To Apply Early or Not To Apply Early (that is the question) ;-)

[rsn 135]

Sorry for the lame title, I can't promise it won't happen again though. I've known my Thai g/f for about 8 months now - I met her in person while on vacation and have been back to visit 2 other times since. I plan on going back for 7 weeks starting at the end of this year. My original plan was to go stay with her for 7 weeks and file for the K1 in late Feb (when I get back) assuming all goes well. But, I've heard some horror stories about how long the whole process might take, and I've already exhausted a good amount of vacation and understanding from my employer. I'm thinking now, maybe it would make sense for me to start the application now instead of after I get back in late Feb. I figure if things don't go well with us or, for whatever reason, we decide that we are not meant to be, we can terminate the application process somehow. First question: Is this assumption correct? Second question: Do you (all) think my new slightly modified plan is a good idea? I just want to start the waiting process now instead of 4 months from now when I'm out of vacation time. BUT I want to make sure that I'm not messing up my chances to get this K1 approved due to any of my decisions here. Question 2.5: Do you (all) see any cause for concern w/ my logic here? Thanks as always!

[YuAndDan 153]

Yes you can file the K-1 now since you meet the requirement of having met her in person.

It is a good idea to visit her while K-1 is in process, this demonstrates commitment to the relationship.

We did this, I met my wife on line then visited her and filed shortly after the visit, then was with her when she interviewed for K-1.

[rsn 135]

Yes you can file the K-1 now since you meet the requirement of having met her in person.

It is a good idea to visit her while K-1 is in process, this demonstrates commitment to the relationship.

We did this, I met my wife on line then visited her and filed shortly after the visit, then was with her when she interviewed for K-1.

Do we need to show any proof of the engagement if we go this route? I'm not sure what proof to offer since we don't plan on being in the same country again until the end of December.

[YuAndDan 153]

Yes you can file the K-1 now since you meet the requirement of having met her in person.

It is a good idea to visit her while K-1 is in process, this demonstrates commitment to the relationship.

We did this, I met my wife on line then visited her and filed shortly after the visit, then was with her when she interviewed for K-1.

Do we need to show any proof of the engagement if we go this route? I'm not sure what proof to offer since we don't plan on being in the same country again until the end of December.

No proof of engagement other that letters of intent from you and your fiancee.

I had purchased a simple engagement ring, and attached a copy of the ring's receipt to the I-129F

[rsn 135]

Yes you can file the K-1 now since you meet the requirement of having met her in person.

It is a good idea to visit her while K-1 is in process, this demonstrates commitment to the relationship.

We did this, I met my wife on line then visited her and filed shortly after the visit, then was with her when she interviewed for K-1.

Do we need to show any proof of the engagement if we go this route? I'm not sure what proof to offer since we don't plan on being in the same country again until the end of December.

No proof of engagement other that letters of intent from you and your fiancee.

I had purchased a simple engagement ring, and attached a copy of the ring's receipt to the I-129F

Ah, ok. I see. That I can do. I planned on buying the ring just before I visit her next, so I won't have that receipt to offer as evidence, but the letters of intent we can do. One more question: We have known each other for about 8 months. Is that too short an amount of time? In other words, will it potentially hurt our chances of getting the K1?

[YuAndDan 153]

Ah, ok. I see. That I can do. I planned on buying the ring just before I visit her next, so I won't have that receipt to offer as evidence, but the letters of intent we can do. One more question: We have known each other for about 8 months. Is that too short an amount of time? In other words, will it potentially hurt our chances of getting the K1?

8 months is fine, by the time of visa interview it will be much longer.

In my case we had been exchanging email for 9 months before meeting in person.

[rsn 135]

Thanks for your input. Much appreciated.