K1 Photoshoot

[Mjc331 0]

Hello! I've been fortunate to stumble upon this site and am thankful for all your inputs I am not even sure if this is the right place to post this question so I apologize beforehand if it is incorrect. Currently, I am un the process of gathering evidences for the K1. Couple questions:

(1) Is if it is okay for my fiance and I have a photo shoot in her country before we get married in the States. I read another post saying as long as no tux and wedding dress it should be "okay" but was wondering if this would help or hurt.

 

(2) Related to the intent to marry, will a letter simply saying each of us intend to marry one another be sufficient? We plan to do a court wedding when hopefully everything goes accordingly but how do you prove this ambiguous timeline when you submit your packet? 

 

Thank you and stay safe!

[designguy 1,179]

No need to have a “photo shoot”  

[Greenbaum 12,258]

3 hours ago, Mjc331 said:

Hello! I've been fortunate to stumble upon this site and am thankful for all your inputs I am not even sure if this is the right place to post this question so I apologize beforehand if it is incorrect. Currently, I am un the process of gathering evidence for the K1. Couple questions:

(1) Is if it is okay for my fiancé and I have a photo shoot in her country before we get married in the States. I read another post saying as long as no tuxedo and wedding dress it should be "okay" but was wondering if this would help or hurt.  You can take pictures BUT don't submit them as evidence ANYWHERE along the process for the visa. Do Not post them on social medial websites. If you look to the CO at the interview that in any way you look to be married than expect a decline.

 

(2) Related to the intent to marry, will a letter simply saying each of us intend to marry one another be sufficient? We plan to do a court wedding when hopefully everything goes accordingly but how do you prove this ambiguous timeline when you submit your packet? A simple letter from each of you stating that you are free and plan to marry each other will be suficiant.

 

Thank you and stay safe!

Here is an example to use of the letter of intent.

 

Fiancé Letter of Intent

 

 

(Date mm-dd-yyyy)

 

 

(PETITIONERS and BENEFICIARY'S NAME)

(PETITIONER and BENEFICIARY'S ADDRESS)

 

United States Department of Homeland Security

US Citizenship and Immigration Services

(ADDRESS OF FILING LOCATION)

 

Or when submitting for interview

 

United States Department of State

United States Consulate. (name of the country where the interview will take place)

(Embassy Address)

 

Dear Sir or Madam

I (applicant or beneficiary's name) do hereby state that I am legally able and willing to marry (applicant or beneficiary's name)  and intend to do so within 90 days of my arrival into the US using the K-1 visa.

 

Yours truly.

 

(Signature of Petitioner or beneficiary)

 

Join us in the March NOA1 group. Download the PDF on the first page for tips.

 

[Mjc331 0]

6 hours ago, designguy said:

No need to have a “photo shoot”  

Thanks. Sorry to be a pest but if you really do want to have one, do you think it will be that of a strong denial? With the wedding being held in the US, there is that feeling of not doing something "special" at her country without a wedding of course. Thanks!

[JFH 12,189]

*~*~*procedural question moved from “progress reports” to “process and procedures”*~*~*

[Greenbaum 12,258]

47 minutes ago, Mjc331 said:

Thanks. Sorry to be a pest but if you really do want to have one, do you think it will be that of a strong denial? With the wedding being held in the US, there is that feeling of not doing something "special" at her country without a wedding of course. Thanks!

Here is the experience of others. I'll let you make up your mind.

 

https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/639695-k-1-visa-denied-what-now-appeal/

 

https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/593292-not-legal-wedding-ceremony-prior-to-k1-visa-interview/

 

[SmallTownPA 71]

5 hours ago, Greenbaum said:

Here is the experience of others. I'll let you make up your mind.

 

https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/639695-k-1-visa-denied-what-now-appeal/

 

https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/593292-not-legal-wedding-ceremony-prior-to-k1-visa-interview/

 

That's not close to what OP is asking.

 

The first link:

 

"We were denied because we told them about our unofficial wedding in Australia"

 

Second link:

 

"It will not be a legal wedding - just a ceremony"

 

What OP ACTUALLY asked:

 

"photo shoot in her country before we get married in the States."

 

Pre-wedding photos are certainly a HUGE deal in certain countries.  No, its NOT a 'wedding' or 'ceremony' - its photos.  I've done the engagement photos, I was in a suit and she was in a real live wedding dress.  We were on the beach, a park, and a temple (aka tourist trap).  That's not a wedding or ceremony, its photos.  Huge difference.  Couple on a beach at sunrise, couple in the middle of a wedding ceremony in a church.  Apples to oranges.

 

Pre-wedding/engagement photos are a sign of a bonifide relationship, is it not? 

 

 

Edited April 18, 2020 by SmallTownPA

[SalishSea 16,746]

12 minutes ago, SmallTownPA said:

Pre-wedding/engagement photos are a sign of a bonifide relationship, is it not? 

Perhaps, but most engagement photos do not feature an actual wedding dress.  Any adjudicating officer has no idea what context such pictures would have been taken in.  @Greenbaum's point is that there have been many stories here over the years of folks getting denied for holding an event that could be perceived as a wedding, whether or not it was.

[SmallTownPA 71]

1 hour ago, Jorgedig said:

Perhaps, but most engagement photos do not feature an actual wedding dress.  Any adjudicating officer has no idea what context such pictures would have been taken in.  @Greenbaum's point is that there have been many stories here over the years of folks getting denied for holding an event that could be perceived as a wedding, whether or not it was.

New Zealand is kinda close to Asia, is it not?

 

I will point you to Japan, China, and Vietnam as just a few countries that CERTAINLY have pre-wedding photo shoots, in full wedding garb.  Go to the Forbidden City in Beijing and just about every day you can see people taking the photos, in wedding gowns.  One day I counted no less than 6 groups trying to get shots at one of the entrances.

 

Also, how do you think they get those cheesy videos/photos to display at the reception???

 

Hows about this.. type in 'Japanese pre wedding photo shoot' into google, then click on images.  Tell me what you see.

 

For even better photos, type in 'New Zealand pre-wedding photo shoot'  let me know if you find any hobbits

Edited April 18, 2020 by SmallTownPA

[Mjc331 0]

4 hours ago, SmallTownPA said:

That's not close to what OP is asking.

 

The first link:

 

"We were denied because we told them about our unofficial wedding in Australia"

 

Second link:

 

"It will not be a legal wedding - just a ceremony"

 

What OP ACTUALLY asked:

 

"photo shoot in her country before we get married in the States."

 

Pre-wedding photos are certainly a HUGE deal in certain countries.  No, its NOT a 'wedding' or 'ceremony' - its photos.  I've done the engagement photos, I was in a suit and she was in a real live wedding dress.  We were on the beach, a park, and a temple (aka tourist trap).  That's not a wedding or ceremony, its photos.  Huge difference.  Couple on a beach at sunrise, couple in the middle of a wedding ceremony in a church.  Apples to oranges.

 

Pre-wedding/engagement photos are a sign of a bonifide relationship, is it not? 

 

 

Thank you for the clarification as that was what I was asking. It would be just as you described: photoshoot at different locations with possibly different attires. No family members or friends would be present. It would be like those pictures you see at one's wedding in the States.

 

I am guessing the moral of the story is to not even give the slightest hint of being married. So maybe even without the tux and the wedding dress? I mean, they can't possibly knock on us for having quality, photoshoot pictures right?

 

Much appreciative of everyone's thoughts though.

[SalishSea 16,746]

3 hours ago, SmallTownPA said:

New Zealand is kinda close to Asia, is it not?

 

I will point you to Japan, China, and Vietnam as just a few countries that CERTAINLY have pre-wedding photo shoots, in full wedding garb.  Go to the Forbidden City in Beijing and just about every day you can see people taking the photos, in wedding gowns.  One day I counted no less than 6 groups trying to get shots at one of the entrances.

 

Also, how do you think they get those cheesy videos/photos to display at the reception???

 

Hows about this.. type in 'Japanese pre wedding photo shoot' into google, then click on images.  Tell me what you see.

 

For even better photos, type in 'New Zealand pre-wedding photo shoot'  let me know if you find any hobbits

New Zealand is kinda close to almost nothing.  Even Australia is a 3 hour flight away.

 

My point is this:  having read VJ for the past many years, I have seen multiple threads of members complaining that their K-1s were denied due to something about their petition/application and supporting info creating the appearance to the IO that they were already married.

 

You, the OP, and everyone else is free as always, to ignore this and do as you wish.

[Greenbaum 12,258]

That's funny! New Zealand is close to Asian. Yes bud, just a little way up the road. When you get to the water's edge be sure to put your little ducky swim gear on because you are not yet in Asia. Get your map out and see where it is. It will surprise you. Oy Vey!

 

OP your free to use the information from some of us veterans or not. But we know a few things because we have seen a few things.

 

Just for kicks to a search here on VJ using "too married" and watch the responses and firsthand experiences. We are not in this boat alone.

Edited April 19, 2020 by Greenbaum

[Mollie09 1,543]

4 hours ago, SmallTownPA said:

New Zealand is kinda close to Asia, is it not?

 

I will point you to Japan, China, and Vietnam as just a few countries that CERTAINLY have pre-wedding photo shoots, in full wedding garb.  Go to the Forbidden City in Beijing and just about every day you can see people taking the photos, in wedding gowns.  One day I counted no less than 6 groups trying to get shots at one of the entrances.

 

Also, how do you think they get those cheesy videos/photos to display at the reception???

 

Hows about this.. type in 'Japanese pre wedding photo shoot' into google, then click on images.  Tell me what you see.

 

For even better photos, type in 'New Zealand pre-wedding photo shoot'  let me know if you find any hobbits

None of this matters unless all those people were then applying for K-1s to immigrate to the US. That's why it matters.

 

I wouldn't risk it.

[usmsbow 795]

Unless you're from a high risk* country such as Nigeria, Ghana, Morocco, India, or Pakistan, you're probably OK. My wife and I had pre-wedding photos done like you described. I don't remember if she brought them to the K-1 interview, but she did bring engagement party photos. No problems at all. Ditto with another friend of hers. This was in Indonesia (low risk country)... 

 

Edited to add: why bring them anyway? Or are you just worried that they'll see the pics on social media? 

 

*High risk=large # of rejections, not in terms of personal safety or security. 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 19, 2020 by usmsbow

[Sarah&Facundo 576]

What's in the photo shoot? We did one in my husband's country but it was nothing at all like a wedding. He was wearing jeans and a button down shirt and I had a floral blue and white dress walking in a beach setting holding hands basically. Nothing from that could be misconstrued as a wedding. I wouldn't risk wearing a wedding dress in a photo shoot, for example. We didn't bring those to any interviews either.

Edited April 19, 2020 by Sarah&Facundo