Filing the K-1 petition is the first—and arguably most important—step in the fiancé(e) visa process. USCIS rejects a surprising number of petitions due to missing information or insufficient evidence. This checklist summarizes the mandatory documents you need to include with Form I-129F to help your petition sail through the initial review.
Who May File Form I-129F
Only U.S. citizens may petition a fiancé(e) through Form I-129F. Green-card holders must instead marry abroad and file a spousal immigrant visa. The petitioner must be legally free to marry, have met the fiancé(e) at least once in the last two years (unless an exception applies), and intend to marry within 90 days of the fiancé(e)’s arrival.
Mandatory Documents and Evidence
- USCIS filing fee – as of 2025 the government fee for Form I-129F is $675. Check the USCIS fee schedule for updates.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship – photocopy of your U.S. birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate or other evidence.
- Proof of termination of prior marriages – divorce decrees, annulment orders or death certificates for any prior marriages.
- Passport-style photographs – one color photo of the petitioner and one of the beneficiary taken within 30 days.
- Evidence of an in-person meeting within two years – itineraries, photos or other proof that you met your fiancé(e) in person during the past two years.
- Statement of intent to marry – signed letters from both partners expressing their intent to marry within 90 days of entry.
Proof of a Bona Fide Relationship
- Correspondence – screenshots of chats, emails or letters spanning your relationship.
- Travel receipts – boarding passes, hotel reservations or itineraries showing visits.
- Photographs together – include captions noting dates and locations.
- Affidavits – statements from friends or family attesting to your relationship.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
CitizenPath points out that almost 30 percent of K-1 petitions were denied in recent years. Common mistakes include omitting required documents, submitting expired passport photos or failing to sign the form. Double-check every section of Form I-129F and make sure signatures and dates are provided where required. If you haven’t met your fiancé(e) in person within two years, provide a detailed explanation and evidence why an exemption should apply.
What Happens After Filing
Once USCIS receives your petition, you’ll receive a receipt notice in about 2–4 weeks. Properly filed petitions move on to the adjudication stage, which takes 4–10 months. Submitting a comprehensive and well-organized K-1 package can help your petition avoid delays and increase the likelihood of approval.
Internal Links
- K-1 Visa Process Timeline – overview of each stage of the process.
- K-1 Visa Interview Preparation – tips and common questions for the embassy interview.
- K-1 Visa Cost Breakdown – detailed review of government fees and additional expenses.
External Links
- Form I-129F instructions – USCIS details on filing requirements.
- USCIS Fee Schedule – latest fee amounts for immigration forms.
- Passport-photo guidelines – U.S. Department of State standards for visa photos.
Ready to file? Smart USA Visa will help you assemble a complete and accurate K-1 petition package. Schedule a consultation to get personalized instructions and filing support.
