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IMBRA Disclosure: International Marriage Broker Regulation Act

Last Updated: January 20, 2026

This disclosure provides essential information about the International Marriage Broker Regulation Act (IMBRA), a United States federal law designed to protect foreign nationals seeking marriage to U.S. citizens. Understanding IMBRA is crucial for anyone considering international dating or marriage with a foreign partner.

What Is IMBRA and Why It Matters

The International Marriage Broker Regulation Act (IMBRA) is a federal law signed by President George W. Bush on January 6, 2006, as part of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization. Congress enacted IMBRA in response to documented cases where foreign brides faced domestic violence due to limited knowledge of U.S. laws, language barriers, and unfamiliarity with American customs.

IMBRA serves a dual purpose: protecting the safety of foreign brides and preventing marriage fraud. The law recognizes that international relationships, while legal and often successful, require additional safeguards to ensure informed consent and personal safety for all parties involved.

Key Fact

More than 2,000 marriages involving foreign brides occur annually in the United States. IMBRA ensures these relationships begin with transparency and informed consent.

IMBRA Legal Requirements for Marriage Brokers

Under IMBRA, international marriage brokers must comply with specific legal requirements designed to protect foreign nationals. These regulations apply to any entity that facilitates communication between U.S. citizens and foreign nationals for romantic purposes.

Mandatory Background Information Collection

Marriage brokers must collect and disclose specific information from U.S. clients, including:

  • Criminal History: Complete disclosure of any criminal convictions, including domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or crimes involving controlled substances
  • Marital History: Information about previous marriages, including how many times the petitioner has been married and how previous marriages ended
  • Previous K-1 Visa Applications: Disclosure of any prior fiancé visa petitions filed
  • Sex Offender Registry Check: Verification against the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) registry maintained by the U.S. Department of Justice

Information Disclosure to Foreign Nationals

All background information collected must be:

  • Translated into the foreign national's native language
  • Provided to the foreign national before any contact information is shared
  • Accompanied by information about U.S. immigration law and resources for domestic violence victims

Consent Requirements

The foreign national must provide written consent before the marriage broker can share her contact information with the U.S. client. This consent must be given after reviewing all disclosed background information.

Rights of Foreign Brides Under IMBRA

IMBRA establishes important rights for foreign nationals considering marriage to U.S. citizens. These protections are designed to ensure informed decision-making and personal safety.

Foreign Bride Rights

Foreign brides have the legal right to receive complete background information about potential U.S. partners before sharing their contact details, ensuring informed consent in all communications.

Right to Information

  • Background Disclosure: Right to receive complete criminal and marital history of potential partners
  • Language Access: Right to receive all information in their native language
  • Immigration Information: Right to receive pamphlets about U.S. immigration law, including information about obtaining legal status and resources for victims of domestic violence
  • Resource Access: Right to information about domestic violence hotlines and victim services in the United States

Right to Consent

  • Informed Consent: No contact information can be shared without the foreign national's explicit, written consent
  • Withdrawal of Consent: Right to withdraw consent at any time
  • Privacy Protection: Personal information cannot be shared with multiple potential partners simultaneously without consent

Right to Legal Protections

  • VAWA Self-Petition: Immigrant victims of domestic violence may be eligible to self-petition for legal status under the Violence Against Women Act
  • U-Visa Protection: Victims of qualifying crimes who cooperate with law enforcement may be eligible for U nonimmigrant status
  • Access to Services: Right to access domestic violence shelters, legal aid, and other victim services regardless of immigration status

Obligations of International Marriage Brokers

International marriage brokers operating in the United States have specific legal obligations under IMBRA. Failure to comply can result in civil penalties and criminal prosecution.

Client Screening Requirements

  1. Background Questionnaire: Require all U.S. clients to complete a detailed questionnaire disclosing criminal history, marital history, and any history of violence or abuse
  2. Identity Verification: Verify the identity of U.S. clients through government-issued identification
  3. Sex Offender Registry Search: Conduct searches of the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) for all U.S. clients
  4. State Criminal Records: Obtain background check reports from relevant state criminal databases

Disclosure Obligations

  1. Provide Translated Materials: Translate all background information and IMBRA pamphlets into the foreign national's native language
  2. Deliver Information Directly: Provide information directly to the foreign national, not through the U.S. client
  3. Document Consent: Maintain written records of the foreign national's consent to share contact information
  4. Limit Petitions: Enforce the lifetime limit of two K-1 visa petitions per U.S. citizen

Recordkeeping Requirements

Marriage brokers must maintain records for a minimum of five years, including:

  • Completed background questionnaires from U.S. clients
  • Sex offender registry search results
  • Consent forms signed by foreign nationals
  • Proof of translation and delivery of required information

Background Check and Verification Procedures

IMBRA establishes a comprehensive verification process to ensure foreign nationals have access to accurate information about potential U.S. partners.

National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW)

The NSOPW is a federal database maintained by the U.S. Department of Justice that compiles sex offender registration information from all 50 states, U.S. territories, and participating tribal jurisdictions. Marriage brokers must search this database for all U.S. clients and disclose any results to prospective foreign partners.

Criminal Background Checks

Marriage brokers are required to collect information about:

  • Convictions for violent crimes, including assault, battery, and homicide
  • Convictions for sexual offenses
  • Convictions for stalking or harassment
  • Convictions for crimes involving controlled substances
  • Any pending criminal charges
  • Restraining orders or protective orders issued against the client

K-1 Visa Process Requirements

When a U.S. citizen petitions for a K-1 fiancé visa, USCIS conducts additional verification:

  • FBI background check on the U.S. petitioner
  • Verification of claimed criminal and marital history
  • Review of any previous immigration petitions
  • Disclosure of background information to the foreign fiancé during the visa interview

Important Notice

U.S. law limits citizens to a lifetime maximum of two K-1 fiancé visa petitions. A waiver may be granted in exceptional circumstances, but additional scrutiny applies to repeated petitioners.

Our Compliance with IMBRA Regulations

Asian Mail Order Brides operates as an informational website only. We provide educational content, dating platform reviews, and cultural guides-we do not function as an international marriage broker.

Our Position

Because we do not:

  • Facilitate introductions between U.S. citizens and foreign nationals
  • Collect or share contact information of potential romantic partners
  • Charge fees for matchmaking or introduction services
  • Operate as a dating platform or marriage agency

We are not subject to IMBRA's marriage broker regulations. However, we strongly believe in the principles behind IMBRA and encourage all users to engage only with IMBRA-compliant dating platforms that prioritize safety and transparency.

Our Commitment to User Safety

While not legally required, we are committed to:

  • Educational Content: Providing accurate information about IMBRA, K-1 visa requirements, and the rights of foreign nationals
  • Platform Reviews: Reviewing only legitimate dating platforms that demonstrate compliance with applicable laws
  • Resource Links: Connecting users with government resources, legal information, and support services
  • Transparency: Clearly disclosing our affiliate relationships and the informational nature of our website

Recommended Resources

For official information about IMBRA and international marriage regulations, we recommend:

  • USCIS: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for K-1 visa information
  • NSOPW: National Sex Offender Public Website for registry searches
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support
  • Tahirih Justice Center: Legal advocacy for immigrant women fleeing violence

Contact Information

If you have questions about IMBRA or our compliance practices, please contact us:

For legal advice about IMBRA, K-1 visas, or immigration matters, please consult with a qualified immigration attorney. The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.

By using our website, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this IMBRA Disclosure. We encourage responsible engagement with international dating and full compliance with all applicable U.S. laws.