Does your fiancé(e) live outside the United States, and do you wish to get married here?
The Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) (Form I-129F) allows you to legally bring your partner to the country under a K-1 visa, so you can get married and start your life together on U.S. soil.
Table of Contents
- What is Form I-129F?
- Who can file this petition?
- Requirements and necessary documents
- Step-by-step process
- Timelines and helpful tips
- Why choose Legalízate Ya?
- 📞 Contact us today
What is Form I-129F?
Form I-129F is used by U.S. citizens to petition for a K-1 visa for their foreign fiancé(e).
This visa allows your partner to legally travel to the United States to marry you within 90 days of their arrival.
Once married, they can apply for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485) to become a permanent resident.
Who can file this petition?
Only U.S. citizens can file Form I-129F.
To qualify, the following requirements must be met:
- Be a U.S. citizen (not just a permanent resident).
- Have a genuine intention to marry within 90 days of the fiancé(e)’s entry into the U.S.
- Have met your partner in person at least once within the last 2 years, barring exceptions for cultural or extreme hardship reasons.
- Both must be legally single and free to marry.
Requirements and necessary documents
When filing your petition, you must include evidence supporting your relationship and intent to marry, such as:
- Proof of petitioner’s citizenship (passport, birth certificate, etc.)
- Evidence of the relationship (photos together, messages, call logs, correspondence, travel tickets, etc.)
- Signed statements from both fiancé(e)s indicating their intent to marry
- Divorce or death certificates, if applicable
- Proof of in-person meetings within the last 2 years
- Payment of USCIS fees
Step-by-step process
- Filing Form I-129F with USCIS along with all required evidence.
- USCIS reviews and approves the petition.
- The case is sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) and then to the corresponding U.S. consulate.
- The foreign fiancé(e) attends a consular interview.
- If approved, the K-1 visa is issued.
- Once in the United States, the couple must marry within 90 days.
- After marriage, the spouse can apply for permanent residence (Green Card) via Form I-485.
Timelines and helpful tips
- The process can take between 8 and 14 months, depending on the USCIS and consulate workload.
- Ensure you submit clear and consistent documents that demonstrate a genuine relationship.
- Avoid common mistakes such as omitting forms, signatures, or recent photos.
- If there is a criminal or immigration history, it is crucial to consult with an attorney before filing.
Why choose Legalízate Ya?
At Legalízate Ya, we understand that there is nothing more important than being with the person you love.
Our legal team will guide you step-by-step through the entire process —from the initial preparation of Form I-129F to the consular interview— ensuring your case is complete and solid.
With nearly 30 years of combined experience in immigration law, we offer you personalized advice, constant support, and a human touch so your love story has a happy ending… in the United States.
📞 Contact us today
Don’t let distance be an obstacle to your love.
Call us today at (956) 725-9714 or visit www.legalizateya.com/en to schedule your consultation.
Legalízate Ya — uniting hearts, building futures.
