If you’re applying for a K-1 visa (fiancé visa) to marry your U.S. citizen partner, it’s essential to know what documents you’ll need. The K-1 visa allows an engaged partner to enter the U.S. and marry their fiancé(e) within 90 days. After the marriage, they can then apply for a marriage green card. In this guide, we’ll walk you through all the documents required at each stage of the application process.
Full List of K-1 Visa Required Documents
While every case is different, here are the general documents you’ll need when applying for a K-1 visa:
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship for the U.S. citizen fiancé
- Copy of the Sponsored Fiancé’s Passport
- Evidence of Terminated Marriages, if applicable
- Proof of Meeting in Person within the last two years before applying
- Proof of Legal Name Change, if applicable
- Sworn Statements from Both Partners showing intent to marry and confirming the relationship is genuine
- Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record (if applicable for the sponsored fiancé)
- Evidence of IMBRA Waiver, if applicable
- Passport-Style Photos: One for each fiancé and two for the sponsored fiancé
- Birth Certificate for the sponsored fiancé
- Valid, Unexpired Passport for the sponsored fiancé
- Police Clearance Certificates from countries where the sponsored fiancé lived for more than 6 months
- Sealed Medical Exam by an approved physician
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-134) from the U.S. citizen fiancé
- Most Recent Tax Returns of the U.S. citizen fiancé
Documents Required for Form I-129F
The U.S. citizen sponsor must submit Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)) to start the process. Here’s the checklist of required documents for Form I-129F approval:
| Document Type | Examples of Acceptable Documents | Who Needs It? |
| Proof of U.S. Citizenship | Birth certificate, U.S. passport, or naturalization certificate | U.S. citizen sponsor |
| Proof of Terminated Marriages | Divorce decree, annulment order, death certificate | Any fiancé who has been previously married |
| Passport-Style Photo | Must be recent (within 30 days) | Both fiancés |
| Proof of Legal Name Change | Certified copy of court order | Any fiancé who changed their name |
| Evidence of IMBRA Waiver | Death certificates, police reports, medical reports, etc. | U.S. citizen sponsor |
| Statement of Intent to Marry | Wedding invitations, receipts for wedding-related expenses | Both fiancés |
| Proof of In-Person Meeting (within 2 years) | Flight itineraries, photos, hotel bookings, correspondence | Both fiancés |
| Proof of Legitimate Relationship | Photos, signed statements, trip itineraries, correspondence | Both fiancés |
| Form I-94 (if applicable) | Available from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security | Sponsored fiancé |
Documents Required for DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application)
Once Form I-129F is approved, the sponsored fiancé will need to complete Form DS-160. Here’s what both fiancés need for this step:
Sponsored Fiancé:
- Valid Passport
- Two Passport-Style Photos
- Birth Certificate
- Sealed Medical Exam from an approved physician
- Police Clearance from any country where they lived for over 6 months
U.S. Citizen Fiancé:
- Evidence of Relationship (approved I-129F)
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-134)
- Most Recent Tax Returns
The consular officer will review the DS-160 and the interview responses to determine K-1 visa eligibility.
Documents for the Affidavit of Support (I-134)
As part of the visa process, the U.S. citizen sponsor must submit an Affidavit of Support (Form I-134) to show they can financially support their fiancé. Here’s the list of documents needed:
| Document Type | Required Documents |
| Proof of Bank Account | Bank statement showing account details, total deposits, and balance |
| Proof of Employment | Employment verification letter with salary details and job status |
| Proof of Federal Taxes | Most recent federal tax return or commercial rating report (if self-employed) |
| Proof of Bonds (if applicable) | List of bonds and their serial numbers |
The U.S. citizen sponsor must meet the Federal Poverty Guidelines for their household size to be eligible to submit Form I-134.
Documents Required for the K-1 Visa Interview
After DS-160 approval, the sponsored fiancé will schedule an interview at the local U.S. embassy or consulate. Here’s a list of documents to bring:
- DS-160 Confirmation Page
- Birth Certificate
- Police Certificates from any country where the sponsored fiancé lived for more than 6 months
- Affidavit of Support (if required)
- Proof of Relationship
- Payment of Visa Fees
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months after arriving in the U.S.)
- Divorce/Death Certificates (if applicable)
- Sealed Medical Exam Results
- Two Passport-Style Photos
Since many of these documents were already submitted in earlier stages, it’s crucial to keep everything organized.
Basic Requirements for the K-1 Visa Application
The K-1 visa, also known as the fiancé(e) visa, allows a foreign national engaged to a U.S. citizen to enter the United States for the purpose of marriage. To successfully navigate the application process, both parties must meet specific eligibility requirements and provide essential documentation.
Who is Eligible for a K-1 Visa?
Eligibility for a K-1 visa requires that:
- The foreign fiancé(e) must reside outside the U.S.
- Both parties must be legally free to marry.
- They must have met in person within the last two years prior to filing the petition.
- The foreign fiancé(e) should not have any serious criminal convictions that could bar entry into the U.S.12.
Who is the Petitioner and Who is the Beneficiary?
In the context of the K-1 visa:
- Petitioner: The U.S. citizen who initiates the application process by filing Form I-129F.
- Beneficiary: The foreign fiancé(e) who seeks to enter the U.S. to marry the petitioner23.
Key Document Requirements During the K-1 Visa Process
The K-1 visa application involves several primary documents that must be submitted. Understanding these requirements can help streamline the process.
Primary Documents for the K-1 Visa Petition
Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e))
Explanation: This form serves as a request to bring a foreign fiancé(e) into the U.S. It establishes the relationship between the petitioner and beneficiary.
How and Where to File: The form should be filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It can be submitted online or via mail, depending on specific instructions provided by USCIS at the time of application.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Failing to sign or date the form.
- Omitting required information or documentation.
- Not providing evidence of having met in person within the last two years.
Form G-325A (Biographical Information)
Who Needs to Fill It Out: Both the petitioner and beneficiary must complete this form.
Why It’s Required: This form collects biographical information necessary for background checks and processing by USCIS.
Supporting Documents for the K-1 Visa Application
In addition to primary forms, several supporting documents are essential:
Proof of U.S. Citizenship of the Petitioner:
- A copy of a U.S. passport.
- A birth certificate.
- A naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship.
Proof of Legal Status of the Petitioner
(if not a U.S. citizen):
Copies of Green Card, visa, or other legal residency documents.
Proof of Relationship:
- Evidence showing that the couple has met in person within two years, such as:
- Photos together.
- Travel records (e.g., airline tickets).
- Correspondence (emails, chat logs).
- Engagement proof (e.g., wedding planning details).
Additional Documentation:
- Birth certificates for both parties.
- Police certificates from countries where the beneficiary has lived for more than six months since age 16.
- Medical examination results confirming fitness for entry into the U.S
Proof of Intent to Marry Within 90 Days
A fundamental requirement of the K-1 visa is that the fiancé(e) must intend to marry the U.S. citizen petitioner within 90 days of entering the United States. This stipulation ensures that the visa is used for its intended purpose: facilitating marriage rather than long-term residency without commitment.
Wedding Plans and Supporting Documentation
To demonstrate the intent to marry, couples should prepare and present various forms of evidence, including:
- Wedding contracts or agreements: These can include venue bookings, catering contracts, or other arrangements that indicate a planned wedding.
- Communication records: Emails or messages discussing wedding plans can further validate the couple’s intent.
- Photos: Pictures from engagement parties or other related events can serve as evidence of a genuine relationship.
Documents Required for the Visa Interview
When preparing for the K-1 visa interview, specific documents are required from the beneficiary (the foreign fiancé(e)).
Passport of the Beneficiary
- Validity Requirements: The beneficiary’s passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of entry into the U.S. This ensures that there are no issues with travel or identification during the visa process.
Birth Certificate of the Beneficiary
- If the original birth certificate is unavailable, acceptable alternatives may include:
- A certified copy from the issuing authority.
- An affidavit from a relative or guardian providing details about the birth.
Police Certificate
- When It’s Needed: Required for applicants aged 16 and older to demonstrate good moral character.
- Where to Obtain It: The process varies by country; typically, it can be obtained from local police departments or relevant governmental agencies.
- Validity: Police certificates are generally valid for six months but may vary based on local regulations.
Medical Examination Report
- A medical exam is mandatory, including vaccination records as per U.S. immigration requirements.
- Scheduling: Beneficiaries should schedule their medical exams with a physician authorized by the State Department.
- What to Expect: The exam includes a physical check-up and may require vaccinations, depending on age and health history.
Additional Supporting Documents for the Beneficiary
In addition to primary documents, several supporting documents are necessary:
Proof of Marital Status:
If previously married, beneficiaries must provide documentation such as divorce decrees or death certificates to prove they are legally free to marry.
Passport-Style Photographs:
Specifications typically require photos to be 2×2 inches in size with a plain white background. Generally, two photographs are required.
Translation of Foreign Documents:
Any documents not in English must be translated. Translations should include a certification statement and may need notarization depending on local requirements.
Important Information on Document Handling
Proper organization of documents is crucial for a successful application:
- Creating a Checklist: Compile a checklist of required documents to ensure nothing is overlooked.
- Originals vs. Copies: Know which documents need to be originals (e.g., birth certificates) and which can be copies (e.g., correspondence).
- Common Mistakes: Avoid submitting incomplete documents or failing to sign forms.
What Happens After Document Submission
After submitting documents:
- Review and Processing by USCIS: The processing time can vary but generally takes several weeks to months.
- Consulate Submission: After USCIS approval, documents will be submitted at the consulate during the interview.
- Be prepared for potential requests for additional documentation if needed.
Documents to Bring to the K-1 Visa Interview
An interview checklist should include:
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate
- Police certificate
- Medical examination report
- Proof of relationship (e.g., photos, correspondence)
If any document is missing or delayed, it’s essential to communicate this with consular officials promptly.
Tips for Ensuring Your Documents Are Complete
To avoid issues during processing:
- Double-check all documents for accuracy and validity before submission.
- Ensure all information provided is complete and truthful.
- If difficulties arise in obtaining certain documents, consider seeking assistance from legal professionals experienced in immigration matters.
FAQs Regarding K-1 Visa Documents
What if you can’t get required documents?
Explore alternative documentation options or seek legal advice.
Can you submit documents online or by mail?
Generally, initial forms are submitted online; however, supporting documents may need physical submission at interviews.
What happens if there’s an error in your documents?
Errors should be corrected as soon as possible; significant mistakes may lead to delays or denials.
How do you handle non-English documents?
Provide certified translations along with original documents when submitting.
Can you submit additional documents not requested?
Additional evidence may be submitted if it strengthens your application but should not overwhelm the required documentation list.
Each step of the K-1 visa process involves specific documents, and submitting all the required paperwork is essential for a smooth application. Double-check your checklist to avoid delays or rejections. If you’re unsure about any of the requirements, the Law and Visas team can help you every step of the way to ensure your application is complete and accurate.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to the United States straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a Spouse Visa or a K-3 Visa, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our Immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need to visit the United States. You can call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can help you.
