meeting within two years prior to applying for K!

[briban1 0]

Hi,

I wonder if anyone may have an answer for this: I have had an on going relationship with my fiance in the Philippines since January 2007. We have a small store over there with an apartment upstairs that she lives in. I am finally getting her papers together and haven't been there since March 21st 2010 due to various reasons. I do talk to her every day on Yahoo (video chat). I know they say you have to meet in person within 2 years of applying for the K1. I really don't want to have to spend $2000 to go there to visit if I don't have to. Has anyone had a situation like this and if so how did they handle it?

Thanks, Brian

[ginomirelle 0]

you should both meet within 2 years prior to filing k1. we took the risk and applied it but our petition was denied. if you really want to petition her. you MUST go back in the philippines and have some proofs of meeting.

[cdneh 3,112]

You have to have met in person in the last two years before you file for the K1. It's a requirement.

[Tim/Mav 305]

The replies will all be the same.

There is No Way Around it.

[Grant PDX 183]

I know someone who was denied for it being 2 years and a week. No way around it. You have to go back.

[Leatherneck 693]

Time to book a trip and pack a bag.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

Just agreeing with everyone else. There ARE ways around the requirement like:

- religious reasons (some cultures can't meet in person before marriage but you already HAVE met her, just too long ago)

- unable to travel. You need to prove you are PHYSICALLY unable to visit her, and she unable to visit you either in the US, or there, or any other country.

There was one case I recall they have let the requirement slide but that's only because the girl has been diagnosed with cancer or something and they needed to file ASAP to get her there ASAP before she passes so they can be together... they initially denied, then revoked the denial and I think they're still waiting on the interview...

Long story short - you do not appear (from your post) to meet any requirements to waive the 2 year requirement and so you need to go and visit her again before you can file.

Edited March 23, 2012 by Vanessa&Tony

[Moomin 292]

Not wanting to spend 2000 dollars isn't going to waive the requirement of having met within 2 years. Even if it did, this is a multiple stage process where you could be denied at the embassy interview for them doubting your ongoing relationship.

My advise is swallow the cost of the journey, enjoy your next visit and take it from there. If you're concerned about the cost, then marry your fiancee on your next visit. The CR1 route is less expensive than the K1 in the long run.

[aaron2020 11,651]

Hi,

I wonder if anyone may have an answer for this: I have had an on going relationship with my fiance in the Philippines since January 2007. We have a small store over there with an apartment upstairs that she lives in. I am finally getting her papers together and haven't been there since March 21st 2010 due to various reasons. I do talk to her every day on Yahoo (video chat). I know they say you have to meet in person within 2 years of applying for the K1. I really don't want to have to spend $2000 to go there to visit if I don't have to. Has anyone had a situation like this and if so how did they handle it?

Thanks, Brian

You should have filed last week. Meeting within the last two years before you file is an absolute requirement. There was a guy who got his I-I29 denied when he filed two years and 5 days after his last meeting with his fiancee. You'll have to go meet face-to-face before you can petition for her.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Hi,

I wonder if anyone may have an answer for this: I have had an on going relationship with my fiance in the Philippines since January 2007. We have a small store over there with an apartment upstairs that she lives in. I am finally getting her papers together and haven't been there since March 21st 2010 due to various reasons. I do talk to her every day on Yahoo (video chat). I know they say you have to meet in person within 2 years of applying for the K1. I really don't want to have to spend $2000 to go there to visit if I don't have to. Has anyone had a situation like this and if so how did they handle it?

Thanks, Brian

You need to meet in person with her within 2 years of filing the petition. That is just to get opetition approval. I would not even try to get visa approval with not having seen her within two years.

Many people have had this situation. You can search the forums here to see. If it has been 2 years plus ONE day they will deny your petition and keep your $340. THEN you will spend $2000 for the trip PLUS another $340 for another petition.

Buy a plane ticket. You are taking a vacation.

[K&E2009 71]

What they said ^^

[Dreams24 3]

i had the same situation but only thing was different is that i had 2yrs-(1 or 2 day) it was almost 2 yrs like 1 day less...but i havent got any reply yet so still hoping..

[Dreams24 3]

but in my case , even if we get denied. i still can apply again because i just visited him last week..

but yaa u should vist at least once..

good luck

[OurHappyEnding 3]

Wow you are literally days outside the 2 year rule. There is no way around it, you have to visit her.

Edited March 23, 2012 by OurHappyEnding

[SaharaSunset 165]

Wow this is a funny thread. Sometimes it almost sounds like a terrible chore to have to go visit your fiance. Now don't get me wrong, I totally understand the cost being an issue, and it totally was for me....but I took a second job so I could afford the cost to go be with my fiance...it just felt like not seeing him was not an options. And yes, We talked everyday too via skype. I could barely stand to be away from him for a few weeks - I cannot imagine not seeing him for years! I guess I understand why they have that 2 year limit.... Visa "Relationship proofs" aside, I think an in-person visit would be good for the sake of your relationship in general...