K1 (fiancee) Vs. Marriage Visa? - Casablanca

[balba 1]

Hello,

 

Can you please advise which petition would you file if you were in my place?

 

Me: Male, 55 years old, Dual Citizenship (Morocco/US), Muslim, Recently divorced, Employed

Her: 25 years old, Moroccan, Muslim, Single, Unemployed

Background: 

- I have had marital problems for the past 8 years and was going through some tough times

- I started going online and met her on Muslima, 6 years ago (have plenty of chat logs and emails) and YES (believe or not) we've been madly in love since then!

- During the last 6 years, We've also met in person 3 times (I have travel proof, but we've never taken pictures together)

- Met with her family during my last visit at her home in Casablanca

- Invited her family to my sister's home in Morocco (we have photos of her and her family, with my family, in my sister's home)

 

We're debating whether a K1 (fiancee) visa OR a full blown marriage would be best in our case. I know that a marriage may be better in our case (to prove a bona fide relationship), specially with a 30 years age difference, but we're considering a K1 because I've read that it takes less time, and at my age I hate to waste 2 years to restart my life with her!

On the other hand, if our relationship would most likely raise "red flags" and cause delays and setbacks (i.e. going through a seemingly endless AP process), maybe we better off going the marriage route?!

 

Your thoughts?

 

Thank you in advance for your candid advise!

 

-Balba

[Dashinka 24,505]

In your situation, I would probably go with the spousal visa.  As you said, the rather large age gap may very well be seen as a red flag on a K1 application, plus at this time you still don't have proof of actually meeting.  Yes, you have travel proof to Morocco, but simply being in the same country is not proof of meeting in person.  For that I think you will need photos, or other proof that shows you actually together.  

 

Still your decision.

 

Good Luck!

[millefleur 5,046]

Not having photos will most likely be a problem. You're better off going the full marriage route plus then you will have photos too!

[balba 1]

Guys/Gals,

 

Thank you so much for your input and feedback! That's what I'm leaning towards...

 

Please keep'em coming!

 

Cheers!

[2far 185]

I think which direction you choose will also depend on how you gained your US citizenship.

Did you marry a US citizen?  If yes, what was the timing of that relationship?

Meaning, did you move here to marry a US citizen and immediately start an online relationship with a 19-year old from back home?

Did you receive your US citizenship and immediately file for divorce?

those kinds of factors.

[balba 1]

Just now, 2far said:

I think which direction you choose will also depend on how you gained your US citizenship.

Did you marry a US citizen?  If yes, what was the timing of that relationship?

Meaning, did you move here to marry a US citizen and immediately start an online relationship with a 19-year old from back home?

Did you receive your US citizenship and immediately file for divorce?

those kinds of factors.

Good point, thank you! But, Ive been in the States for 30 years and have acquired my citizenship through a 24 years old REAL marriage with 2 kids! So I'm not too concerned about that angle. Thanks again for your input.

[millefleur 5,046]

2 minutes ago, balba said:

Good point, thank you! But, Ive been in the States for 30 years and have acquired my citizenship through a 24 years old REAL marriage with 2 kids! So I'm not too concerned about that angle. Thanks again for your input.

It might come up during the interview. They will expect your fiancée/wife to know about all your past relationships, divorces, why they ended, etc. I know, not the most pleasant topic of discussion with someone you're currently in love with, but it's a must in case these questions are asked down the road. So just be prepared for that, regardless of a K-1 or a CR-1.

[2far 185]

4 minutes ago, balba said:

Good point, thank you! But, Ive been in the States for 30 years and have acquired my citizenship through a 24 years old REAL marriage with 2 kids! So I'm not too concerned about that angle. Thanks again for your input.

In that case, I think either route would work fine for you. The K-1 visa route is much faster, but you would miss out on the Moroccan wedding  

[EandH0904 1,184]

12 minutes ago, millefleur said:

It might come up during the interview. They will expect your fiancée/wife to know about all your past relationships, divorces, why they ended, etc. I know, not the most pleasant topic of discussion with someone you're currently in love with, but it's a must in case these questions are asked down the road. So just be prepared for that, regardless of a K-1 or a CR-1.

Yes. This. They will prob ask your fiancé about your children and what they think of your relationship, especially if they are close in age. If you have screenshots of them video chatting or affidavit of support from your kids it would be good too. 

[balba 1]

She definitely knows everything about me and my family (kids, wife,sister, brother,etc...) BUT my kids, now 22 and 25, are all grown ups and married and they don't know anything about her nor do they know that I want to get married. They will know once I get married and move in with my wife. I could be wrong, but frankly I never thought of this as a problem, nor do I think it will be a problem. I have a great relationship with my kids, but I don't tell them who they should or shouldn't marry...and I hope they can/will reciprocate. I don't intend to ask for their consent or blessings lol  but it's a point well taken!

Edited June 7, 2017 by balba

[EandH0904 1,184]

You guys have a lot of hurdles to overcome. I think it's pretty naive to think at an embassy like that in a culture where, as you know, family is important, your kids wouldn't be brought up. She will be their step mother and they don't know anything about her. 

 

People who have nothing to hide, don't hide anything. You're essentially starting from zero. I think full transparency with your family would go a long way, but it's your decision. 

[balba 1]

@EandH0904: Thank you for your input m8!

Edited June 7, 2017 by balba

[Unlockable 7,314]

Just wanted to add something...

 

Saw a case on here a while ago where a K1 visa was denied to a couple who had a long term relationship (multiple years but I can't remember exactly how many). The CO questioned why they had not married earlier in the many years they were together. I can't remember which country it was either.

 

I agree with others to go with spousal visa.

[balba 1]

Just now, NuestraUnion said:

Just wanted to add something...

 

The CO questioned why they had not married earlier in the many years they were together.

 

 

Thank you for your input! In our case, we couldn't have gotten married, b/c my ex-wife and I were separated (and trying to work out our issues, but we never did and finally decided to get divorced). It took us almost 3 years to finalize our divorce and now that I'm single, I can move forward and get married

Edited June 8, 2017 by balba

[janet3 1,170]

4 hours ago, balba said:

She definitely knows everything about me and my family (kids, wife,sister, brother,etc...) BUT my kids, now 22 and 25, are all grown ups and married and they don't know anything about her nor do they know that I want to get married. They will know once I get married and move in with my wife. I could be wrong, but frankly I never thought of this as a problem, nor do I think it will be a problem. I have a great relationship with my kids, but I don't tell them who they should or shouldn't marry...and I hope they can/will reciprocate. I don't intend to ask for their consent or blessings lol  but it's a point well taken!

It is my understanding that they can and do ask anything during an interview. The interviewer could potentially ask how your adult children feel about having an infant sibling  (since....I assume your wife is capable of having children). From what I have read and heard it is common that they ask about future baby plans...no matter what route you go...K1 or CR1