Fill out I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)) online
Form I-129F is filed by a U.S. citizen to petition for a foreign national fiancé(e) to enter the United States on a K-1 nonimmigrant visa for the purpose of marriage. It can also be used to petition for a K-3 visa for a spouse who is awaiting immigrant visa processing abroad.
How to fill out I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e))
Confirm eligibility
Verify that you are a U.S. citizen, you and your fiancé(e) are both legally free to marry, and you have met in person within the past two years. Gather evidence of citizenship and prior meetings.
Enter petitioner and beneficiary information
Provide the petitioner (U.S. citizen) full legal name, date of birth, SSN, address, and citizenship documentation. Enter the beneficiary (fiancé(e)) full legal name, date of birth, address abroad, and passport information.
Document the relationship
Provide evidence that you have met in person within the past two years, such as airline tickets, passport stamps, photos together, and correspondence. Include a description of how you met and your relationship history.
Disclose required background information
Answer questions about prior marriages, criminal history, and any prior immigration petitions for fiancé(e)s or spouses. The IMBRA requires disclosure of certain criminal convictions.
Submit with supporting documents
Include the filing fee, passport-style photos of both parties, proof of U.S. citizenship, evidence of any prior marriages being legally terminated, proof of in-person meeting, and evidence of the bona fide relationship.
About I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e))
Who needs this form
U.S. citizens who are engaged to marry a foreign national and intend to bring their fiancé(e) to the United States on a K-1 visa. The couple must have met in person within the past two years, with limited exceptions for cultural or extreme hardship reasons. The petitioner must be legally free to marry.
Where to submit
File with USCIS by mail to the appropriate lockbox facility specified in the form instructions. After USCIS approval, the petition is forwarded to the National Visa Center and then to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad for the K-1 visa interview.
Source and content freshness
- Reviewed: 2026-02-24
- Filing deadlines may shift for weekends and holidays. Verify due dates with official instructions.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not having met the fiancé(e) in person within the two years prior to filing (a strict requirement with limited exceptions)
- Filing as a lawful permanent resident instead of a U.S. citizen (only citizens can file I-129F)
- Not providing sufficient evidence of the genuine relationship and intent to marry
- Failing to disclose prior criminal history, especially sex offenses, as required by the International Marriage Broker Regulation Act (IMBRA)
Frequently asked questions
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How long does the K-1 fiancé(e) visa process take?
The K-1 visa process typically takes 12-18 months from filing the I-129F to the fiancé(e) arriving in the U.S. This includes USCIS processing of the petition (6-10 months), National Visa Center processing, and the consular interview abroad. Once the fiancé(e) enters the U.S. on the K-1 visa, the couple must marry within 90 days.
Can my fiancé(e) work in the U.S. on a K-1 visa?
K-1 visa holders can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by filing Form I-765 after entering the United States. Work authorization is not automatic with the K-1 visa. Many K-1 holders file the I-765 concurrently with their I-485 adjustment of status application after marriage.
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