17 year old petitioner with parental permission

[AliciaPage 0]

Hi everyone,

Recently I have been talking with my girlfriend and her mother, and we have mutually decided that we are going to go through with the process of trying to obtain a K1 visa for myself, and have been given permission to marry. However, I wanted to find out if it is possible for my girlfriend (US citizen/Petitioner) to submit these forms with parental permission as she is 17, or would we be required to wait until she is 18?

Thank you, and fingers crossed we are able to submit them!

[lost_at_sea 995]

Are you also under 18?

[AliciaPage 0]

Are you also under 18?

No, I am currently 18.

[Cheezees 1,514]

1. Would the 2 of you be getting married in Missouri?

2. How old are you?

[AliciaPage 0]

1. Would the 2 of you be getting married in Missouri?

2. How old are you?

Yes, We would be getting married in Missouri. I am 18 years of age.

[lost_at_sea 995]

Whew.

OK, well, Missouri allows you to marry with parental consent, so it seems like that should be OK. For the petition, you should have her parents write a letter stating that they have provided permission and will continue to do so.

I can't say I've personally ever seen someone on this forum do this - but to me that sounds like it should be a reasonable way to show that you are both eligible and free to marry. Worst case, they'll bounce it back and say you have to wait until she's 18 and you've wasted the filing fee.

Or, you could just wait, too.

[lost_at_sea 995]

Oh, and just in case you haven't already seen it, here are the instructions for the petition - make sure you meet all the criteria (such as meeting face to face) https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/i-129finstr.pdf

You should also look at the I-134 and later the I-864, which will show that you have appropriate financial sponsorship.

[AliciaPage 0]

Whew.

OK, well, Missouri allows you to marry with parental consent, so it seems like that should be OK. For the petition, you should have her parents write a letter stating that they have provided permission and will continue to do so.

I can't say I've personally ever seen someone on this forum do this - but to me that sounds like it should be a reasonable way to show that you are both eligible and free to marry. Worst case, they'll bounce it back and say you have to wait until she's 18 and you've wasted the filing fee.

Or, you could just wait, too.

Thank you, that's a relief to hear. We've been in a relationship for 2 years now, and the distance is something that we understandably would like to eliminate. As this case is probably rather unusual we have been looking into gaining the help of an immigration lawyer to hopefully make this process as smooth as possible. I'm hoping the age wont be too much of an issue, however it does worry me as she is the petitioner. As for proof, I have my visa stamps in my passport, and boarding passes both from arrival and departure of the country, as well as a digital and hardcopy of the receipt issued after purchasing her engagement ring.

[Cheezees 1,514]

She can submit the application with her mother's consent in your state if she is 15 or older but less than 18. So you don't have to wait. The application also requires an affidavit of support. I cannot imagine at 17 that she has enough proof of income. Do you all have a sponsor for this?

[AliciaPage 0]

She can submit the application with her mother's consent in your state if she is 15 or older but less than 18. So you don't have to wait. The application also requires an affidavit of support. I cannot imagine at 17 that she has enough proof of income. Do you all have a sponsor for this?

Her mother has agreed to be a financial support, would this be acceptable?

[lost_at_sea 995]

A lot of young folks get married - age shouldn't be a factor.

You don't have to get a lawyer for this - other than both being rather young, your case is not particularly unusual. 99% of the people on this forum did the paperwork themselves, without legal help.

Edited August 25, 2016 by lost_at_sea

[Cheezees 1,514]

Thank you, that's a relief to hear. We've been in a relationship for 2 years now, and the distance is something that we understandably would like to eliminate. As this case is probably rather unusual we have been looking into gaining the help of an immigration lawyer to hopefully make this process as smooth as possible. I'm hoping the age wont be too much of an issue, however it does worry me as she is the petitioner. As for proof, I have my visa stamps in my passport, and boarding passes both from arrival and departure of the country, as well as a digital and hardcopy of the receipt issued after purchasing her engagement ring.

If you don't have a complicated case (your ages is not a complication), you do not need a lawyer. Read through the Guides found at the top of each VJ page. Good luck!

Edited August 25, 2016 by Cheezees

[AliciaPage 0]

Thank you so much guys, I really appreciate it! I'm feeling much more relieved now, I'm glad to hear that the age shouldn't be a problem. As for the parental consent, her mother is her primary caregiver, when submitting the i-129f, would it be best for her to complete the form and then attach a letter with her consent to the marriage? and are there any guidelines that should be followed when writing the letter?

[Cheezees 1,514]

Thank you so much guys, I really appreciate it! I'm feeling much more relieved now, I'm glad to hear that the age shouldn't be a problem. As for the parental consent, her mother is her primary caregiver, when submitting the i-129f, would it be best for her to complete the form and then attach a letter with her consent to the marriage? and are there any guidelines that should be followed when writing the letter?

Wait, for the mother to complete the I-129f form? Not unless you plan on marrying the mom!

[AliciaPage 0]

Wait, for the mother to complete the I-129f form? Not unless you plan on marrying the mom!

Sorry haha, wrong wording! But I'm assuming that a letter would need to be attached, dated and signed. I'm just unsure of how this needs to be worded.