🇺🇸 US Legal Compliance
IMBRA Disclosure Statement
Understanding your rights and obligations under the International Marriage Broker Regulation Act of 2005
Last Updated: January 2026
What is IMBRA?
The International Marriage Broker Regulation Act (IMBRA) is a United States federal law enacted in 2005 as part of the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization. IMBRA was designed to protect foreign individuals seeking American spouses from potential abuse and exploitation.
IMBRA requires all International Marriage Brokers (IMBs) operating in the United States to:
- Collect background information from US clients before providing personal contact information of foreign nationals
- Provide foreign nationals with information about their legal rights
- Disclose any criminal history of US clients to foreign nationals
- Limit the number of K-1 visa petitions a US citizen can file
- Ensure informed consent before sharing personal information
Rights of Foreign Brides Under IMBRA
As a foreign national considering marriage to a US citizen, you have important legal protections under US law. Understanding these rights is essential before entering any international relationship.
Your Legal Rights Include:
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Right to Background Information
You are entitled to receive information about any criminal history, including domestic violence, sexual assault, or other violent crimes committed by your US partner.
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Right to Legal Resources
You must receive information about domestic violence resources, legal aid services, and immigration rights in your native language.
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Right to Independent Immigration Status
Under VAWA (Violence Against Women Act), you may self-petition for immigration status if you experience domestic abuse.
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Right to Privacy Protection
Your personal contact information cannot be shared without your explicit consent.
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Right to Work Authorization
Once in the US on a K-1 visa, you have the right to apply for work authorization.
Important: If you feel unsafe or pressured at any point in your relationship, you have the right to seek help. US law protects you regardless of your immigration status.
Obligations of US Citizens
US citizens seeking to marry foreign nationals have specific legal obligations under IMBRA. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in denial of visa petitions and potential legal consequences.
Required Disclosures
US citizens must provide the following information, which will be shared with potential foreign partners:
- Any criminal convictions, especially those involving violence, sexual offenses, or domestic abuse
- Any restraining orders or protection orders issued against them
- Previous marriages and any history of K-1 visa petitions filed
- Marital history including divorces and annulments
- Number of children and custody arrangements
Petition Limitations
IMBRA places restrictions on K-1 visa petitions to prevent serial sponsorship:
- US citizens may only file two K-1 visa petitions in their lifetime
- Only one petition may be approved within any two-year period
- Waivers may be available in certain circumstances through USCIS
K-1 Fiancée Visa Process
The K-1 visa allows a foreign citizen fiancé(e) of a US citizen to enter the United States for the purpose of marriage. Understanding this process is essential for couples planning an international marriage.
File Form I-129F
US citizen petitioner files the Petition for Alien Fiancé(e) with USCIS, including required documentation and fees.
USCIS Processing
USCIS reviews the petition. Processing time is typically 6-9 months. Approval sends the case to the National Visa Center.
Embassy Interview
The foreign fiancé(e) attends an interview at the US Embassy or Consulate, providing biometrics and documentation.
Visa Issuance
Upon approval, the K-1 visa is issued, valid for single entry within 6 months. Marriage must occur within 90 days of US entry.
Key Requirements
-
In-Person Meeting Requirement
Both parties must have met in person within the two years preceding the petition filing. This is a legal requirement with limited exceptions for religious or cultural reasons.
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Financial Requirements
Visa fees are approximately $2,025 USD (as of 2026), not including mandatory medical examination costs which vary by provider and location.
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90-Day Marriage Window
The couple must marry within 90 days of the fiancé(e)'s entry into the United States. After marriage, the spouse can apply for adjustment of status.
Background Check Requirements
IMBRA mandates comprehensive background checks to protect foreign nationals entering relationships with US citizens. These checks are a critical component of the K-1 visa process.
Types of Background Checks
Background Check Components
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| FBI Criminal History Check | Required |
| State Criminal Records Search | Required |
| Sex Offender Registry Check | Required |
| Domestic Violence History | Required |
| Immigration Violation Check | Required |
| Protection Order History | Required |
Disclosure Obligations
US citizens must disclose the following to their foreign partners before any personal contact information is exchanged:
- Any conviction for violent crimes including assault, battery, or murder
- Any conviction for sexual crimes including rape, sexual assault, or exploitation
- Any conviction for crimes related to controlled substances
- Any conviction for crimes involving firearms or weapons
- Any history of restraining orders or protection orders
- Multiple prior marriages or K-1 visa petitions
Resources and Support
If you need assistance understanding your rights, reporting concerns, or seeking help, the following resources are available:
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 confidential support: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE). Multilingual services available.
USCIS Information
Official immigration information and K-1 visa guidance at uscis.gov.
Legal Aid Services
Free or low-cost legal assistance for immigration and family law matters.
Government Resources
-
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
www.uscis.gov - Official information on K-1 visas, adjustment of status, and immigration procedures.
-
US Department of State
travel.state.gov - Visa application procedures, embassy locations, and consular services.
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Office on Violence Against Women
www.justice.gov/ovw - Information on VAWA protections and victim resources.
Our IMBRA Compliance
Balkan Brides is committed to full compliance with the International Marriage Broker Regulation Act and all applicable US laws governing international dating services.
Our Compliance Procedures
- We provide all foreign users with comprehensive information about their legal rights in their native language
- We require US clients to complete background disclosure forms before contact information is shared
- We maintain records of all disclosures and consent as required by law
- We provide resources for domestic violence prevention and support services
- We never share personal contact information without explicit consent from both parties
- We cooperate fully with law enforcement and immigration authorities when required
User Protections
We implement the following protections for all users:
- Privacy Protection: Personal information is encrypted and protected according to industry standards
- Consent Verification: All information sharing requires explicit, documented consent
- Report Mechanisms: Users can report concerns or suspicious activity 24/7
- Educational Resources: We provide ongoing education about safe international dating practices
IMBRA Questions
If you have questions about IMBRA compliance, your legal rights, or our procedures, please contact us. We are committed to transparency and will respond to all inquiries promptly.
Contact Our Compliance Team
For IMBRA-related inquiries and legal questions:
Email: [email protected]
We aim to respond to all compliance inquiries within 2-3 business days.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal questions regarding IMBRA, K-1 visas, or immigration law, please consult with a qualified immigration attorney.
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