K-1 Visa Payment & Assembly Checklist (2025)

💳 Payment Rules (2025 Update)

The I-129F filing fee is $675 as of April 1, 2024.

Here's what you need to know about paying it:

Payment methods: Card-only via Form G-1450 (credit) or G-1650 (debit, U.S. bank).

Checks and money orders are no longer accepted.

💡 Pro tip: Use a dedicated card with sufficient limit and monitor for USCIS charges so you can respond quickly if the bank flags it.

Why the Change?

USCIS modernized their payment system in 2024 to speed up processing times.

The old check system caused delays of 2-3 weeks just waiting for payments to clear. Now your payment processes within 24-48 hours.

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📋 Front-of-Packet Stack

Think of this as your packet's "cover page" section.

USCIS officers see this first, so make it clean and professional.

What Goes on Top

Your packet should open with these items in order:

1. Payment form (G-1450/G-1650) in a transparent sleeve
2. Two 2×2 passport photos in a ziplock bag (write names lightly in pencil on the back)
3. Cover sheet listing petitioner/beneficiary names, Form I-129F, and A-numbers (if applicable)
4. Cover letter + table of contents summarizing the packet contents

Why Order Matters

USCIS processes thousands of packets daily. A well-organized front section means your packet gets scanned faster and with fewer errors.

Officers literally see these pages first—make a good impression.

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✅ Assembly Checklist

Want an interactive version you can check off as you go? Try our free K-1 Packet Checklist →

Here's what should be in your packet:

• Payment authorization form (G-1450/G-1650) signed and dated
• Passport photos (2 total) with names in pencil on back, stored in a ziplock bag
• Cover sheet + cover letter + table of contents
• G-1145 (optional text/email notification)
• Complete I-129F form + continuation pages
• Proof of meeting narrative and evidence section
• Proof of relationship section (photos, travel, chats, engagement)
• Petitioner identity proof (passport/birth certificate copies)
• Beneficiary ID/I-94 arrival departure record (optional but speeds background checks)
• Letters of intent to marry (individual + joint)

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📦 Packaging Standards

USCIS has specific formatting requirements that must be followed.

Paper & Printing

Print everything on plain 8.5" × 11" white paper.

Use black ink only. Single-sided printing—never print double-sided.

Binding (Or Lack Thereof)

Here's what NOT to do:

• ❌ No staples
• ❌ No spiral binding
• ❌ No sheet protectors
• ❌ No tabs or dividers

Instead, use one heavy binder clip at the top left corner. That's it.

Why These Rules Exist

USCIS uses high-speed scanners that can process hundreds of pages per minute.

Staples, tabs, and sheet protectors jam the machines. When that happens, your packet sits in a "problem" pile waiting for manual processing.

That can add weeks to your timeline.

Make a Complete Backup First

Before you seal that envelope—make copies of everything.

Why this matters:

• You'll need these documents for your visa interview
• USCIS may request additional evidence that references your original filing
• Your Adjustment of Status (I-485) after marriage requires much of the same information
• If anything gets lost in the mail, you have proof of what you sent

Keep your backup somewhere safe—physical copies in a folder or digital scans in the cloud.

Mailing Your Packet

Put the entire packet in a flat mailer with cardboard backing.

This keeps everything aligned during shipping. USCIS receives thousands of packets daily—bent or damaged packets get flagged for manual review.

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🚚 Shipping & Tracking

You're almost there! Here's how to safely get your packet to USCIS.

Where to Ship

Check the official USCIS I-129F instructions for the current lockbox address.

This changes occasionally, so always verify before shipping. As of 2025, packets typically go to:

• USCIS Phoenix Lockbox (for most filers)
• USCIS Dallas Lockbox (check USCIS.gov for your specific address)

The address depends on where you live, so don't rely on old information—verify directly on USCIS.gov.

Shipping Method

Use tracked shipping with signature confirmation.

Your packet contains sensitive personal information (Social Security numbers, passport copies, addresses). Signature confirmation ensures it reaches USCIS safely and you have proof of delivery.

Recommended services:

• USPS Priority Mail with tracking and signature confirmation
• FedEx with signature required
• UPS with signature confirmation

Save your tracking number and monitor delivery status daily.

Don't use regular first-class mail. You need proof of delivery.

What to Keep

Before you seal that envelope, make copies:

1. Tracking number and shipping receipt
2. Full digital copy of your entire packet (photos of every page)
3. Payment receipt from your credit/debit card

Keep these until you receive your NOA1 (receipt notice) and NOA2 (approval notice).

After You Ship

Most couples see their tracking update to "Delivered" within 2-3 days.

Then you wait 2-4 weeks for your NOA1 in the mail. This is the hardest part—be patient!

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🧙‍♂️ Wizard Workflow

Inside the K-1 Wizard, map each checklist item to a step:

• Payment form upload → Form Basics > Filing Fee
• Photos → Proof of Identity
• Cover letter + TOC → Packet Overview
• Evidence → Proof of Meeting, Proof of Relationship, and Intent to Marry

When you export the packet PDF, everything will line up with this checklist, making assembly drag-and-drop simple.