Proof of Relationship Evidence for the K-1 Packet

💡 Why USCIS Cares About Your Relationship Proof

The I-129F instructions require at least one piece of proof that you met in person within two years.

But here's the thing: officers expect way more than a single selfie.

What They're Looking For

Your packet should tell a complete story about your relationship.

How often do you visit each other? Do you spend time with each other's families? Are you actually planning a wedding?

USCIS officers process hundreds of petitions every week. They've seen it all—both legitimate couples and fraudulent relationships.

The Standard That Works

Here's what successful petitions have in common:

• Photos that span multiple visits and locations
• Evidence of integration with friends and family
• Clear documentation of travel and communication
• Wedding planning receipts or deposits (even if it's just venue inquiries)

One couple we studied had zero RFEs (Request for Evidence) because their packet was organized, clearly labeled, and scanner-friendly.

We're going to help you build the same thing.

🔒 Important: Everything you submit gets scanned by high-speed machines. Avoid bulky binders, staples, or loose items that can jam the intake process.

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📸 Evidence Types That Hold Weight

Let's break down exactly what to include and how to format each type of evidence.

1. Captioned Photos

The Format

Print 2-3 photos per page using Word or Google Docs.

Under each image, add a caption with three things:

1. Date — When was this taken?
2. Location — What city or venue?
3. Context — What's happening? ("Engagement party with friends")

Example Caption

October 14, 2024 — Engagement party with friends in New York, NY

What to Include

Show variety across your relationship:

• Solo couple photos from different trips
• Time with each other's families
• Group outings with friends
• Engagement or wedding planning moments
• Different seasons and locations

Pro Tip: Don't dump your entire camera roll. Pick 8-12 photos that tell the best story.

2. Travel Documentation

What Counts as Proof

• Boarding passes with both names
• Airline receipts or confirmation emails
• Hotel reservations showing both guests
• Passport entry/exit stamps
• Rental car agreements
• Event tickets purchased together

How to Organize It

Group each trip together with a cover page.

Annotate why you traveled: "Visited fiancé's family in Jacksonville, FL — July 2024"

If You Traveled Separately

Show passport stamps that prove you were in the same city at the same time.

Include your itineraries side-by-side to show the overlap.

3. Communication Logs

What to Screenshot

WhatsApp or FaceTime call logs that show ongoing contact while living apart.

Focus on logs that align with major milestones:

• Period around your engagement
• Planning for visits or trips
• Meeting each other's families
• Wedding planning discussions

Privacy Note

You don't need to include message content—just call logs and timestamps.

Blur any sensitive details (addresses, phone numbers) but keep dates visible.

4. Engagement & Intent Evidence

Documents to Include

• Engagement ring receipt or invoice
• Letters of intent to marry (more on this below)
• Wedding venue inquiries or contracts
• Guest list drafts
• Deposit receipts for wedding vendors

Letters of Intent

These are required and should be signed by both partners.

Include three versions:

1. Petitioner's individual letter
2. Beneficiary's individual letter
3. Joint letter signed by both

Each letter should state your intent to marry within 90 days of the beneficiary's arrival in the U.S.

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🎯 Assembly Tips

Now that you have your evidence, let's talk about how to put it all together.

Start with a Title Page

Create a clean cover page for this section labeled:

Proof of Relationship
[Petitioner Full Name] & [Beneficiary Full Name]

Include A-numbers if either of you have them.

Add a Mini Table of Contents

Right after the title page, list what's inside:

• Photo Evidence (Pages 1-4)
• Travel Documentation (Pages 5-7)
• Communication Logs (Pages 8-9)
• Engagement Proof (Page 10)
• Letters of Intent (Pages 11-13)

This helps officers navigate your section quickly.

Use Consistent Headers

Put both names + A-numbers (if applicable) in the header or footer of every page.

Why? Because USCIS scans thousands of pages daily. Headers ensure nothing gets separated or misfiled.

What's an A-Number?

An Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is assigned if you or your fiancé(e) have had previous immigration filings.

If either of you has one, include it on:

• All cover pages
• Section headers/footers
• Your Form I-129F

This helps USCIS link your new filing to existing records, which can speed up processing.

Paper and Printing Rules

• Standard 8.5" × 11" white paper only
• Single-sided printing (never double-sided)
• Black ink for maximum scanner contrast
• No photo paper or glossy stock

Translation Requirements

This is non-negotiable: All documents must be in English or include certified translations.

If you're submitting documents in another language (boarding passes, receipts, text messages, letters), you must include:

1. The original document (or a clear copy)
2. A complete English translation
3. A certification statement from the translator that includes:
   • Their competency in both languages
   • Confirmation the translation is complete and accurate
   • Their signature and date

Important: The translator can be anyone fluent in both languages—it doesn't need to be a professional service.

However, you and your fiancé(e) cannot translate your own documents. Use a friend, family member, or professional translator.

Don't skip this—untranslated documents get flagged for RFEs (Request for Evidence), which delays your case by 2-3 months.

Quality Over Quantity

Ten meaningful, well-captioned exhibits beat fifty blurry screenshots every time.

USCIS officers have limited time per case. Make their job easier by being selective and clear.

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📋 Sample Outline

1. Proof of Relationship Cover Page
2. Mini Contents List
3. Photo Pages (NYC trip, engagement party, Paris vacation)
4. Travel Receipts (boarding passes, seat assignments)
5. Chat & Call Logs (WhatsApp, FaceTime summary)
6. Engagement Receipt + Ring Photos
7. Letters of Intent (Petitioner, Beneficiary, Joint)

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✅ Checklist

Want an interactive version? Try our free K-1 Packet Checklist →

Here's what you need:

• Cover/title page labeled "Proof of Relationship" with both names
• Photo pages with captions (date, location, context)
• Travel documents proving in-person meetings
• Communication logs demonstrating ongoing relationship
• Engagement or wedding prep evidence (if available)
• Signed letters of intent (petitioner, beneficiary, joint)
• Section headers/footers with names + A-numbers

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🧙‍♂️ Link It Back to the Wizard

When you upload evidence inside the K-1 Wizard, mirror this structure:

• Photos → Proof of Relationship > Photos
• Travel → Proof of Relationship > Travel / Boarding Passes
• Chats/Calls → Proof of Relationship > Communication Logs
• Intent Letters → Intent to Marry step

That way, when you generate the PDF packet, every page lines up with the paper blueprint above.