🇺🇸United States

I-129F K-1 Fiancé Visa Petition

Bring Your Fiancé to the US for Marriage

Medium~45 minFiancéK-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

1Confirm 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.

2Complete 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).

3Gather 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.

4Submit 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.

5Embassy 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.