Required Documents for a U.S. Fiancé Visa (K-1)

January 18, 2026

Finding the person you want to spend the rest of your life with is an amazing feeling. But, when that person lives in another country, excitement often mixes with anxiety. You aren’t just planning a wedding; you are coordinating a massive international move. And, let’s be real, the United States government runs on paperwork, not romance.

For many couples, the K-1 Fiancé Visa is the bridge that brings them together. Yet, the requirements can feel overwhelming, and the fear that a single missed checkbox could keep you apart is real.

That is where my firm steps in. I treat every petition with rigorous attention to detail, double-checking every document before the government ever sees it. This article breaks down the document-gathering process, so you can stop stressing about forms and start focusing on your reunion.

Phase 1: Proving The Petitioner’s Status (The U.S. Citizen)

The very first hurdle is proving that you, the U.S. citizen petitioner, actually has the legal right to bring someone here. The government needs to verify your identity and your status before they even look at who your fiancé is.

Proof Of Citizenship

You cannot file a K-1 petition if you are a green card holder; you must be a U.S. citizen. To prove this, you need to provide one of the following:

Marital History (The “Freedom To Marry”)

This is an area where I see a lot of people making simple mistakes that cause long delays. To get a fiancé visa, you both must be legally free to marry. If you have never been married, that is simple. But, if you have a history, the paper trail is vital.

If either you or your fiancé were married before, you must provide proof that the previous marriage has ended. This means submitting copies of:

  • Divorce decrees.
  • Annulment documents.
  • Death certificates (if a former spouse passed away).

Attorney Insight: Drawing on my years of experience in civil litigation, I emphasize that “close enough” doesn’t count here. A missing date, a cut-off signature, or a missing court seal on a divorce decree is a common trigger for a Request for Evidence (RFE). I make sure every document is complete and official so you don’t get stuck in limbo.

Phase 2: Proving The Relationship Is “Bona Fide”

This is the heart of the case and often the most nerve-wracking part for our clients. The term “Bona Fide” is just a fancy legal way of saying “real.” The U.S. government wants to make sure this is a genuine relationship, not a sham arrangement just to get a visa.

The “Two-Year Meeting” Rule

Under immigration law, you generally must prove that you and your fiancé have met in person at least once within the two years before you file the petition. You can’t just say you met; you have to prove it.

Items I help you gather include:

  • Copies of boarding passes (don’t throw these away!).
  • Passport stamps showing entry into their country, or vice-versa.
  • Hotel receipts or Airbnb bookings with both names.
  • Credit card receipts showing spending in the same location.

Evidence Of An Ongoing Relationship

Proving you met once isn’t enough. You have to show that you are actually a couple. This requires opening up your private life a little bit, which can feel strange, but it is necessary.

I typically recommend gathering:

  • Photos: I need pictures of the two of you together. Selfies are okay, but photos with family or friends are even better because they show your relationship is public. I also look for photos from different times and locations to show the relationship has history.
  • Communication Logs: This includes chat histories (WhatsApp, iMessage), call logs, or emails. I don’t need to show them every single “good morning” text, but I need to show a consistent pattern of communication over time.

The Wogwu Touch: Attorney Wogwu knows that every couple is different. Some talk on the phone for hours; others text all day. She applies a customized approach to help you pick the evidence that tells your specific love story best. She wants the officer to look at your file and see two real people who are in love.

Letters Of Intent

Finally, you need a promise. Both you and your fiancé must write and sign original statements. These letters state that you are both legally able to marry and that you intend to get married within 90 days of your fiancé arriving in the U.S. It sounds simple, but it is a legal requirement you cannot skip.

Phase 3: Financial Stability (The Affidavit Of Support)

Love is great, but the U.S. government is very practical. They want to be sure that when your fiancé arrives, they will not become a “public charge,” meaning they won’t rely on government assistance for survival.

Form I-134 Documents

Even though the main financial scrutiny happens later during the Green Card phase, you still need to show financial ability during the visa stage. You will likely need to provide Form I-134 (Declaration of Financial Support).

To back this form up, you should have:

  • Copies of your most recent Federal tax returns (Form 1040) and W-2s.
  • Bank statements showing you have savings.
  • A letter from your employer confirming your position, salary, and how long you have worked there.

If your income doesn’t meet the poverty guidelines, don’t panic. My firm can look at your situation and discuss options, like using a joint sponsor.

Phase 4: The Beneficiary’s “Consulate-Ready” Packet

Once USCIS approves the initial petition, the file moves to the National Visa Center, and then to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your fiancé’s country. This is where your partner has to do some homework. They will need their own set of critical documents for the interview.

Identity And Background

Your fiancé will need to bring:

  • A Valid Passport: It must be valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay in the U.S.
  • Their Birth Certificate: An original copy (or certified copy) is usually required.

Police Certificates

This part can take time, so it is good to start early. Your fiancé needs a police certificate from:

  • Their country of nationality.
  • Their current country of residence (if different) where they have lived for at least six months.
  • Any other country where they lived for more than a year after turning 16.

This proves they don’t have a criminal record that would prevent them from entering the U.S.

Medical Examination

Before the interview, your fiancé must visit an authorized panel physician. You cannot just go to any doctor. The physician will check for communicable diseases and update vaccinations.

Important: The doctor will give your fiancé a sealed envelope containing the results. Do not open this envelope. It must remain sealed until the consular officer opens it at the interview. If the seal is broken, the results are invalid, and you will have to pay for the exam all over again.

Why “Customized Representation” Matters

You might be thinking, “Can’t I just download these forms and do it myself?” You can. But, downloading forms is easy; strategy is hard.

Beyond The Forms

When you work with Wogwu Law, you aren’t just paying for someone to type fast. You are paying for peace of mind. Attorney Wogwu is admitted to practice in New York, North Carolina, and multiple Federal District Courts, and she knows that every checkmark has a consequence. She spots the inconsistencies that a computer program or a quick glance might miss.

Empathy In Action

I am deeply rooted in the community by being active in social justice and community service right here in San Antonio. I believe that legal representation should be empathetic. At Wogwu Law, you are not a case number. You are a family trying to start a life together, just like me and my husband did. I treat your case with the same care I would want for my own family.

Ready To Start Your Life Together In Texas?

The K-1 Visa process is long, and the separation is hard. Don’t let a missing document or a confusing question delay your wedding bells. Whether you are right here in San Antonio or somewhere else in Texas, you need an advocate who combines big-city legal experience with a personal, human touch.

You focus on the wedding planning. Let me handle the government.

Contact Wogwu Law, PLLC, today at 210-338-2862 to schedule a consultation. Let me handle the paperwork so you can focus on your future.