A letter of intent to marry (within 90 days) shows that an alien fiancé and a US citizen petitioner intend to marry each other within 90 days of the alien fiancé arriving in the US. It’s a required document that allows the petitioner to complete Form I-129F and the foreign fiancé to apply for a K-1 visa.
Both the petitioner and the beneficiary must write a letter of intent to marry. Two letters (one from each party) show that the couple’s relationship exists in good faith and they have a genuine connection.
Here’s an overview of the process of marrying a foreign fiancé, including how an intent to marry letter fits into the process:
Before proceeding with the subsequent steps, ensure you meet the basic eligibility requirements:
In some cases, you and your fiancé won’t be able to meet in person. You’ll be eligible for a waiver from this requirement if one of the two following circumstances apply:
Another basic eligibility requirement is that you and your soon-to-be spouse must show that you intend to marry each other within 90 days of them entering the US. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires an intent to marry letter from both parties, as it shows proof of a bona fide relationship.
While you can provide additional supporting evidence of an impending marriage, such as past correspondence, venue reservations, and wedding plans, letters of intent are required to marry a foreign fiancé.
With steps one and two complete, you can proceed to fill out Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé) in its entirety. As the US citizen petitioner, you should be the party filling it out.
Provide comprehensive information on you and your fiancé. Attach the letters of intent and other documentation the form requires, including evidence of US citizenship and termination of previous marriages (if applicable).
Signature Requirements: The US citizen petitioner must sign the form. The USCIS will deem any typewritten or stamped name in place of a signature invalid. The USCIS will accept a scanned, faxed, or photocopied copy of an original handwritten signature for filing purposes. The scan, fax, or photocopy should be of the original document and contain the handwritten ink.
Once the petitioner completely fills out Form I-129F, they must send it to the USCIS Dallas lockbox:
The USCIS address for US Postal Service (USPS) is as follows:
The USCIS address for FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries is as follows:
USCIS
Attn: I-129F (Box 660151)
2501 South State Highway 121 Business
Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067-8003
Wait for the USCIS to approve your petition. Upon approval, they will send the form to the National Visa Center. From there, the center will process and forward your petition to the US Embassy or consulate closest to your foreign fiancé’s residence.
Your foreign fiancé will receive an invitation from the relevant US Embassy or consulate to apply for a K-1 visa.
Have them complete Form DS-160 (the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) and pay the associated fee. They should also schedule a medical examination with an approved healthcare provider and an interview at the US Embassy or Consulate.
They should prepare for questions pertaining to the relationship so that they can verify its nature and legitimacy. The consular employee will issue a K-1 visa stamp in the fiancé’s passport upon approval of the visa.
With the K-1 visa stamp in their passport, the fiancé can travel to the US. When they arrive, they should legally marry their US citizen petitioner within 90 days.
The K-1 visa isn’t meant to be a long-term solution; it will only allow you and your foreign fiancé to marry. After you get married, your foreign spouse should file Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status). This form lets them apply for an adjustment of status, meaning they can become a lawful permanent resident as a green card holder.
Here are some of the key elements to include in a letter of intent to marry (within 90 days):
You’ll use a different version of a letter of intent to marry (within 90 days) depending on whether you’re the beneficiary or petitioner:
Use this letter if you're the beneficiary stating your intent to marry the petitioner.
Use this letter if you're the petitioner stating your intent to marry the beneficiary.
Currently, the paper filing fee for Form I-129F is $675. However, you can refer to the G-1055 Fee Schedule for the most up-to-date information.
Here are some potential consequences if a couple doesn’t marry within 90 days of the fiancé’s arrival:
If the couple still plans to get married, the foreign fiancé may be able to reapply for a new K-1 visa. The US citizen petitioner will have to fill out a new Form I-129F.
The evidence you should submit with Form I-129F includes the following:
Please review the USCIS’s instructions for the most updated evidence requirements.
Create Your Letter of Intent to Marry (Within 90 Days) Here!