Does Age Difference really matter?

[Dano 0]

When a K-3 is denied, the exact reason is given. (No guess work involved). An age difference would not be reason enough for a denial.

[Y's_habibitk 2]

When a K-3 is denied, the exact reason is given. (No guess work involved). An age difference would not be reason enough for a denial.

usually the answer is pretty vauge actually. they arent going to say "your visa application was denied because you are old"

It will say something like there was failure to provide that it is a bonofide relationship and not purely for immigration purposes. (paraphrasing of course)

this can mean ANYTHING. Maybe the ben/then petitioner interviewed poorly and answered the questions poorly. It could mean the CO just didnt buy any of it...could be anything really

They do everything BUT tell you the "exact" reason. This is why many people are at a loss when denied

this is what i have seen anyway, in reading peoples experience with denials being sent back to the US.

[Jasman0717 9]

The most important thing with any petition is to prove to the reviewing officer that your relationship is valid and true.

[pushbrk 13,066]

The most important thing with any petition is to prove to the reviewing officer that your relationship is valid and true.

Exactly. The bigger the age difference the bigger a factor it will be, but it's just one of many factors that go into evaluating the relationship bona fides.

I disagree with the earlier assertion that denials receive an exact reason. They receive a butt covering reason that may sound exact but is vague enough to cover the CO's behind. If they didn't believe the bona fides primarily because an homely old woman caught herself a middle eastern boy toy, you're never going to see anything like that stated or even vaguely implied as the reason.

[Jasman0717 9]

The most important thing with any petition is to prove to the reviewing officer that your relationship is valid and true.

Exactly. The bigger the age difference the bigger a factor it will be, but it's just one of many factors that go into evaluating the relationship bona fides.

I disagree with the earlier assertion that denials receive an exact reason. They receive a butt covering reason that may sound exact but is vague enough to cover the CO's behind. If they didn't believe the bona fides primarily because an homely old woman caught herself a middle eastern boy toy, you're never going to see anything like that stated or even vaguely implied as the reason.

All it takes is for the reviewing officer to have a doubt

[Old Dominion 26]

The most important thing with any petition is to prove to the reviewing officer that your relationship is valid and true.

Exactly. The bigger the age difference the bigger a factor it will be, but it's just one of many factors that go into evaluating the relationship bona fides.

I disagree with the earlier assertion that denials receive an exact reason. They receive a butt covering reason that may sound exact but is vague enough to cover the CO's behind. If they didn't believe the bona fides primarily because an homely old woman caught herself a middle eastern boy toy, you're never going to see anything like that stated or even vaguely implied as the reason.

All it takes is for the reviewing officer to have a doubt

Exactly. That's another reason to have both people present for the interview.

[pushbrk 13,066]

The most important thing with any petition is to prove to the reviewing officer that your relationship is valid and true.

Exactly. The bigger the age difference the bigger a factor it will be, but it's just one of many factors that go into evaluating the relationship bona fides.

I disagree with the earlier assertion that denials receive an exact reason. They receive a butt covering reason that may sound exact but is vague enough to cover the CO's behind. If they didn't believe the bona fides primarily because an homely old woman caught herself a middle eastern boy toy, you're never going to see anything like that stated or even vaguely implied as the reason.

All it takes is for the reviewing officer to have a doubt

Exactly. That's another reason to have both people present for the interview.

Nevertheless there are a number of very busy Conslates that simply don't allow the couple to be interviewed together. In those cases, it may well be good to have the petitioner in country and nearby. People need to know their own Consulate's policy on this rather than to assume they can attend the actual interview.

[morocco4ever 63]

The most important thing with any petition is to prove to the reviewing officer that your relationship is valid and true.

Exactly. The bigger the age difference the bigger a factor it will be, but it's just one of many factors that go into evaluating the relationship bona fides.

I disagree with the earlier assertion that denials receive an exact reason. They receive a butt covering reason that may sound exact but is vague enough to cover the CO's behind. If they didn't believe the bona fides primarily because an homely old woman caught herself a middle eastern boy toy, you're never going to see anything like that stated or even vaguely implied as the reason.

All it takes is for the reviewing officer to have a doubt

Exactly. That's another reason to have both people present for the interview.

It really isn't wise to suggest this. It may raise the couples hope only to be let down. As pushbrk stated, it depends on the consulate, so it would have been better to ask the consulate if they would be allowed in. I was in Morocco for my husbands second interview and they wouldn't let me in with him, so I went to a nearby coffee shop. BUT I think it speaks highly of your relationship if you go to his country at the time of the interview. The more visits the more it proves the sincerity of the relationship.

As for a definite reason for a denial, sometimes you get it, sometimes its vague, and sometimes there is nothing. When we were denied we didn't get any reason, and it took my congressmans office to enquire before they stated that they doubted the validity of our relationship. Still vague. We were one of the lucky ones because we had clues based on their questions at the interview. This reason was never revealed to us, even in the NOIR, but I addressed it in our rebuttal. This part of our rebuttal was flagged by the adjudicating officer so our suspicions were spot on.

Age is a flag. Somewhere there is a list, and anything over 10 years is considered significant enough to be noted. Region is a factor. They are not going to be as hard on a man older than a women in the Philippines as it would be for the same age difference if the woman was older than the man in the Middle East. Age based on culture is the key. Should you be denied based only on age? No, but I am sure it has happened. I am significantly older than my husband, but I look much younger than I am. I actually think we were going to be approved until the question on my husbands sister here in the US took a wrong turn. You also have to take into consideration that if the beneficiary is strikingly handsome/beautiful, and the petitioner is not physically attractive you might have a tougher interview. Think about it from a CO's point of view. A wise couple will be prepared to answer questions concerning age difference no matter what region, as well as a big difference in physical attributes.

It is important to remember that these CO's do not know you personally, and have to base their decisions on what is seen with the eyes as opposed to what is in the couples heart. They have a tough job.

[JoanieD 0]

Hello Everyone,

I read an earlier post from a person who said they feel that their K-3 Was denied because of age difference.

Is this possible? It was my impression that as long as both parties were 18 or older, and could supply all the necessary

documentation needed to get approval, that would get approved. Does Age difference really matter in these cases?

Looking forward to everyones feedback....Thanks

My husband is 15 years older than me, and I came here on a K-3 Visa, absolutely no questions asked about our age difference. We had every single possible proof of our bonafide marriage....and we had no problem at the interview.............good luck

[Soancika+Brian 0]

It will help to prove a bonafide marriage if you are present for her interview.

I thought that it stated in the regulations that I could not be in the country( her country) during the inteview

process, that I had to be in the US? Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!

Nothing of the kind is stated in any regulations. As a US Citizens, the US Government doesn't tell you you can't travel to another country.

I suggest that when you read the guides here or form instructions that you do so slowly and carefully and that you interpret literally. It's going to be critical to your success.

As for age difference, generally it doesn't matter. A significantly older man is a common situation in the PI but an 18 year old with a 50 year old is going to raise some serious questions anywhere. In cultures where men seldom marry older women, a significant age difference can raise serious questions when the woman is older.

I agree with this post. Well said.

[bhajishah 4]

Nope as long as you pay taxes and have money to support, you can do about anything want. esp as man.

[Old Dominion 26]

The most important thing with any petition is to prove to the reviewing officer that your relationship is valid and true.

Exactly. The bigger the age difference the bigger a factor it will be, but it's just one of many factors that go into evaluating the relationship bona fides.

I disagree with the earlier assertion that denials receive an exact reason. They receive a butt covering reason that may sound exact but is vague enough to cover the CO's behind. If they didn't believe the bona fides primarily because an homely old woman caught herself a middle eastern boy toy, you're never going to see anything like that stated or even vaguely implied as the reason.

All it takes is for the reviewing officer to have a doubt

Exactly. That's another reason to have both people present for the interview.

Nevertheless there are a number of very busy Conslates that simply don't allow the couple to be interviewed together. In those cases, it may well be good to have the petitioner in country and nearby. People need to know their own Consulate's policy on this rather than to assume they can attend the actual interview.

True, but the OP is writing about the Phils. In Manila and some other places, anyone accompanying the interviewee can sit within earshot and plain view. It doesn't mean they are interviewed "together," but the visible presence of the petitioner speaks loudly enough.