IMBRA Disclosure

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 reauthorization. IMBRA regulates international marriage brokers (IMBs) that facilitate contact between U.S. citizens and foreign nationals for the purpose of marriage.

IMBRA was designed to protect foreign nationals-primarily women-from exploitation and abuse in international marriage arrangements. The law ensures that foreign individuals have access to critical information about the U.S. citizens they intend to marry before committing to a relationship or immigration process.

Key Historical Context

IMBRA emerged from congressional findings that some foreign nationals entering the United States through fiancé(e) or marriage visas had been victims of domestic violence. Studies showed that immigrant women faced higher rates of domestic abuse partly due to language barriers, isolation, and lack of knowledge about U.S. laws and resources. IMBRA addresses these concerns by mandating background disclosures and limiting visa petitions.

IMBRA Requirements and Legal Obligations

IMBRA establishes specific requirements for both international marriage brokers and U.S. citizens seeking to petition for foreign fiancé(e)s or spouses. Understanding these obligations is essential for anyone involved in international dating and marriage.

Requirements for International Marriage Brokers

1. 1

   Background Check Collection

   IMBs must collect certain background information from U.S. clients, including criminal history, marital history, and any existing court orders or restraining orders related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or child abuse.

2. 2

   Information Disclosure to Foreign Clients

   Before any contact information is provided, IMBs must give the foreign national a copy of the U.S. client's signed background information along with educational materials about immigration rights, domestic violence resources, and legal protections.

3. 3

   Consent Documentation

   The foreign national must provide written consent before any contact information exchange occurs. This consent must be informed, meaning the foreign national has reviewed all provided background and educational materials.

4. 4

   Record Keeping

   IMBs must maintain records of all background information collected and consents obtained for a period of five years, and make these records available to law enforcement upon request.

Requirements for U.S. Citizens

American citizens using international marriage broker services or petitioning for K-1 (fiancé(e)) or CR-1/IR-1 (spouse) visas must:

• Provide a complete criminal background check including any arrests, convictions, or pending charges
• Disclose all previous marriages and divorces
• Reveal any restraining orders or protective orders, past or present
• Disclose any previous fiancé(e) or spouse visa petitions filed within the last two years
• Sign a declaration under penalty of perjury that all information provided is accurate

Required Disclosures Under IMBRA

IMBRA mandates specific categories of information that must be disclosed before a relationship can progress through marriage broker services or visa petitions.

How IMBRA Protects Foreign Nationals

IMBRA was specifically designed to protect foreign nationals-particularly women from Latin America, Asia, and Eastern Europe-who seek relationships with American citizens. The law provides multiple layers of protection throughout the dating and immigration process.

Educational Materials Requirements

Under IMBRA, foreign nationals must receive comprehensive educational materials in their native language (including Spanish and Portuguese for Latin American women) covering:

• Immigration rights and the visa process, including K-1 and CR-1 visa requirements
• Domestic violence laws in the United States
• Available resources for domestic violence victims
• Self-petition options under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
• Contact information for the National Domestic Violence Hotline
• Rights to work authorization and to leave an abusive relationship

Visa Petition Limitations

IMBRA limits the number of fiancé(e) visa petitions a U.S. citizen can file. If a petitioner has filed two or more K-1 petitions, or has had a K-1 petition approved within the past two years, they must obtain a waiver from USCIS demonstrating that the approval would be in the national interest.

Your Rights and Responsibilities

Whether you are a U.S. citizen seeking a Latin bride or a foreign national interested in marriage to an American, IMBRA establishes clear rights and responsibilities for all parties.

Required Documentation for Visa Petitions

From the U.S. citizen, the following documents are required: proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate), divorce decrees from any previous marriages, Form I-129F or I-130, and Affidavit of Support (Form I-864). From the Latin fiancée or spouse: valid passport, birth certificate, police clearance certificates from all countries of residence for 6+ months, medical examination from an approved clinic, and divorce decrees if previously married. All documents not in English require certified translation.

Our Website's IMBRA Compliance

Latin Mail Order Brides operates as an informational website providing reviews, guides, and educational content about international dating and Latin brides. We want to be completely transparent about our role and compliance status:

The dating platforms we review-including LatiDate, Okamour, Nikadate, Avodate, and Latidreams-have their own IMBRA compliance measures. Before using any international dating service, we recommend:

• Reviewing the platform's IMBRA disclosure and privacy policies
• Understanding what information you must provide
• Knowing your rights and the platform's obligations under U.S. law
• Consulting with an immigration attorney for visa-related questions

Frequently Asked Questions About IMBRA