K-1 Visa Documents Checklist for Form I-129F (USCIS Filing Guide)
Filing the I-129F correctly the first time is the difference between a smooth approval and months of delay from an RFE.
USCIS is not looking for romance.
They are looking for complete, organized, and convincing documentation.
Use this checklist to assemble a petition that is easy for an officer to approve.
You may also go here and get a FREE K1 Visa Evaluation online
Required Forms
- Form I-129F – completed and signed by the U.S. petitioner
- G-1145 – E-Notification form (clip to the front)
- Filing fee (G-1450) credit card payment
- Fiance Letters of Intent – Sponsor – Beneficiary
- IMB Declaration Letter
- (3w) Introductory Letter – Sponsor – Beneficiary
- I-129F Cover Letter – Contents include
Proof of U.S. Citizenship (Petitioner)
Provide one of the following:
- U.S. passport biographic page
- U.S. birth certificate
- Naturalization certificate
- Certificate of citizenship
Passport Photos
- One 2×2 photo of petitioner
- One 2×2 photo of beneficiary
- Name written lightly on the back
Place in a small envelope labeled “Passport Photos.”
Intent to Marry Letters (Very Important)
Both petitioner and beneficiary must write and sign a letter stating:
Intent to marry within 90 days of arrival in the United States.
These should be recent (within 30–60 days of filing).
Proof You Met in Person Within 2 Years
This is where many RFEs happen.
Include:
- Passport stamps
- Boarding passes
- Travel itineraries
- Hotel receipts
- Photos together (different days/locations/clothes)
Proof of Ongoing Relationship
Create a section labeled Proof of Relationship:
- Chat screenshots across months/years
- Email samples from early, mid, and recent relationship
- Video call logs
- Phone records (highlighted)
- Money transfers or gift receipts
Do not overload. Show timeline.
Divorce or Death Certificates (If Applicable)
If either party was previously married:
- Divorce decree
- Annulment papers
- Death certificate
USCIS must see both are legally free to marry.
Evidence of Legal Name Changes (If Any)
Court orders or legal documents if names differ from birth records.
Optional but Strong Supporting Evidence
These are not required but help prevent RFEs:
- Engagement photos
- Statements from friends/family (affidavits)
- Social media screenshots over time
- Engagement ring receipt
- Travel history summary page
How to Organize the Packet
Use this order:
- G-1145
- Check
- Cover letter (table of contents)
- I-129F form
- Proof of citizenship
- Passport photos
- Intent to marry letters
- Proof of meeting
- Proof of relationship
- Divorce/annulment documents
- Optional supporting evidence
Neat. Logical. Chronological.
📌 Common Mistakes That Trigger RFEs
▪️ Missing intent letters
▪️ Weak proof of meeting
▪️ Undated chat screenshots
▪️ No divorce records included
▪️ Sloppy organization
▪️ Inconsistent dates across evidence
What USCIS Wants to Feel
By the end of your packet:
“I clearly see who these people are, how they met, and that this is a real relationship.”
If the officer has to search for answers, you risk an RFE.
Final Pre-Mail Checklist
▫️ All forms signed
▫️ Dates consistent everywhere
▫️ Evidence labeled and ordered
▫️ Photos and proof of meeting included
▫️ Passport copy clear and readable
▫️ Correct fee attached
