How Long Do We Have to Know Each Other Before Applying for K1

[Mr. K 8]

I was all set to start the K1 process. I had done plenty of research and come to the conclusion that this is the best route for me and my fiancee.

So, I met with an attorney yesterday to begin and the attorney says me and my fiancee have to have known each other for two years before sending off the I-129 petition. If not, it will not get approved. I told the attorney that it was my understanding that we only have to have met once within two years of applying. The attorney says those statements are essentially the same, and that we have to have known each other for two years before even applying.

I checked the US Dept of State website (http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_2994.html#Filing) for info on K1 visa, and with regards to a fiance(e) it says:

"In general, the two people must have met in person within the past two years."

Am I wrong or is the attorney incorrect? Do I have to know my fiancee for two years before even applying? I do not interpret this statement to mean we have to know each other for two years before applying. The operative word is "within". "Within two years" could mean I met her anytime between right now and two years ago and still apply for the K1. It could mean if I have known her for 10 years and the last time we met was three years ago we can't apply.

I was blown away by the attorney's statement, as I have known my fiancee for less than two years. I thought I knew what was going on, but now I am a bit confused. If the attorney is indeed wrong, I wasted $100 on a consultation fee for bad advice, from an immigration attorney who should know.

Please let me know what is correct.

Edited September 25, 2009 by Mr. K

[sara..... 371]

ur correct u have to have met with in the last two years in person, im sure that someone will come a long that has a better answer than i do but i am assuming that if u only known and talked on the net for a month then went to meet ur s/o then it could raise a question at the interview for k1.......... but knowing each other two years first? im sure here are many here the filed way before knowing each other two years.

just my opinion

sara

[Matt & Bing 56]

I was all set to start the K1 process. I had done plenty of research and come to the conclusion that this is the best route for me and my fiancee.

So, I met with an attorney yesterday to begin and the attorney says me and my fiancee have to have known each other for two years before sending off the I-129 petition. If not, it will not get approved. I told the attorney that it was my understanding that we only have to have met once within two years of applying. The attorney says those statements are essentially the same, and that we have to have known each other for two years before even applying.

I checked the US Dept of State website (http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_2994.html#Filing) for info on K1 visa, and with regards to a fiance(e) it says:

"In general, the two people must have met in person within the past two years."

Am I wrong or is the attorney incorrect? Do I have to know my fiancee for two years before even applying? I do not interpret this statement to mean we have to know each other for two years before applying. The operative word is "within". "Within two years" could mean I met her anytime between right now and two years ago and still apply for the K1.

I was blown away by the attorney's statement, as I have known my fiancee for less than two years. I thought I knew what was going on, but now I am a bit confused. If the attorney is indeed wrong, I wasted $100 on a consultation fee for bad advice, from an immigration attorney who should know.

Please let me know what is correct.

Wow, your attorney is an idiot! I am married via K-1 and haven't even known my wife for 2 years!

Do not continue with this attorney!

Edited September 25, 2009 by Matt & Bing

[Dakine 26]

I was all set to start the K1 process. I had done plenty of research and come to the conclusion that this is the best route for me and my fiancee.

So, I met with an attorney yesterday to begin and the attorney says me and my fiancee have to have known each other for two years before sending off the I-129 petition. If not, it will not get approved. I told the attorney that it was my understanding that we only have to have met once within two years of applying. The attorney says those statements are essentially the same, and that we have to have known each other for two years before even applying.

I checked the US Dept of State website (http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_2994.html#Filing) for info on K1 visa, and with regards to a fiance(e) it says:

"In general, the two people must have met in person within the past two years."

Am I wrong or is the attorney incorrect? Do I have to know my fiancee for two years before even applying? I do not interpret this statement to mean we have to know each other for two years before applying. The operative word is "within". "Within two years" could mean I met her anytime between right now and two years ago and still apply for the K1.

I was blown away by the attorney's statement, as I have known my fiancee for less than two years. I thought I knew what was going on, but now I am a bit confused. If the attorney is indeed wrong, I wasted $100 on a consultation fee for bad advice, from an immigration attorney who should know.

Please let me know what is correct.

You were lucky finding out the lawyer as his head where the "sun don't shine". Unless you have unusual circumstances you can do the petition on your own. K1s are easy.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I was all set to start the K1 process. I had done plenty of research and come to the conclusion that this is the best route for me and my fiancee.

So, I met with an attorney yesterday to begin and the attorney says me and my fiancee have to have known each other for two years before sending off the I-129 petition. If not, it will not get approved. I told the attorney that it was my understanding that we only have to have met once within two years of applying. The attorney says those statements are essentially the same, and that we have to have known each other for two years before even applying.

I checked the US Dept of State website (http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_2994.html#Filing) for info on K1 visa, and with regards to a fiance(e) it says:

"In general, the two people must have met in person within the past two years."

Am I wrong or is the attorney incorrect? Do I have to know my fiancee for two years before even applying? I do not interpret this statement to mean we have to know each other for two years before applying. The operative word is "within". "Within two years" could mean I met her anytime between right now and two years ago and still apply for the K1. It could mean if I have known her for 10 years and the last time we met was three years ago we can't apply.

I was blown away by the attorney's statement, as I have known my fiancee for less than two years. I thought I knew what was going on, but now I am a bit confused. If the attorney is indeed wrong, I wasted $100 on a consultation fee for bad advice, from an immigration attorney who should know.

Please let me know what is correct.

Hopefully you have not paid this chowderhead any money yet. Good grief. You must HAVE MET IN PERSON at least one time in the past two years. You could meet him at the bus stop today, he can propose to you tonight and you can send the I-129f in the mail tomorrow.

Get a different attorney, this one hasn't got a clue.

That is the USCIS requirement for an I-129f petition, your petition would be approved if you sent it 5 minutes after meeting in person for the first time. What the consulate may consider is a different matter, since you have to prove a legitimate relationship to them, but there is no time limit per se and the attorney id daft. If he is going to do this for a living and charge people money, refer him to the guides at VJ

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I was all set to start the K1 process. I had done plenty of research and come to the conclusion that this is the best route for me and my fiancee.

So, I met with an attorney yesterday to begin and the attorney says me and my fiancee have to have known each other for two years before sending off the I-129 petition. If not, it will not get approved. I told the attorney that it was my understanding that we only have to have met once within two years of applying. The attorney says those statements are essentially the same, and that we have to have known each other for two years before even applying.

I checked the US Dept of State website (http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_2994.html#Filing) for info on K1 visa, and with regards to a fiance(e) it says:

"In general, the two people must have met in person within the past two years."

Am I wrong or is the attorney incorrect? Do I have to know my fiancee for two years before even applying? I do not interpret this statement to mean we have to know each other for two years before applying. The operative word is "within". "Within two years" could mean I met her anytime between right now and two years ago and still apply for the K1. It could mean if I have known her for 10 years and the last time we met was three years ago we can't apply.

I was blown away by the attorney's statement, as I have known my fiancee for less than two years. I thought I knew what was going on, but now I am a bit confused. If the attorney is indeed wrong, I wasted $100 on a consultation fee for bad advice, from an immigration attorney who should know.

Please let me know what is correct.

Hopefully you have not paid this chowderhead any money yet. Good grief. You must HAVE MET IN PERSON at least one time in the past two years. You could meet him at the bus stop today, he can propose to you tonight and you can send the I-129f in the mail tomorrow.

Get a different attorney, this one hasn't got a clue.

That is the USCIS requirement for an I-129f petition, your petition would be approved if you sent it 5 minutes after meeting in person for the first time. What the consulate may consider is a different matter, since you have to prove a legitimate relationship to them, but there is no time limit per se and the attorney id daft. If he is going to do this for a living and charge people money, refer him to the guides at VJ

Incidentaly, I met my wife Sept. 19, 2007 by accident at a bus stop (nokidding) in Prague CZ. We were married in the USA after she arrived on a K-1 visa exactly ONE year later, I have known her for just over two years and we have already celebrated our first anniversary. What a dufus. I imagine he makes his money $100 at a time.

[thepizzadude 26]

Its no wonder attorneys have such a bad name... If you have done your research and have come to the conclusion that this site is the best route... Let me ask WHY are you using an attorney at all?

[baron555 934]

Its no wonder attorneys have such a bad name... If you have done your research and have come to the conclusion that this site is the best route... Let me ask WHY are you using an attorney at all?

I'm waiting for Stephen & Elisha to chime in that all this advice is cavalier!

Of course what everyone told you is totally correct but what they will say is that one has to consider the country and the counselate that they have to deal with. It may be with the US Embassy in Ghana that having some length to your relationship will give you better odds of approval at the interview stage.

But, again, what everyone told you is correct.

[baron555 934]

The attorney says those statements are essentially the same

Well, the attorney may have a point since both sentences do contain the word "two".

Very smart these attorneys!

[Stephen + Elisha 92]

Its no wonder attorneys have such a bad name... If you have done your research and have come to the conclusion that this site is the best route... Let me ask WHY are you using an attorney at all?

I'm waiting for Stephen & Elisha to chime in that all this advice is cavalier!

Of course what everyone told you is totally correct but what they will say is that one has to consider the country and the counselate that they have to deal with. It may be with the US Embassy in Ghana that having some length to your relationship will give you better odds of approval at the interview stage.

But, again, what everyone told you is correct.

The lawyer's a moron. The law doesn't require a two-year relationship to file for a K-1.

The issue of the consulate is another matter entirely. They might do well to front-load the petition with evidence of a bona fide relationship if they foresee the short duration as raising red flags. A smart lawyer might have brought this up.

This lawyer, on the other hand, apparently can't read. Run, don't walk, away from this shyster before he gets his hands on a red cent of yours.

[thongd4me 69]

I was all set to start the K1 process. I had done plenty of research and come to the conclusion that this is the best route for me and my fiancee.

So, I met with an attorney yesterday to begin and the attorney says me and my fiancee have to have known each other for two years before sending off the I-129 petition. If not, it will not get approved. I told the attorney that it was my understanding that we only have to have met once within two years of applying. The attorney says those statements are essentially the same, and that we have to have known each other for two years before even applying.

I checked the US Dept of State website (http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_2994.html#Filing) for info on K1 visa, and with regards to a fiance(e) it says:

"In general, the two people must have met in person within the past two years."

Am I wrong or is the attorney incorrect? Do I have to know my fiancee for two years before even applying? I do not interpret this statement to mean we have to know each other for two years before applying. The operative word is "within". "Within two years" could mean I met her anytime between right now and two years ago and still apply for the K1. It could mean if I have known her for 10 years and the last time we met was three years ago we can't apply.

I was blown away by the attorney's statement, as I have known my fiancee for less than two years. I thought I knew what was going on, but now I am a bit confused. If the attorney is indeed wrong, I wasted $100 on a consultation fee for bad advice, from an immigration attorney who should know.

Please let me know what is correct.

I don't think there is a time limit; the basics are that you are both free to marry.

However because they require proof of relationship that proof requires face time.

I don't think it's a question of knowing each other for two years; the requirement is

to have met within two calendar years. The time (quantity) of the meeting within that

framework is up to the couple, but more time should mean your chances are better.

It could mean if I have known her for 10 years and the last time we met was three years ago we can't apply.

This is true; no getting around it. If you've known each other for 10 years outside of the

2-year window but then you meet for one week within the 2-year window then you're good to go.

They don't specify an exact length of time but more time usually indicates more of a relationship

(at least to bureaucrats).

[Chris_Жанна 11]

I was all set to start the K1 process. I had done plenty of research and come to the conclusion that this is the best route for me and my fiancee.

So, I met with an attorney yesterday to begin and the attorney says me and my fiancee have to have known each other for two years before sending off the I-129 petition. If not, it will not get approved. I told the attorney that it was my understanding that we only have to have met once within two years of applying. The attorney says those statements are essentially the same, and that we have to have known each other for two years before even applying.

I checked the US Dept of State website (http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_2994.html#Filing) for info on K1 visa, and with regards to a fiance(e) it says:

"In general, the two people must have met in person within the past two years."

Am I wrong or is the attorney incorrect? Do I have to know my fiancee for two years before even applying? I do not interpret this statement to mean we have to know each other for two years before applying. The operative word is "within". "Within two years" could mean I met her anytime between right now and two years ago and still apply for the K1. It could mean if I have known her for 10 years and the last time we met was three years ago we can't apply.

I was blown away by the attorney's statement, as I have known my fiancee for less than two years. I thought I knew what was going on, but now I am a bit confused. If the attorney is indeed wrong, I wasted $100 on a consultation fee for bad advice, from an immigration attorney who should know.

Please let me know what is correct.

You can file 1 second after meeting your fiancee. As long as you can prove it.

[Myo 0]

I was all set to start the K1 process. I had done plenty of research and come to the conclusion that this is the best route for me and my fiancee.

So, I met with an attorney yesterday to begin and the attorney says me and my fiancee have to have known each other for two years before sending off the I-129 petition. If not, it will not get approved. I told the attorney that it was my understanding that we only have to have met once within two years of applying. The attorney says those statements are essentially the same, and that we have to have known each other for two years before even applying.

I checked the US Dept of State website (http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_2994.html#Filing) for info on K1 visa, and with regards to a fiance(e) it says:

"In general, the two people must have met in person within the past two years."

Am I wrong or is the attorney incorrect? Do I have to know my fiancee for two years before even applying? I do not interpret this statement to mean we have to know each other for two years before applying. The operative word is "within". "Within two years" could mean I met her anytime between right now and two years ago and still apply for the K1. It could mean if I have known her for 10 years and the last time we met was three years ago we can't apply.

I was blown away by the attorney's statement, as I have known my fiancee for less than two years. I thought I knew what was going on, but now I am a bit confused. If the attorney is indeed wrong, I wasted $100 on a consultation fee for bad advice, from an immigration attorney who should know.

Please let me know what is correct.

I met my fiance the second week of my two week visit to Ghana. We had exactly 1 glorious week together. That was in May, 2008. In September, 2008 I filed my petition. We have communicated every single day since the first day we met and were able to provide evidence of our on-going relationship via the telephone, internet, and snail mail. All is well with us. We will be married in November of this year. You can do this - good luck.

[Old Dominion 26]

So long as you've got photos and other evidence that you have met, get going with the paperwork and be sure it's all complete before filing. Was this really an attorney?? How did you find him??

[Mr. K 8]

So long as you've got photos and other evidence that you have met, get going with the paperwork and be sure it's all complete before filing. Was this really an attorney?? How did you find him??

Yes, it was a real attorney. I found her on the State Bar of Georgia's website.

I'm wondering, why do people use an attorney for this anyway. What exactly do they do?