I-129F Decoded: Your Blueprint to a Smooth Fiancé(e) Visa Application

Preparing Form I-129F, the Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), is a crucial step in the process of applying for a K-1 visa. Here is a general guide to help you prepare this form. Please note that immigration laws and forms may change, so it’s important to refer to the latest version of the form and instructions on the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website or consult with an immigration attorney.

• Download the Form:
  • Obtain the latest version of Form I-129F and its instructions from the USCIS website.
• Read the Instructions:
  • Carefully read the form instructions to understand the requirements and provide accurate information.
• Gather Required Documents:
  • Collect the necessary supporting documents, which may include:
    • Passport-style photos of you and your fiancé(e).
    • Evidence of your U.S. citizenship.
    • Evidence of your intent to marry within 90 days of your fiancé(e) entering the U.S.
    • Proof of meeting in person within the last two years.
    • Any divorce or death certificates if either you or your fiancé(e) were previously married.
• Complete the Form:
  • Fill out Form I-129F completely and accurately. Be sure to use black ink and write legibly.
  • Provide information about yourself, your fiancé(e), and your relationship.
  • Include information about any children of your fiancé(e) if applicable.
• Sign the Form:
  • Both you and your fiancé(e) must sign and date the form in the appropriate sections.
• Submit the Filing Fee:
  • Check the USCIS website for the current filing fee and payment methods. Include a check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
• Mail the Package:
  • Review the USCIS website or the form instructions for the correct filing address based on your location.
  • Send the completed Form I-129F, supporting documents, and the filing fee in one package.
• Wait for USCIS Processing:
  • USCIS will process your petition and notify you of their decision. This may take several months.
• Approval and Forwarding to the National Visa Center (NVC):
  • If USCIS approves your petition, it will be forwarded to the NVC.
• Embassy/Consulate Processing:
  • The NVC will forward the petition to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where your fiancé(e) will apply for the K-1 visa.
  • Your fiancé(e) will need to complete additional forms and attend a visa interview.

For those interested in Lithuanian citizenship by descent, it’s essential to always refer to the latest instructions and guidelines from USCIS for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Consider consulting with an immigration attorney for personalized advice based on your specific situation. This is particularly important as the process for claiming Lithuanian citizenship through descent can have its intricacies and requirements that may change over time.

How to prepare Form I-134 for a K-1 visa application

Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, is required as part of the K-1 visa application process. This form is used to demonstrate that the U.S. citizen petitioner has sufficient financial means to support their fiancé(e) during their stay in the United States. Here’s a general guide on how to prepare Form I-134:

• Download the Form:
  • Obtain the latest version of Form I-134 and its instructions from the official USCIS website.
• Read the Instructions:
  • Thoroughly read the form instructions to understand the requirements and ensure accurate completion.
• Gather Supporting Documents:
  • Collect the necessary financial documents to support the information provided in the affidavit. This may include:
    • Recent tax returns (usually the last three years).
    • W-2 or 1099 forms.
    • Recent pay stubs.
    • Employment verification letter.
    • Bank statements.
    • Any additional proof of assets or income.
• Complete the Form:
  • Fill out Form I-134 with accurate and up-to-date information.
  • Provide details about your employment, income, and assets.
  • If you have a joint sponsor, they must also complete a separate Form I-134, and you’ll need to provide their financial documents.
• Include an Employer Letter:
  • If you are employed, include a letter from your employer on company letterhead verifying your employment, salary, and the length of your employment.
• Attach Supporting Documents:
  • Organize and attach the required financial documents to the Form I-134.
  • Ensure that the documents are clear, legible, and up-to-date.
• Notarize the Affidavit:
  • While not required, it’s a good practice to have the Form I-134 notarized to add an extra level of credibility. Some consulates may require notarization.
• Prepare Multiple Copies:
  • Make copies of the completed Form I-134 and all supporting documents for your records.
• Submit the Form:
  • Include the completed and signed Form I-134, along with supporting documents, in the K-1 visa application package that your fiancé(e) submits to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
• Attend the Visa Interview:
  • Your fiancé(e) will be required to attend a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. They should bring the original Form I-134 and supporting documents to the interview.

Always refer to the latest instructions and guidelines from USCIS for the most accurate and up-to-date information. If you have any concerns or specific questions about the affidavit of support, consider consulting with an immigration attorney.

K-1 visa checklist

Preparing a K-1 visa application involves assembling a comprehensive set of documents to demonstrate your eligibility and the legitimacy of your relationship. While specific requirements may vary, here’s a general checklist for a K-1 visa application:

For the U.S. Citizen Petitioner:

• Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e):
  • Completed and signed.
  • Check or money order for the filing fee.
  • Passport-style photos of the petitioner and beneficiary.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship:
  • Copy of U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or certificate of naturalization.
• Evidence of Intent to Marry:
  • Statement describing your intent to marry within 90 days of your fiancé(e)’s arrival.
  • Any documents supporting your wedding plans.
• Proof of Meeting:
  • Photos, travel itineraries, boarding passes, hotel receipts, or any evidence of in-person meetings within the last two years.
• Divorce or Death Certificates:
  • If either party has been previously married, provide relevant divorce or death certificates.

For the Foreign Fiancé(e):

• Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application:
  • Completed online and the confirmation page printed.
• Passport:
  • A valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond the intended date of entry to the U.S.
• Police Certificates:
  • Certificates from each country where the fiancé(e) has lived for six months or more since turning 16.
• Medical Examination:
  • A medical examination by an approved panel physician.
• Proof of Relationship:
  • Photos, letters, emails, or any other evidence of a genuine relationship.
• Proof of Financial Support:
  • Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, from the U.S. petitioner.
  • Supporting financial documents, such as tax returns, pay stubs, and employment verification.
• Proof of Intent to Depart the U.S.:
  • Ties to the home country, such as a job offer, property ownership, or family connections.
• Visa Application Fee:
  • Payment receipt for the visa application fee.

For Both Parties:

• Form G-325A, Biographic Information:
  • Completed for both the petitioner and the beneficiary.
• Passport Photos:
  • Passport-style photos for both the petitioner and beneficiary.
• Evidence of Relationship:
  • Comprehensive proof of a genuine relationship, including photos, letters, and other documents.
• Evidence of Support and Financial Ability:
  • Form I-134, Affidavit of Support, and supporting financial documents.
• Proof of Fee Payment:
  • Receipts for any required fees paid to USCIS or the U.S. Embassy/Consulate.
• Communication Records:
  • Printouts of emails, chat logs, and any other communication records.
• Consular Processing Documents:
  • Any additional documents required by the U.S. Embassy/Consulate where the visa interview will take place.