If you’re planning to bring your fiancé(e) to the United States on a K-1 visa, preparing the correct fiancé visa documents is crucial for a smooth application process. Submitting incomplete or incorrect paperwork can lead to delays, requests for additional evidence (RFE), or even denials. In this guide, we break down exactly what documents are needed for a fiancé visa, ensuring that you meet all USCIS and U.S. Embassy requirements.
K-1 Fiancé Visa Document Checklist: What You Need
To apply for a K-1 fiancé visa, you must submit two sets of documents—one for USCIS and one for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of the required fiancé visa documents for each stage.
Here’s a quick overview of the required forms and documents for a K-1 fiancé visa application:
- Form I-129F – Petition for Alien Fiancé (filed by the U.S. citizen with USCIS)
- Form DS-160 – Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (filed by the foreign fiancé(e) for the visa interview)
- Form I-134 – Affidavit of Support (proves the U.S. citizen can financially support their fiancé(e))
- Fiancé(e)’s Passport – Must be valid for at least six months beyond U.S. entry date
- Birth Certificate – Original or certified copy from fiancé(e)’s home country
- Medical Exam Report (Form I-693) – Conducted by a USCIS-approved physician
- Police Clearance Certificate – Required from all countries where the fiancé(e) lived for more than six months since turning 16
- Proof of Relationship – Photos, messages, travel records, engagement details
- Divorce or Death Certificates – If either partner was previously married
- Passport-Sized Photos – One for each fiancé(e) (meeting USCIS photo requirements)
Now, let’s break these down step by step for each stage of the fiancé visa process.
Required Documents for Form I-129F Petition (USCIS Stage)
The U.S. citizen petitioner must file Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The following documents are required:
- Completed Form I-129F – This is the official petition to request a K-1 visa.
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship – A copy of the U.S. citizen’s passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate.
- Proof of Intent to Marry – A signed statement from both partners confirming that they plan to marry within 90 days of the foreign fiancé(e)’s arrival in the U.S.
- Proof of In-Person Meeting – Evidence that the couple has met in person at least once in the past two years, such as:
- Flight tickets
- Hotel reservations
- Photos together
- Social media, email or chat conversations
- Passport-Sized Photos – One for each fiancé(e) (must meet USCIS photo requirements).
- Relationship Evidence – Additional documents proving a genuine relationship, such as:
- Engagement photos
- Travel records showing visits to each other
- Screenshots of chats, emails, or call logs
- Divorce or Death Certificates – If either partner was previously married, legal proof of divorce or spousal death must be provided.
- Filing Fee Payment – As of 2025, the USCIS I-129F filing fee is $675.
Documents Needed for Form DS-160 (Online Visa Application)
Once USCIS approves Form I-129F, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC). Before scheduling the interview, the foreign fiancé(e) must complete Form DS-160 online.
- Completed Form DS-160 – The Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application must be filled out entirely.
- Valid passport – Must not be expired.
- One 5 x 5 cm color photograph taken within the last six months – Must meet U.S. visa photo requirements.
- Sealed Medical Examination Report (Form I-693) – A medical exam from an embassy-approved physician.
Tip: Ensure that all details in DS-160 match your passport and I-129F information to prevent delays.
Documents Needed for Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support)
The U.S. citizen petitioner must prove financial ability to support their fiancé(e) by filing Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support).
- Completed Form I-134 – Signed by the U.S. citizen petitioner.
- Proof of Income – These may include:
- Most recent tax return (Form 1040)
- W-2 or 1099 tax forms
- Recent pay stubs (last 3-6 months)
- Employment Verification Letter – A letter from the employer confirming:
- Job title, salary, length of employment
- Bank Statements – To show available funds and financial stability.
- Proof of Assets (if needed) – If income is insufficient, assets (house, stocks, savings) can be used to meet financial requirements.
- Co-Sponsor’s Information – If the U.S. citizen doesn’t meet the 125% poverty guideline, a joint sponsor can submit their Form I-134 with the same financial documents.
Tip: The minimum required income changes each year. Check the latest USCIS poverty guidelines before applying.
Required Documents for the K-1 Visa Interview (U.S. Embassy Stage)
Once the I-129F petition is approved, the case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC) and then to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where the foreign fiancé(e) will attend an interview. The following documents are required:
- DS-160 Confirmation – The Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application must be completed, and the DS-160 confirmation page must be printed.
- Valid Passport – The foreign fiancé(e)’s passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended U.S. entry date.
- Medical Examination Report (Form I-693) – A sealed medical exam from an embassy-approved physician is mandatory.
- Police Clearance Certificates – A criminal background check from all countries where the fiancé(e) has lived for more than six months since age 16.
- Birth Certificate – An original or certified copy from the fiancé(e)’s home country.
- Affidavit of Support (Form I-134) – The U.S. citizen must prove financial ability to support their fiancé(e) at 125% of the federal poverty guidelines.
- Visa Interview Fee – A fee is required before attending the K-1 visa interview.
- Relationship Evidence – More proof of the ongoing relationship may be required, such as:
- Continued communication logs
- Wedding plans (venue bookings, invitations)
- Updated photos together
Tip: Bring originals AND copies of all documents to the interview.
What Happens If K-1 Visa Documents Are Missing?
If any required documents for your K-1 visa are missing, USCIS or the U.S. Embassy may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) or visa refusal under 221(g). This can cause weeks or months of delays. To avoid this:
- Double-check all required documents before submission
- Ensure all forms are filled out correctly
- Provide strong relationship evidence to prove a genuine relationship
- Hire our immigration attorney
Why Hiring an Immigration Attorney Can Help
Fiancé visa applications require strict documentation and strong evidence of a bona fide relationship. A small mistake or missing document can lead to delays, RFEs, or visa denials. Our experienced fiancé visa attorney can:
- Ensure all documents are correctly prepared and submitted
- Help you prove a strong relationship to USCIS and the embassy
- Assist with RFEs and overcoming denials
- Guide you through the visa interview process
- Assist with the marriage green card application once K-1 visa is approved
Contact ILOLA at (213) 375-4084 or fill out the contact form today to get expert guidance on your K-1 visa application.
