k-1 Length of Courtship

[m318627 0]

How long should a couple date before applying for a K-1 visa? I've known my fiancee for 6 months. We met online & I have visited the Dominican 3 times in 3 months (spent a total of 20 days with her). We text constantly every day, all day long. Will immigration reject us because we haven't spent a lot of time together? Also, do we both have to show proof of income?

Edited January 4, 2016 by m318627

[Transborderwife 4,666]

Does not matter providing you've met within the past 2 years

Edited January 4, 2016 by Transborderwife

[Mad & J 25]

Also, do we both have to show proof of income?

Only the income of the petitioner matters (so the income of the USC citizen). The foreign fiancee is never asked about their income at any point in the process. Some embassies will consider the assests of the beneficiary, but only if the income of the petitioner is not sufficient to meet the minimum requirements. I don't know if that will apply to your embassy though.

[TBoneTX 43,058]

Welcome to the forum.

USCIS cares only that you've met within 2 years of filing and that you're both free and intend to marry.

However, the consulate (in your case the Santo Domingo embassy) will look for solid proof of a bona fide relationship. Front-load your USCIS petition with evidence of a bona fide relationship -- a goodly amount that would convince a doubting stranger of the bona fide nature. Spend as much "face time" together as you can. Be prepared to be on the embassy premises when the visa interview is ultimately scheduled.

[MASH 172]

I known people that had known each other for less time and got approved, as long u met in the last 2 years plus make good income and have good proof of a bona fide relationship you will be fine

Edited January 5, 2016 by MASH

[m318627 0]

I should add there's an age difference...I'm 71 and she's 47. Also, we don't speak the same language...we use Google translator. So many people think she's a gold digger looking for a green card & I'm worried immigration will think the same way. I've been told we'll never get approved.

[vanityfair 4]

To be completely honest, this sounds like a fair number of red flags (though I don't know how significant age difference couples are treated in the Dominican Republic culture, but the language barrier will definitely be your greatest obstacle. Not to mention, knowing each other for only 6 doesn't help either). I'd highly recommend front loading and visiting a few more times with a fair number of photographs with her family and friends. Also maybe start collecting evidence of efforts made by one or both parties in learning each other's language (it couldn't hurt).

Actually, when it comes to language barriers, this case comes to mind:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/576753-interview-today-visa-refused/page-1

You should definitely be prepared and preemptively cover as many red flags as possible (relationship length, face time, and language issues will probably need to be covered).

Edited January 5, 2016 by vanityfair

[m318627 0]

Thank you, Vanityfair, for the helpful info. Some people make it seem like it's easy to get approved & some make it sound like it's impossible given my situation.

[vanityfair 4]

Based on the information you provided, the case won't be easy for certain. However, that doesn't mean it will be impossible as well. Just don't rush the k1 visa and start building up a solid foundation for a strong relationship by gradually covering the red flags. I would start by finding ways to solve this language barrier issue as that will be the biggest case against you both.

[Mike-eeh and Odie 192]

I should add there's an age difference...I'm 71 and she's 47. Also, we don't speak the same language...we use Google translator. So many people think she's a gold digger looking for a green card & I'm worried immigration will think the same way. I've been told we'll never get approved.

As others have said, USCIS only cares that you had met within the past 2 years. The Consulate however, is a different story. Believe it or not, your biggest red flag is your language barrier and not your age. A CO could argue that texting alone, albeit with a translator, is not an effective means of personal communication, and would possibly request stronger evidence of a bonafide relationship.

[baron555 934]

How long should a couple date before applying for a K-1 visa?

Only need to meet in person within two years prior to the filing date of the 129f petition. The meeting needs to last at least one second long; they could run off the plane, you two take a photo together and they get right back on the plane. That would work.

I've known my fiancee for 6 months.

Way longer than we knew each other before we filed (3 months for us).

We met online & I have visited the Dominican 3 times in 3 months (spent a total of 20 days with her). We text constantly every day, all day long. Will immigration reject us because we haven't spent a lot of time together?

Nope.....but look at the regional forums for country specific requirements and Embassy history with K-1s. It varies.

Also, do we both have to show proof of income?

Not now, only at the interview.

[Amhara 460]

I should add there's an age difference...I'm 71 and she's 47. Also, we don't speak the same language...we use Google translator. So many people think she's a gold digger looking for a green card & I'm worried immigration will think the same way. I've been told we'll never get approved.

What language does she speak? Are you able to take classes? Pimsleur is a very effective language course if it's covered. It may seem pricey, but you can often buy 5 lessons at a time and you can download the lessons and burn them to a CD if you aren't MP3 compatible. To overcome the language barrier, you should begin learning the language yourself. Purchase some language books.

Is she able to attend English language courses too?

[baron555 934]

As others have said, USCIS only cares that you had met within the past 2 years. The Consulate however, is a different story. Believe it or not, your biggest red flag is your language barrier and not your age. A CO could argue that texting alone, albeit with a translator, is not an effective means of personal communication, and would possibly request stronger evidence of a bonafide relationship.

Yep.

How did you two meet in the first place?

Have you met in person? For how long? How did you communicate then?

I'd say yes to more face time together and some effort on both parts to learn about each other.

If she's immigrating to the US, then knowledge of English will be key for her. Is she taking classes?

Are you sending her money?

[James and Joan 4]

Yea I agree the language barrier is the biggest red flag, its hard enough using all these apps , viber, voxer, line etc with the very bad quality communicating sometimes with each other and we both speak English very fluently so to have to use a Google translator must be extremely difficult. But you know what if you both got it in you for this long journey then go for it, never let anyone tell you it cant be done just be extremely detailed and have an arsenal of proof your relationship is legit. Good luck....

[m318627 0]

One more question. She has 2 children under the age of 18. Should she include them & bring them with her on her k-1 or leave them behind to show she has a reason to return to the Dominican? Have them join her later?