy in his or her written language and a ...

  16. K-1 Visa to Marriage-Based Green Card

    After admission to the United States, the foreign citizen must marry the U.S. citizen within 90 days. The K-1 visa cannot be extended beyond the 90-day period. If there is no marriage, the foreign citizen is required to depart the United States by the 90th day. Of course, most marriages go on as planned.

  17. DOC Sample cover letter for I-129F

    Enclosed please find the Form I-129F, Petition for K-1 Fiancé[e] for <beneficiary's name> and supporting documents as follows: Application fee - $<535> Form I-129F. Evidence of my US citizenship. Form FC-029. Proof of having met in person within last 2 years. Letters of intent to marry, petitioner and beneficiary

  18. I 129f cover letter sample: Fill out & sign online

    01. Edit your i 129f cover letter online. Type text, add images, blackout confidential details, add comments, highlights and more. 02. Sign it in a few clicks. Draw your signature, type it, upload its image, or use your mobile device as a signature pad. 03. Share your form with others.

  19. Get the free i 129f cover letter 2022 form

    01. Any individual who is filing a Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé (e), needs to include a cover letter. 02. The cover letter serves as a way to introduce yourself, provide essential information about your relationship, and explain the purpose of your petition to the USCIS officer who will be reviewing your case. 03.

  20. Sample Cover Letter For K 1 Visa

    Posted on 12 Juli 2022 by harriz 481. 630 . Finished Papers. Recent Review About this Writer. Eloise Braun #2 in Global Rating ... Sample Cover Letter For K 1 Visa, Sample Resume Driver, Resume Format Sales Professional, Advanced Thesis Statement Examples, What Is Personal Narrative Essay Topic, Essays On Illegal Immigration Pros And Cons, Abbi ...

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    K 1 Visa Cover Letter Template, Kumulative Dissertation Publizieren, Gifted Education Coursework, Mission Bhagiratha Essay In English Pdf, Essay And Its Types Wikipedia, Wall-e Essay Questions, Cs601 Final Term Paper 2018

  22. K 1 Visa Cover Letter Sample

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  23. Cover Letter For K 1 Visa 2019

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