Form I-129F, Explained
A GUIDE TO THE PROCESSING TIME, COST, AND REQUIREMENTS TO FILE THE “PETITION FOR ALIEN FIANCÉ(E)” FORM I-129F
What is Form I-129F?
Form I-129F, officially known as the “Petition for Alien Fiancé(e),” is the initial step in securing a K-1 visa for the fiancé of a U.S. citizen or a K-3 visa for the spouse of a U.S. citizen (note that K-3 visas are rarely issued). If you’re engaged to a U.S. citizen, the K-1 visa allows you to enter the U.S. with the intention of marrying within 90 days of arrival.
Processing Time
- Current Processing Time for this form is approximately 3 months.
From Form I-129F to Green Card
Once approved, the fiancé must apply for the visa, attend an interview, and enter the U.S. before applying for a green card. After the K-1 visa is approved, the fiancé must marry within 90 days of entering the U.S. and then file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). This green card application can take several months to several years to process.
Premium Processing and Expedited Requests
Premium processing is not available for this form. However, you may request expedited processing through the USCIS Contact Center with your 13-digit case receipt number. USCIS evaluates each request individually, and you’ll need to provide documentation supporting the need for expedited processing.
Cost
- The filing fee for this form is $675. If filing for a K-3 visa, the fee is waived.
The cost to file this form will increase from $675 to $675 on April 1, 2024. For Information contact us now.
Eligibility
Who can file?
You can file this form if you are a U.S. citizen petitioning for your fiancé to enter the U.S. for marriage, and you have met in person within the last two years. You can also file if you are a U.S. citizen petitioning for your spouse, provided USCIS has approved Form I-130.
Who cannot file?
Green card holders cannot file this form. If you are a green card holder and are already married, you can petition for your spouse’s entry as part of the green card process.
Supporting Documents
- General Requirements Include:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship (e.g., birth certificate, certificate of citizenship, unexpired passport)
- Recent passport-style photos of both you and your fiancé
- Proof of any legal name changes
- Proof of termination of previous marriages, if applicable
For K-1 Visa Petitions
- When filing For K-1 Visa, include:
- Proof of intent to marry within 90 days of entering the U.S.
- Evidence of meeting in person within the last two years or reasons for not meeting
For K-3 Visa Petitions
- When filing For K-3 Visa, include:
- Receipt notice from USCIS (Form I-797C) in response to Form I-130
- Proof of marriage (e.g., marriage certificate)
Form I-129F FAQs
You can file Form I-129F to the USCIS Dallas Lockbox facility. Don’t forget to check the correct address for the postal carrier you plan on using.
No, you will need to file Form I-129F physically by sending the form and any supporting evidence via mail to the correct USCIS Dallas Lockbox address.
Only USCIS will assess Form I-129F, so the sponsoring U.S. citizen will need to file from within the U.S.
If the sponsored fiancé or spouse has children under the age of 21, they can also be included in the Form I-129F petition. Any dependent children of a K-1 visa holder will receive a K-2 visa, while any dependent children of a K-3 visa holder will receive a K-4 visa.
You can check the status of your Form I-129F petition online using your 13-character USCIS case receipt number. The receipt number consists of three letters, followed by ten numbers. You should be able to find this number on any letters you have received from USCIS.
After you file Form I-129F, you may need to wait up to 13 months for USCIS to approve it. Once this happens, your fiancé or spouse will be able to apply for their K-1 or K-3 visa, and if they’re eligible, a marriage green card.