Bringing a fiancé(e) to the United States typically involves applying for a K-1 visa, which allows the foreign fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to enter the country for the purpose of getting married. The process begins with the U.S. citizen filing Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once approved, the petition is sent to the National Visa Center and then to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the fiancé(e)’s home country. The foreign fiancé(e) must then attend an interview and undergo a medical exam before being issued the visa. After arrival in the U.S., the couple must marry within 90 days.
A key part of the K-1 visa process is proving that the relationship is genuine and entered into in good faith—not solely for immigration benefits. The couple must demonstrate that they have met in person within the last two years, unless a waiver applies. Evidence submitted with the I-129F petition should include documents that show the couple’s ongoing and legitimate relationship. Immigration officers closely examine this evidence during the visa process to detect signs of fraud.
Examples of documents that prove a good faith relationship include photos of the couple together (especially with family or at significant events), travel itineraries and boarding passes from visits, written correspondence, text messages, social media interactions, engagement party invitations, and affidavits from friends or family attesting to the relationship. Historically, some people abused this system to bring people to the United States in a fraudulent manner. As a result, the government is skeptical of all fiancée visa petitions, and those visa petitions that are well documented stand a much better chance of being approved.
