Form I-129F, officially known as the “Petition for Alien Fiancé(e),” is a document used by United States citizens to petition the U.S. government for a K-1 nonimmigrant visa for their foreign fiancé(e). The purpose of this form is to establish the eligibility of the U.S. citizen petitioner and the foreign fiancé(e) to enter into marriage within 90 days of the foreign fiancé(e) entering the United States.
The K-1 visa is designed for the purpose of allowing a foreign national to enter the U.S. solely for the purpose of getting married to a U.S. citizen. After the marriage takes place, the foreign national can then apply for adjustment of status to become a lawful permanent resident.
The U.S. citizen petitioner must file Form I-129F with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to initiate the K-1 visa application process. Once the petition is approved, the foreign fiancé(e) can apply for a K-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
It’s important to note that the K-1 visa process involves several steps, including background checks, medical examinations, and interviews. The primary intention is to ensure that the relationship is genuine and not entered into for the purpose of evading U.S. immigration laws.
How to complete a K-1 visa petition?
Completing a K-1 visa petition involves several steps, and it’s important to follow the instructions provided by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The following general steps outline the process:
- Download the Form I-129F:
- Obtain the most recent version of Form I-129F from the official USCIS website.
- Review the Instructions:
- Read the instructions carefully before filling out the form. The instructions provide guidance on how to complete each section and what supporting documents are required.
- Gather Supporting Documents:
- Collect all necessary supporting documents, such as proof of U.S. citizenship, evidence of a genuine relationship, passport-style photos, and any required translations.
- Complete Form I-129F:
- Fill out the form accurately and completely. Provide all requested information about both the U.S. citizen petitioner and the foreign fiancé(e). Be truthful and transparent in your responses.
- Include the Required Fee:
- Check the USCIS website or the form instructions for the current filing fee. Include a check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
- Mail the Petition:
- Mail the completed Form I-129F, along with all supporting documents and the filing fee, to the address specified in the form instructions.
- Receive USCIS Notice of Action:
- After USCIS receives the petition, they will issue a Notice of Action (Form I-797C) acknowledging receipt. This notice will include a receipt number that you can use to track the status of your petition.
- Wait for USCIS Processing:
- USCIS will review the petition, conduct background checks, and determine eligibility. This process may take several months.
- USCIS Approval or Denial:
- If the petition is approved, USCIS will forward it to the National Visa Center (NVC). If denied, USCIS will provide reasons for the denial.
- NVC Processing:
- Once at the NVC, the case will be assigned a case number, and the petitioner and beneficiary will be instructed to submit additional documentation and pay visa processing fees.
- Embassy or Consulate Processing:
- The case will be forwarded to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the foreign fiancé(e)’s home country. The foreign fiancé(e) will attend a visa interview.
- Visa Issuance:
- If approved, the K-1 visa will be issued, allowing the foreign fiancé(e) to travel to the U.S.
How to prove that the petitioner met the fiancé(e)?
Proving that the petitioner and the fiancé(e) have met in person is an essential requirement for a K-1 visa petition. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) considers evidence of a genuine relationship as part of the visa application process. Here are some ways to provide evidence of meeting in person:
- Photographs:
- Include photographs of the petitioner and the fiancé(e) together. These photos should be dated and showcase the couple in different settings, demonstrating the authenticity of their relationship.
- Travel Documents:
- Submit copies of travel documents, such as airline tickets, boarding passes, or itineraries, that show the petitioner and fiancé(e) traveled to the same location and spent time together.
- Hotel Reservations:
- If applicable, include copies of hotel reservations or accommodation receipts that show the petitioner and fiancé(e) stayed together during the visit.
- Witness Affidavits:
- Obtain affidavits from friends, family members, or other individuals who can attest to the legitimacy of the relationship and confirm that they have witnessed the couple together.
- Communication Records:
- Include records of communication between the petitioner and the fiancé(e), such as emails, letters, chat logs, or call logs. These records can help establish a consistent and ongoing relationship.
- Social Media:
- Provide printouts or screenshots of social media profiles that demonstrate the relationship. This can include photos, posts, and comments shared between the petitioner and the fiancé(e).
- Couples’ Statements:
- Include statements from both the petitioner and the fiancé(e) describing the circumstances of their meeting, the development of their relationship, and any plans for the future.
- Other Evidence:
- Include any additional evidence that supports the claim of a genuine relationship, such as joint travel plans, shared expenses, or other documentation that reflects the couple’s commitment to each other.
