south asia Pakistan Same-Sex K-1

[steveblue 12]

Has anyone had their same-sex K-1 visa application approved at the Islamabad Embassy? If so, could you please advise as to the experience and specifics? And discuss any tricky issues / concerns regarding the same-sex application. 

We have met 2ce in one year and have no previous marriages (or divorces) or children. I am also considering being present for the interview. 

 

Finally, we are American / Pakistani, does it make a difference if the couple is Pakistani-American / Pakistani?

 

[hassam03 7]

Pakistani Embassy is already hard enough issuing k1 to opposite sex partners so can't really say how they'll treat your case.

Its going to be pretty hard to convince the CO,this isn't really common in Pakistan as compared to other countries.

[Boiler 43,436]

You met twice, for how long and where?

[steveblue 12]

We've meet for over 5 weeks in a 3rd country. I might add same-sex partners do not have the option of the C-1 route, especially since visas to marriage-friendly countries for average Pakistanis are nearly impossible; we feel like a CO should know that and be aware of that.

[Boiler 43,436]

CR 1?

[geowrian 22,335]

1 hour ago, steveblue said:

especially since visas to marriage-friendly countries for average Pakistanis are nearly impossible; we feel like a CO should know that and be aware of that.

Do believe it is more difficult to marry anywhere outside Pakistan than to obtain a K-1 visa? What would you do if the K-1 visa were to be denied?

 

To be clear, I'm not suggesting CR-1 is the only possible route, but it is usually better suited for cases dealing with high fraud embassies. There is no relief for a refused K-1 visa - it is refused and then you start over from scratch. A refused CR-1 can be reaffirmed by USCIS.

[Boiler 43,436]

I assume the issue is getting a visa in Pakistan to a Country that allows same sex weddings.

[steveblue 12]

3 hours ago, steveblue said:

Has anyone had their same-sex K-1 visa application approved at the Islamabad Embassy? If so, could you please advise as to the experience and specifics? And discuss any tricky issues / concerns regarding the same-sex application. 

We have met 2ce in one year and have no previous marriages (or divorces) or children. I am also considering being present for the interview. 

 

Finally, we are American / Pakistani, does it make a difference if the couple is Pakistani-American / Pakistani?

 

Hi, I’m looking for people who actually have experience dealing with this issue. Not for conjecture. I appreciate everyone’s interest but conjecture is not very helpful.

[TBoneTX 43,058]

Country-specific thread is moved from the K-1 Process forum to the Asia/South regional forum.

[Kastrs 723]

On 5/3/2019 at 10:15 PM, steveblue said:

Hi, I’m looking for people who actually have experience dealing with this issue. Not for conjecture. I appreciate everyone’s interest but conjecture is not very helpful.

As you can imagine, this is not common at all through the Islamabad Embassy

I have been on this forum for quite a few years now and have never seen another same sex couple post, so I am not sure how much feedback if any you will get that is specific to your case

 

that said the best you can do is what any couple going through ISB does, prepare, collect everything, fill out your paperwork completely and provide a complete application, make sure you have well documented your relationship and prepare for hurdles that may come your way

 

wishing you the best of luck!!

 

Editing to add, I would always suggest the petitioner attend the interview, although it could be a bit complicated for OP to get a visa to visit Pakistan

Edited May 5, 2019 by Kastrs

[steveblue 12]

Thank you for your advice. You’re right it’s not the most common scenario, although it’s conceivable people haven’t written about it due to social taboos. We are proceeding as you’ve suggested however if anyone does have first-hand experience it would be very much appreciated. Thank you for your good wishes.

[steveblue 12]

I do have perhaps a basic question. Or most of the consular officers who interview applicants American or are they Pakistani? We would do the interview in English I don’t know if that makes any difference?

[Pakyman 9]

On 5/3/2019 at 10:15 PM, steveblue said:

Hi, I’m looking for people who actually have experience dealing with this issue. Not for conjecture. I appreciate everyone’s interest but conjecture is not very helpful.

Hi Steve,

One thing you need to know, the consulate will only consider what was presented in your original application nothing more.  They don't care about anything that has happened since then.  I had signed affidavits from both families testifying my relationship was real ready for the interview, and they totally scrubbed their nose.  Have all your question's answers ready and the short list of requested documents on hand.  I went for our interview, and it didn't make any difference.  They will already be prepared to make the decision their going to make.  

 

Good luck

Cary & Basit

 

[Kastrs 723]

9 minutes ago, steveblue said:

I do have perhaps a basic question. Or most of the consular officers who interview applicants American or are they Pakistani? We would do the interview in English I don’t know if that makes any difference?

The people performing the interview are USC

 

I would say an interview in English makes a difference in cases where the petitioner is American/does not speak Urdu as it demonstrates that you and your petitioner can clearly communicate with each other

[Kastrs 723]

8 minutes ago, Pakyman said:

Hi Steve,

One thing you need to know, the consulate will only consider what was presented in your original application nothing more.  They don't care about anything that has happened since then.  I had signed affidavits from both families testifying my relationship was real ready for the interview, and they totally scrubbed their nose.  Have all your question's answers ready and the short list of requested documents on hand.  I went for our interview, and it didn't make any difference.  They will already be prepared to make the decision their going to make.  

 

Good luck

Cary & Basit

 

not entirely true, I side-loaded my petition while at the NVC, and the information I sent was reviewed 

as for presenting additional at the interview, that is the time they do not want to see anything additional unless asked