Questions about I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)

[wolfx 0]

So trying to do this form, but have a few questions about the requirements. I've been reading for like 2 days straight on the process... getting mixed answers.

1. How and when do you pay for this form.. when you send it out? Or do you pay after? I can't find on any websites that tell you WHEN you have to pay.

2. I have changed my name before in the past. It has nothing to do with marriages or anything, just changed it when I was younger. (Im a guy btw) I'm talking about the "Other Names" section on the form. Can I leave it blank, or I must mention my changed name? That means I'll have to send a copy of the change name to my fiance in America? Thats gonna delay everything

3. Do you need a photograph on the form? I dunno where I read this but I saw it somewhere. I sure hope not. Makes everything harder.

4. Form expiry date says 02/29/2012 down below it says (Rev. 11/23/10) - apparently it's still okay according to the website saying edition 11/23/10 is still okay to use. Just wanted to double check with you guys.

I was hoping it was as easy as filling out the form, sending it, wham bam, approved.

Anything else I need to know before my fiance sends out that form? Don't want any mistakes and delays.

[LeftCoastLady 441]

So trying to do this form, but have a few questions about the requirements. I've been reading for like 2 days straight on the process... getting mixed answers.

1. How and when do you pay for this form.. when you send it out? Or do you pay after? I can't find on any websites that tell you WHEN you have to pay.

2. I have changed my name before in the past. It has nothing to do with marriages or anything, just changed it when I was younger. (Im a guy btw) I'm talking about the "Other Names" section on the form. Can I leave it blank, or I must mention my changed name? That means I'll have to send a copy of the change name to my fiance in America? Thats gonna delay everything

3. Do you need a photograph on the form? I dunno where I read this but I saw it somewhere. I sure hope not. Makes everything harder.

4. Form expiry date says 02/29/2012 down below it says (Rev. 11/23/10) - apparently it's still okay according to the website saying edition 11/23/10 is still okay to use. Just wanted to double check with you guys.

I was hoping it was as easy as filling out the form, sending it, wham bam, approved.

Anything else I need to know before my fiance sends out that form? Don't want any mistakes and delays.

First and foremost, please:

There are example forms on this site as well that will help you. Please read through everything at least twice, especially the instruction docs as that provides you with the payment information, where to send your information, etc.

If you thought this would be easy, please read these forums to disrupt that theory.

On your changed names, if you changed it legally, then yes, you need to note that.

[KayDeeCee 4,900]

Do not simply fill out the form and mail it alone. You will be denied for lack of evidence.

There is a guide here to help you: http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1guide

Even more important than reading the guide is reading the I-129F instructions: http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-129finstr.pdf

That will answer your questions about the fee and how to pay it.

Always get the latest forms directly from the USCIS website. This is the link to the I-129F: http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-129f.pdf

[wolfx 0]

omg.. I have a huge headache from reading this stuff for hours and hours. I'm so confused.

I'm looking at http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1guide

and http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-129finstr.pdf

and http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1flow

Somethings just don't make sense to me:

Assembling the I-129F Package: Checklist

Forms and Documents (follow these assembly instructions. All supporting documents must be in English or be translated as noted here.):

1. Payment as required by USCIS. Use a personal check so you can track the payment. Money Orders are also accepted.

2. Cover Letter (see example). Should include a description of what your are petitioning for (I-129F), a table of contents (list everything in the packet). If you need additional room to explain your case, attach a separate sheet (list the attachment on the cover sheet). Make sure to sign and date the cover sheet.

A cover letter? WHAT? How come no where on the form it even asks for a cover letter? Why do you need to write a description of why you're petitioning for the form? The form itself says why?

Then you have:

4. Declaration of how you met in person in the last two years. This should be a single typed page attachment regarding question 18 of the I-129F. Make sure to sign and date it.

5. Original statements (from both the US Citizen and foreign fiance) certifying an intent to marry within 90 days of entering the US on a valid K-1. (see example)

Again, on the form it doesn't say do do any of that. The description box on question 18 we filled out describing how we met and everything. Do we really need to type this out on a separate page and print it and attach it? Then Step 5 saying we need to do an original statement?

Maybe my fiance needs to just get a lawyer to do this. I know it wasn't gonna be easy but I have a lot of personal things goin on in my life and can't handle stress too well. Reading about this all day everyday is driving me insane. I just need some advice on things when I'm lost to help me get back in the right path. My fiance should be doing all this but she isn't. She works everyday and a lot. I don't atm so I have time on my hands and I'm doing most of the research (She's the American citizen who's bringing me to the U.S.) so I'm kind of doing all the work and telling her what needs to be done for this to work. She was thinking of just getting a lawyer to handle everything but I've seen many of you guys do it on your own. I envy you all for going through all this. Sorry for whining but I'm seriously stressing out over this and need a little more help than just posting links

Edited March 7, 2012 by wolfx

[wolfx 0]

There's so many guides and websites that makes me just get confused and lost. Apparently you need passport style photos for this form too? From both people? Whaaaa??? And copies of BOTH our birth certificates and other documents? That means I gotta somehow scan them on my computer and send it to my fiance? Holy moly.

I have like ten different websites open and every link I read up on makes me even more lost and confused. I don't know what to do

Edited March 7, 2012 by wolfx

[Darkmoonfaerie 19]

omg.. I have a huge headache from reading this stuff for hours and hours. I'm so confused.

I'm looking at http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1guide

and http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-129finstr.pdf

and http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1flow

Somethings just don't make sense to me:

Assembling the I-129F Package: Checklist

Forms and Documents (follow these assembly instructions. All supporting documents must be in English or be translated as noted here.):

1. Payment as required by USCIS. Use a personal check so you can track the payment. Money Orders are also accepted.

2. Cover Letter (see example). Should include a description of what your are petitioning for (I-129F), a table of contents (list everything in the packet). If you need additional room to explain your case, attach a separate sheet (list the attachment on the cover sheet). Make sure to sign and date the cover sheet.

A cover letter? WHAT? How come no where on the form it even asks for a cover letter? Why do you need to write a description of why you're petitioning for the form? The form itself says why?

Then you have:

4. Declaration of how you met in person in the last two years. This should be a single typed page attachment regarding question 18 of the I-129F. Make sure to sign and date it.

5. Original statements (from both the US Citizen and foreign fiance) certifying an intent to marry within 90 days of entering the US on a valid K-1. (see example)

Again, on the form it doesn't say do do any of that. The description box on question 18 we filled out describing how we met and everything. Do we really need to type this out on a separate page and print it and attach it? Then Step 5 saying we need to do an original statement?

Maybe my fiance needs to just get a lawyer to do this. I know it wasn't gonna be easy but I have a lot of personal things goin on in my life and can't handle stress too well. Reading about this all day everyday is driving me insane. I just need some advice on things when I'm lost to help me get back in the right path. My fiance should be doing all this but she isn't. She works everyday and a lot. I don't atm so I have time on my hands and I'm doing most of the research (She's the American citizen who's bringing me to the U.S.) so I'm kind of doing all the work and telling her what needs to be done for this to work. She was thinking of just getting a lawyer to handle everything but I've seen many of you guys do it on your own. I envy you all for going through all this. Sorry for whining but I'm seriously stressing out over this and need a little more help than just posting links

Yes you need to include all of those or you will receive a request for further evidence. Sorry to post another link, but this is the instruction page the goes with the I-129F from the USCIS http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-129finstr.pdf. It tells you all the same things that the guides say here.

The process really is not too complicated if you follow the guides exactly. The members who have "posted links" have sent you to the guides and timelines. I don't know how to break it down more than they have done on those pages. It shows you step by step what needs to be done and gives you sample forms that you can download and use as a template for your own. If your fiance really doesn't have time to look at the paperwork and you're confused then maybe it would be best to hire a lawyer or wait until you both have time to sit down and go over everything together. The I-129F is just the first step in the K1 visa process. You've got a bunch of things that you'll need to figure out and file (and pay for) over the next 5 yrs so be prepared. This is a long process and you'll have a lot of headaches while going through it. It just kinda comes with the territory. Hopefully you can handle the stress of the process and waiting, it's not for everyone.

From what I've seen on here, a lawyer will make you and your fiance do most of the work anyway. They often have errors on the forms when they are sent and they cost a lot. For me, it was best to take a few deep breaths, dig in and plod through the paperwork.

Let me see if I can answer a few of your questions:

Cover letter - this is pretty much applied to any legal/business document that you will ever send in anywhere. You're not just sending in the I-129F, so you list the contents of the entire packet. I think we had 20 or so things listed in our packet (1-129F, Biographical sheets for both of us, passport photos, copies of birth certificates/passports, his divorce decree, letters of intent to marry from both of us, an explanation of how we met and all the times we've spent with each other over the past 2 yrs, personal/professional photos from our trips, IM logs, emails, plane tickets, receipts, etc). Think of the cover letter as a table of contents to your packet.

Declaration of how you met in person - I had a one page sheet with a paragraph about how we met and began interacting. Then I put bullets for each meeting over the last two years. I included who traveled, the dates, and a little about the trip. At the end of the packet I tried to include photos that put us in locations that are positive proof of being in each other's country (Battleship Massachusetts, Plymouth Rock, Beaumaris Castle, Liver Building in Liverpool).

Letter of intent to marry - you both submit this. There's a very good example in the forms section of the guide. I just used that and added my personal information to it, signed and dated it.

Hope this helps some!

[sabi 148]

Just to make it simple for you, you'll need:

I-129F filled in by the US petitioner (I assume your fiance)

G 325a filled in by fiance and you (each of you- one)

One of each passport photos signed on the back (each of you- one photo)

G1145 attached to the first page (so you can get email updates)

Copies of Flight tickets

Copies of passport stamps

Photos together, with the description at the back

Money order or a check for $340

Cover letter (to explain what's in the packet)

Letter of intent signed by you and a second signed by your fiance

Copy of your fiance's passport (all pages)or a birth certificate

Don't question it, if you want a visa just follow the instruction, no one said it would be easy and it would make sense to you

[KayDeeCee 4,900]

omg.. I have a huge headache from reading this stuff for hours and hours. I'm so confused.

I'm looking at http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1guide

and http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-129finstr.pdf

and http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1flow

Somethings just don't make sense to me:

Assembling the I-129F Package: Checklist

Forms and Documents (follow these assembly instructions. All supporting documents must be in English or be translated as noted here.):

1. Payment as required by USCIS. Use a personal check so you can track the payment. Money Orders are also accepted.

2. Cover Letter (see example). Should include a description of what your are petitioning for (I-129F), a table of contents (list everything in the packet). If you need additional room to explain your case, attach a separate sheet (list the attachment on the cover sheet). Make sure to sign and date the cover sheet.

A cover letter? WHAT? How come no where on the form it even asks for a cover letter? Why do you need to write a description of why you're petitioning for the form? The form itself says why?

Then you have:

4. Declaration of how you met in person in the last two years. This should be a single typed page attachment regarding question 18 of the I-129F. Make sure to sign and date it.

5. Original statements (from both the US Citizen and foreign fiance) certifying an intent to marry within 90 days of entering the US on a valid K-1. (see example)

Again, on the form it doesn't say do do any of that. The description box on question 18 we filled out describing how we met and everything. Do we really need to type this out on a separate page and print it and attach it? Then Step 5 saying we need to do an original statement?

Maybe my fiance needs to just get a lawyer to do this. I know it wasn't gonna be easy but I have a lot of personal things goin on in my life and can't handle stress too well. Reading about this all day everyday is driving me insane. I just need some advice on things when I'm lost to help me get back in the right path. My fiance should be doing all this but she isn't. She works everyday and a lot. I don't atm so I have time on my hands and I'm doing most of the research (She's the American citizen who's bringing me to the U.S.) so I'm kind of doing all the work and telling her what needs to be done for this to work. She was thinking of just getting a lawyer to handle everything but I've seen many of you guys do it on your own. I envy you all for going through all this. Sorry for whining but I'm seriously stressing out over this and need a little more help than just posting links

Even if she gets a lawyer, you still need to provide the lawyer with your information and documents to be sent to the USCIS.

Take it slow and read through the instructions, fill out and gather together one thing at a time. Ask specific questions here when you get stuck.

The cover letter is just used to list the documents you are sending in the order you stacked them. It makes it easier to find what they need, and it helps you make a checklist of what you are sending so you do not forget anything.

You can write how you met in person in the last 2 years on the form in the space provided. No extra sheet is needed if it fits there.

The letters of intent are mentioned in the I-129F instructions. Payment amount and exactly who to make out the check or money order is also in the I-129F instructions.

Only a copy of the US citizens birth certificate is required with the I-129F petition. Also, if either of you have been divorced before, then you need to provide copies of the divorce decrees.

You will each need to fill out a G-325A form and each provide 1 passport sized (2x2 inch) photo to go along with those forms.

I think it is easier to read through the I-129F instructions, then look at the guides to help you along. There are also example forms here you can look at to help in filling out the forms, and templates for the cover letter and letters of intent. http://www.visajourney.com/content/examples

Don't get too far ahead of yourself with the flowchart and what will happen down the road for the interview stage. Focus on what needs to be put together to mail out the petition first. Once you have that worked out and mailed, you will have a few months of waiting time to work on researching what is needed down the line when it is time for your interview at your consulate.

[Ischnura 285]

I wont repeat all the links and info, everyone before me has done a grand job. But I will remind you to take a breather. Put the kettle on (assuming you're partial to a good cuppa) put your feet up and think of something else for a few. Remind yourself why you're going to these lengths, think about your wonderful Fiancée and all you'd do for her and all the things you'd do to be with her! This is one of many things, and though it's a long and tedious process it's worth it!! You can do this!

I do believe you ought to let your Fiancée know that you're struggling to get your head around it entirely, that way she can make the time to go through everything with you. A fresh pair of eyes often spots what three reviews of the same page misses (I learned the hard way there lol) You're in this together, all of it, and it'll feel less stressful if both of you sit down and get your heads around it together My Mister & I work round the clock, he's US military and I'm a slave, but it's a point in life you have to stop and stick it at the top of your priority list. You'll both feel better for it

I wish you all the best & luck in your journey, you'll get there This is a wonderfully resourceful community.

[wolfx 0]

I really appreciate the replies guys. It helps and means a lot to me. I know there's guides and stuff but sometimes I just need to get a real answer about specific things. I appreciate the help and I feel I know more now.

After these replies I have a couple more questions:

1. Cover letters and letters of intent, things that require my signature.. how do I get this to my fiance? Can I take a digital photo and send it to her so she can print it out? Do I need to really send that by mail?

2. They say photos must be taken within 30 days of filing the form. Why? I have spare passport photos here from 3 months ago and I look exactly the same. How would they even tell the difference? Can I not just use those?

3. On the g-325a form how would I attach photos? Clips or something? Obviously can't glue them and let them fall around the whole package. And this one requires me birth certificate? Again, how do I get that + this form to my fiance... by mail? digital photo?

4. I have had my name changed in the past.. so again, do I need to send this out by mail or can I take a digital photo and she can print it out.

Sorry for the questions again..... I just don't wanna do one mistake and seeing how big all this is, mistakes can happen. Oh boy

[Ischnura 285]

I really appreciate the replies guys. It helps and means a lot to me. I know there's guides and stuff but sometimes I just need to get a real answer about specific things. I appreciate the help and I feel I know more now.

After these replies I have a couple more questions:

1. Cover letters and letters of intent, things that require my signature.. how do I get this to my fiance? Can I take a digital photo and send it to her so she can print it out? Do I need to really send that by mail?All signatures must be originals, no copies. Mailing everything is your only option less you're flying out any time soon.

2. They say photos must be taken within 30 days of filing the form. Why? I have spare passport photos here from 3 months ago and I look exactly the same. How would they even tell the difference? Can I not just use those? I think so long as your appearance hasn't changed dramatically e.g. you're missing an ear, then you should be fine. Mine aren't within 30 days but I don't look any different

3. On the g-325a form how would I attach photos? Clips or something? Obviously can't glue them and let them fall around the whole package. And this one requires me birth certificate? Again, how do I get that + this form to my fiance... by mail? digital photo? Put them in a clear (sammich?) bag and clip them to a blank page. Again, send everything together via mail to her

4. I have had my name changed in the past.. so again, do I need to send this out by mail or can I take a digital photo and she can print it out. I think it's best to mail it all to her together and in order so nothing gets lost/misplaced and it saves a bit of confusion when checking you have everything

Sorry for the questions again..... I just don't wanna do one mistake and seeing how big all this is, mistakes can happen. Oh boy

EDIT: Typos -.-

Edited March 7, 2012 by Ischnura

[LeftCoastLady 441]

I really appreciate the replies guys. It helps and means a lot to me. I know there's guides and stuff but sometimes I just need to get a real answer about specific things. I appreciate the help and I feel I know more now.

After these replies I have a couple more questions:

1. Cover letters and letters of intent, things that require my signature.. how do I get this to my fiance? Can I take a digital photo and send it to her so she can print it out? Do I need to really send that by mail?

Yes, you will have to snail-mail the documents you have to sign to your fiancée. You have to submit actual signatures for the letter of intent and G-325A form.

2. They say photos must be taken within 30 days of filing the form. Why? I have spare passport photos here from 3 months ago and I look exactly the same. How would they even tell the difference? Can I not just use those?

Since I don't know which country you're from...your passport photos should match the criteria for the US (white background, sizing, etc.).

3. On the g-325a form how would I attach photos? Clips or something? Obviously can't glue them and let them fall around the whole package. And this one requires me birth certificate? Again, how do I get that + this form to my fiance... by mail? digital photo?

This is covered in the K-1 guide on the VJ site, but you can use a plastic baggy for containing the photos and clip them (not staple or glue) to the appropriate documents.

4. I have had my name changed in the past.. so again, do I need to send this out by mail or can I take a digital photo and she can print it out.

Sorry for the questions again..... I just don't wanna do one mistake and seeing how big all this is, mistakes can happen. Oh boy

Since you're going to have to snail-mail her the other documents, you can always throw in the name change documentation, too.

As has been mentioned, this process can be easily done as long as you (and your fiancée) are ready to embark on the journey. (And it really is a journey.) You can search the forum to see how those who used the services of a lawyer have fared.

Edited March 7, 2012 by LeftCoastLady

[wolfx 0]

Where's the edit button? Seems like it's gone after a while.

13. Proof of Legal Name Change if either the US Citizen and/or foreign fiance(e) is using a name other than that shown on the relevant documents. You must give USCIS copies of the legal documents that made the change, such as a marriage certificate, adoption decree or court order.

Why can't I understand this? lol. Relevant documents; which relevant documents? The only time I'm using my name is on the petition, cover letter, fiance letter of intent and a couple other forms. Which is my current name. I changed my name long time ago in the past. So I'm still not sure if they need to know about this. But I guess I might as well send it a long with all my other stuff.

Also, no where in the guide it says I need MY birth certificate. Only my fiance (U.S. citizen) - So I guess I don't have to send it out?

Edited March 7, 2012 by wolfx

[Ischnura 285]

EDIT: see below ^.^

Edited March 7, 2012 by Ischnura

[LeftCoastLady 441]

Where's the edit button? Seems like it's gone after a while.

13. Proof of Legal Name Change if either the US Citizen and/or foreign fiance(e) is using a name other than that shown on the relevant documents. You must give USCIS copies of the legal documents that made the change, such as a marriage certificate, adoption decree or court order.

Why can't I understand this? lol. Relevant documents; which relevant documents? The only time I'm using my name is on the petition, cover letter, fiance letter of intent and a couple other forms. Which is my current name. I changed my name long time ago in the past. So I'm still not sure if they need to know about this. But I guess I might as well send it a long with all my other stuff.

Also, no where in the guide it says I need MY birth certificate. Only my fiance (U.S. citizen) - So I guess I don't have to send it out?

If the name you currently use isn't on the documents you'll need to supply -- I recommend looking ahead to see what you'll need to provide at the interview stage -- then you should include documentation noting your name change. Did you change your name on your government documents?

You don't need to supply your birth certificate at this stage, but you will need it for the interview preparation down the road, which again, is why it's important that if you have a different name on the documents you'll need for the interview that there's a clear explanation/document stating this.