UK Fiance Visa: I-90 Form Guide For 2024

by Jhon Lennon 41 views

So, you're in love and planning to bring your UK fiancé(e) to the United States? That’s awesome! But, before you start dreaming of your perfect wedding stateside, there's some paperwork to tackle. One crucial step in this journey is understanding the I-129F form, officially called the Petition for Alien Fiancé(e). Think of this form as your official request to the U.S. government to recognize your relationship and allow your loved one to enter the country to get married. Don't worry, guys, it might seem intimidating, but we're here to break it down and make the process as smooth as possible. We will guide you through the process of filling out the I-129F form, ensuring that you understand each section and provide accurate information. This will help prevent delays and potential issues with your petition.

This guide will walk you through the I-129F form (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)) process with a focus on applicants from the UK. We will cover everything from eligibility requirements to required documents and filing tips. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what it takes to successfully navigate this important step in your journey to getting married in the USA. Let's dive in!

Understanding the I-129F Form: Your First Step

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's understand what the I-129F form actually is. The I-129F form, officially known as the Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), is a document submitted to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by a U.S. citizen to petition for their fiancé(e) who resides outside the U.S. to enter the country for the purpose of marriage. Essentially, it's the first formal step in the K-1 fiancé(e) visa process.

Why is this form so important? Well, without an approved I-129F petition, your fiancé(e) cannot apply for the K-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in the UK. This form demonstrates to USCIS that:

  • You are a U.S. citizen.
  • You intend to marry your fiancĂ©(e) within 90 days of their arrival in the U.S.
  • You have met your fiancĂ©(e) in person within the two years prior to filing the petition (with some exceptions).
  • You are both legally free to marry.

The I-129F form collects detailed information about you and your fiancé(e), including your backgrounds, relationship history, and intentions. Accuracy is key here, guys! Any discrepancies or omissions can cause delays or even denial of your petition. So, take your time, gather all the necessary documents, and double-check everything before submitting.

Eligibility Requirements: Are You and Your Fiancé(e) Eligible?

Okay, so who can actually file this thing? There are specific eligibility requirements that both the U.S. citizen petitioner and the UK fiancé(e) must meet. Let's break them down:

For the U.S. Citizen (Petitioner):

  • Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen. Lawful permanent residents (green card holders) cannot file an I-129F petition.
  • Legal Intent to Marry: You must intend to marry your fiancĂ©(e) within 90 days of their arrival in the U.S.
  • Meeting Requirement: Generally, you must have met your fiancĂ©(e) in person at least once within the two years before filing the petition. There are exceptions for cases where meeting in person would violate strict and long-established customs or would result in extreme hardship for the U.S. citizen.
  • Legal Marital Status: You must be legally free to marry. This means you cannot be currently married to someone else.
  • Income Requirements: While not directly assessed with the I-129F, be aware that you will need to meet certain income requirements later in the process (when your fiancĂ©(e) applies for their green card) to demonstrate that you can financially support them.

For the UK Fiancé(e) (Beneficiary):

  • Intent to Marry: They must have a genuine intention to marry the U.S. citizen petitioner within 90 days of entering the U.S.
  • Legal Marital Status: They must also be legally free to marry.
  • Admissibility: They must be admissible to the U.S. This means they cannot have certain criminal convictions, health issues, or immigration violations that would prevent them from entering the country. Think background checks!

Make sure you both meet these requirements before proceeding! If there are any red flags, it's best to consult with an immigration attorney to understand your options.

Gathering Your Documents: What You'll Need

Alright, time to get organized! Gathering the right documents is crucial for a successful I-129F petition. Think of it as building a case to prove your relationship is genuine. Here’s a comprehensive checklist of what you’ll typically need:

Documents for the U.S. Citizen (Petitioner):

  • Form I-129F: The completed and signed Petition for Alien FiancĂ©(e).
  • Proof of U.S. Citizenship: A copy of your birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship.
  • Passport-style Photos: Two identical passport-style photos of yourself.
  • Proof of Legal Name Change (if applicable): If your name has changed since birth, provide documentation such as a marriage certificate or court order.
  • Evidence of Meeting in Person: This is super important! Provide evidence that you and your fiancĂ©(e) met in person within the two years before filing the petition. This can include:
    • Photos together: Pictures of you and your fiancĂ©(e) together at various locations.
    • Plane tickets: Copies of plane tickets or boarding passes showing travel between the U.S. and the UK.
    • Passport stamps: Copies of passport stamps showing entry and exit dates.
    • Hotel reservations: Hotel confirmations showing you stayed together.
  • Evidence of Intent to Marry: Provide evidence that you both intend to marry within 90 days of your fiancĂ©(e)'s arrival in the U.S. This can include:
    • Affidavits: Sworn statements from you and your fiancĂ©(e) stating your intent to marry.
    • Wedding plans: Evidence of wedding planning, such as venue reservations, vendor contracts, or guest lists.
    • Engagement photos: Photos that show you both wearing a ring.
  • Form G-1145 (optional): E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance. This form allows USCIS to send you email and/or text message updates on the status of your petition.
  • Criminal History Affidavit: A signed statement indicating whether you have ever been convicted of any crime.

Documents for the UK Fiancé(e) (Beneficiary):

  • Passport-style Photos: Two identical passport-style photos of your fiancĂ©(e).
  • Copy of Passport: A copy of your fiancĂ©(e)'s passport identity pages.
  • Birth Certificate: A copy of your fiancĂ©(e)'s birth certificate.
  • Evidence of Legal Name Change (if applicable): If your fiancĂ©(e)'s name has changed since birth, provide documentation such as a marriage certificate or court order.
  • Divorce Decrees/Death Certificates (if applicable): If either of you have been previously married, provide copies of divorce decrees or death certificates to prove that all prior marriages have been legally terminated.
  • Police Certificates: You will need to obtain police certificates from any country where your fiancĂ©(e) has lived for six months or more since the age of 16. Start this early, as it can take time! For the UK, this is typically a police certificate from ACRO (ACRO Criminal Records Office).

Important Notes:

  • Translations: Any documents that are not in English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
  • Copies vs. Originals: Generally, you should submit copies of documents with your I-129F petition. However, USCIS may request originals in certain cases.
  • Organization: Organize your documents clearly and logically. This will make it easier for USCIS to review your petition.

Filling Out the I-129F Form: A Step-by-Step Guide

Okay, grab your form and let's get started! The I-129F form can seem daunting, but we'll break it down section by section. You can download the latest version of the form from the USCIS website.

Let’s walk through the key sections:

  • Part 1: Information About You (The U.S. Citizen): This section asks for your personal information, including your name, address, date of birth, place of birth, and U.S. citizenship status. Be accurate and consistent with the information you provide on other documents.
  • Part 2: Information About Your FiancĂ©(e): This section asks for your fiancĂ©(e)'s personal information, including their name, address, date of birth, place of birth, and nationality. Again, accuracy is key!
  • Part 3: Additional Information About You: This section asks about your previous marriages (if any), your current marital status, and whether you have previously filed an I-129F petition for another fiancĂ©(e).
  • Part 4: Additional Information About Your FiancĂ©(e): This section asks about your fiancĂ©(e)'s previous marriages (if any), their current marital status, and whether they have ever been in the U.S.
  • Part 5: Information About Your Meeting: This is critical! Provide detailed information about how and when you met your fiancĂ©(e). Include dates, locations, and any relevant details about your meeting. If you are claiming an exception to the meeting requirement, explain why.
  • Part 6: Statement, Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature: Read this section carefully, as it contains important statements about the truthfulness of the information you are providing. Sign and date the form.

Tips for Completing the Form:

  • Read the Instructions: The USCIS provides detailed instructions for completing the I-129F form. Read them carefully before you start filling out the form.
  • Use Black Ink: Fill out the form using black ink. This makes it easier for USCIS to scan and process your form.
  • Answer All Questions: Answer all questions on the form. If a question does not apply to you, write