We're moving fast - will that cause problems?

[kew612 1]

I proposed to my boyfriend on June 17, 2014. Our anniversary is May 16... 2014. We met in person for the first time March 1, 2014. We spoke for the first time February 22, 2014.

We're both more sure about this than anything, but we are a little worried that the speed of the relationship may raise a red flag in regards to immigration. Some info:

• No criminal record for either of us
• He is a citizen of Canada (born and raised around Montreal), I am from New York (living in Buffalo).
• We both have traveled to each others' countries quite a bit before meeting one another
  • He competes in the US for winter guard (a dance activity, and how we met)
  • I live in Buffalo and go to Niagara Falls for fun (Clifton Hill, Casino - normally just there for the evening)
• We plan on applying for a k-1 visa by the end of August 2014 (when he is done touring in the US with his team)
• Between April 23 and our application, we will have visited one another at least 10 times (him coming here mostly, about 70/30)
• He is moving to Ontario in August after his tour
• I did buy a ring, he has worn it since my proposal
• We are both 24
• I meet and surpass the 125% poverty level for a married couple and could support both of us in the event it took him a while to find work (unlikely, he's one of those blessed people )
• We've told our family and friends, and have many pictures of us together
• Aforementioned family and friends are super excited and supportive

Not sure if I am forgetting anything - I am just looking to see if anyone else has experienced or heard anything about a whirlwind relationship like this getting approval, or if they will deny us because we haven't been together very long.

Thanks and looking forward to lurking on VJ more openly!!

Kevin

[Girl from Celebes 588]

No whatsoever. There are many people here started dating in short period of times, filed for I-129F, and got approved. As long as you both have met in person within 2 years before filing and seems like you both did, you'll be fine. And congrats for the engagement.

[jaimelee 12]

You should be A'okay… our dating process was a little fast too and we got approved for the visa. As it was stated above the only thing is you have to make sure that you have met in person in the past 2 years (which it sounds like you have done), but I would also recommend bringing as much stuff that shows your relationship is true. I gave my fiancé the "engagement announcement", dress invoice, photos, messages over Skype, the actual invitations, the downpayment on the chapel etc.

Heres our timeline if it makes you feel better:
Met online... Aug 2012

Lost contact... Jan 2013

Regained contact... Aug 2013

"Online relationship"… Sept 2013

Met in Person … Dec 2013

Real Relationship … Dec 2013

Engaged… Feb 2014

Best of luck you and your fiancé!

[landr 126]

You didn't mention this specifically, but I'm assuming that you are a guy based on your sign-off. If yes, this article might be of interest:

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/28/obama-gay-rights-abroad-embassies-activism

Your fiance might get more questions at the interview about your relationship because of the length, but I believe that Canada is considered low fraud, so that will help. When you get to the embassy stage of the process (once your petition has been approved), you might find it useful to visit the Canada forum:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/93-canada/

If you don't have any immigration/visa, criminal or mental health hiccups in either of your backgrounds, particularly on the beneficiary side (your fiance), that should also make your journey more straightforward.

Unfortunately, your state is New York, so your petition will go through the Texas Service Centre, which is currently experiencing some delays in terms of petition approval: 5-7 months on average from the date of filing, unless you are lucky enough to get expedited. That said, there are a few people who have been transferred to the Vermont Service Centre and there's speculation that this might ease the load a bit and lead to quicker approval times. And these things normally go in cycles, so you might be lucky and by the time you file, Texas/Vermont could have quick approval times of 1-2 months - like the ones currently being experienced by those going through the California Service Centre.

Congratulations and good luck!

[JIJourney 96]

Fortunately for you guys that you will go through the Texas Service Center allowing more time for you guys to get to know each other.

But at the moment your short relationship will be a HUGE red flag. My advice is to give it another year to make sure.

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

You only have to have met in person at least once in the 2 years prior to filing for the I-129F petition. There is no requirement for length of relationship for the petition or for the visa. Also, the foreign fiance will interview in Canada, which a low-fraud country, so that is in your favor. Provide plenty of evidence to prove meeting in person for the I-129F petition and evidence of bona fide relationship for the K-1 visa interview. You have a lot of visits together in person during your short time as a couple, and face-to-face time is important, so another plus in your favor.

The guides and example forms here on VJ are quite helpful to follow when reading through the form instructions and filling out everything you need.

[Elizabeth+Fred 35]

Another possible issue: does the state of NY allow gay marriages?

I did read that for a same-sex relationship (which is what this K1 would be for) can only be approved

if the petitioner lives in a state where such marriages are allowed.

Assuming yes, they should be fine, as there is proof of having met, proof (enough) of relationship,

the financial requirement is met, and no criminal records... all good!

Good luck guys, and I hope TSC won't make you wait TOO long !

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

I did read that for a same-sex relationship (which is what this K1 would be for) can only be approved

if the petitioner lives in a state where such marriages are allowed.

You do not have to reside in a state that allows SSM. You only have to marry in a state where it is legal. NY allows SSM though.

[Elizabeth+Fred 35]

Thanks KayDeeCee .... yeah, that is actually what I meant to say, assuming one'd get married in the state where they live.

Anyway, NY is OK with it, so they should be fine...

[kew612 1]

Wow, thank you all so much for the answers!!!

We're excited to take the next step - and I am grateful that VJ is such an awesome community

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

A short courtship is a red flag, but it can be easily overcome with lots of evidence of a bona fide relationship. They will look at the totality of the evidence; it's not like one thing will get you denied no matter what.

Good luck to you.

[gwenstar 66]

My husband and I got married within 9 months of meeting and we didn't have any issues at all. Our biggest concern was proof of relationship but we just followed the guidelines and submitted what we could. Sounds like you are covering those bases by visiting and such - just keep documenting your relationship/travel/communication and you should be good Congrats to you both on your engagement!

[Jacque67 7,328]

You are engaged to Bieber?

Good luck. You should be fine.

[LionessDeon 2,060]

Fortunately for you guys that you will go through the Texas Service Center allowing more time for you guys to get to know each other.

But at the moment your short relationship will be a HUGE red flag. My advice is to give it another year to make sure.

How do you know they will be assigned to TSC? Is that predetermined by location or something? I was under the impression it was just random.

[Elizabeth+Fred 35]

How do you know they will be assigned to TSC? Is that predetermined by location or something? I was under the impression it was just random.

Only a few (currently, TSC and CSC, plus VSC as a backup) centers handle I-129F petitions. The location of the petitioner determines which center will be handling the request. See attached map of the U.S. .. find the state the petitioner is in, and you'll have your answer.

(note: no, I did not create the map myself.. found it somewhere, and can't even remember where to give proper credits!)

--fred