IMBRA Disclosure

What Is IMBRA and Its Purpose?

The International Marriage Broker Regulation Act of 2005 (IMBRA) is a federal law enacted by the United States Congress to regulate the international marriage broker industry. This legislation was specifically designed to protect foreign women who seek relationships with U.S. citizens through international matchmaking services.

IMBRA serves multiple legislative purposes established under Congressional authority:

• Preventing domestic violence against immigrant women entering the United States through marriage-based visas
• Combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation
• Targeting involuntary servitude that may be hidden within marriage relationships
• Ensuring informed consent by requiring disclosure of relevant background information

The law represents Congressional authority under the Thirteenth Amendment to prevent involuntary servitude, addressing forced and coerced situations that can occur in international marriage arrangements. As of 2024, IMBRA remains the primary federal regulation governing international matchmaking organizations operating in or targeting U.S. citizens.

This Site Is Not an International Marriage Broker

To be absolutely clear about our role and services:

• We do not host profiles of foreign women or U.S. men seeking relationships
• We do not facilitate introductions between individuals for the purpose of marriage
• We do not collect or transmit personal contact information between potential partners
• We do not charge fees for matchmaking or introduction services
• We do not operate as an intermediary between U.S. citizens and foreign nationals

Our website provides educational content, dating platform reviews, and general information about international dating. We may include affiliate links to third-party dating websites, but we have no control over or responsibility for the services those platforms provide. Each third-party service operates independently and is solely responsible for their own IMBRA compliance.

Guidance for U.S. Men Using International Dating Services

If you are a U.S. citizen considering using international dating services to meet a partner from Europe or elsewhere, you should be aware of the following IMBRA requirements that legitimate International Marriage Brokers must follow:

Background Check Requirements

IMBRA mandates that international matchmaking agencies conduct criminal background checks on their U.S.-based male clients. These background checks must include searches for:

• Any temporary or permanent civil protection orders or restraining orders
• Any arrests or convictions for domestic violence, sexual assault, or other violent crimes
• Any previous marriages involving K-1 fiancé visas or marriage-based immigration
• Any arrests or convictions relating to child abuse or neglect

Disclosure Requirements

Results of background checks must be disclosed to foreign women before any personal contact information is shared. Women must provide signed consent before receiving a U.S. client's contact details. This ensures that foreign nationals can make informed decisions about potential relationships.

Safety, Consent, and Background Check Awareness

The safety provisions in IMBRA exist because Congress recognized patterns of domestic violence and exploitation in some international marriage arrangements. Understanding these protections benefits everyone involved in international dating:

For U.S. Citizens Seeking Foreign Partners

• Choose regulated services: Use dating platforms that comply with IMBRA requirements and maintain transparent policies
• Respect the consent process: Understand that women have the right to receive your background information before contact
• Be truthful: Provide accurate information about your history, as falsification is a federal offense
• Understand visa limitations: K-1 fiancé visa applicants can only file for two such visas, with a waiver required for additional applications

For Foreign Nationals Considering U.S. Partners

• Request background information: You have the legal right to receive background check results before sharing contact details
• Take time to decide: Never feel pressured to provide consent or proceed faster than you're comfortable
• Verify platform legitimacy: Ensure any service you use operates legally and follows protective regulations
• Know your rights: Immigrant victims of domestic violence have legal protections under U.S. law

Official Resources and Government Information

For authoritative information about IMBRA, K-1 fiancé visas, and international marriage regulations, we recommend consulting the following official government resources:

U.S. Government Resources

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): Official information about K-1 fiancé visas and immigration procedures at uscis.gov
• U.S. Department of State: Visa application procedures and consular information at travel.state.gov
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Consumer protection guidance and reporting fraud at ftc.gov
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: Support resources available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233

Legal Text and Regulations

• IMBRA Full Text: The International Marriage Broker Regulation Act can be found in Title 8, United States Code, Section 1375a
• Immigration and Nationality Act: Contains provisions relating to fiancé visas and marriage-based immigration
• Violence Against Women Act (VAWA): Provides protections for immigrant victims of domestic violence

User Responsibility Disclaimer

By using this website, you acknowledge that:

1. This is an informational resource: We provide general information about international dating, not matchmaking services or legal advice.
2. Third-party services operate independently: Any dating platforms we review or link to are separate entities with their own legal obligations and compliance responsibilities.
3. Laws vary and change: Immigration and marriage broker regulations can vary by jurisdiction and may be updated. Always verify current requirements with official sources.
4. Professional guidance is recommended: For immigration matters, relationship concerns, or legal questions, consult with qualified professionals in those fields.
5. You assume responsibility: Your use of any information or third-party services is at your own risk and discretion.

Last Updated: January 2026

If you have questions about this IMBRA disclosure or our website's policies, please contact us through our website contact form or review our other legal documents including our Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, and Affiliate Disclosure.