The American citizen must file a Petition for Alien Fiancé(e). There is a $455 filing fee (2008). The form must be filed with the local Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office (immigration office). Visit your local immigration field office to file your form. The USCIS will notify the filer if it approves the petition and will forward it to the National Visa Center for processing. The petition is then sent to the embassy or consulate where the non-U.S. citizen applies for his or her K-1 nonimmigrant visa for a fiancé(e).

Non-U.S. citizen applies for visa at the local American embassy or consulate. The consular section at the embassy/consulate will let you know where to obtain the required medical examination. A digital fingerprint scan will be taken. The following information and items are also required:

• A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States.
• A birth certificate.
• A divorce or death certificate of any previous spouse for both the applicant and the petitioner.
• Police certificate from all places lived since age 16.
• Medical examination (vaccinations are optional, see below).
• Evidence of financial support (Form I-134, Affidavit of Support may be requested).
• Two Nonimmigrant Visa Applications, immigration Form DS-156 (A Form DS-156, prepared in duplicate).
• One Nonimmigrant Fiancé(e) Visa Application, DS-156K. [Brandon: Click on Form DS-156K and link to ]
• Two nonimmigrant visa photos (each two inches 50 X 50 mm square, showing full face, against a light background).
• Evidence of a fiancé(e) relationship.
• Payment of fees.

A schedule of U.S. State Department visa fees for U.S. immigration is found here.

Make sure your vaccinations are current. The following vaccinations must be current:

• Mumps
• Measles
• Rubella
• Polio
• Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids
• Pertussis
• Influenza type B
• Hepatitis B
• Varicella
• Pneumococcal

Non-U.S. citizen must enter the United States through a port-of-entry with the visa. The immigration official will give you instructions upon entry.

Get married within 90 days of entry. After you’re married, the American citizen spouse must file an Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status with the local USCIS office. You must fill out the Affidavit of Support and submit it with your spouse’s Application.