Questions

[loridee 0]

I'm just starting to try and figure this out and I really need some info.

I have met someone online, yeah, I know....and we have been talking, emailing, video chat, etc. for months. The problem is that he is in Saudi Arabia, but has Syrian citizenship. I don't think he can get any kind of tourist visa to the US, and I can't go there due to a sticky legal situation that does not allow me to leave the US. I spoke to an immigration attorney who said that may work in our favor, but I don't know.

Has anyone ever gotten past the meeting in person requirement? Is it possible at all? BTW he is quite a bit younger than I am...Problem?

[kikip 12]

You can waive the having met in person requirement if you can prove significant hardship in the way of you meeting in person. Not sure how this is done, but I know it's possible. Good luck!

[Bobby+Umit 161]

That won't work - in my review of cases for hardship on the USCIS, they would need a lot more - they rarely grant them.

It is possible - but I would seek out other means before going through that.

Case in point, ok - he can't get a US visa - but can he travel to Canada or Mexico - where you can visit/meet by a simple border crossing?

You have a legal issue preventing you from leaving the US - "you can wait till that is over and then visit" would likely be a question from them.

You can always try - worst thing is that they will refuse the application and you will have to either fight it or come up with something else (added cost)

[Penguin_ie 6,005]

It is very very difficult to get this requirement waived. He would need to at least apply for a tourist visa, probably several times, and be denied. You would need proof you are not allowed to leave the USA with documentation, not just that it would be awkward or difficult. I only know of two cases where the requirement was waived; one was a deeply religious couple where both culture and religion forbid a meeting, the other was when the US fiance could not leave the USA for medical reasons (unable to travel at all, not even to Mexico), and the beneficiary applied for a tourist visa three times over several years and was denied each time.

[max+patricia 24]

Little to no chance. The only reasons accepted for not meeting are religious or cultural restrictions that have to be majorly documented.

I'd recommend meeting up in a third country that has easier procedures for him to get a tourist visa - but if you're barred from leaving the US, that won't help.

[loridee 0]

OK, I am on probation, and will be for 2 years....so I can't leave the country. As far as I know they will not give him a tourist visa due to Syria right now. And, after probation...I will not be allowed into Canada since they won't let anyone with a felony conviction in. We can try Mexico but thats a long time to wait since I just went on probation.

What about an age difference, is that going to cause a problem? What if I can get to him and marry him somewhere else?

[Bobby+Umit 161]

I have seen some issues with age (mostly with older women, younger men) in MENA countries - depends on which country and the culture in most cases.

I wouldn't recommend breaking your probation from leaving the country just to get married, you could be causing a bigger issue down the line.

[Penguin_ie 6,005]

2 years, sadly, isn't that long where immigration is concerned, I very much doubt you'll get a waiver for that. Once your two years are up, you can visit him in his home country- or somewhere else (Dubai is popular), then either apply for the K1 or like you say, get married and apply for the CR-1 spousal visa.

Age being an issue will depend how much of a gap there, is who is older and what the cultural norm of his country is.

Edited April 15, 2011 by Penguin_ie

[loridee 0]

I have seen some issues with age (mostly with older women, younger men) in MENA countries - depends on which country and the culture in most cases.

I wouldn't recommend breaking your probation from leaving the country just to get married, you could be causing a bigger issue down the line.

No, I am not going to break my probation. I have until the end of June b4 it starts. I can go to Jordan and meet him there, but because we are both Muslims that could be a problem. I can't get married until after August due to Islamic law...my divorce will not be final until May 11th. Islamic law requires a 3 month waiting period after divorce before remarriage. So, even if i can get to him I can't marry him. Marrying him will not guarantee that he will be allowed into the US anyway, right?

And re: culture, he is Syrian but born and raised in Saudi Arabia...I am US born and raised. He is 31 I am 50. Problem?

[Aztec&Taino 144]

No, I am not going to break my probation. I have until the end of June b4 it starts. I can go to Jordan and meet him there, but because we are both Muslims that could be a problem. I can't get married until after August due to Islamic law...my divorce will not be final until May 11th. Islamic law requires a 3 month waiting period after divorce before remarriage. So, even if i can get to him I can't marry him. Marrying him will not guarantee that he will be allowed into the US anyway, right?

And re: culture, he is Syrian but born and raised in Saudi Arabia...I am US born and raised. He is 31 I am 50. Problem?

Marrying him will not guarantee that he will be allowed into the US anyway, right? Correct, there are no guarantees.

And re: culture, he is Syrian but born and raised in Saudi Arabia...I am US born and raised. Yes, this could be seen as a potential problem or red flag. Expect a high level of scrutiny of your relationship.

He is 31 I am 50. Probably a red flag and overall difficult obstacle to overcome. You are the US citizen and female petitioner, correct? I think MENA countries are particularly difficult consulates, any time there is a significant age difference the relatioship will be further scrutinized, furthermore it is even more "suspicious" when the female is the older person in the relationship (particularly if it's not common within that particular culture).

Another point: Depending on your criminal past you may have difficulty getting a petition approved...

[Otto 83]

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