How to file Form I-129F (K-1 fiancé visa)
Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), is the USCIS form a U.S. citizen files so a foreign fiancé(e) can be admitted to the United States as a K-1 nonimmigrant to marry the petitioner. This page describes the general process — the form, the fee, and the steps from petition to marriage — with every factual claim cited to a primary source. It describes the process in general terms only; it is not advice about any individual case.
What Form I-129F is
Form I-129F asks USCIS to recognize a bona fide intention to marry between a U.S. citizen and a foreign fiancé(e), so the fiancé(e) can apply for a K-1 visa. Only a U.S. citizen may file it — lawful permanent residents may not petition for a fiancé(e).
The general requirements
In general, both parties must be legally free to marry, and the couple must have met in person within the 2 years before filing. USCIS may waive the in-person meeting requirement in limited circumstances the instructions describe — extreme hardship to the petitioner, or where meeting in person would violate strict and long-established customs.
The filing fee
Under the current USCIS fee schedule (Form G-1055), the I-129F filing fee is $675. The form is filed on paper at a USCIS lockbox — it cannot be filed online. USCIS fees change periodically — before filing, verify current amounts on the official USCIS fee schedule (Form G-1055) at uscis.gov/g-1055.
What happens after USCIS approval
An approved petition is forwarded through the Department of State to the U.S. embassy or consulate where the fiancé(e) will apply for the K-1 visa. That stage includes the Department of State's online nonimmigrant visa application and a consular interview, and the State Department's K-1 page describes its steps and required documents.
Any supporting document in a foreign language must be accompanied by a full English translation that the translator certifies as complete and accurate.
The 90 days after entry
A person admitted on a K-1 visa must marry the petitioner within 90 days of admission to the United States. After the marriage, the spouse may apply to become a permanent resident with Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
Tracking the petition
After filing, USCIS issues Form I-797C, Notice of Action, as the receipt, and case status can be checked online with the receipt number. Processing times vary; USCIS publishes current estimates in its processing-times tool, and this page does not claim any specific timeframe.
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How much does Form I-129F cost?
Under the current G-1055 fee schedule, $675, filed on paper — the I-129F cannot be filed online. Fees change — verify current amounts at uscis.gov/g-1055.
Who can file Form I-129F?
Only a U.S. citizen petitioning for a fiancé(e). Lawful permanent residents may not file it.
Does the couple have to have met in person?
In general, yes — within the 2 years before filing. The instructions describe limited waiver grounds: extreme hardship to the petitioner, or strict and long-established customs.
How long does a K-1 holder have to marry?
The marriage to the petitioner must take place within 90 days of admission to the United States.
What comes after the marriage?
The spouse may apply for permanent residence with Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.