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…
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