“Fiancé visa requirements for the application” is likely not your first thought when deciding to date a foreign national. However, as the relationship blossoms into an engagement,  you will need to know the documentary requirements to sponsor your  fiancé for a K-1 visa. The good news is that you already have some of these documents or can get them on short notice.

It is important to note that only U.S. citizens can petition for foreign brides or grooms. If you’re a lawful permanent resident, you can still bring your loved one to the U.S., but you must first marry and file an immigrant petition for your spouse, rather than your fiancé.

The fiancé visa process has three stages, each requiring a different set of documents. In stage one, the U.S. citizen petitioner files an I-129F petition with USCIS. USCIS takes about 6-8 months to make a decision on this petition. If approved, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC), which then routes the file to the appropriate U.S. embassy for stage two. In stage two, the foreign-born fiancé files a DS-160 application for a K-1 fiancé visa. Once the visa application is approved, the foreign-born fiancé can enter the U.S. to marry their U.S. citizen fiancé. After the marriage, the foreign-born fiancé proceeds to stage three by filing an I-485 application with USCIS to adjust their status.

When filing an I-129F Petition for Alien Fiancé, you are informing USCIS that you’re in a serious relationship with a foreign national. You must prove that you’re eligible to file the petition. The fee and documents that you must submit include:

• A $675 filing fee
• One (1) passport-style photograph of yourself
• Proof of U.S. citizenship
• Proof of termination of previous marriages (if applicable)
• Evidence of legal name change (if applicable)
• Signed International Marriage Broker Consent Form (if applicable)
• Certified copies of arrest and conviction records (if applicable)
• Letter of intent to marry
• Evidence of and in-person meeting during the 2 years immediately before filing OR evidence to support an exemption of this requirement
• Evidence supporting a multiple filer waiver request (if applicable)
• Evidence supporting a criminal offense waiver (if applicable)
• Evidence of the relationship

In stage two of the process, your fiancé must apply for a K-1 visa, using form DS-160. Documentary requirements include:

• Proof of payment of a $265 visa application fee
• Two (2) passport-style photographs
• A passport with at least six months validity
• A copy of his/her birth certificate
• Divorce decrees of the couple (where applicable)
• Police certificates
• Medical examination
• Evidence of financial support
• Evidence of the relationship
• Criminal records for the K-1 beneficiary

If all goes well at the interview, your betrothed will receive a fiancé visa, which is valid for a single entry into the United States. The visa is valid for no more than 6 months.

After your fiancé enters the US and the marriage occurs, the next step is to file a green card application, using form I-485. You will need to prove the that the marriage is bona fide and provide evidence of financial support. You must submit fees and evidence  including:

• $1440 Adjustment of Status Application Fee
• $260 Employment Authorization Document Application Fee
• Evidence of a bona fide relationship such as a joint lease, bank statements and affidavits
• Evidence of financial support, including your most recent tax return

After reading this article, you should have a basic understanding of what documents you will need for the fiancé visa process.

However, the government is not responsible for checking your documents and ensuring that you have done a good job throughout the process. That is the role of a qualified attorney.

My name is Cheryl Fletcher and I have been an immigration attorney since 2015. have helped hundreds of U.S. citizens bring foreign brides and grooms to the U.S. I charge a reasonable fee for my services and have flexible payment arrangements,

I would be honored to guide you through the process and answer all your questions. To get in touch with me, click the orange button, for your well-deserving 30-minutes session.