a89syd9a

USCIS uses the "place of celebration" rule to determine whether a marriage is valid for immigration purposes. If you get anything that is legally considered a marriage at the place where it happens, then you are very likely to have your I-129F denied if there is any record about it. To be eligible for K1, you have to prove 3 eligibility factors, one of which is: you and beneficiary are legally able and eligible to marry within 90 days of beneficiary's arrival to US. By having an existing marriage, you and beneficiary would not be eligible in this regard in most cases.
 
You may be able to present some novel legal argument to counter that but I'm not sure it's worth all the risk and hassle.
 
In summary, if you want an easy approval then don't do it. If you want to get married, just get legally married and apply for CR1.

USCIS uses the "place of celebration" rule to determine whether a marriage is valid for immigration purposes. If you get anything that is legally considered a marriage at the place where it happens, then you are very likely to have your I-129F denied if there is any record about it. To be eligible for K1, you have to prove 3 eligibility factors, one of which is: you and beneficiary are legally able and eligible to marry within 90 days of beneficiary's arrival to US. By having an existing marriage, you and beneficiary would not be eligible in this regard in most cases.
 
You may be able to present some novel legal argument to counter that but I'm not sure it's worth all the risk and hassle.
 
In summary, if you want an easy approval then don't do it. If you want to get married, just get legally married and apply for CR1.

USCIS uses the "place of celebration" rule to determine whether a marriage is valid for immigration purposes. If you get anything that is legally considered a marriage at the place where it happens, then you are very likely to have your I-129F denied if there is any record about it. To be eligible for K1, you have to prove 3 eligibility factors, one of which is: you and beneficiary are legally able and eligible to marry within 90 days of beneficiary's arrival to US. By having an existing marriage, you and beneficiary would not be eligible in this regard in most cases.
 
You may be able to present some novel legal argument to counter that but I'm not sure it's worth all the risk and hassle.
 
In summary, if you want an easy approval then don't do it. If you want to get married, just get legally married and apply for CR1.

USCIS uses the "place of celebration" rule to determine whether a marriage is valid for immigration purposes. If you get anything that is legally considered a marriage at the place where it happens, then you are very likely to have your I-129F denied if there is any record about it. To be eligible for K1, you have to prove 3 eligibility factors, one of which is: you and beneficiary are legally able and eligible to marry within 90 days of beneficiary's arrival to US. By having an existing marriage, you and beneficiary would not be eligible in this regard in most cases.
 
You may be able to present some novel legal argument to counter that but I'm not sure it's worth all the risk and hassle.
 
In summary, if you want an easy approval then don't do it. If you want to get married, just get legally married and apply for CR1.

USCIS uses the "place of celebration" rule to determine whether a marriage is valid for immigration purposes. If you get anything that is legally considered a marriage at the place where it happens, then you are very likely to have your I-129F denied if there is any record about it. To be eligible for K1, you have to prove 3 eligibility factors, one of which is: you and beneficiary are legally able and eligible to marry within 90 days of beneficiary's arrival to US. By having an existing marriage, you and beneficiary would not be eligible in this regard in most cases.
 
You may be able to present some novel legal argument to counter that but I'm not sure it's worth all the risk and hassle.
 
In summary, if you want an easy approval then don't do it. If you want to get married, just get legally married and apply for CR1.

USCIS uses the "place of celebration" rule to determine whether a marriage is valid for immigration purposes. If you get anything that is legally considered a marriage at the place where it happens, then you are very likely to have your I-129F denied if there is any record about it. To be eligible for K1, you have to prove 3 eligibility factors, one of which is: you and beneficiary are legally able and eligible to marry within 90 days of beneficiary's arrival to US. By having an existing marriage, you and beneficiary would not be eligible in this regard in most cases.
 
You may be able to present some novel legal argument to counter that but I'm not sure it's worth all the risk and hassle.
 
In summary, if you want an easy approval then don't do it. If you want to get married, just get legally married and apply for CR1.

Find your congress representative and on their website they will usually have a page titled like "Help with federal agency". Fill out the information and they will contact USCIS on your behalf to inquire: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
 
You can also submit another inquiry yourself that your case is beyond the expected processing times, and maybe explain it in detail and also inquire with USCIS ombudsman. If I were in your situation, I would just go with the congress rep first and see what happens.
 
You could also call them and ask instead of using the website. You will have to go through the automated menu and try to speak to a person, then difficult as it may be, explain to them politely that your NOA 1 is on whatever date, and it is beyond the expected processing time.

Find your congress representative and on their website they will usually have a page titled like "Help with federal agency". Fill out the information and they will contact USCIS on your behalf to inquire: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
 
You can also submit another inquiry yourself that your case is beyond the expected processing times, and maybe explain it in detail and also inquire with USCIS ombudsman. If I were in your situation, I would just go with the congress rep first and see what happens.
 
You could also call them and ask instead of using the website. You will have to go through the automated menu and try to speak to a person, then difficult as it may be, explain to them politely that your NOA 1 is on whatever date, and it is beyond the expected processing time.

Thanks a lot for the help!

Approval is likely based on what you’ve written so far. Bank statements not needed. 

Not for I-134

Yes, the same for me and I believe many others.

Our K-1 petition got approved!
I have no words to describe how I am feeling after successfully completing this hellish journey!
Many thanks to the CO who approved us. I know nothing about her but I pray the universe will keep her happy! She said among all the applicants I was the only person who convinced her 100%!
Some details.
Petitioner: Female, age 33 years old, white, never married, no kids.
Applicant: Indian, 24 years old, never married.
Met online. 20 months ago. Petitioner was present outside the consulate but the CO said it is not necessary to talk to her. Including present meeting, we have met 4 times each time for 7 days.
CO did not look at ANY of the evidence. She was busy with her paper work while I speed-talked for 10 mins (Proly due to my nervousness, I was nerve-wrackingly nervous!)
She was a very sweet woman in her forties. She also approved my friend who is also a K-1 interracial case although his engagement photos were put under the scanner. (No age difference with him and they met at work not online)
2 other girls who looked like CR1 cases were also approved judging by the smiles on their faces. One girl was proly put on AP cause she looked distraught. Another older guy was distraught too so I guess he was either AP or denied.
My advice to other K-1 applicants, try not to bullshit the CO. They seem to know what they are doing and they seem to appreciate honesty. Be honest and give out all information even if you think it might go against you. I did. My parents are not happy with our marriage and I disclosed the same to the CO and we haven't held an engagement ceremony either.
I also revealed other information which I would think would have gone against me but in the end the CO was completely satisfied.
They interview hundreds of people every week and they really don't wanna mess with you for the heck of it.
All the best to everybody else out there patiently waiting for the interviews!
Live long and prosper!