IMBRA Disclosure for U.S. Users

Understanding the International Marriage Broker Regulation Act

The International Marriage Broker Regulation Act (IMBRA) is a U.S. federal law enacted in 2005 to protect foreign nationals from potential abuse, domestic violence, and exploitation in relationships facilitated by international marriage brokers. IMBRA was created in response to documented cases of violence against foreign women who met U.S. citizens through international matchmaking services.

IMBRA establishes strict requirements for businesses that operate as International Marriage Brokers (IMBs), defined as entities that charge fees to provide dating, matrimonial, or social referral services between U.S. citizens or residents and foreign nationals.

The Act applies specifically to businesses that arrange or facilitate marriages between U.S. citizens and foreign nationals for profit. Understanding whether IMBRA applies to the services you use is crucial for legal compliance and your safety.

How IMBRA Applies to International Dating

If you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident using international dating services to meet potential partners from other countries, you should understand how IMBRA affects your obligations and protections:

Requirements for International Marriage Brokers

Under IMBRA, any business classified as an International Marriage Broker must:

• Collect background information from U.S. clients, including criminal history, restraining orders, marital history, and prior K-1 visa sponsorships
• Provide disclosure forms to foreign nationals in their native language detailing the U.S. client's background information
• Limit contact by not providing contact information to the U.S. client until the foreign national has received and reviewed the background disclosure
• Search public records including the National Sex Offender Public Registry for all U.S. clients
• Refuse service to U.S. clients with certain violent criminal histories unless specific disclosure requirements are met

K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa Requirements

If you meet someone through an international dating service and plan to bring them to the United States on a K-1 fiancé(e) visa, you must provide the following information as part of your visa petition:

• Complete criminal background information, including arrests and convictions related to controlled substances, alcohol, prostitution, or domestic violence
• Civil protection or restraining orders issued against you
• Complete marital history, including how previous marriages ended
• History of previous K-1 visa sponsorships (limited to two within the petitioner's lifetime and one within the past two years)

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will conduct background checks and provide this information to your fiancé(e) before their visa interview.

Our Role: Information Provider, Not Marriage Broker

HowToLaw.co.nz is an informational affiliate website, NOT an International Marriage Broker as defined by IMBRA.

We want to be completely transparent about what we do and do not do:

What We Do

• Provide educational content about international dating, cultural differences, and relationship considerations
• Review and recommend dating platforms that connect individuals across borders
• Earn affiliate commissions when users click links to dating platforms we recommend
• Offer general information about visa processes, legal considerations, and safety tips

What We Do NOT Do

• We do NOT collect background information from users or conduct criminal record searches
• We do NOT arrange or facilitate introductions between specific individuals
• We do NOT charge fees for matchmaking, marriage brokering, or introduction services
• We do NOT maintain databases of foreign nationals seeking U.S. partners
• We do NOT provide contact information for foreign nationals to U.S. users
• We do NOT qualify as an International Marriage Broker under IMBRA regulations

Your Responsibilities Under U.S. Law

As a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident pursuing international relationships, you have important legal and ethical responsibilities:

Disclosure Requirements

If you plan to petition for a K-1 fiancé(e) visa, you must provide complete and truthful information about:

• Any criminal convictions or arrests, particularly those involving violence, sexual offenses, substance abuse, or domestic violence
• Any restraining orders, protection orders, or injunctions issued against you by any civil or criminal court
• Your complete marital history, including dates of marriage and divorce or annulment
• Any previous sponsorships of K-1 visa applicants

Honesty with Potential Partners

Beyond legal requirements, you have an ethical obligation to be honest with potential partners about your background, intentions, and circumstances. Many foreign nationals may be unfamiliar with U.S. laws and vulnerable to misrepresentation.

Consider disclosing important information early in the relationship, including:

• Your relationship goals and timeline expectations
• Your financial situation and employment status
• Your living situation and family obligations
• Any significant health issues or disabilities
• Previous marriages and children from prior relationships

Consequences of IMBRA Violations

While IMBRA primarily regulates International Marriage Brokers rather than individual users, providing false information on visa applications or concealing required disclosures can result in:

• Visa petition denial for your fiancé(e), potentially ending your relationship plans
• Criminal prosecution for visa fraud, which can result in fines and imprisonment
• Permanent bar from sponsoring future K-1 visa applicants
• Civil liability if your failure to disclose results in harm to your partner

Questions to Ask Dating Platforms About IMBRA

When using international dating services, you should understand whether those platforms qualify as International Marriage Brokers under IMBRA. Not all dating sites are subject to IMBRA-the law applies specifically to services that charge fees for international matchmaking between U.S. and foreign nationals.

IMBRA Compliance Checklist

Ask the following questions to evaluate whether a dating platform is IMBRA-compliant:

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious of international dating services that:

• Promise guaranteed marriages or relationships with specific individuals
• Charge extremely high fees for matchmaking or introduction services
• Provide little or no information about their IMBRA compliance status
• Discourage you from asking questions about background checks or safety measures
• Rush you into relationships or visa applications without proper vetting

Choosing Legitimate Platforms

Legitimate international dating platforms typically:

• Clearly state their legal classification and IMBRA status in their terms of service
• Provide transparent information about fees, privacy policies, and user obligations
• Offer safety resources and dating tips for international relationships
• Implement verification measures to reduce fraud and scams
• Encourage users to take time getting to know potential partners before making commitments

Additional Safety and Legal Resources

For more information about IMBRA, K-1 visa requirements, and international marriage safety, we recommend the following authoritative resources:

Official U.S. Government Resources

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): Official information on K-1 fiancé(e) visas and IMBRA requirements at www.uscis.gov
• U.S. Department of State: Visa information and consular processing guidance at travel.state.gov
• Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Information on immigration enforcement and IMBRA compliance

Safety and Support Organizations

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support and resources
• Tahirih Justice Center: Legal services and advocacy for immigrant women and girls fleeing violence
• International Association of Marriage Agencies: Industry association promoting ethical practices in international matchmaking

Legal Assistance

For specific questions about your situation, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified immigration attorney. Immigration law is complex, and professional legal advice can help you navigate visa processes, disclosure requirements, and compliance issues.

Law Offices of Mitchell Suleiman provides K-1 fiancé(e) visa and spousal visa services for clients throughout the United States and foreign countries. Contact: 1-866-542-7994 (toll-free) | Monday-Friday 9am-8pm EST | Weekend appointments available by request.

Contact Us with Questions

If you have questions about how IMBRA applies to international dating, our role as an informational resource, or specific concerns about dating platforms we review, we encourage you to reach out.

Please note: We are NOT attorneys and cannot provide legal advice. The information on this page is educational only and should not be considered legal counsel. For specific legal questions about IMBRA compliance, visa applications, or immigration matters, please consult with a qualified immigration attorney.

What We Can Help With

• General information about international dating platforms and services
• Clarification about our affiliate relationships and business model
• Navigation assistance for our website content and resources
• Feedback on our reviews and informational content

When to Consult an Attorney

You should seek professional legal advice if you:

• Have questions about your specific disclosure requirements under IMBRA
• Are preparing to file a K-1 fiancé(e) visa petition
• Have a criminal record or prior restraining orders and are uncertain about disclosure obligations
• Are concerned about a dating platform's IMBRA compliance or business practices
• Have experienced fraud, scams, or abuse through international dating services
• Need assistance with immigration petitions, interviews, or documentation