IMBRA Disclosure Statement
Understanding the International Marriage Broker Regulation Act and your rights under U.S. federal law when seeking international relationships.
Last Updated: January 15, 2026 | Effective Date: January 5, 2006
What is the International Marriage Broker Regulation Act?
The International Marriage Broker Regulation Act (IMBRA) is a United States federal law enacted in 2005 as part of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization. IMBRA was designed to protect foreign nationals-particularly women-from potential abuse, fraud, and exploitation in international matchmaking situations.
Key Definition
IMBRA is a disclosure law, not a prohibition. The vast majority of K-1 fiancé visa petitions remain eligible under IMBRA. The law focuses on transparency and informed consent rather than restricting international relationships.
IMBRA primarily addresses two key areas of concern:
- Criminal History Disclosure: U.S. citizens with certain criminal backgrounds must disclose this information when petitioning for a K-1 fiancé visa
- International Marriage Broker Regulation: Businesses that facilitate introductions between U.S. citizens and foreign nationals for romantic purposes must comply with specific disclosure and consent requirements
Who Does IMBRA Protect?
IMBRA specifically aims to protect foreign nationals who are considering marriage to U.S. citizens by ensuring they have access to critical information before making life-changing decisions. This includes:
- Information about the U.S. citizen's criminal history, if applicable
- Information about previous immigration petitions filed by the U.S. citizen
- Resources about domestic violence and available legal protections in the United States
- The right to receive information in their native language whenever possible
Information Required Under IMBRA
Under IMBRA, U.S. citizens filing Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)) must make mandatory disclosures about their criminal history. The following categories of convictions must be disclosed:
Categories Requiring Disclosure
- Domestic Violence: Any conviction or restraining order related to domestic violence against a spouse, partner, or family member
- Sexual Assault: Convictions for sexual assault, rape, or related offenses
- Child Abuse or Neglect: Any conviction involving abuse, neglect, or endangerment of a minor
- Dating Violence: Convictions related to violence in dating relationships
- Stalking: Convictions for stalking or harassment
- Elder Abuse: Convictions involving abuse or exploitation of elderly individuals
- Human Trafficking: Any involvement in trafficking-related offenses
- Homicide: Convictions for murder, manslaughter, or negligent homicide
- Kidnapping or False Imprisonment: Convictions for unlawful detention or abduction
- Multiple Substance-Related Offenses: Three or more convictions for alcohol or controlled substance offenses
Important: Disclosure Does Not Equal Denial
Having a criminal record that requires disclosure does not automatically disqualify you from filing a K-1 petition. USCIS evaluates each case individually, considering the type of offense, when it occurred, and evidence of rehabilitation. The purpose is transparency, not prohibition.
Consequences of Non-Disclosure
Failure to provide required information under IMBRA can result in serious consequences:
- Denial or revocation of the K-1 visa petition
- Significant delays in visa processing
- Potential criminal penalties for fraud or misrepresentation
- Bars on future immigration benefits
Your Rights Under IMBRA
IMBRA establishes important rights for foreign nationals who are considering relationships with U.S. citizens. These protections ensure you can make informed decisions about your future.
Rights of the Foreign National (Beneficiary)
Right to Information
You have the right to receive a summary of any disclosed criminal history or immigration violations from the U.S. citizen petitioner before your visa interview.
Right to Receive IMBRA Pamphlet
Before your K-1 visa interview, you must receive the USCIS pamphlet explaining your legal rights in the United States, including protections against domestic violence.
Right to Language Access
Information must be provided in a language you understand. If necessary, translation services should be made available during the visa interview process.
Right to Informed Consent
You have the right to review all disclosed information and make an informed decision about whether to proceed with the relationship and visa application.
Right to Legal Protection
As a K-1 visa holder or spouse, you have access to U.S. legal protections, including the ability to self-petition under VAWA if you experience abuse.
Resources for Foreign Nationals
The U.S. government provides resources specifically for K-1 visa holders and immigrant spouses. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) offers confidential support in multiple languages. You also have the right to consult with an immigration attorney at any stage of the process.
Important: Global Adventures Is Not an International Marriage Broker
Critical Distinction
Global Adventures operates as an informational website and affiliate publisher, NOT as an International Marriage Broker (IMB) as defined under IMBRA. We do not match individuals, collect personal information for matchmaking purposes, or facilitate introductions between U.S. citizens and foreign nationals.
What Qualifies as an International Marriage Broker?
Under IMBRA, an International Marriage Broker (IMB) is defined as a business that:
- Charges fees to facilitate personal contact between U.S. citizens and foreign nationals
- Provides personal contact information or facilitates in-person meetings
- Primarily facilitates romantic relationships that may lead to marriage
- Operates for profit with the intent to help clients find foreign spouses
Services That Are NOT Considered IMBs
The following types of services are explicitly excluded from the IMBRA definition of marriage brokers:
- Dating Applications and Websites: General-purpose dating platforms open to all users
- Social Media Platforms: Sites designed for general social networking
- Informational Websites: Sites that provide reviews, guides, and information about dating services
- Nonprofit Cultural Exchanges: Organizations facilitating cultural understanding without romantic intent
Our Role as an Affiliate Publisher
Global Adventures provides:
- Independent reviews and comparisons of international dating platforms
- Educational content about international relationships and cultural differences
- Information about the K-1 visa process and legal requirements
- Links to third-party dating services (as an affiliate partner)
When you click on links to dating platforms on our site, you are directed to independent third-party services that may or may not be classified as IMBs. Each platform is responsible for its own IMBRA compliance. We encourage you to verify the compliance status of any service before providing personal information.
The K-1 Visa Process and IMBRA Requirements
The K-1 fiancé visa allows a foreign national to enter the United States to marry their U.S. citizen fiancé. IMBRA requirements are integrated into the K-1 petition process through Form I-129F.
How IMBRA Affects the K-1 Process
Filing Form I-129F
The U.S. citizen petitioner must answer IMBRA-related questions on Form I-129F, including disclosure of any relevant criminal history and previous immigration petitions.
USCIS Review
USCIS reviews the petition and any disclosed information. Disclosure of criminal history does not automatically result in denial-each case is evaluated individually.
Petition Approval
Upon approval, the petition is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC) and then to the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate.
Information to Beneficiary
Before the visa interview, the foreign national beneficiary receives a summary of any IMBRA-related disclosures made by the petitioner.
Consular Interview
During the interview, the consular officer may discuss IMBRA-related information and ensure the beneficiary understands their rights.
Multiple Petition Limitations
IMBRA also addresses situations where U.S. citizens have filed multiple K-1 petitions:
- Two or More Approved Petitions: If a petitioner has had two or more K-1 petitions approved in the past, they must request a waiver from USCIS before filing another petition
- Recent Petition: If a K-1 petition was approved within the past two years, a waiver is typically required
- Waiver Process: The waiver request must demonstrate that the new petition is filed in good faith and that the beneficiary is not at risk
Official Resources
For the most current information about K-1 visa requirements and IMBRA compliance, we recommend consulting official U.S. government sources:
- USCIS: www.uscis.gov - Form I-129F instructions and filing information
- State Department: travel.state.gov - K-1 visa interview procedures
- Legal Assistance: Consider consulting an immigration attorney for personalized guidance
Frequently Asked Questions About IMBRA
Common questions about the International Marriage Broker Regulation Act and how it affects international relationships:
Legal Disclaimer
This Is Not Legal Advice
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. For specific guidance regarding your situation, please consult a qualified immigration attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
Global Adventures makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the information provided herein. Laws and regulations may have changed since this page was last updated, and individual circumstances vary.
By using third-party dating platforms linked from our site, you acknowledge that:
- Each platform is responsible for its own IMBRA compliance
- We do not guarantee the compliance status of any third-party service
- You should independently verify a platform's regulatory compliance before using their services
- We are not liable for the actions or policies of third-party platforms
Contact Us
If you have questions about this IMBRA Disclosure Statement or need clarification about our role as an informational website, please contact us:
- Email: [email protected]
- Contact Page: Contact Us
Related Legal Information
For complete transparency about our practices and your rights, please review our other legal documents: