Understanding the K-1 Letters of Intent to Marry

What is a Letter of Intent to Marry?

A Letter of Intent (LOI) to Marry is one of the documents USCIS requires as part of the K-1 visa application. It is a letter that helps USCIS verify the relationship. In a Letter of Intent to Marry, the petitioner (the U.S. citizen) and the beneficiary (the applicant/intending immigrant) declare their intention and legal ability to marry within 90 days of the applicant’s arrival into the United States.

Attention! USCIS requires that both the petitioner and the beneficiary each write and sign their own LOI to Marry, which means that two letters of intent should be submitted in total.

What should be included in a Letter of Intent to Marry? 

Depending on the specifics of the couple's situation, a Letter of Intent to Marry may include the following:

• A statement of the intent and legal ability to marry
• Both the petitioner and the beneficiary’s names
• A signature and date at the bottom of the letter
• Supporting evidence of wedding plans 

What does a Letter of Intent to Marry look like? 

The formatting of a Letter of Intent to Marry can vary, but a basic template can be used to ensure all necessary information is included.

Below are templates as well as examples of what a basic LOI to Marry can look like. Please remember that the petitioner and the beneficiary should each write their own letter, and that letters should be unique in content and writing style, even though both letters can follow the format shown below.

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Templates & Examples 

Template - Petitioner

Example- Petitioner 

Template- Beneficiary 

Example- Beneficiary 

FAQs

Who needs to write a Letter of Intent to Marry?

The petitioner and beneficiary are each required to write their own Letter of Intent to Marry.

Is evidence required? What can I use as evidence?

Including supporting evidence with the K-1 visa application is required. However, USCIS does not have specific requirements for what must be included.  

Evidence can include: 

• reservation receipts for venue or catering,
• engagement photos, 
• ring receipts, 
• engagement announcements,
• text messages showing proof of wedding plans, 
• communication with friends and family about the wedding,
• social media posts.

What if I don't know when the marriage will take place since it is dependent on the visa approval?

In cases where the marriage is dependent on visa approval, include as much information as possible about plans to marry. Although a specific date may not be set yet, general proof of the wedding taking place can be added. 

This can include information about the couple’s relationship, timeline, and story, as well as proof of conversations about the couple’s upcoming marriage and that friends and family were made aware. Including evidence can be a good way of supporting the validity of the relationship.  

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