How many times should we meet?

[saradaniel09 0]

I met my fiance online in June of 2009. We have been talking nonstop everyday since then. I finally got the chance to travel to Peru to meet my fiance June of 2010 and spent ten wonderful days together. We are now ready to start our K-1 visa process. However, we are concerned that only meeting once in person and for only 10 days may be a problem and get denied. Do you think this is an issue? Thank you so much for your time.

[Penny Lane 8,159]

Doesn't matter. As long as it's been in the last two years, you're fine.

[Samoray 165]

Hello

I don't think it is an issue however having taken some pictures together would be a good support for your case.

Good luck

[Gingerpants 8]

As Coconuts said, it doesn't matter that you've only met once. Just make sure you have evidence to prove your trip in June.

[jrmejia 31]

another repeat: You should be fine.

[BellaRose 7]

Start saving evidence like emails you have sent one another or start saving instant message conversations...if you call him on the phone make sure you can get a call history. These are things that can prove your relationship if they give you trouble...but I doubt they will. But, still these are good things to have in case. Good luck and congratulations on your engagement.

[TBoneTX 43,525]

The one meeting will not be a problem for the petition. USCIS cares only that you met in person within the last 2 years. Have primary evidence to send with your petition: boarding passes, luggage receipts, etc. (see the Guides).

Perhaps the posters above were responding purely in regard to the USCIS petition. However, with respect to the entire process, which includes the consular interview later, advice like theirs is dangerous if taken as gospel, in a vacuum. Although USCIS will not care about requirements beyond their own, the embassy/consulate will. Therefore, front-load your K-1 petition with "extra" (secondary) stuff -- evidence of bona fide relationship -- so that the embassy will receive this when USCIS sends them the petition package.

You should make multiple visits -- at least one more substantial visit after you file the K-1 petition and before the consular interview -- and document the dickens out of every visit with primary & secondary evidence. Finally, when you receive an interview date, plan to be there with him for the interview. This can be important and even crucial. Do NOT treat the consular stage lightly when it comes to Latin American or South American embassies! Read the stuff in my signature, below this message, for what might happen in any instance and is still happening.

[Ryan H 3,797]

I met my fiance online in June of 2009. We have been talking nonstop everyday since then. I finally got the chance to travel to Peru to meet my fiance June of 2010 and spent ten wonderful days together. We are now ready to start our K-1 visa process. However, we are concerned that only meeting once in person and for only 10 days may be a problem and get denied. Do you think this is an issue? Thank you so much for your time.

Congratulations on your engagement!

TBoneTX is right on the mark. If your stated concern regarding a denial is from the consular phase of the process, then your concern is warranted. To allievate this concern, I would do EXACTLY as TBoneTX suggests.

Best wishes to you both!

Edited August 21, 2010 by Ryan H

[Compdoc50 0]

I met my fiance online in June of 2009. We have been talking nonstop everyday since then. I finally got the chance to travel to Peru to meet my fiance June of 2010 and spent ten wonderful days together. We are now ready to start our K-1 visa process. However, we are concerned that only meeting once in person and for only 10 days may be a problem and get denied. Do you think this is an issue? Thank you so much for your time.

Congratulations to you both! Don't worry about the meeting once. My Fiancee' and I met online exactly one year ago next month, we talked for several months on line and over phone but knew we were in love almost from the very beginning. We met physically for the first time in February this year and spent 3 fantastic weeks together. As soon as she went back home I immediately filed the I-129 Petition. It was approved within 4 months (check our time line) and we're now awaiting the consulates notification for her interview date. Don't worry about the one meeting, if you have nothing in either of your backgrounds to interfere or cause conflict your process should go rather smoothly. Like the Tom Petty song says however, "The Waiting Is the hardest Part", especially when you're in love and want to be together. But it's worth it all to be with that person. You're lucky too on the replies you've received on here, they seem to be in short supply on here for certain topics. Good luck with everything and if you have any questions don't hesitate to post them.

Best Regards

[SuperDuper! 230]

Go with what TBone says. Anyone who says "One (visit) and you're done" is giving out dangerous advice. Even at AOS, the USCIS Officer will likely review how many visits you made. Don't just do the bare minimum. Besides, making at least 2 visits let's you confirm your heart and hunch on the person.

The encompassing process is important to consider. When you are at AOS interview, and see your entire file on the Officer's desk in front of you, you will be glad you made the extra efforts, and you may just save yourself a big heartache if your beneficiary turns out not who you think she is. Hey it happens all the time, so take the extra steps and trips to be sure she is the one. Good luck.

[saradaniel09 0]

Thanks everyone for the advice. We did take hundreds of pictures of us, along with his family. We also have a lot of proof of an ongoing relationship. Not sure if it will be possible to travel again before the interview, but we will be sure to make arrangements for me to be there with him for the interview. Thanks again!

[kennym 275]

I am also In agreement with TBoneTX.

I would recommend more than one visit. Keep in mind, satisfying the requirements for a successful petition is completely diferent than convincing a skeptical CO that you have a real relationship.

Also, it is a good idea for your relationship to visit more than once. I dated women for years before realizing we were diferent people. This is the kind of things that the CO also realizes. My fiancée and have known each othe for almost 4 years. It tool me two years before I ever considered getting engaged, and another year before I started the fiancée visa.

I simply don't believe in fairy tales and falling in love for "life ever after" without really getting to know someone. Those things only hapen in romance novels and movies. I think that is simply friendly advise.

[kennym 275]

Sorry about the spelling.

[TBoneTX 43,525]

Not sure if it will be possible to travel again before the interview, but we will be sure to make arrangements for me to be there with him for the interview.

Amiga, if you chance this, meaning that there's not a snowball's chance that you can see him in the meantime, it's a real risk. However, if (and only if) this plan is all that you can manage to achieve, be sure to arrive several days before the interview, take zillions more fotos (Spanish spelling) during that time, find a place to print them out, and bring them to the interview, si man.