Form I-129F · Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)
Form I-129F walkthrough
A plain-English walkthrough of what the form asks and why. It explains the form; it does not replace it or the official instructions, which are the authority.
The edition date and filing notices were checked on the official page on October 26, 2026. The section-by-section walkthrough below is our plain-English explanation and has not yet been compared line by line with the official instructions, so this page stays marked as a draft.
Who files
A U.S. citizen petitioning for a fiancé(e) (K-1) and their children (K-2), or for a spouse (K-3) and children (K-4) while an I-130 is pending.
What it does
Asks USCIS to approve the relationship so the State Department can issue a K visa for travel to the U.S.
Where
By mail only, to the USCIS Dallas lockbox. USCIS international offices cannot accept this form.
Cost
See the USCIS Fee Schedule (Form G-1055, edition 10/16/26). Fees change and USCIS rejects a request without the correct fee, so confirm the amount on the official fee page or fee calculator before you pay.
Walk through the form
Section names and numbers can change between editions. Follow the official form as you read.
-
1About you (the petitioner)Your identity and U.S. status.
What it asks
- Full legal name and other names
- Date and place of birth
- Addresses and employment history
- Marital history and children
Evidence to gather
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- Proof earlier marriages ended
Tip: Use names and dates exactly as on your documents.
-
2About your fiancé(e)Their identity and history.
What it asks
- Full name, other names, date and place of birth
- Address and nationality
- Marital history and children
- Last entry to the U.S., if any
Evidence to gather
- Passport biographic page
- Proof earlier marriages ended
Tip: List every name used, since missing names slow cases.
-
3Your relationshipHow you met and your intent to marry.
What it asks
- How, when and where you met
- Whether you met in person in the last two years
- Your intent to marry within 90 days of arrival
Evidence to gather
- Photos together over time
- Travel records and communications
- Statements of intent to marry
Tip: If an exception to the two-year meeting rule applies, the instructions explain how to request it.
-
4Supporting evidence and translationsWhat you send with the form.
What it asks
- Every document in another language needs a full English translation
- The translator signs a statement that they are competent and the translation is accurate
- Send copies unless the instructions ask for originals
Evidence to gather
- Civil documents for each person named
- Certified translations
Tip: Follow the evidence list in the official instructions for your exact category.
-
5Sign, submit and what comes nextThe last steps.
What it asks
- Read the statement carefully before you sign
- Sign personally. USCIS rejects unsigned forms
- Pay the current fee shown on the official fee schedule
- Keep a full copy of everything you send
Evidence to gather
- Receipt notice from USCIS after filing
- Any request for more evidence, with its deadline
Tip: Keep your receipt notice and answer any request before its deadline.
Common mistakes
- Not meeting in person within two years without requesting an exception
- Leaving out earlier marriages
- Using an old edition of the form, or mixing pages from different editions
- Mismatched names or dates across documents
- Missing signatures or translations
What happens next
After approval USCIS sends the case to the National Visa Center and then the consulate. The K-1 visa holder must marry within 90 days of entering the U.S., then apply to adjust status.
Official sources
- USCIS – Form I-129F (USCIS · checked: 2026-10-26)
- USCIS – Fee Schedule (G-1055) (USCIS · checked: 2026-10-26)
The official form and its instructions are the authority. If this page differs, follow the official source.
Move to America is an independent information and preparation service. We are not a government agency, not affiliated with USCIS or the U.S. government, and not a law firm. Nothing here is legal advice, and we cannot guarantee any visa or immigration outcome.