Would a visa approval be more assured if a citizen went abroad and married first?

[larru 0]

Hi, I'm new here and know very little about this process and what to expect etc.

We have been waiting 13 months now, and have not heard a word other than asking for some verification. We have a three year relationship of cyber contact and are becoming a little impatient and frustrated.

Though in all fairness, there are extenuating circumstances with our case, and actually, I was hoping that at first, 'no news was good news', meaning that the more time they take to decide, perhaps could mean that our case is getting serious positive consideration. But each day as it drags on, I become more fearful that may not be the case.

Of course, we are also in the stage of thinking of a plan 'B' should her visa be rejected. And plan 'B' is actually one I considered before but turned away from it because just the expense alone can create some serious financial difficulties, plus health considerations as well.

But my question is concerning this other option and I do not have a clue if it is feasable or will even matter. So I wonder if anyone has this experience or has heard of anyone that has.

My thought was that if I went to her country, and we were wed there, does USCIS give a higher percentage consideration, or is it a 'lock' or does it even matter that we now are husband and wife?

As well, anything in the advisory catagory would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

Basic questions, have you ever met in person ? What are any red flags in your relationship

[Inky 1,110]

No getting married does not make it any " more assured " to get a visa. Its still possible to be denied and has happened to people on VJ. Its even happened to people who filed a K-1 got denied, they went and married and got denied when married too.

[fantonledzepp 159]

Nope, not at all. Focus on having a solid package sent to USCIS and you'll be ok.

[larru 0]

No, we've not met in person, which is the 'extenuating' circumstance. Under the I129 instructions, it said, if it would create 'extreme hardship" it may not be necessary. They asked for some verification which I sent in Dec. concerning my health and finances. They DID acknowledge receipt of it.

There is a considerable age difference, and I don't know if that is considered a 'red flag' or not, but maybe. Also, she seems to think the fact that she is Pakistni is already a mark against her. I am hoping she is very wrong about that.

Other than those two/three issues, that's all I can think of in the way of a red flag.

Thanks Inky, it's a hard truth, but better that than false hopes.

[larru 0]

Yeah, I was afraid of that. Thanks fantoniedzepp

[Hypnos 6,576]

Without having met in person you are facing a very uphill battle.

[TBoneTX 45,365]

*** Thread moved from K-1 Process forum to General Immigration Discussion -- OP is contemplating alternatives. ***

[aaron2020 11,651]

No, we've not met in person, which is the 'extenuating' circumstance. Under the I129 instructions, it said, if it would create 'extreme hardship" it may not be necessary. They asked for some verification which I sent in Dec. concerning my health and finances. They DID acknowledge receipt of it.

There is a considerable age difference, and I don't know if that is considered a 'red flag' or not, but maybe. Also, she seems to think the fact that she is Pakistni is already a mark against her. I am hoping she is very wrong about that.

Other than those two/three issues, that's all I can think of in the way of a red flag.

Thanks Inky, it's a hard truth, but better that than false hopes.

How is it an "extenuating circumstance" that prevents the two of you from meeting within 2 years before filing the I-129f when you are willing to go to her country to marry? Isn't this claiming you can't do it, then contradicting yourself by planning to do it?

Why can't you just go to her country, meet, and then file for the K-1?

What's the extreme hardship that prevents you two from meeting when you are considering going there? Doesn't seem like an extreme hardship if you can go meet her.

Edited May 31, 2013 by aaron2020

[kalusha 21]

How is it an "extenuating circumstance" that prevents the two of you from meeting within 2 years before filing the I-129f when you are willing to go to her country to marry? Isn't this claiming you can't do it, then contradicting yourself by planning to do it?

Why can't you just go to her country, meet, and then file for the K-1?

What's the extreme hardship that prevents you two from meeting when you are considering going there? Doesn't seem like an extreme hardship if you can go meet her.

AAron raised a very interesting point about the hardship part. If you are thinking about the plan B then it would not add up to the fact that you stated not meeting with her because of extenuating circumstance. Also, if you are able to meet with her and you do get married then you will not be looking at the K1 path, but rather a R-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process.

Edited May 31, 2013 by kalusha

[larru 0]

I certainly agree that it appears suspicious that I am willing to go now if it means a guarantee etc. And I will not say otherwise. What I will say, is that there are times when a person cares enough about another that they will risk their health & finances to do so. Seems that aspect of it may have not been considered in your reply. I can't speak for anyone else here, but I must assume that when you want to marry someone, it is because you have a Love for them, not a business deal. That being the case, it also seems to me that one will be willing to do extraordinary things to make it happen. I have never claimed it to be impossible, only very, very difficult.

[Penguin_ie 5,994]

It is almost impossible to get a waiver for the meeting requirement, So I would prepare myself for a denial.

Marrying itself will not guarantee an approval, but the more "face time" you have, ie time spent together, and photos with eachother's family, the more likely approval is. So several visits- or actually living abroad for a few months- would be ideal.

[Boiler 45,581]

Is this an arranged marriage?

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

You will be denied. You must meet.

[fantonledzepp 159]

Indeed, you have to meet.