Fill Out USCIS Form I-129F Online

What is Form I-129F used for

Form I-129F starts the K-1 fiance(e) visa process. USCIS reviews the petition to confirm that the petitioner is a U.S. citizen, that both people are legally able to marry, and that the relationship is genuine. Once approved, the case moves to the Department of State so the fiance(e) can complete visa processing abroad.

The petition can also cover the fiance(e)'s unmarried children under 21, who may qualify for K-2 visas to accompany the K-1 applicant. In some situations the form is also associated with the K-3 category for spouses of U.S. citizens, though that path is used far less often in practice.

Who files Form I-129F

Only a U.S. citizen can file Form I-129F for a fiance(e). Lawful permanent residents cannot use the K-1 process; a green card holder who wants to sponsor a partner generally marries first and files Form I-130 instead.

As a general rule, the couple must have met in person during the two years before filing. USCIS can waive that requirement in limited situations, such as when meeting would violate strict and long-established cultural customs or would cause extreme hardship to the petitioner.

How to fill out Form I-129F

The form walks through the petitioner first, then the beneficiary. Answer every question, and write "N/A" or "None" where a question does not apply rather than leaving fields blank.

• Part 1 collects the petitioner's information: name, address history, employment, and proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Part 2 covers the beneficiary: biographic details, address, employment, prior U.S. visits, and any children.
• Later parts ask about the couple's meeting history, how the relationship developed, any use of an international marriage broker, and the petitioner's criminal history disclosures required by law.
• The petitioner signs and dates the form; unsigned petitions are rejected. If a preparer or interpreter helped, they complete their own sections.

Filing tips

Use the current edition of the form; USCIS prints the edition date in the bottom margin of every page and lists the accepted editions on its I-129F page. Mixing pages from different editions can get a filing rejected.

Include supporting evidence such as proof of citizenship, passport-style photos, proof of meeting in person, and a statement of intent to marry within 90 days. Check the current filing fee with the USCIS fee calculator before mailing, and confirm the correct filing address on the USCIS website since lockbox locations change. If your situation involves prior petitions, waivers, or criminal history, an immigration attorney or accredited representative can help you present the case correctly.