Trips and time spend abroad to prove a bonafide marriage.

[Honey&Bunny 12]

Hello guys, I asked this question in the past, but I couldn't find it and I can't remember the answers! Anyways, I am wondering if by not traveling more than once a year to visit my husband can affect my husband and daughter's visas petitions? Let me explain, due to having no time or money, I visited my husband, and step-daughter last May. I am dying to go and visit, but I can't afford to travel now, and when they get their interview. I HAVE SO MANY people telling me that not visiting enough can result in visas denied, now, I am starting to FREAK OUT! I went to visit my husband on October 2012 after finding each other on Facebook (we had a history together before I moved to the states), then I went back again on May 2013 when we got married, then again in May 2014 for our first anniversary. I never stayed more than two weeks because we can't afford it. Three people already told me that we can't get their visas denied, I really don't even want to think that this might be true, and this is why I decided to ask you guys. I think a lot of you have been on my same situation. Thank you before hand, and all suggestions are welcome.

[Gorkhali 214]

I am not an expert but in the same boat like many others here.

I think you are doing good. I also hope u guys have stock of photos together and wid frens and family. Also to back this u have enuf docx to show communication between u, ur husband and daughter.

[Happytobe 164]

My hubby and I met online in the fall of 2011, then in person in the Spring of 2012. We married the following December and I managed to make it for his interview in the Fall of 2013. He was approved. The visits were just over 2 weeks each. Quality is good. Pics, communication between visits, etc. we front loaded, added more at NVC, and brought more to the interview. I'm on my phone, so I can't see where you're at, but if the evidence is there, you guys should be ok. Good luck!

[Ryan H 3,812]

***Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to Caribbean regional forum; Dominican Republic specific answers are needed for the OP's circumstances.***

**Moderator hat off**

OP, I've seen other members who were petitioning a spouse from DR post that the petitioner's presence at the interview is a de facto requirement. Hopefully, filers with very recent experience with the Embassy in Santo Domingo can chime in on this. People's experiences in Nepal or Morocco are simply not germane to what you may be dealing with.

[Ilovemyman 147]

Dont worry about time, of course if you live at usa you cant travel a lot and stay long here.

All you need to explain is that you cant stay long by job.

Be sure you know very well each other, and be able to answer all questions about yourself.

[Honey&Bunny 12]

Thank you all for your answers. We know each very well as well as our families. We talk on FaceTime everyday, or text each other through Whatsapp constantly. Hopefully, communication will count for something.

[mdzcpa 58]

We just received our P4 along with another email from the Santo Domingo embassy. The instructions from the embassy said it is "strongly suggested" that I (the petitioner) attend the interview. It is not mandatory for you to be there, BUT it definitely helps and is something you should reconsider if possible.

This is similar to the visits, or the lack of them. Lack of visits will not automatically result in a visa denial. However, more frequent visits are seen as the most substantial form of evidence of a relationship.

What this means is that you need to have your evidence prepared very well in all the other areas. Photos, phone records, chat records, any money sent, etc. Photos especially with other family members of the beneficiary or petitioner are very helpful. Spend time on this kind of evidence. You will not automatically be rejected for infrequent visits or not attending the interview, but you are lacking these two items that help significantly for approval.

[Honey&Bunny 12]

We just received our P4 along with another email from the Santo Domingo embassy. The instructions from the embassy said it is "strongly suggested" that I (the petitioner) attend the interview. It is not mandatory for you to be there, BUT it definitely helps and is something you should reconsider if possible.

This is similar to the visits, or the lack of them. Lack of visits will not automatically result in a visa denial. However, more frequent visits are seen as the most substantial form of evidence of a relationship.

What this means is that you need to have your evidence prepared very well in all the other areas. Photos, phone records, chat records, any money sent, etc. Photos especially with other family members of the beneficiary or petitioner are very helpful. Spend time on this kind of evidence. You will not automatically be rejected for infrequent visits or not attending the interview, but you are lacking these two items that help significantly for approval.

I am definitely going to the interview... My dilemma is that, given the times that I already mentioned that I have visited my husband, I don't know if I am supposed to go again to visit them, that way I can prove that we have a bonafide marriage. I am dying to go, but if I can't afford to visit now and when the interview comes. Do they understand that at the embassy? I am currently working and going to school. The times when I have a least four days off I don't use them to travel because I have a daughter and I have to dedicate time to her as well. I am so stress! I hear so many stories here. I don't want my husband and step-daughter to get their visas denied because "I didn't spend enough physical time with them" . If anyone has any idea on what kind of stuff I should put together before the interview, I will gladly appreciate it.

[dwheels76 5,468]

I am definitely going to the interview... My dilemma is that, given the times that I already mentioned that I have visited my husband, I don't know if I am supposed to go again to visit them, that way I can prove that we have a bonafide marriage. I am dying to go, but if I can't afford to visit now and when the interview comes. Do they understand that at the embassy? I am currently working and going to school. The times when I have a least four days off I don't use them to travel because I have a daughter and I have to dedicate time to her as well. I am so stress! I hear so many stories here. I don't want my husband and step-daughter to get their visas denied because "I didn't spend enough physical time with them" . If anyone has any idea on what kind of stuff I should put together before the interview, I will gladly appreciate it.

if you are going to be there for the interview no need to be there before. You have been there 3 times. That is good. Being there for interview especially with a child involved is vital and shows you are serious and ready. So just focus on that.

Just relax you all will be fine.

[Honey&Bunny 12]

Dont worry about time, of course if you live at usa you cant travel a lot and stay long here.

All you need to explain is that you cant stay long by job.

Be sure you know very well each other, and be able to answer all questions about yourself.

Thank you for your input. We know each other very well. We grew up together, he was my first boyfriend, my house was right next to his house, his cousin used to babysit me, I've known him and his family since I have memory..

[Honey&Bunny 12]

if you are going to be there for the interview no need to be there before. You have been there 3 times. That is good. Being there for interview especially with a child involved is vital and shows you are serious and ready. So just focus on that.

Just relax you all will be fine.

Thank you so much for telling me that. I guess that everyone goes through this point of doubt during this process. I have been so sick with anxiety since my process got delayed. I have spent money that I don't have, I have sacrificed so much, so all I am hoping for is to bring them here.

[Perez2012 15]

Thank you so much for telling me that. I guess that everyone goes through this point of doubt during this process. I have been so sick with anxiety since my process got delayed. I have spent money that I don't have, I have sacrificed so much, so all I am hoping for is to bring them here.

I have travel 8 times since we met. I just got back 2 weeks ago after getting a checklist and almost 6 mths pregnant. I will not be able to attend interview I won't be able to travel after 7th mths and we are counting on a 60 day wait at nvc for checklist. My plan is to get doctor's note for my husband to take and Im nerve about it. So if ur going to interview you should be just fine. Good luck.

[Honey&Bunny 12]

I have travel 8 times since we met. I just got back 2 weeks ago after getting a checklist and almost 6 mths pregnant. I will not be able to attend interview I won't be able to travel after 7th mths and we are counting on a 60 day wait at nvc for checklist. My plan is to get doctor's note for my husband to take and Im nerve about it. So if ur going to interview you should be just fine. Good luck.

Thank you, and good luck to you as well.

[sind27 41]

Thank you all for your answers. We know each very well as well as our families. We talk on FaceTime everyday, or text each other through Whatsapp constantly. Hopefully, communication will count for something.

Just take screenshot on your phone and take that as evidence...u gonna be ok...

[Honey&Bunny 12]

Just take screenshot on your phone and take that as evidence...u gonna be ok...

Thank you, I have a real stack of calling cards. Can I bring those? My husband has a whole bunch as well, but I don't know if that is something that we should bring to the interview.. I read an interview review yesterday, and somebody mentioned used calling cards.... Should we!?