32 year age gap - older American woman

[jessiepatt 7]

I read that one way of handling the red flag of a large age gap is to emphasize the strengths and things in common during the interview.

We have the cultural situation of an Afican 25 year old man wanting to marry me and live with my 9 year old daughter and me in New York. We met in person 3 months after online contact began & got engaged the day we had our face to face. It may seem unbelievable to immigration - it is how we developed and the way we felt our love.

Any suggestions on preparing for scrutiny?

[Marco&Bettina 502]

I read that one way of handling the red flag of a large age gap is to emphasize the strengths and things in common during the interview.

We have the cultural situation of an Afican 25 year old man wanting to marry me and live with my 9 year old daughter and me in New York. We met in person 3 months after online contact began & got engaged the day we had our face to face. It may seem unbelievable to immigration - it is how we developed and the way we felt our love.

Any suggestions on preparing for scrutiny?

Let's start with questions. Does he have children? Also, how long have you 2 known each other? Additionally, what Visa are you planning to request? I know you posted in K-1 section. I'm just making sure.

Edited April 17, 2015 by Marco&Bettina

[jessiepatt 7]

Only one I can think of is getting married in his country and doing a spousal visa petition. 6-9 month wait, on average? Not guaranteed, but not denied as often? Anybody have thoughts?

[jessiepatt 7]

No kids. We met online September 9th. K1 visa.

[apple21 953]

Spousal petition can take more or less a year. No one can guarantee your approval as the decision will be based on how real and legit your relationship is.

[jessiepatt 7]

Ah, that anxiety provoking bonafid relationship challenge, once again. Blah. The truth is all we've got, but it is not always seen as real through others' eyes. So, so scary!

[Marco&Bettina 502]

No kids. We met online September 9th. K1 visa.

How many times have yall met in person & how much face time total?

[mallafri76 1,012]

In your case, I think the fast move from meeting each other online to getting engaged and filing for a K-1 visa will be the real red flag for US immigrations, as it all happened within four months. But when you know, you know, right?!

Just make sure you have as much proof as possible of a real relationship, i.e. photos, chats, call records, emails. Does your daughter communicate with your fiancé? If so, add as proof. Make sure to have good answers to what you have in common, what made you fall for each other, how do you see the future and so on. Good luck!

[ChicagoSarah 127]

From lots of other users, it seems that the number/length of visits and introduction to one another's families seems to be the greatest asset to a petition...K-1 or CR-1.

[jessiepatt 7]

Aw, thanks for the encouragement, understanding and good advise. Yes, he skypes and talks on the phone with her. I introduced her to him via iPhone video once I returned from Africa. All hard to document, other than writing it out and him telling the interviewer.

[TBoneTX 43,018]

Read "Reviews: Embassy" (link atop any VJ page) for Accra, paying attention to the WORST stories.

[jessiepatt 7]

Only one visit for 3 days. It wa all I could take away from my job. ?. We did all we could. It feels like trying to convince my father it's a good idea. Truth - I cannot help the love I feel. - good and bad sides to that.

[jessiepatt 7]

Ok. I have only met his mother over the phone, and my daughter is the only person he's talking to so far on my side. My parents are both dead. I need to go see him so badly due to the hurt of missing him, but I work and I'm saving my extra funds for phase 2.

[jessiepatt 7]

For what should I read worst stories? How will I benefit from that?

[mallafri76 1,012]

The spousal visa takes about a year, on average. Whether you go the K-1 route or the CR-1 route, you still need to have met in person and you still need to show proof of bona fida relationship.

But for those going the K-1 route, a backup plan could definitely be a CR-1, if the K-1 is denied. I'm sure you're just worrying for nothing though. You'll be fine as long as you prepare and read up on the process.