# How to file Form I-129F (K-1 fiancé visa) > What Form I-129F is, the K-1 fiancé(e) requirements stated generally, the current filing fee, and the steps from petition to marriage — every fact cited. Canonical: https://www.popimmigration.com/guides/how-to-file-i-129f-k1 Publisher: Pop Immigration (https://www.popimmigration.com) Last reviewed: 2026-07-19 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. ## Frequently asked questions ### 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. ## Sources - USCIS — I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e): https://www.uscis.gov/i-129f - USCIS — I-129F page: https://www.uscis.gov/i-129f - USCIS — I-129F instructions: https://www.uscis.gov/i-129f - U.S. Dept. of State — Nonimmigrant Visa for a Fiancé(e) (K-1): https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/family-immigration/nonimmigrant-visa-for-a-fiance-k-1.html - U.S. Dept. of State — K-1 page: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/family-immigration/nonimmigrant-visa-for-a-fiance-k-1.html - USCIS — I-485: https://www.uscis.gov/i-485 - USCIS — I-797C; Processing Times: https://egov.uscis.gov/processingtimes/ - 8 CFR § 103.2(b)(3): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/section-103.2 --- Pop Immigration is an educational and organizational tool, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. HTML version: https://www.popimmigration.com/guides/how-to-file-i-129f-k1