Fiancé(e) Visas Made Easy: Mastering Form I-129F and the Immigration Process

To obtain a K-1 visa, also known as the fiancé(e) visa, you must follow these steps:

• Eligibility: Both you (the petitioner, a U.S. citizen) and your fiancé(e) must be eligible. This includes being legally free to marry, having met each other in person within the last two years (with some exceptions), and intending to marry within 90 days of your fiancé(e) entering the U.S.

• File Form I-129F: As the petitioner, you must file Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Include supporting documents such as proof of your relationship, evidence of meeting in person, and financial support documents.

• Receive Approval: USCIS will review your petition. If approved, they will forward it to the National Visa Center (NVC) for further processing.

• NVC Processing: The NVC will assign a case number and forward the petition to the U.S. embassy or consulate where your fiancé(e) resides.

• Complete DS-160 and Gather Documents: Your fiancé(e) must complete Form DS-160 online and gather required documents, including a valid passport, birth certificate, police certificates, and medical examination results.

• Attend Visa Interview: Your fiancé(e) will attend a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. They should bring all required documents, including the interview appointment letter, passport, and any supporting evidence.

• Receive Visa and Travel to the U.S.: If approved, your fiancé(e) will receive the K-1 visa. They can then travel to the U.S. Within 90 days of arrival, you must marry your fiancé(e).

• Adjust Status: After marriage, your fiancé(e) can apply to adjust status to become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) by filing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.

How to prepare Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, for a K-1 visa application

To prepare Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support, for a K-1 visa application, follow these steps:

• Download the Form: Obtain Form I-134 from the official website of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

• Fill Out the Form: Complete the form accurately and legibly. Provide your personal information as the sponsor, including your name, address, date of birth, and contact information.

• Provide Employment and Income Details: Include information about your employment status, employer's name and address, position held, and annual income. Attach supporting documents such as pay stubs, tax returns, and employment verification letters to demonstrate your financial ability to support your fiancé(e).

• List Dependents: If you have dependents, such as children or other family members, list their details in the appropriate section of the form.

• Indicate Assets and Resources: Declare any assets, savings, investments, or other financial resources you possess that can contribute to your ability to support your fiancé(e) financially.

• Sign and Date the Form: Sign and date the form in the designated sections to certify the accuracy of the information provided.

• Gather Supporting Documents: Attach copies of supporting documents that verify the information provided on Form I-134, such as bank statements, property deeds, and asset valuation documents.

• Submit the Form: Include Form I-134 and all supporting documents with your fiancé(e)'s K-1 visa application package. Ensure that the form is completed correctly and all required information is provided.

• Keep Copies: Make copies of the completed Form I-134 and all supporting documents for your records.

Form I-485 Checklist of Required Documents

When preparing Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, for a K-1 visa holder, you'll need to include a variety of documents to support your application. Here's Form I-485 checklist of required documents:

• Form I-485: The completed and signed Form I-485, with any required additional forms attached (such as Form I-864, Affidavit of Support, if applicable).

• Filing Fee: Include the appropriate filing fee or a request for a fee waiver if eligible.

• Passport Photos: Provide passport-style photos of the applicant as per USCIS specifications.

• Copy of K-1 Visa: Include a copy of the K-1 visa issued to the applicant.

• Copy of Passport: Provide a copy of the applicant's passport biographical page and any other pages with U.S. visas or entry stamps.

• Form I-94: Include a copy of the applicant's Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, showing their lawful entry into the United States.

• Marriage Certificate: Submit a copy of your marriage certificate to demonstrate that the marriage to the K-1 visa holder has taken place within 90 days of their entry into the U.S.

• Proof of Relationship: Include evidence of a bona fide relationship, such as joint financial documents, photos together, letters of support from family and friends, and any other relevant documentation.

• Form I-693, Medical Examination: Provide a completed and sealed Form I-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, signed by a designated civil surgeon.

• Proof of Eligibility: Include documents proving the K-1 visa holder's eligibility for adjustment of status, such as Form I-797, Approval Notice, and Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e).

• Form I-864 (if applicable): If a sponsor is required for financial support, include Form I-864 along with supporting documents demonstrating the sponsor's income and assets.

• Proof of Legal Entry: Provide evidence of the K-1 visa holder's legal entry into the U.S., such as boarding passes, entry stamps, or visa approval notices.

• Biometric Appointment Notice: Include a copy of the biometric appointment notice, if applicable.

• Additional Supporting Documents: Depending on individual circumstances, additional documents may be required. These could include proof of employment, educational qualifications, tax returns, and any relevant waivers or exemptions.