Navigating the Immigration Process: Form I-129F Instructions

Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), is a form used by U.S. citizens to petition for a fiancé(e) to enter the United States and marry them. To be eligible to file Form I-129F, the petitioner (the U.S. citizen) must meet certain requirements. Here are the key eligibility criteria:

• U.S. Citizenship: The petitioner must be a U.S. citizen. Permanent residents (green card holders) are not eligible to file this form.
• Intent to Marry: The petitioner and the foreign fiancé(e) must have a genuine intention to marry each other within 90 days of the foreign fiancé(e) entering the United States.
• Meet in Person: The petitioner and the foreign fiancé(e) must have met in person at least once within the two years before filing the petition, unless meeting in person would violate cultural customs, or it would result in extreme hardship to the petitioner.
• No Legal Impediments: Both the petitioner and the fiancé(e) must be legally free to marry, and any previous marriages must have been legally terminated by divorce, annulment, or death.
• Financial Ability: The petitioner must be able to demonstrate financial ability to support the foreign fiancé(e) and meet the income requirements. This is typically done by filing an Affidavit of Support (Form I-134) later in the process.

Form I-129F instructions

Here is a general overview of the Form I-129F instructions:

• Download the Form:
• Obtain the latest version of Form I-129F from the official USCIS website.
• Read the Instructions:
• Carefully read the accompanying instructions to understand the requirements and procedures. The instructions provide valuable information on eligibility, supporting documents, and where to file the petition.
• Complete the Form:
• Fill out the form accurately and completely. Use black ink and write legibly. Here are some key sections to pay attention to:
• Part 1: Information About You (Petitioner):
  • Provide your personal information, including name, address, date of birth, and contact details.
• Part 2: Information About Your Alien Fiancé(e):
  • Enter the requested information about your fiancé(e), including their name, address, date of birth, and other relevant details.
• Part 3: Biographic Information:
  • Provide biographical information about yourself and your fiancé(e).
• Part 4: Information About the Beneficiary’s Children:
  • If your fiancé(e) has children, provide information about them in this section.
• Part 5: Other Information:
  • Answer the questions in this section, which may include questions about criminal history, immigration violations, etc.
• Part 6: Additional Information:
  • If you need additional space to provide information, use this section or attach additional sheets as necessary.
• Supporting Documents:
• Gather all required supporting documents as listed in the instructions. This may include evidence of your U.S. citizenship, proof of meeting your fiancé(e), and other relevant documents.
• Fee Payment:
• Check the latest USCIS fee schedule to determine the correct filing fee. Include the appropriate payment method with your application.
• Review and Sign:
• Carefully review the completed form to ensure accuracy. Sign and date the form where required.
• Mail the Petition:
• Send the completed Form I-129F, along with all required supporting documents and the filing fee, to the address specified in the instructions.
• Receipt Notice:
• Once USCIS receives your petition, they will issue a receipt notice. Keep this notice for your records.

Remember to check for any updates or changes to the form and instructions on the USCIS website before filling out and submitting your petition. If you have specific questions or concerns, consider seeking guidance from an immigration attorney.