I-129F Process Step by Step Guide
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From the moment you first meet your fiance to the actual I-129F approval, these are the overview steps you take.
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If you’re ready to file for your foreign fiance, you’ll need a step-by-step tutorial of the entire I-129F Petition process for an Alien fiance(e) visa.
Watch the video below to find out how the entire process works. To begin the journey for a Fiance(e) K1 visa, you will:
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- Step 1 – Get engaged & gather proof1
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- You have to physically meet fiance(e) within the last 2 years to comply with the meeting requirement. Go and see your fiance, get photographs, receipts, dine together, vacation together and have fun. Just remember to document (with dates) all of your time together. This way, you can show the USCIS (in your I-129F packet) that you know each other. Note: you don’t necessarily have to be engaged to apply for a K-1 visa. But you do have to intend to marry each other.
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- Step 2 – Gather and Prepare documents2
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- You can only begin once you collect the required documents. So, first step is to see the requirements from the I-129F instructions. I recommend that you use the I-129F Petition package checklist to help accompany your preparations. With the checklist, the steps are laid out one by one and the paperwork is listed in order.
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- Step 3 – Finalize & send I-129F package to USCIS3
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- Finally, when you triple-checked all of the documents and made copies, you’re ready to mail it out. Finalize all your documents; make sure you’ve signed where you need to and included the fees. You have two choices: either mail express or regular postal. Express is recommended because it gives you a confirmation when it’s received.
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- Secondly, when the USCIS receives and accepts your initial petition for review, you’ll get the Notice of Action 1 (NOA1) form I-797C. This simply indicates that you’ve submitted a complete and correct petition (i.e. you’ve signed it, included payments, not missing pages, etc.), but it still needs to be reviewed for approval.
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- Step 4 – USCIS processes your I-129F petition4
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- This is by far the majority of time taken by your Fiance visa process. The initial I-129F petition forms review takes several months. It’s when the USCIS adjudicates your I-129F petition, confirms eligibility, inspects your evidence of relationship, does a background check, etc.
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- During this time, the USCIS may ask you questions for any missing/required evidence. You’ll get a “Request for Evidence” (RFE) with instructions on what/how to provide. Comply with these as soon as possible. Because when you get a RFE… it’s one of the reasons why the K-1 visa takes so long.
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- During this time, the USCIS may ask you questions for any missing/required evidence. You’ll get a “Request for Evidence” (RFE) with instructions on what/how to provide. Comply with these as soon as possible. Because when you get a RFE… it’s one of the reasons why the K-1 visa takes so long.
- If all goes well, the form I-129F petition is approved. You’ll get the Notice of Action 2 (NOA2) form I-797 of approval. Your case is then forwarded by the USCIS to the National Visa Center (NVC).
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- Step 5 – NVC Processes I-129F (approved case)5
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- Basically, a couple of things happen during this stage: the NVC issues a case number to your petition; and, your case is checked for visa availability (which is simply of no concern to family based visas — like the K1). Because K1s have priority over other visa types.
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- Your approved case is forwarded to the closest embassy to your fiance(e). From now on, it becomes an Embassy case. The US Consulate will handle/process the case from here on out.
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- Step 6 – Further steps…6
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- The approved I-129F petition from the NVC is valid for up to 4 months. The Embassy will process the case from now on, and reach out to your fiance(e) to invite him/her to apply for the K-1 visa. Your fiance(e) needs to comply within the 4 months. But, don’t let that worry you, because the validity of the I-129F can be extended indefinitely by the consulate.
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I-129F Flowchart and timeline
A flowchart for the I-129F Petition Process K-1 visa is shown below. It’s a handy tool to understand the steps in the overall process and timeline. You’ll realize how it’s a simple list of all the steps.
Use it to help you while you’re filing your Fiance(e) Petition process. It’s important to know what’s going on and what’s coming up next. Because being aware of the status will improve the odds of success.
Although each case is unique and processed differently, these processing times are accurate for 2020.
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download the I-129f process flowchart
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The next step…
Start the I-129F process after getting a solid understanding of the K-1 visa process. That’s what this site is all about. To begin, sign up and download the I-129F Checklist. It will tell you exactly what you need to start.
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Hey, should I submit regular printed photos or photos on a word document? Also the evidence photos I send USCIS with the petition form I-129f are they ever sent back to me or do they keep them?
Hello Daggy,
Thanks for writing us.
The USCIS won’t return any photos.
Make a photo compilation and print them on a word document and forward them with your packet.
-Cris (Visa Tutor Team)
Hi,
I am wondering how long it takes to get get a letter from NVC? My I-129F was sent to NVC on October 2nd, but I have not heard anything from the NVC yet and starting to get worried as I cant proceed without a case number from NVC .
Hello Michael,
The physical letter may take longer to reach the beneficiary, however the NVC usually forwards this letter to the petitioner’s email with a link to the instructions within 4 to 6 weeks.
-Cris (Visa Tutor Team)
The Visa Tutor website and videos have been my number one resource throughout this process! I can’t thank you enough for all the guidance and help.
Colin,
Thanks for sharing your support.
-Prem
Hey Colin.
Thank you so much for your appreciation and we are very happy to be able to guide you as a great source of accurate and reliable information.
Prem does work hard to design the courses and write the articles.
By reading the articles attentively you get the answers to, let’s say, 80% of all you need to do to put a strong packet together.
All the best and keep us posted, ok?
-Cris (Visa Tutor Team)
Hi Cris
Thank you for your quick response.
Answering your questions: I got just one e-mail from the NVC starting with a RDJXXX but not the second one with the actions/procedures to be taken after that.
So I contacted my fiancee and she gave a call to the Consulate asking them about her case, after waiting for some time on the lineshe was informed that they didn’t receive any application for a visa on her name from the NVC.
So I will call them on monday and find out what s going on with it. I informed her that in the meantime it would be good to send and e-mail requesting an extension on the I-129 approval in case she doesn’t get everything she needs for the interview.
Unfortunately when she contacted the doctor’s office they told her, and I confirmed that on the Consulate website, that they wouldn’t be able to make the appointment for her medical examination until she would get the interview date from the Consulate.
So let’s see what they tell me in the next few days,
I will keep you posted,
Really appreciate your help on this matter
Regards
Al
Hello AI,
I’m glad both of you are taking action to have your K1 Visa process moving on. Keep us posted, please.
-Cris (Visa Tutor team)
Hi Mr. Prem
Just wondering what I should do about my fiancee application.
It was approved on March 25th by USCIS, got the letter from them, then on April 16th I got the e-mail from the NVC that said they sent all the info to the Consulate in Rio de Janeiro (fiancee is brazilian)But until this day she didn’t get any e-mail or plain mail from the Consulate.
The approval notice is valid until July 19th.
What should I (or my fiancee) do to know if the Consulate is processing the paperwork?
She filled out the DS-160 already but she didn’t send it yet, I’m a little confused on the Consulate instructions:
“… inform your fiancé(e) to follow the instructions in the next pages to apply for a K-1 visa and prepare for the interview”….”apply” means fill it out and send it? or wait ’til Consulate contacts her?
If you get the time I would appreciate your comments,
Thanks a lot for your fantastic job, it helped me so much
Al
Hello AI,
Apply means fill out, send, pay the fees, schedule medical examinations, biometrics and the interview.
After this first email from NVC saying your case had been forwarded to Rio de Janeiro, you must have received another one which brings the case number (usually starting with RDJ and a sequence of 10 numbers in the subject line of that email) and all the procedures and a list of documents needed to take action, right?
Some beneficiaries have experience receiving a mail from the Embassy/Consulate a few weeks before the NOA I-797 expiration, so, the faster you take action using all the information you got in your email communication, the better and wiser it is.
Don’t wait!
They need to see you’re actively filling out the DS-160, scheduling the medical examination, biometrics and the interview itself, so they will revalidate your I-797 notice automatically.
It’s advisable that you visit USEmbassy.gov to find their email address in Rio de Janeiro and contact them asking for a revalidation for your NOA I-797 if your fiancée is not planning to forward her DS-160 form before the expiration date stated in the notice.
Here’s where you can read more about I-129F and K1 petition extension process:
https://www.visatutor.com/how-to-extend-your-i-129f-validity/
Good luck and get back at us letting us know how it went, ok?
-Cris (Visa Tutor team)
I received an approval letter for my I-129 and was informed that it was being forwarded to the NVC. That was December 20th 2018, it is now March 10 2019 and I haven’t heard nothing since. What might have happened?
Arthur,
Have you gotten a case number or letter from the NVC?
Have you checked the CEAC website for the updates?
If not, please give the NVC a call and see what the status is for your case. This seems like an abnormally long time to not hear back.
-Prem
Hi there.
My daughter’s Fiance has received the approval letter for her visa. It said in the letter that another letter was mailed the next day. That was 3 weeks ago and she hasn’t received anything yet. Is she supposed to be getting instructions as to what she needs to do next?
Thanks for your time
Hey Leslie,
I’m assuming you mean your daughter’s I-129F was petition approved? Which is not the same as the visa.
Have you looked online at the USCIS case status? does it say approved? if so, then the mail can just be a delay in delivery. Check the USCIS case status to confirm. If the status says “approved”, then you can follow the following instructions for further help: https://www.visatutor.com/steps-129f-fiance-visa-petition-approval/
-Prem
Hi
I have a question regarding question 38, to be filled out ONLY if they are CURRENTLY in the US? Otherwise, leave it all blank? Is my interpretation correct on this one?
Hello Justus,
Yes, I’ve noticed this and addressed it multiple times on this blog. The question and the instructions mismatch.
It’s one of the 20 technical problems with the I-129F that I’ve dealt with a lot. In fact, I wrote a whole article on it. Take a look here: https://www.visatutor.com/form-i-129f-petition-mistakes/
I’ve developed a way to answer this question without harming your case. And the solution isn’t a simple “just write it down and hope the USCIS figures it out”. Instead, you have to explain it clearly to them otherwise they may think you’re hiding information or your fiance is still here on an expired visa (inadmissibility). However, with a proper supplemental statement, you can bypass the confusion and let the USCIS know exactly how the situation is. And you can avoid a denial in that case. By the way, my I-129F online course teaches you how to ‘fix’ this question and problem https://www.visatutor.com/i-129f-guide/
Please keep in touch and let me know how it turns out
-Prem
We sent out the I-129F, but found out in a family picture. We listed under the picture a family member as petitioner’ step brother Peter, which should be a half brother. Will this be a problem?
If in the interview asked about did I meet with his family members or do I know his family members…I should just say filed wrong and Peter is half brother? or just say step brother like what we filed in I-129F package?
Do I need my fiance to write me a letter to declare about the mistake we made on the picture?
thanks
Hi Suki,
It seems you’re stressed over a small detail. I wouldn’t worry much about this one if I were you. If you’re asked about meeting family, you will tell the truth. If the officer inquires about Peter, you can briefly mention that there’s a typo there and it should be x,y,z instead. What do you think?
-Prem
Hi, my American Fiancee is going to apply for a K1 fiancée visa to leave the UK and join him in USA.
.How long does it take from application till I can join him, to then marry within 90 day.
Also my 3 children aged 12,13 & 16 will be coming too.
Many thanks
Hello Marie,
The entire K-1 process takes several months (8-10) depending on different variables. You can take a look here at the k-1 visa timeline. Let me know if you have specific questions, Marie.
-Prem
I am having trouble reading my receipt number. I gathered that my number was 45,426. But I am having reading the 901 part. That part is supposed to be the work day that it was entered into the system but I am having trouble figuring out what it means can you please help?
Hey Destiny,
You’re right, there’s a specific sequence for the receipt #. Have you tried giving them a call? as long as you provide them your information, they will be able to retrieve your data.
-Prem
Hi prem, my fiance submitted our k129f on 26th June 2018 and we haven’t received our NOA1. Is it normal
Hi Bev,
Delays are normal. Generally the NOA1 should come within 1-2 weeks. Have you gotten an email or notification at all? In any case, the USCIS says you can contact them after 30 days if you haven’t heard from them regarding your case. It seems you have to wait a few more weeks before contacting them and inquiring. You can read about the entire process of the lockbox facility and USCIS here https://www.visatutor.com/i-mailed-my-i-129f-petition-whats-next/
-Prem
Hi i sent my petition back in April 2, 2018 and i received the receipt with case number and everything from the California office within less than 2 weeks. My fiancé is from the dominican republic and i wanted to know whats the next step after this and whats the average wait time to get to that next step because it is getting very frustrating waiting and getting no answer or anything. thank you
Hello Ray,
Thanks for stopping by. It seems like it’s been only 3 months for you. The average nowadays is 6-7 months before hearing back. You can see the discussion about the processing time here: https://www.visatutor.com/i-129f-petition-uscis-case-processing-charts/
If you’d like to know what to do while waiting, I suggest you check out https://www.visatutor.com/i-mailed-my-i-129f-petition-whats-next/
I know it’s frustrating to keep waiting, but the only thing to do is to wait our turn.
-Prem
Hello, my fiance’ likes in South Africa. I live in USA. I filed a K-1 Visa back in February 14, 2018. The wiat is killing us but were very excited. California is processing our case. Does California have a reputation of being overloaded with cases? If so, should I call and request for it to be moved to another office?
Hi DJ,
If you’ve filed in Feb, then it’s relatively recent. Most of us are experiencing 5-7 months of wait time. I understand your frustration and impatience. I was on the same boat. But there’s little you can do to expedite the case. California has generally handled well in the past but there’s no way we can ask to be shifted to another service center. The USCIS makes that determination on their own to speed up cases. So, just hold on hopefully you’ll see an approval soon.
-Prem
Can you give me details about the medical exam? How intensive is it? Can any doctor do it?
Hey Carla,
welcome back. You can read all about the medical exam here https://www.visatutor.com/fiancee-k-1-visa/k1-visa-medical-exam/
if you have a particular question about it, you can drop a question in the comment section
-Prem
can I call to ask you a question? Or call me [PERSONAL INFORMATION OMITTED BY VISATUTOR]
Thanks
Dane
Hello,
I once had an order of protection. Do I have to explain why and submit copy with the I-129F?
Thanks.
Cath.
Hey Cath,
Yes, generally for order of protection or temp. restraining order, you will show certified documents. Especially if it followed or preceded any criminal history.
Hi Prem,
What if the beneficiary is the one preparing all the required evidence and all, should he/she sign as the “preparer”? I know lots of people said you don’t have to if you’re not the 3rd party paid to do so but on the preparer statement, it IS stated that “I am not an attorney…….”
Please advice? Thank you!
Hello Rena,
The categories of “preparer, interpreter, and representative” refer to 3rd parties who help prepare your documents (usually for a fee). If you’re doing it on your own for your fiance, then I don’t feel it’s necessary to list yourself as the preparer. Usually filing services, attorneys, or hired immigration experts would be the one filling out this section. For you, I wouldn’t consider it necessary.
-Prem
It is legal in my state in the United States for same-sex marriage. My fiance is in the Phillipines. Is the consulate there going to be an issue since it is not allowed there? Also she will be bringing a 4 year old what kind of documents do we need from the childs father? Also i intend to adopt the child.
Hello AA,
That’s a very good question. The K-1 is only granted to those couples who can be legally married to each other in the US states. Since same-sex marriages are allowed throughout the US, the K-1 is also valid for same-sex couples. This means that, regardless of the marriage laws in the host country (Philippines), the K-1 visa will allow your partner to come to the US and marry you. So, it will not be a problem.
For your partner’s child, the US Embassy requires proof/documentation that she’s given authority by the other parent to remove / emigrate the child from the country. Typically, this is a child custody agreement or other legal court document. The child will be granted a k-2 visa after proving that he/she is allowed to emigrate from the Philippines. Does this help?
-Prem
I am having trouble envisioning a timeline for submitting my I-129F application. My fiancé is in Brazil, and will not be ready to come here before graduating. Therefore, I do not want to submit the application too early, as he will not be able to leave the states as we apply for an adjustment of status. At the same time, I want to have the application processing, so that when he is ready to come here, there wont be a year of visa processing time as an obstacle. What is the fastest processing time that you have witnessed? What can I expect would be the minimum time for the process? Trying to get any advice that I can. Thanks!
Hi Lindsay,
I apologize for the slightly late response. I try to get to everyone’s comment within 24 hours. However, with a wife and kid, sometimes it’s not possible.
I see you’re worried about the processing timeline and whether your planning is going to go through. Let me shine a light on it.
There’s actually a lot more flexibility in the fiance visa process than most of us realize. Once you submit your I-129F, it’s out of your hands. The USCIS can take anywhere from 1 month to 6 months. Nothing we can do about it.
But, once it gets to the Dep’t of State (the US Embassy), you actually have more wiggle room with time/scheduling. You see, an approved I-129F is valid for up to 4 months (at a time). So, once your I-129F is approved, you have up to 4 months to wait before taking the next step (i.e. set up an interview). So, add that to your basket.
Next, once your interview is scheduled, you may be waiting another 2 months for an interview to come through. Add that to your basket.
After approval, you have up to 6 months to use the K1 visa. Add that to your basket.
In the end, if you really wanted, you could delay/stall/flexibility of nearly 10 months. Of course it depends on a number of things and how fast the USCIS processes your case. But you, yourself, have a lot of opportunities to make it work on your terms. Does this make sense?
To answer your question, I’ve seen (and personally dealt) with cases ranging from 3 months (beginning to end) up to 12+ months.
-Prem
Do I need to submit a I 134 affidavit for support during this process at all?
Hi Chase,
You’re not required to submit the i-134 during the I-129F submission packet. You bring it only to the k-1 interview.
-Prem
I have questions, my fiancé lives in India. He has some criminal record as fraud but his case has been clear. Does he have to provide any evidence or even admit that he has any record since the court has prove him innocent and clear his record ? Please let me know.
Sincerely
Marry
Hello Marry,
Your fiance will have to gather up all his paperwork and present them during his K-1 visa interview. If he’s cleared and deemed innocent of charges, he must present all court documents to verify. Remember, all fiance visa applicants have to get police clearance certificates. It’s required to disclose all history rather than risk hiding facts and getting a denial for hiding facts.
-Prem