Questions on fiance visa

[jjc 0]

Hey all! I'm new to this site and have found a lot of very helpful information, however, I still have many questions and I'm hoping maybe you all can help me. Here is my situation...I am a US citizen and my fiance is in Gambia. To date we have not yet met as he has been unable to obtain a Visa to come here. However, I'm planning a trip there hopefully within the next few months. We are trying to decide if it would be better for us to get married there and then try to get him a visa to come here or wait to get married until he can come to the US. One of my questions is if we meet only one time will that be enough proof to file for a fiance visa? I'm totally new to all this and just trying to figure out the best way to handle everything.

Thanks everyone for your response!

[ky555soul 0]

If u get married u can not apply for k-1 Fiance .Married Visa its a longer process than k-1, also more money.IF u have enough proof of ur relationship you will be fine. Good luck!

[souleymon 27]

You might ve a favourable timeline for ur petition duration.

Both Fiancee n Spouse Petition is almost same,in that its almost same cost n duration.

People go for fiancee cos its believed to be faster,which will allow u get married in the US

[Operator 1,927]

To answer your question the requirement for a K-1 visa petition (I-129F) is that you have met at least once within the two year period prior to submitting the petition.

Edited August 22, 2011 by Operator

[Kevzil 2]

Hi! My husband and I met only once but we presented proof of relationship so u will be good. I kinda prefer getting married there for the visa hassles. You can only apply for the visa once and when she got here in USA she would have the work permit and the social security number right away like there wouldn't be any problems. For the fiancee visa, u have to apply fot it then when she gets here you have to apply for another visa again , AOS, Work permit and advance parole and what's worst also is that you have to have the medical again . I came here on a K1, fiancee visa and we both regreted it cuz it costs a lot of money. I did the medical again too and it costs us $375 just for the three shots. That's my advice but it's all up to you. Have a wonderful journey!

[missicy 87]

A lot of misinformation in this thread, especially in post above mine.

One in person meeting is enough to satisfy the requirement for fiance visa, however, there are better chances of approval if you meet more than once, especially when a beneficiary is from a high fraud country.

It takes about 8-12 months for both, but spouse visa is cheaper. On a spouse visa, the beneficiary can work right away. On fiance visa they can't work for at least 3 months.

[mugumogu 18]

Yes to meet once within the past two years is all that is required for the K-1. If that's all you're planning on meeting before going through with the whole process, you better make the most of it. Take lots of pictures and save everything! As far as which is faster (marriage or K-1) check the marriage requirements in Gambia. You may find that you have to do a dozen things before they will allow you to marry. The US has amazingly loose requirements for marriage of 2 US citizens for as much as we value marriage here.

[jjc 0]

Thanks everyone for the information! I'm so glad a stumbled across this website, there is a lot of helpful information here.

[baron555 934]

Hey all! I'm new to this site and have found a lot of very helpful information, however, I still have many questions and I'm hoping maybe you all can help me. Here is my situation...I am a US citizen and my fiance is in Gambia. To date we have not yet met as he has been unable to obtain a Visa to come here. However, I'm planning a trip there hopefully within the next few months. We are trying to decide if it would be better for us to get married there and then try to get him a visa to come here or wait to get married until he can come to the US. One of my questions is if we meet only one time will that be enough proof to file for a fiance visa? I'm totally new to all this and just trying to figure out the best way to handle everything.

Thanks everyone for your response!

For the K-1 visa petition, USCIS only needs you to meet once within a two year period prior to the filing of the petition.......however......

for the Embassy to grant the visa, you two need to prove you have a legitimate relationship. Check on the regional forums as some countries are known to be high visa fraud countries and the Embassies in those countries wants much more relationship evidence than just one meeting. And.....just getting married in no way proves a relationship.

[Gambialove 2]

Hey all! I'm new to this site and have found a lot of very helpful information, however, I still have many questions and I'm hoping maybe you all can help me. Here is my situation...I am a US citizen and my fiance is in Gambia. To date we have not yet met as he has been unable to obtain a Visa to come here. However, I'm planning a trip there hopefully within the next few months. We are trying to decide if it would be better for us to get married there and then try to get him a visa to come here or wait to get married until he can come to the US. One of my questions is if we meet only one time will that be enough proof to file for a fiance visa? I'm totally new to all this and just trying to figure out the best way to handle everything.

Thanks everyone for your response!

I was in the same situation recently, We decided to get married in Gambia this summer. I like some stated the time restrictions for approval are about the same... according to the timelines! Enjoy the Smiling Coast,Its Beautiful!!!

[jjc 0]

I was in the same situation recently, We decided to get married in Gambia this summer. I like some stated the time restrictions for approval are about the same... according to the timelines! Enjoy the Smiling Coast,Its Beautiful!!!

Thanks, I can't wait to see it there. Since you were in the same situation, can you tell me what all you needed to get married there and how much it cost for the marriage? I'm hoping to be able to travel to The Gambia early next year and I want to make sure I am fully prepared with eveything I will need.