Do we even have a chance?

[LaurenAshley93 0]

My fiancee and I are a lesbian couple. She is from Russia, I am an American. As you may know, the section of DOMA that was repealed this summer allows for a US citizen to sponsor their same-sex partner as long as the US citizen lives in a state where gay marriage is legal. I thought it was fate because gay marriage was legalized literally 2 weeks before that portion of DOMA was overturned. We have been together for four years, and throughout that time have spent a total of 7 months together over 4 times of me going over there. The fist was 3 weeks, then 6 weeks, then 2 months, and this last time was 3 months. I am currently a student, and therefore make less than the poverty line. She has never been to the US because she applied for a tourist visa twice, and of course her reasons for denial were a simple "lack of ties to homeland."

The more research I do, the more hopeless I feel. I love her with all my heart. I want her here, so we can start a life together, and can do all the things we have always planned to do.

I have two more years of University left, however I do not want to wait until I graduate because it will then be outside the time span of two years that I need to have seen her in, and due to the increasingly homophobic nature of Russia (especially St. Petersburg, where she lives) I would rather her just be here with me and we can do all we need to live the life we both desire so much.

So, I have a cosponsor because of my parents, thankfully, but the fact that I need a cosponsor worries me. It doesn't even state how much I make when I started filling out the 129 f.

Anyway, due to only having evidence from a year ago (the only time within a 2 years span), the visa denials, the fact that she's never been to the US (BECAUSE of her visa denials) and my financial situation, would you say we don't have a chance?

Also, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Edited September 25, 2013 by LaurenAshley93

[iammrsregie 265]

The Russian consulate accepts co-sponsors as far as I know, but keep in mind, its still on a case to case basis. As long as you meet the requirements and you submit everything asked from you, I see no reason why your petition (should you file one) doesn't have the chance. Her previous visa denials doesn't affect the k1 petition as long as she doesn't lie about it.

Edited September 25, 2013 by iammrsregi

[agnesb 47]

Hi. I can only say that tourist visa denials should not affect the petition. I have been denied tourist visa 2 months before applying for fiancee visa for that sam reason. I am unsure on how same sex application works but just wanted to suggest if you will need to wait until you graduate or want to visit you could meet somewhere outside Russia i.e Helsinki which isnt far away. Hope it helps a little. Good luck!

[HK12 273]

If the consulate in Russia accepts co-sponsors (check back in your regional forum and read the consulate reviews), your story sounds very feasible to me. It doesn't matter if you only have evidence from a year ago, as long as it is within the one year period. Nor shouuld prior tourist visa denials affect the application. Good luck!

Edited September 25, 2013 by HK12

[Darnell 8,480]

would you say we don't have a chance?

me? personally? No - I would not say that.

I think you have an EXCELLENT CHANCE if you file the I-129F this week.

Remember - proof of financials not occur till interview day.

[lost_at_sea 995]

You've met. You can prove it. There's no requirement that you had to have met in the USA (very common - Russia isn't the only country that makes it hard to get a visitor visa). You've got time to sort the financials AND you already have a co-sponsor lined up. You've read a lot. You should be fine and I'd get on and file ASAP. As Darnell says - make sure you file before your evidence of last 2 years meeting expires.

I know Russia is becoming increasingly uh... intolerant (to put it mildly)... in regards to gay rights, so I hope this goes well for you both so you can start your life together in a country that is actually respecting of your relationship!

[HK12 273]

If the consulate in Russia accepts co-sponsors (check back in your regional forum and read the consulate reviews), your story sounds very feasible to me. It doesn't matter if you only have evidence from a year ago, as long as it is within the TWO year period. Nor shouuld prior tourist visa denials affect the application. Good luck!

Sorry, my mistake. Of course it is a period of two years that you must have met within.