Just submitted K-1 petition but may have ruined chances of getting approved

[Deeareg 0]

In Feb I sent off my petition for my fiance that lives in Nigeria. I am scared that I have ruined our chances already because I submitted pictures of our wedding shower/ engagement party that we had for his family and friends to celebrate with us. In the pictures we wore traditional yoruba  attire just to throw in a little twist to our wedding shower. After reading threads that that may look like we got married I am scared that I may have ruined our chance of getting approved. 

[Ben&Zian 4,398]

Possibly.

 

USCIS may approve the petition still; but then it comes down to what the embassy does.

 

It is very well known around here about certain countries and getting denials because they see such photos. You become "Too married for a K-1" but "Not married enough for a CR-1".

 

At this point you either just wait and see how it all goes with the petition and embassy, or send a withdrawl of the application.... either remove the photos and try again... but because they have already been seen by USCIS you may just be better marrying and doing CR-1.

 

Nigeria is not an easy embassy to go through. So make sure to gather all other evidence you can.

[Deeareg 0]

Awe man what a waste but thank you.

[sree_yash 168]

If they ask why don't you tell them it's the Engagement ceremony pics ?

 

But yes since Nigeria is a high risk embassy they *might* see it differently ..so keep your fingers crossed. Carry all evidences and then hope for the best

[O&GForever 387]

Sorry to be the one to offer bad news, but I can tell you first hand that it could be a problem. When we applied for our K1, my then fiance took pictures from an engagement party. The Ghana embassy denied us because they said we were married...even though we aren't. We had to get married in Ghana and start over with the CR-1 visa. The Nigerian and Ghana embassy act very similar, so be prepared. 

[Deeareg 0]

Thank you for the advice. How do I go about withdrawing the application? and for the CR1 what would I need as evidence for a bon a fide wedding (besides the certificate) when we do file it?

[Deeareg 0]

5 minutes ago, O&GForever said:

Sorry to be the one to offer bad news, but I can tell you first hand that it could be a problem. When we applied for our K1, my then fiance took pictures from an engagement party. The Ghana embassy denied us because they said we were married...even though we aren't. We had to get married in Ghana and start over with the CR-1 visa. The Nigerian and Ghana embassy act very similar, so be prepared. 

Thank you for the advice. How do I go about withdrawing the application? and for the CR1 what would I need as evidence for a bon a fide wedding (besides the certificate) when we do file it?

[General Buhari 46]

Personally, I would continue with the application but be prepared to 1) explain the pictures away and 2) plan ahead for a spousal application just in case.

 

Withdrawing it now just doesn't make sense to me.

 

Good luck.

[dwheels76 5,468]

6 hours ago, Deeareg said:

Thank you for the advice. How do I go about withdrawing the application? and for the CR1 what would I need as evidence for a bon a fide wedding (besides the certificate) when we do file it?

Just stay the course. Hopefully they will ask him "Did you pay a brides price". "Or what was the Bride's price". And hopefully they will believe him. The traditional dress was a no no,  sorry.

Just hang in there.

[Mamed 18]

This isn't the first topic I see here with such a "problem". I think, since many (on VJ) including me relied heavily on guides, Guides must have bold-red line that says: DO NOT SEND ANY ALMOST-WEDDING PICTURES.

OP, I'm not judging you but I don't understand why people do that

[NikLR 13,232]

1 hour ago, Mamed said:

This isn't the first topic I see here with such a "problem". I think, since many (on VJ) including me relied heavily on guides, Guides must have bold-red line that says: DO NOT SEND ANY ALMOST-WEDDING PICTURES.

OP, I'm not judging you but I don't understand why people do that

No it doesnt need to say that. People need to be aware of the marriage customs where they are.  If jumping over a broom means you're married regardless of a certificate you dont jump over a freaking broom if you plan on chasing a K1 visa.  Even if someone drops a broom in front of you.  It is okay to not go through with some customs if you dont want to, or to chase a different visa type because you did. 

Visa journey is not here help you skirt laws and customs to get what you want.  It's here to help you get through a process legally without official legal help.  If you do something wrong or bad, take responsibility.  The OP has this down pretty well imho.  I applaud them for realizing their mistake  (wearing a dress in a ceremony) and wanting to fix the situation, vs skirt around the issue hoping it's not found out.  

Best of luck OP.  Dwheels is an excellent resource for you.  I suggest following her advice. 

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

   You have a fairly good chance of catching a denial.  SO you have a choice.  Ditch the K1 and change to a CR1 or ride out the K1 knowing you may end up apart for more than an extra year.  Personally  I would ditch the K1.  Being together is more important to me that seeing if Lagos has mercy. 

[f f 725]

just go over get married enjoy the trip and file for a cr1 when you get back. no point pressing forward with an application that could fail.

[Shiobhan 235]

Continue but be prepared if there is a denial to go

get married and file spousal

[Kosi Wahala 153]

The traditional Yoruba wedding attire is going to be a problem, but let me ask anyway...what exactly took place at your "wedding shower?" What exactly were you doing in the photos you sent?