Unusual situation: my fiancee is related to me

[AlexanderF 0]

Hello All,

We have a rather unusual situation - my alien fiancee is also my second cousin.

At first, I thought we just wouldn't mention it but there is a question on the I-129F which asks if we are related and to specify how we are related. So I put down the truth.. And I did my best writing an explanation of the situation and that we genuinely have feelings for each other and we thought this through very carefully. I am sending this explanation with all our paperwork for the I-129F.

My fiancee lives in Ukraine. I was born in Ukraine and became a US citizen via naturalization.

Does anybody have any suggestions for me? Do you believe this may appear too suspicious for the person reviewing our petition? Is this situation odd enough to consider a lawyer to minimize the chances of getting a rejection?

We are very worried and would like some input on this.

Any help greatly appreciated.

Edited June 21, 2012 by AlexanderF

[Xanax 349]

I don't believe second cousins will have an issue, but I could be wrong.

Check with the state you are moving to, to see if they allow cousin marriages.

[AlexanderF 0]

We checked and it seems that second cousin marriages are legal in all 50 states.

[Xanax 349]

We checked and it seems that second cousin marriages are legal in all 50 states.

Great! I really didn't think you would have any problem as you are second not first cousins!

Welcome to Visa Journey.

[AlexanderF 0]

We are more worried that this may look suspicious to the people reviewing our petition as it may potentially seem like not a genuine relationship. Hence me starting this topic. I was wondering if anybody had (or heard of somebody who had) first-hand experience with something like this and getting K-1 visa in this situation. I hope there is no problem but just asking for different opinions.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

They will judge the case on the totality of the circumstances. People who are second cousins or even first cousins have gotten K-1 visas before, so you are not the first. You have to tell the truth on the form, or surely be denied, so you did the right thing. They may consider the possibility you are marrying family for a Greencard, but that suspicion can be quickly and permanently dissolved once you show them your evidence of a bona fide relationship. Don't worry about it

[Krikit 1,164]

Post derailing topic has been removed.

[Bryan and Isabel 29]

If you search the older topics your will see cases like yours are not uncommon.

[jaycali 415]

As long as the marriage is legal in the state you plan to live, no problem. Second cousins = no problem. The only problem I could conceive would be the COs at the interview in Kiev. I don't know how common it is in Ukraine, but anything "socially unacceptable" in your country can raise flags.

[AmyWrites 593]

Yeah, I'd bring extra evidence as since it might be uncommon in Ukraine it'll possibly be a red flag.

[Andrea&Henry 311]

Hi my name is Andrea and I couldn't help writting you after you post about being related to your fiance...

Well, Im in the same situation cause my husband and I are third cousins. I was so nervous about the same situation, but we made it!!!. I came here to the US with a k1 visa, and we always said the truth since the very beggining. We never hide it, and here I am, married to my third cousin/the love of my life jajaja. Its been 2 month since I got to the US. Not only I was honest on my i 129 but also we said it during our interview like a not big deal matter. They didnt ask me but we rather to mention it. The woman who was interviewing us was like in shock but she was like OKKK then, you are approved!!! I guess she liked the fact that we were honest all the time.

My advice is, dont be worried, 2 and 3 cousins is not ilegal, and if you are telling the truth, the will know.

Trust me, in my case we could lie, cause not only we dont share any of our last names, but also we are completely different. He is caucasian blond, blue eyes man and Im dark skin, black eyes/hair girl. Nobody could tell that we are related but we rather said the truth above everything. If is not ilegal and we are truly in love, why lie abou it?

Dont worry!!!

[USAYemen 2]

My fiance and I are first cousins and we encountered NO problems whatsoever. In fact, we will pick up his passport from the Embassy on Sunday!

[DwarfCannon 1]

Many fiancee lawyers give a free consultation. Give them a call.

[sn530 27]

Depends on the cultural background! Some cultures traditonally marry within a tribe, so often times the individual is a cousin one way or another; First cousin, second cousin does not matter. I found out I am related to my fiance also... kind of like after i filed my K1 but thats going back to my great grandfather so we dont clame to be related.

[Removed-02242014 19]

In the Southern States ... this is more common than you think. Even first cousins -- there are no laws regulating this in most states. It's not a legal issue and your kids won't be born with a third eye or another arm -- that is nonsense!!