🇺🇸 United States

I-129F K-1 Fiancé Visa Petition

Bring Your Fiancé to the US for Marriage

Medium ~45 min FiancéK-1 VisaMarriageImmigration

/ What is this form?

The I-129F allows a US citizen to petition for their foreign fiancé(e) to come to the US on a K-1 visa. After arrival, the couple must marry within 90 days. This form can ONLY be filed on paper — no online filing available. Only US citizens can file (not green card holders).

/ Who needs this form?

US citizens engaged to a foreign national
Must have met in person within the last 2 years

/ What you need before you start

Proof of US citizenship

Proof of meeting in person within 2 years (photos, travel records)

Proof of relationship (messages, call logs, photos together)

Passport photos of both parties

Filing fee: $675

/ Step-by-step guide

1 Confirm Eligibility

Only US citizens can file I-129F (not green card holders). You must have met your fiancé(e) in person within the last 2 years, unless an exception applies.

2 Complete Form I-129F

Fill in your personal details and your fiancé's details. Both of you must be legally free to marry (no undissolved marriages).

3 Gather Evidence of Relationship

Include photos together, travel records proving you met in person, communication records (messages, call logs), and any other evidence of a genuine relationship.

4 Submit Paper Application

I-129F cannot be filed online — mail it to USCIS with the $675 filing fee and all supporting documents. Retain copies of everything.

5 Embassy Interview and Entry

After USCIS approval, your fiancé attends a visa interview at a US embassy. Once they enter the US on a K-1 visa, you must marry within 90 days.

/ Key fields explained

Field	What to enter	Common mistake
Evidence of meeting	Photos, travel records, boarding passes proving you met in person within the past 2 years	Video calls don't count — must be a physical in-person meeting

/ Common mistakes to avoid

Not meeting the in-person requirement

Green card holders trying to file (not eligible — only US citizens)

Not including enough evidence of a genuine relationship

/ Frequently asked questions

How long does it take?

Currently 8–15 months for USCIS approval, then an embassy interview. Total timeline is often 12–18+ months.

What happens after entry?

You must marry within 90 days of your fiancé's entry. Then file I-485 to adjust status to permanent resident.