*Updated March 2005*

Includes: I-129F, I-485, I-131 & I-765

The necessary documents and all accompanying administration required

(For clarification and ease, we refer to the Fiancée as the Non-US citizen)

I-129F Fiancée Petition

This form is used to petition to bring your fiancée and that person's children to the United States for marriage to you

Form I-129F petitions must be filed at your local Service Center located in the United States by the US citizen

Answer all questions fully and accurately and be sure to put N/A if any item does not apply, do not leave anything blank.

You will need to include:    

1. A copy of petitioner's birth certificate (front and back) or a copy of your certificate of naturalization

2. Evidence you have met within the last two years. (We sent two photos of us together, boarding pass stubs and a cover letter)

3. An original signed statement from each of you stating your intent to marry within 90 days of arrival

4. Divorce decree or Death Certificate of any previous spouse

5. A Colour Photograph of each of you taken within 30 days of this petition ( Write your names on the back of the photos)

6. A completed form G-325A for each of you ( Note: you will not have an alien registration number yet so leave this blank)

7. A Cheque for $110 (double check payment options and current fees at local office)

8. Completed form I-129F

(Note: Several items you will need to get from your fiancée, i.e. photo, G-325A and signed statement, we handled this on my visit but you may need to allow for postage times, etc. if you are not to be together. Remember, once the application is filed, your fiancée may not visit the States until the K1 visa is issued)

You will receive a notice of action stating that your petition has been received, followed by a second notice stating the petition has been approved and forwarded to the consular in the fiancée's home country, your part in the process is now over...

The Fiancée will then be sent forms: DS 230 part 1, DS-156, DS-156K and IV-15, fill these out and post immediately

Form IV-15 is a checklist and if followed correctly, you should have no problems

Note:  Do not sign the the DS-156 or DS-156K. The forms must be signed before a consular officer on the day of the interview.

1. Valid Passport
2. Birth Certificate
3. Divorce decree or Death Certificate of any previous spouse
4. Police Certificates (Contact your local police station for the required forms)
5. Evidence of valid relationship with the petitioner (We had photos, flight tickets and a cover letter)
6. Evidence of support, Affidavit of support form I-134 (To show you can support your Fiancée until they are legible to work)
7. Medical Examination (This will be done on the morning of the interview)
8. Passports and medical examination for any accompanying children

(Note: You will need to send your Affidavit to your Fiancée for them to take to the Embassy with them, allow time for this. Again we handled this when I visited the States to avoid postage, etc)

Once processed, you will be invited to an interview at the US Embassy and will be expected to undergo a medical and vaccinations if necessary. These details will be included in the interview letter, form DS-156 along with the fees and directions. You will also need to go to a bank, pay the 32 pounds fee and have the bank stamp your paperwork to prove payment.  Read my full experience. 

For an idea on processing times, we suggest this site.

I-485, I-131 & I-765 (We Filed for these all at the same time)

I-485 Application For Adjustment Of Status (AOS)

(Please note this varies for non-K1 applicants)

You will need to include:

1. New Fee of $315 ($215 children under 14)

2. Additional fingerprinting fee of $50 ( you will be given a separate appointment)

3. Vaccination Supplement

4. Form 325a Biographical Information

5. Copy of I-94 (from your passport) front and back

6. I-864 Affidavit of support

7. Letter from employer stating time served and yearly salary ( US citizen)

8. 3 years tax returns (US citizen)

9. Copy of K1 petition approval notice

10. Copy of marriage certificate

11. 2 Identical photographs of both of you taken within 30 days of the petition

12. Copy of birth certificate

13. Copies of passport page with K1 visa

14. Completed form I-485

15. Any other supporting evidence, example photos, cards, letters, flight stubs, etc.

I-131 Application for travel document (Advanced Parole)

This form is used to allow travel outside the United States whilst your AOS application is pending

You will need to include:

1. 2 Identical photographs taken within 30 days of the petition

2. New Fee of $165

3. A letter stating why you need to leave, for example to visit sick family member, funeral, etc.

4. Completed I-131 form

I-765 Application for Employment Authorization

This form is used to enable you to work whilst your AOS application is pending

You will need to include:

1. New Fee of $175

2. Completed form I-765

3. 2 Identical photographs taken within 30 days of the petition

4. Copy of I-94 (from your passport) front and back