When filing Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), you must submit a variety of supporting documents to establish your eligibility as a U.S. citizen petitioner and the legitimacy of your relationship with your foreign fiancé(e). These documents are crucial for USCIS to process your petition and determine if your fiancé(e) qualifies for a K-1 nonimmigrant visa.
Key Documents Required with I-129F
To ensure a smooth application process, prepare the following essential documents for submission with your Form I-129F:
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship: Evidence that you, the petitioner, are a U.S. citizen.
- Passport-Style Photographs: Recent photos of both you and your fiancé(e).
- Evidence of a Bona Fide Relationship: Documents proving your relationship is genuine and ongoing.
- Proof of Intent to Marry: Documentation demonstrating your mutual plan to marry within 90 days of your fiancé(e)'s arrival in the U.S.
- Proof of Having Met in Person: Evidence that you have met your fiancé(e) face-to-face within the last two years.
- Evidence of Previous Marriages (if applicable): Documentation of the legal termination of any prior marriages for both you and your fiancé(e).
Detailed Breakdown of Required Evidence
Understanding the specifics for each type of evidence can help you gather a complete and compelling petition.
Proof of U.S. Citizenship
As the petitioner, you must provide clear evidence of your U.S. citizenship. Acceptable documents include:
- A copy of your birth certificate.
- A copy of your certificate of citizenship or naturalization.
- A copy of your unexpired U.S. passport.
Ensure that the copies submitted are clear and legible.
Passport-Style Photographs
You must include one color, passport-style photograph of both yourself (the U.S. citizen petitioner) and your fiancé(e) (the beneficiary). These photographs must have been taken within 30 days of the date you file your Form I-129F.
- Size: 2x2 inches.
- Background: White or off-white.
- Pose: Full-face, frontal view.
- Expression: Neutral facial expression or a natural smile, with both eyes open.
Evidence of a Bona Fide Relationship
USCIS requires substantial evidence to prove that your relationship is real and not solely for immigration purposes. This is a critical component of your petition. Examples include:
- Photographs: A collection of photos together, including with friends and family, from different times and locations.
- Communication Records: Copies of emails, text messages, chat logs, phone records, or social media interactions that demonstrate ongoing communication.
- Travel Itineraries and Boarding Passes: If you have visited each other, provide evidence of these visits.
- Affidavits: Signed statements from friends and family members who know about your relationship.
- Joint Financial Documents (if applicable): While less common before marriage, any shared financial responsibilities (e.g., joint bank accounts, shared bills) can be helpful.
Proof of Intent to Marry
You need to show that both you and your fiancé(e) genuinely intend to marry within 90 days of their arrival in the United States. This can be demonstrated through:
- Statements of Intent: Signed, dated letters from both you and your fiancé(e) stating your intent to marry within the 90-day period.
- Wedding Plans: Any evidence of planned wedding arrangements, such as receipts for a venue deposit, caterers, or rings, or correspondence with officiants.
Proof of Having Met in Person
Generally, U.S. immigration law requires that the U.S. citizen petitioner and the foreign fiancé(e) must have physically met each other in person at least once within the two-year period immediately preceding the filing of the I-129F petition.
- Evidence: Copies of passport stamps, flight itineraries, boarding passes, hotel reservations, or photographs taken together during your meetings.
- Exceptions: There are very limited exceptions to this requirement, such as if meeting in person would violate long-established custom or cultural practice of the fiancé(e)'s foreign culture (and the petitioner and fiancé(e) have met only through other means), or if the requirement would result in extreme hardship to the petitioner. If seeking an exception, substantial evidence and an explanation are required.
Evidence of Previous Marriages
If either the U.S. citizen petitioner or the foreign fiancé(e) has been previously married, you must submit proof that all prior marriages have been legally terminated. This includes:
- Certified copies of divorce decrees.
- Certified copies of annulment decrees.
- Certified copies of death certificates of former spouses.
Failure to provide this evidence will result in a denial of the petition.
Summary Table of Required Documents
| Document Category | Specific Documents | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Petitioner's Citizenship | Copy of Birth Certificate, Certificate of Citizenship/Naturalization, or U.S. Passport | Establishes U.S. citizenship of the petitioner. |
| Photographs | One passport-style photo each for petitioner and fiancé(e) | Identification and verification of both individuals. |
| Relationship Evidence | Photos, communication records, travel documents, affidavits | Proves the relationship is genuine and ongoing. |
| Intent to Marry | Signed statements, wedding planning documents | Shows mutual intention to marry within 90 days of arrival. |
| In-Person Meeting Proof | Passport stamps, itineraries, photos from visits | Confirms meeting within two years (unless exception applies). |
| Prior Marriage Termination | Certified Divorce Decrees, Annulment Decrees, or Death Certificates | Verifies legal termination of all previous marriages. |
Important Considerations
- Form I-129F: Ensure you complete and sign the Form I-129F itself accurately. You can find the latest version and instructions on the official USCIS website.
- Filing Fee: Do not forget to include the correct filing fee for Form I-129F. Check the USCIS website for the most current fee.
- Organization: Organize your supporting documents neatly, ideally with a cover letter and tabs, to make it easier for USCIS officers to review your petition.
- Copies: Always submit copies of your documents, not originals, unless USCIS specifically requests originals.
