Marrying First Cousin From Philippines

[Toefurrs 0]

Hey everyone!

 

I've been reading through the forum trying to find an answer to my question but no such luck. I am a 28 year old from Virginia where first cousin marriage is legal. I want to marry my cousin who is from the Philippines where first cousin marriage is illegal. I know we have the right to apply for a K-1 visa since my state allows first cousin marriage. But my question is what is the likelihood the Philippines will deny our application because we are cousins. We have been together for almost 3 years in a long distance relationship and have online conversations that prove we have been romantically involved the entire time. I say this because I know since our relationship goes against the Philippines social norms so they might be skeptical and think we're only applying for a visa so she can move to the US. We don't have the same last name but one of my middle names (I have two) is the same as her last time. I have visited her twice in the past two years so we have actually met in person. So what are the chances of our visa being approved? Any advice/help will be greatly appreciated!!

Edited March 13, 2017 by Toefurrs
Added additional information

[Scandi 4,192]

The Philippines won't decide on your case, the AMERICAN embassy will. America is the keyword here.

[llindsay 21]

9 hours ago, Toefurrs said:

Hey everyone!

 

I've been reading through the forum trying to find an answer to my question but no such luck. I am a 28 year old from Virginia where first cousin marriage is legal. I want to marry my cousin who is from the Philippines where first cousin marriage is illegal. I know we have the right to apply for a K-1 visa since my state allows first cousin marriage. But my question is what is the likelihood the Philippines will deny our application because we are cousins. We have been together for almost 3 years in a long distance relationship and have online conversations that prove we have been romantically involved the entire time. I say this because I know since our relationship goes against the Philippines social norms so they might be skeptical and think we're only applying for a visa so she can move to the US. We don't have the same last name but one of my middle names (I have two) is the same as her last time. I have visited her twice in the past two years so we have actually met in person. So what are the chances of our visa being approved? Any advice/help will be greatly appreciated!!

Good luck to you both. We are in va. beach as well so if you have any questions that i might be able to help please message me.  I dont know about the first cousin thing but maybe we can still assist with other things. Good to see locals on VJ..

[Toefurrs 0]

16 hours ago, Scandi said:

The Philippines won't decide on your case, the AMERICAN embassy will. America is the keyword here.

Phew that's quite the relief. She's been worried that the Philippines will deny her since it's illegal there but it sounds like that really does not matter. Now we just have to make sure the US embassy will approve! Thanks for the help Scandi!

[Toefurrs 0]

8 hours ago, llindsay said:

Good luck to you both. We are in va. beach as well so if you have any questions that i might be able to help please message me.  I dont know about the first cousin thing but maybe we can still assist with other things. Good to see locals on VJ..

Thank you so much!! I will definitely take you up on that offer because I do have some more questions. I really appreciate the help!!