I-129F 54 Circumstances under which you met
Attach a written statement of how you comply with the “in-person meeting” requirement. Support your claims with hard evidence.
When completing the form I-129F for your alien fiance(e), question 54 (previously question 34.a in older forms) will ask you to write down and “describe the circumstances of your in-person meeting”. This is in part 2 of the “information about your alien fiance(e)”.
If you reader a bit further, you’ll realize that they don’t explain how exactly to do that. It’s difficult to rely on instructions because the requirements aren’t clearly explained. So, what’s the best way to outline these events?
Some petitioners get away with simply putting down 2 sentences. They say “we met (place) at (date)”. But, this seems short and evasive. It’s worth putting down more information to avoid risking being penalized with a ‘Request for Evidence‘ (RFE).
In fact, it’s important for you to understand that this is one of the MOST important pieces of paper you’ll include in your I-129F petition. So, based on experience, what’s good to focus on in the letter?
The main goals of the Fiance meeting statement
1. Demonstrate how you fulfill the requirements of having met in the last 2 years; Think about it this way…the USCIS wasn’t there to witness you meeting your fiance(e). You have to backup your claims with hard proof (documented).
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2. Describe how your relationship progressed into an intent to marry. Again, in this letter you clearly describe how your relationship developed. How were you introduced? What were the events? Why did you decide to marry?
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3. Describe how your keep in contact. Showcase how you two keep in contact. This doesn’t have to be exhaustive. Just be brief and direct. For example, mention that you two videochat on Skype everyday.
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4. If you met through an IMB (for-profit match-making service) either online or through agency, make sure you comply with requirements. You should clearly mention that you met online.
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5. If you haven’t physically met, convince the USCIS why you should get a waiver (see details). It’s not impossible to get a waiver, but do realize — it’s quite difficult.
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6. See a full guide on I-129F tips and explanations guide
You’re encouraged to give a convincing statement. That way, you’ll have more confidence in your petition when you attach a simple 54 supplement. Hopefully by including a thoughtful and factual timeline of your meeting, you will reduce the chances of getting an RFE.
I-129F 54 What do you include in the letter of meeting?
It’s not entirely right –one way or the other– to include just how you two were introduced. Rather, it’s better to write about both your introduction and your physical meetups (face-to-face).
For the letter, it’s an informal letter indicating the circumstances, timelines and important facts about how/when you met both introduction as well as physically meeting your fiance(e) in the last 2 years. Provide just enough detail without going overboard.
Think about it this way. Question 54 is your chance to build goodwill with the USCIS and describe how your common interests might have attracted you. If you want a step-by-step outline on how to make this statement convince the USCIS to give you a quick approval, read the I-129F tips section.
Your supplemental fiance(e) meeting statement (or letter) should include a signature and date.
I-129F 54 Example
Did you meet in a traditional sense — like face to face at a party? Or did you meet your fiance(e) online (through social media, a chat room or dating site)? Were you introduced by family or friends?
Describe how you got acquainted in person and why you decided to marry.
As an example of I-129F 54 “circumstances under which you met” here’s a free I-129F 54a supplement downloadable template.
I-129F 54 supplement Example Letter (download PDF file)
Go back to Main I-129F Process guide>>
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Recent Comments from readers…
Thanks Prem. I wasn’t sure if I should include the financial support information or not. You’re answer makes sense, so I’ll leave it out.
Thanks Prem. I have another question. I’ve been supporting my fiancé financially. Should I include proof of the financial support when submitting my package?
Hey Noel,
That’s a common question and I’ve answered it in detail somewhere else on the website from another response, too. The point is that you’re allowed to show that you financially support your fiance. Many people do — whether it’s to help for schooling, rent, or just buying a new laptop.
Whatever the situation is, I realize that we’re doing it for a good reason but to me it’s usually not a good proof / evidence to present. Although it hasn’t happened too often, I won’t want the officer to suspect you’re “buying love” or have another “deal” going on with the beneficiary. Again, it’s up to you, but normally I would leave something like that out of the picture. What do you think?
-Prem
I’ve met my fiancé three times in her country over the past seven years. For the circumstances of meeting, is it necessary to provide information and evidence of all three meetings or do I only need to provide evidence of our latest meeting within the last two years?
Hello Noel,
By direction of the USCIS I-129F form, you’re only required to tell about your in-person meeting that happened in the last 2 years. You’re welcome to describe the previous relationship history (as it helps with the proof of relationship). But in the strictest sense, you’re only required to explain your most-recent meeting (in the last 2 years).
However, if you use this document correctly, it really helps prove that you have a bona fide relationship. I teach that in my courses as well as all the blog posts I’ve written. Please take a look.
-Prem
Is it necessary to provide a question 54 letter? Can I just list off the times and dates my fiancee and I were in each other’s countries with each other and that she visited me for Easter/Christmas/graduation and stuff like that? Can I just write those things in on the additional space sheet? Or do I need a whole letter explaining how we met, why we started dating, and stuff like that?
Hey Jenna,
It’s not “required” per se. But it’s almost impossible to effectively present your case without elaborating on the question. I highly suggest you take another sheet of paper and explain your meeting circumstances as you see here in this template.
-Prem
Does COM statement has to be signed by both petitioner and beneficiary?
Thank you in advance
Hello Faton,
Only the person who writes the COM statement has to sign it. If both of you write a separate one, then you sign it separately. If only YOU write it, then only you sign it.
-Prem
Thanks for all your hard work. This is an incredible opportunity such a important information for us.
Reading through I found that
I never did that love statement
Basically my statement was a letter of intent to marry her and from her to me.
But we did not go specifically about details. Just quick details
When and how we know eachother
That we stay in continuously communication day and night
When and where we met in person
But I have that feeling
That it’s was short words. I did straight quick letter.
I did send a lots of pictures together and with family in her country, western union financialsupport receives, post office receives , trip tickets, future wedding planner agencies receives
What’s your opinion.
About that short letter
Thanks u so much
Abel
Hello Abel,
I’m not sure how your COM statement compares to the other proof. The COM statement is important but if you feel you did enough proof with your other evidence perhaps it may help. I can’t be sure as I haven’t personally seen your paperwork or case. Do you think your other evidence makes up for the short COM statement?
-Prem
Hi Prem! I have a question regarding the statement of Circumstances of meeting. My fiancé forgot to put his name and signature below. Is that still acceptable? Will it cause delay on our packet? I’m worried. Thank you.
Hey Khmp,
Hmm, that doesn’t sound good. The Circumstances of meeting statement is a supplemental statement and almost always requires a signature. I don’t know exactly how the USCIS will respond but I’m guessing they’ll ask for a signed/dated copy of the statement. This will cause somewhat of a delay in getting an RFE and getting a response.
-Prem
Hi, first of all, thank you for providing all the content!!!
I would like to ask if i should insert digital photos (possibly air tickets/ hotel emails) matching the dates and places listed in this attachment?
Hey Justus,
Do you mean inserting printouts of digital photos? if so, that’s fine, you can include them.
However, if you mean inserting a thumb drive to shows your photos, the USCIS will not accept that. Does this answer your question?
-Prem
Sir, I am about to submit my package in the beginning of October but the petition expired already and they still havent uploaded a new version? Should I still go ahead and submit it?
Hello Angie,
You can use it until the USCIS offers a new I-129F edition. Read about it here https://www.visatutor.com/can-i-use-an-expired-i-129f-form/
-Prem
Will it benefit us if I go together with my fiance to the interview meeting? Will I be allowed to be there with her? I am the petitioner.
Hey Jose,
It always helps to accompany your fiance to the interview. Whether or not you’re allowed into the Embassy is a case-by-case policy. Some Embassies allow petitioners to join while others prohibit you from joining. You should check your US Embassy website from your fiance’s country. It’ll say there whether or not they allow you to join. You can also email the Embassy to ask, they will let you know directly. You should do these steps before you make plans to fly out. Wouldn’t want to waste money, right? Hope this helps, bud.
-Prem
Hi Prem,
Thank you for your very informative website, I am impressed.
I have a question regarding employment history of the beneficiary:
I own my own company. So I am my own boss. The form just asks for an employer, so how and where should I state that?
Thank you in advance for your assistance 🙂
Hey Christina,
Thanks for the kind words and thanks for getting in touch.
Are you referring to your I-129F or the I-134?
If you’re referring to the I-129F, then you can write “self-employed” and have your own business information written out.
If you’re referring to the I-134, then you can also do the same exact thing.
My I fully depend on the advises on this website in 2018? Have any of theses guidelines changed?
Thanks
Hello Anna,
For the circumstances of meeting, you can definitely use this in 2018 as I constantly update the website. So far the current form I-129F expires in late August 2018. However, the USCIS hasn’t issued a newer version. If some requirement changes, I’ll be sure to include it as soon as possible.
-Prem
My letter is written, I followed your format! Although, I noticed you didn’t put the page and part# as they specify on Page 13, Part 8 of the form. I think i prefer to play it safe and add it.
My question is: On the I-129F form, what am I suppose to write on page 8 Part 2 Question 54? I was thinking to say “See attached sheet” is that reasonable?
Also, let’s go to Page 13 of the form and look at Part 8, do I need to fill out anything there if I wrote a letter? I was thinking to leave it blank. please advise!
Hello Joulie,
You’re free to put the page # and part # on the top of the letter. That’s perfectly fine.
You don’t have to write it in Part 8. You should only write “see attached sheet” in question 54. If you do that, you alert the USCIS adjudicator that your statement is attached.
Leave part 8 blank.
-Prem