Not being able to go!

[Ando&sirik 12]

Here is my situation. I am a US citizen trying to bring my girlfriend who is in Armenia here to the states on a K1 visa. I met her in Armenia in 2011 and came back to the states on January 2012. I unfortunately have no pictures from back then. I know you guys are going to tell me to go to Armenia, get engaged and come back but that is not an option for me for another 5 years. I am currently on probation and the probation department is not authorizing me to go. So yes I know that I am in a pickle so please dont respond to me reminding that it's hard. I know that my girlfriend and I have to have seen each other at least once in the past 2 years but there is a rule which says this can be waived if me going there is going to be of some sort of hardship on me, which I can prove with a letter from my probation officer stating that they do not let me go. So this is my situation and my question is can I bring her here without any pictures to prove of our relationship but plenty of proof by skype call logs, facebook messages, phone calls and etc....

[bunnithunder 1]

I think if you can legitimately prove you have some sort of ongoing relationship with this person with evidence other than photos, and provide proof that you are unable to return to Armenia you might be able to get away with it. It can't hurt to try anyway... unless the $340 filing fee is too much of a hassle.

[canadian_wife 1,822]

It is REALLY hard to get the meeting requirement waived. Although you cannot travel, why can't she? She'll likely have to show either why she cannot travel or multiple tourist visa denials.

good luck

[Cori and Rob 55]

Can she come to visit you? Or would you perhaps be allowed to travel somewhere along the east coast in the US so she wouldn't have to go so far (not sure what the terms of your probation are)? It's unlikely that the 2 year rule would be waived.

Edited July 29, 2014 by Cori and Rob

[Penguin_ie 5,993]

Unless she applied for a tourist visa at least a couple of times and got denied, no chance of having the meeting requirement waived.

So you are on probation for another 5 years? Will you be able to travel at all during that time, say to Mexico for a weekend, or will you not be allowed to leave the country at all?

[bunnygirl 86]

I think if you can legitimately prove you have some sort of ongoing relationship with this person with evidence other than photos, and provide proof that you are unable to return to Armenia you might be able to get away with it. It can't hurt to try anyway... unless the $340 filing fee is too much of a hassle.

Yes, this. The chances are very, very slim but all you've got to lose is the $340 fee. If she really can't travel (multiple denied tourist visas) then I think it's worth a shot.

Edited July 29, 2014 by bunnygirl

[TheCaptain 67]

Getting a hardship waiver is almost impossible to achieve. It will certainly not be approved because you are on probation. The waivers relate more to medical or religious grounds. I have only heard of a handful of people being approved, so plan on meeting again.

You will have to look into either getting her to come and visit you or if she is not able to apply for a visitors visa then meeting in a mutually acceptable 3rd country.

There is no way around this and if you apply without meeting you will only be wasting your own time and money as they will send you an RFE (Request for Evidence) and deny the petition.

Skype logs and phone calls are all secondary evidence.

Hope you can find a way.

[CowBoE 429]

1. How restrictive is your travel prohibition?

2. You can't travel outside of US at all?

3. Can she come visit you instead?

4. Has she attempted to get tourist visa?

5. Is meeting in 3rd country even possible?

[Ando&sirik 12]

I am going to respond to all of the questions but before I do, do you guys think getting a good immigration lawyer will help? I am going to hire him today. Wish me luck!

[Ando&sirik 12]

Also to all the Armenians out there, if there are any, how hard is it for her to get a tourist visa and what are the requirements?

[CowBoE 429]

Also to all the Armenians out there, if there are any, how hard is it for her to get a tourist visa and what are the requirements?

Here is Armenia specific portal...

http://www.visajourney.com/portals/index.php?country=Armenia

You can see members and their past postings...

[Ando&sirik 12]

How about getting an immigration lawyer part? I'll rather pay a professional to do it. Do you guys think it will make a difference? I heard he's very good.

[bunnygirl 86]

How about getting an immigration lawyer part? I'll rather pay a professional to do it. Do you guys think it will make a difference? I heard he's very good.

The majority of people manage the I129F/K1 process without any legal help, however if you'd be happier using one then go ahead. You can always have a one-time consult and see how you feel then. I don't know if your offence history is going to impact any of this so that might be a good idea to discuss with a lawyer.

[Penguin_ie 5,993]

An immigration lawyer may be useful in your case, as even if you can meet once, you may have difficulty proving a bonafide relationship due to distance. I don't think one is needed, but if you have the money, it may not be a bad idea.

Edited July 29, 2014 by Penguin_ie

[JenDave3121 30]

I do not even think an attorney can bypass the requirement! Your best bet is to have her travel to US to meet that requirement and that would probably be cheaper than hiring an attorney anyway! Good luck!