Form I-129F: Fiancé(e) or Spouse Petition

K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa | K-3 Spouse Visa

Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), is used by U.S. citizens who wish to bring their foreign fiancé(e) or spouse to the United States to get married or to wait for an immigrant visa decision. The I-129F can lead to two distinct visa options: the K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa or the K-3 Spouse Visa.

These visas are designed to help couples unite in the United States while they complete the process of obtaining lawful permanent residence (a green card).

✅ What is the K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa?

The K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa allows a U.S. citizen to bring their foreign-citizen fiancé(e) to the United States for the purpose of getting married. Once in the U.S., the couple must legally marry within 90 days of the fiancé(e)’s arrival. After the marriage, the foreign spouse may apply for a green card through adjustment of status.

✅ Who Qualifies for a K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa?

To be eligible for a K-1 visa:

• The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen (permanent residents are not eligible to petition for a fiancé(e)).

• Both parties must be legally free to marry and intend to marry within 90 days of the fiancé(e)’s arrival in the U.S.

• The couple must have met in person at least once within the two years before filing, unless a waiver applies due to extreme hardship or cultural customs.

✅ What is the K-3 Spouse Visa?

The K-3 Visa is for a foreign-citizen spouse of a U.S. citizen. It allows the spouse to come to the U.S. and wait for their immigrant visa (green card) petition to be processed. It was created to shorten the time married couples must live apart while waiting for an immigrant visa.

In practice, however, K-3 visas are used less frequently now because I-130 petitions for spouses are often approved before the K-3 is processed.

✅ Who Qualifies for a K-3 Spouse Visa?

To be eligible for a K-3 visa:

• You must be legally married to a U.S. citizen.

• The U.S. citizen must have already filed Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, on your behalf.

• The U.S. citizen then files Form I-129F for the same spouse to apply for the K-3 visa.

✅ How the I-129F Petition Process Works

For K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa:
1️⃣ The U.S. citizen files Form I-129F with USCIS, proving the relationship and intent to marry.
2️⃣ Once approved, the petition is sent to the U.S. embassy or consulate in the fiancé(e)’s home country.
3️⃣ The fiancé(e) applies for a K-1 visa and attends an interview.
4️⃣ After the visa is issued, the fiancé(e) travels to the U.S. and the marriage must take place within 90 days.
5️⃣ After marriage, the foreign spouse files Form I-485 to adjust status and become a lawful permanent resident.

For K-3 Spouse Visa:
1️⃣ The U.S. citizen first files Form I-130 for the spouse.
2️⃣ After filing the I-130, the U.S. citizen files Form I-129F for the same spouse to apply for a K-3 visa.
3️⃣ If approved, the spouse applies for the K-3 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate and travels to the U.S. to wait for green card processing.

✅ Benefits of K-1 and K-3 Visas

✅ Bring your fiancé(e) or spouse to the U.S. faster while completing the green card process.
✅ Allows couples to be together while waiting for permanent residency.
✅ Provides a direct path to adjust status and obtain a green card in the United States.
✅ Includes eligible children — unmarried children under 21 can come on a K-2 (for K-1 fiancé(e) visa holders) or K-4 (for K-3 spouse visa holders).

✅ How USCIS Expert Helps

At USCIS Expert, we understand that family separation is stressful and complicated. Our team helps couples reunite by:

• Determining whether the K-1 or K-3 is the best option for you.

• Preparing and filing the Form I-129F accurately and with complete supporting documentation.

• Guiding you through the fiancé(e) or spouse visa interview process.

• Supporting you with adjustment of status paperwork once your fiancé(e) or spouse arrives in the U.S.

• Providing clear answers and compassionate guidance every step of the way

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Keep Your Love Story Moving Forward

Bringing your fiancé(e) or spouse to the United States shouldn’t be overwhelming. If you want to build your life together here, USCIS Expert is ready to help you navigate every step of the K-1 or K-3 visa process with confidence.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you unite with your fiancé(e) or spouse in the United States as quickly and smoothly as possible.